Places To Visit In Mysore

The city of Mysore is the cultural and traditional city of Karnataka. Mysore is well known for its palaces and temples, which represent the heritage and architecture of medieval times. The tourist places to visit in the 'Sandalwood City of India' as Mysore is more popularly known, are Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundi Hills, St. Philomena's Church, Datta Peetham and Mysore Zoo. Few of the other places worth a visit are Jayalakshmi Vilas, Jaganmohan Art Gallery, Rajendra Vilas, Karanji Lake, Krishna Raja Sagara and Kukkarahali Lake.

Mysore Palace is a major destination among the tourist attractions in and around Mysore. It is a wonderful example of Indo Saracenic style of architecture. It was designed by Henry Irwin, who was a British architect. The royal elephant gate forms the main entrance of the palace. The Mysore Palace has now been converted into a museum. Lalitha Mahal gives panoramic view of the city, as it is located on a hilltop. Lalitha Mahal was the residence of the guests of the Wodeyars in Mysore, which is now transformed into a heritage hotel. Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar built Jayalakshmi Vilas for his daughter. Now this palace is part of the Mysore University.

Mysore city got its name from the demon Mahishasura, who was killed by Goddess Chamundeshwari. The famous temple of this goddess is located on the top of Chamundi hills and is very popular temple among the tourist attractions in and around Mysore. Prasanna Krishswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and was built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. Somnathpur is famous for the star shaped Keshava Temple. Channekeshava Temple of Belur is one of the Hoysala Temples. Hoysaleswara Temple, Kedareswara Temple and three Jain Temples are located at Halebid near to Mysore. Brindavan Gardens of Mysore also belong to the famous tourist attractions in and around Mysore. Watercourses on both sides border the well-manicured steps of these gardens. Musical fountains dancing in soft colored lights add to the beauty of the gardens at night. St. Philomena's Church is one of the largest churches of Asia, which was built in 1933. The Karanji Lake is a beautiful lake situated at the foot of Chamundi Hills and just behind the Mysore zoo.

Jaganmohan Art Gallery has a vast collection of artifacts and paintings of the bygone golden era. It was earlier known as the Jaganmohan Palace. Mysore Zoo also known as the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is one of the tourist attractions in and around Mysore. This zoo also holds various exhibitions.

Other beautiful places for the excursions from Mysore are Bandipur National Park, Ranganathittu, Daria Daulat Bagh, Sravanabelagola, Shivasamudram Falls, Biligiri Rangana Hills, Melkote, Nanjangud and Talakad.

Last Updated On: 2011/09/02