770m above sea level and 140 kms from Bangalore, this iperial city was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars. so known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint iarm that never fails to enchant.

City Sights

Mysore Palace. Once the residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched.

The Golden Royal Elephant Throne, the Durbar Hall, the Kalyana Mandap and the Gallery are the main attractions here. Sir Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. Housed in the Jaganmohan Palace, this gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1873. The collection includes paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, the Russian Svetoslav Roerich and the traditional Mysore gold leaf style of painting.

St. Philomena's Church, in the Gothic style, is one of the largest churches in the country and has beautiful stained-glass windows.

Mysore Zoo houses some rare animals bred in captivity and exotic species of plants.

Chamundi Hills. Towering over the city, these hills are 13 kms away from Mysore. Halfway - up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8 m monolith. Right on top is the 2000-year-old Chamundeswari Temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of the royal family.

Brindavan Gardens (Mandya Dist.). 19 kms north-west of Mysore is the KRS Dam and the ornamental Brindavan Gardens. The musical fountains and colourful lights transform this place into a fairy land in the evenings.

Shopping : Sandalwood, its products and silk are Mysore's specialities, sold in Government-owned emporia at fixed prices. The Government Silk Factory offers silks straight off the loom.

Festivals : The Dasara celebrations in Mysore bring back the glory and grandeur of a bygone era. During Oct-Nov., the entire city rejoices with colour and gaiety. The 10-day festivity culminates in a grand procession on the last day- Vijayadashami.

Local Food Specialities : Mysore is famous for Mysore Pak - a sweet rich in ghee. Other delicacies include spicy rice preparations, idii, dosai and vada.

Accessibility : Mysore is connected by rail and road to Bangalore, Mangalore and Madras.

Around Mysore (Distances and directions from Mysore) : Srirangapatna (Mandya Dist.) is 14 kms north-east, on the Bangalore-Mysore highway. This island fortress, once the capital of the warrior-kings HyderAli and his son Tipu Sultan, has magnificent monuments that are well worth a visit.

Daria Daulat Bagh - Tipu's Summer Palace built in 1784 was his favourite retreat. Made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. It is now a museum and tells eloquently of Tipu's valour and his losing battle against the British.

Fort. It is from here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with his legendary sword. An obelisk in the fort marks the place where he fell - betrayed by his own men. The fort holds within it, a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Outside the fort is the Gumbaz, Tipu's tomb with splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory.

Sangama is 3 kms south of Srirangapatna where the two branches of river Cauvery re-unite in joyful exuberance.

Bandipur. Situated 80 kms from Mysore, the Bandipur National Park is one of the most beautiful wildlife centres. Rare species of animals and birds can be seen in their natural habitats. Bandipur has also been chosen as a centre for the Project Tiger Scheme launched in 1973 by the WWF to save the tiger.

Himvad Gopalaswamy Hills is a popular hill resort and a trekker's delight as well. It is situated in the verdant western ghats of Mysore District. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Hoysala.

Ranganathittu (Mandya Dist.) 4 kms from Srirangapatna and 18 kms from Mysore is a Bird Sanctuary that houses exotic birds. Birds from as far away as Siberia and even North America make their home here. Crocodiles basking in the sun is also a familiar sight. Best season -January to February.

Important pilgrim centre and is famous for its Nanjundeshwara Temple (from which the place derives its name). Built in the Dravidian style, the temple is one of the biggest of its kind in Karnataka.

Somanathapur 35 kms east is famous for its 13th century Hoysala Temple. The temple in excellent condition, has frescoed exteriors with episodes from the epics.

Melkote 30 kms north, is a sacred pilgrim centre, known for its Vairamudi festival in March-April. More than one lakh devotees congregate here for the festival. Melkote is also known for its handlooms.

Talakad is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery and is completely buried beneath sand dunes. Its temples are opened for ceremonial worship on special occasions - once in twelve years.

Cauvery Fishing Camp. 82 kms from Mysore, at Bhimeshwari is a paradise for anglers. Mahasheer, the finest game fish is found here. This camp is also accessible from Bangalore (100 kms).

Shivasamudram (Mandya Dist.) is 85 kms east of Mysore, where the river Cauvery cascades down in two picturesque waterfalls. Falling down from a height of 73 m into a deep rocky gorge, these falls are best during the monsoons. 1.5 kms away is Asia's first hydro-electric project set up in 1905.

Nagarhole National Park and the Kabini River Lodge are perfect get-aways for nature lovers. Abounding in a rich variety of wildlife, one can find elephants, antelopes and even leopards here.

B.R. Hills. This picturesque hill range, at a height of 5091 ft., is 120 kms from Mysore and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The temple on the hill, dedicated to Biligiri Rangaswamy attracts devotees round the year.

Mahadeshwara Hills, about 142 kms from Mysore, is a popular pilgrim centre. Atop the hill is a temple dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara which is in the form of a Linga.

Accessibility : Tourist spots around Mysore City are well- connected bv road.