Mysore - The Sandalwood City

Mysore - the land of coffee plantations is a beautiful city of Karnataka. The word Mysore originated from the distortion of the name 'Mahishasurana Ooru', meaning the 'town of Mahishasura'. According to Hindu Mythology goddess Chamunda, the patron heavenly being of Mysore killed a demon named Mahishasura who was troubling the people with his evil deeds. Mysore was once the capital of the Wodeyar rulers. Then it came under the rule of Tipu Sultan who lost it to the British. The rich history and heritage of the city clearly resonates in its monuments, festivals, temples and palaces. Kannad, Tamil, Hindi and English are the languages spoken here. It is a state rich in fine arts – dance, music and literature.

Festival:

People from far and wide come to Mysore to see its ten day long Dasara festival. This trend of celebrating Dasara was set by Raja Wodeyar in 1610.

Major Attractions:

Maharaja's Palace: This opulent palace is famous for its architectural style – Indo-Saracenic and Dravadian. All its structures are carved meticulously. It houses several unique apartments soaked in sheer rarity.

Chamunda Hills: Located on this mesmerising hill is a beautiful temple dedicated to goddess Chamundeshwari, the symbol of power. She had killed the strong demon, Mahishasura. The hill offers a bird's eye view of the city.

Cuisine:

Mysore offers both vegetarian and non vegetarian food. Its famous dishes are Idli, sambhar, vada and Mysore Pak(a sweet dish made of gram flour, jaggery and ghee).

Shopping:

Sandalwood handicrafts, oil, rosewood items, silk saris, brass ware, wooden furniture, perfumes, incence sticks, coffee, sandalwood powder and lacquer ware are the famous attractions of the markets of Mysore.  Sayaji Road is believed to be the best market here. Its art galleries have a lot to offer to the discerning tourists.

How To Reach Mysore:

Air: Bangalore airport is the nearest airport.
Rail: Frequent trains connect the city with all the major cities of India.
Road: Regular bus services make the city easily accessible from all the major cities of the country.

Climate:

The location of the city gifts it with a pleasant climate throughout the year. Still the best time to visit the city if between March-October.

Accommodation: