Mysore

Mysore is a vibrant city in southern Karnataka a few hours from Bangalore. It was the seat of power of the Wadiyar Dynasty for hundreds of years leading up the British Raj. This colorful city is famous for its gardens, silks and sandalwood. The Kingdom of Mysore was at the height of its power during the 18th century but numerous conflict with the Marathas, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the British Raj lead to its eventual decline. Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, was the most famous ruler of this realm and held the Marathas, Hyderabad and the British at bay for many years.

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Mysore Palace

This ornate palace was the home of the Wadiyar Maharajas. Unfortunately it caught fire in 1897 but it was painstakingly restored in 1912. The parade ground that leads up through the turquoise and gold arches to the throne radiates the sense of power and confidence of the ruler. It is also well worth a visit after dark to see it lit up by thousands of lightbulbs.

ADDRESS
Sayyaji Rao Rd, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001.

Zoological Gardens

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is one of the top rated zoos in India and makes for a great family outing. It is located downtown, near the palace and serves as a great respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

ADDRESS
Zoo Main Road, Indira Nagar, Ittige Gudu, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010.

Brindavan Gardens

These lush and beautiful gardens are filled with wide a variety of fountains and plant life. They attract millions of tourists each year and are a great place to have a picnic or go for a stroll in the cool of the morning.

ADDRESS
KRS Dam Rd, Srirangapatna, Karnataka 571607.

Shopping

There is a plethora of great shopping opportunities in Mysore from Malls to open air bazaars. Be sure to visit Ashoka Road, Devaraja Market, the government sandalwood oil factory and the government silk factory.

St. Philomena’s Cathedral

This colossal cathedral was actually constructed in the 1950s and is 175 feet tall. It was loosely based off of a cathedral in Cologne, Germany and is one of the tallest churches in Asia. It can be seen from all over downtown Mysore.

ADDRESS
Lourdes Nagar, Ashoka Rd, Lashkar Mohalla, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001.

For further study and detail about Mysore:
Splendours of Royal Mysore, by Vikram Sampath
The Tiger of Mysore: A Story of the War with Tippoo Saib, by George Alfred Henty

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