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 16th 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.
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
