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To see and do in Mysore

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Travel Guide » Asia » India » Mysore
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Mysore
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(Karnataka)


City of Palaces and Temples

Land of grandeur! A land filled with richness in every form. A land of glory which reaches out to you and pulls you into its folds and leaves you with an enriching experience of an old world charm which one yearns for in this day and age. Captivating, breathtaking do these words do justice to the capital city of the Wodeyars? The magnificent palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and imposing architecture, sacred temples and institutions, the richness of sandalwood and the aroma of incense sticks all this just add to the love story that this city builds around you when you step foot into this magical paradise.

There's just something about this place which beckons you to get into the laidback mode. The grandeur the way of life the old world charm weaves you into its loop and promises you an experience worth your while an experience which leaves you with a profound sense of contentment.
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To See & Do

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Islands and Lakes
  Blue Lagoon Hire an auto from Brindavan Gardens to this picturesque island created in the backwaters of the KRS Dam. But be careful when stepping in, there are tiny whirlpools. Blue Lagoon is 2 km from KRS Dam. Kukkaranahalli Lake For more fun by the waters, drive to this lake in Manasa Gangotri. Frequented by bird watchers, water sport enthusiasts and nature lovers, it offers boating facilities. The lake is close to the railway station and the city bus stand, so commuting is easy. Karanji Lake At the foot of Chamundi Hills and close to the city center, the lake is home to over 90 species of birds. It also houses India's largest walkthrough aviary. There are boating facilities available. The lake is open all days except Tuesdays. Chunchanakatte Falls Watch the Aghanashini River create this water cascade which screams down from a height of about 450 feet. It is near Yellapur, 19 km from Mysore. Called Mini Niagara, Gokak Falls is another pretty sight. Though only a 170 feet fall, it is famous for its spread and shape. The Falls must be visited in July-August when it is in full force.

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Gardens and Sanctuaries
  Krishna Raja Sagar Dam and Brindavan Gardens You have just got to see these. About 15 km from the city, this dam has been built across the Kaveri. The brain child of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and completed with help from Sir. M. Vishwesharaya, it is still considered an engineering marvel. The Brindavan Gardens are laid out below KRS, using the water from the dam. Stay on till dusk, when the garden is lit up and the dancing fountains begin their tricks. Jayachamrajendra Zoological Gardens One of the best and largest zoos in India, the JZG has more than 2,000 species of animals and birds. It has reproduced some rare and endangered animals in captivity. The zoo is open 8 am-5pm and the entry fee is Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for children. It is about 15 km northeast of Mysore city on the Mysore-Bangalore State Highway.

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Palace and Museums
  Mysore Palace Mysore's biggest attraction, this was from where the Wodeyars ruled over their thriving empire. Don't miss out on the main Durbar Hall (Diwan-e-Khas) and the Personal Durbar Hall, the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Siddalinga Swamy and K. Venkatappa are rare visual treats. You can visit the palace daily between 10 am and 5.30 pm. The entry fee is a nominal Rs. 15 per head. Photography is prohibited and shoes have to be left outside. The palace is lit up entirely between 7 pm and 8 pm on Sundays and public holidays and also during the 10 days of Dasara celebrations. Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery Take a peek at the state and personal memorabilia of the Wodeyars and a collection of rare musical instruments. The Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery attached to the palace has a rich haul of Ravi Varmas and Roerichs. You can also see traditional gold leaf paintings of Mysore. The Jaganmohan Palace, incidentally, was built in 1861 as an auditorium for the royal family. Talakad Once the capital of the Ganga Dynasty, the Archeological Survey of India is now unearthing a whole lot of temples submerged in the sands of the Kaveri here. The river bank makes an ideal picnic spot. There is also a temple to Shiva as Vaidyeshwara.

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Religious Places
  Chamundi Hills No trip to Mysore is complete without a trip up these hills. It is the abode of the all powerful Goddess, Chamundi or Chamundeswari. There is a motorable road in addition to the 1000 steps which takes you to the top of the hills. The climb is steep, but worth the trouble as it gives unparalleled view of the city. The famous 5-m high Nandi (Lord Shiva's bull) carved out of a single boulder is half-way up the hill. Regular buses ply the route from Mysore uphill. St. Philomena's Church This impressive Gothic structure is one of the largest churches in India. There are two towers, shooting to a height of 165 feet each.

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Festivals
  Dasara (October/November) Mysore is synonymous with Dasara (Dusshera). Religious and cultural programmes mark the 10-day-long celebrations. Tourists from India and abroad come to the city to witness it. Yugadi (April) The Kannadiga new year day of Yugadi is celebrated with equal devotion and delight as Dasara. Mysore also celebrates festivals like Makara Sankramana, Ramanavami, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Christmas.
 
 
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