Mysore Attractions
Mysore
in the south Indian state of Karnataka is a city of palaces, gardens, shady
avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the old world charms with its
many institutions that propagate Carnatic Classical music and dance. Mysore
city was the capital of the old royal Mysore province. The word Mysore
expands to "Mahishasurana Ooru" which means the town of
Mahishasura. The story goes that the demon Mahishasura was killed by godess
Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi hill near Mysore, from which it derived its
name. Ever since, the Mysore royal family have worshipped Chamundeshwari as
the palace deity. Hills dedicated to her stand at the eastern end of Mysore
town today.Sightseeing at Mysore
Chamundi Hills : Situated at the top of 1,100 ft high Chamundi Hills, is the temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the royal family's patron deity. One may reach the temple either through a 13 km drive or climb the 1,000 stone steps. Near the temple is the gigantic statue of Mahishasura, the demon that had been killed by the Goddess Durga. Midway up along the stone steps, is the 300 year old 4.8 m monolithic statue of Nandi Bull, chosen mount of Lord Shiva. Its main attraction is its size and the amazing craftsmanship of its ornaments - from its delicate anklets to the awesome pendant bell around its neck.
Srirangapatnam : 15 km from Mysore, Srirangapatnam has many captivating sites including the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, which was built in 1784 in the Indo-Saracenic architecture. It also boasts a small museum displaying Tipu's trivia such as a gold-embroidered tunic, old paintings and a coin collection. Then, there is Gumbaz, the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan and his father, Hyder Ali. Another famous place to visit is Jami Masjid. The slender minarets of this mosque are visible from several kilometers.
Brindavan Gardens : Brindavan Gardens has watercourses bordering the well-manicured steps of these world famous terrace gardens. Musical fountains with soft coloured lights are sites of attraction here.
Lalitha Mahal Palace : The snow-white Lalitha Mahal, the guesthouse
of Wodeyar rulers was built in the 1930s. The attraction of the palace is a
staircase of Italian marble branching off from a landing to reach the first
floor hall. Now, converted into a prestigious hotel of the India Tourism
Development Corporation, Lalitha Mahal is surrounded by lush green lawns and
stately trees. 
