Mysore – The Land of Maharjas, Mythology and More

Mysore is one of the oldest cities in India, and has had its share in the history of the country. This old city houses many historic relics, monuments, places of interest, art and architecture, legends and more. 

Situated about 150 kilometers from the capital of Karnataka Bangalore, Mysore has been for long known for being the capital of the Kingdom on Mysore, and has also been the cultural capital of Karnataka for centuries and continues to be so till date. The most renowned Mysore Dasara , has become well known throughout the world which takes place in the Mysore palace. The Mysore fort was built by Charamaja Wodeyar III in the 16^th Century, what was then called the Mahishuru Fort, now anglicized to spell “Mysore”. 

This city of wonder has been the center for art and literature for centuries , Mysore also gives its name to the splendid “Mysore Silk Saree” a specific smooth silk saree variety. Mysore was also ruled by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, when it reached its peak of military Power.

When travelers go to Mysore, there is a lot to see, if you happen to go there during the Dasara festival the which is the “Nada Habba” or the festival of the state of Karnataka, one can witness the splendid festivities go on through the ten days of the festival. One can witness the happenings in the palace and the procession in front of it. Also do try and befriend a localite and visit their house, the “Dasara Gombe” is an arrangement of dolls during the festival and most localites will have it arranged in their house, till date. This is the most splendid sight, with new additions and old traditions mixed and juxtaposed to a lovely rhythm. 

The places to visit are – 

Apart from the palaces – are – The Chamundi Hills where legend has it that the Demon Mahishasura was killed by goddess Chamundi after a battle. The legends of Chamundi and the history of Mysore have always been interlinked and is therefore a must visit place.

The other Near by places of interest are –

The Brindhavan Gardens, KRS dam, along with this there are loads of places near by for a days visit like Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta which has a temple on a hill top with a splendid view , Then there is the “Somnathpur Temple” a magnificent temple with Hoysala architecture, it is situated about 35 kilometers from Mysore. 

Bylakuppe , the Tibetan Monastery in Kushalnagar is about 85 kilometers from Mysore. 13 kilometers away is Srirangapatna – a must go place when you visit Mysore, which has a fort, the Daria daulat Bagh and a museum. 

Parinitha Konanur