Mysore -Tourism

The word Mysore is a corrupted version of "mysooru", which is derived from the word "mahishur" or "Mahishasurana Ooru", which means the town of Mahishasura in Kannada, the local language. Mysore has been associated with the Puranic story found in the Devi Bhagavatha. According to the story in the Devi Purana, Mysroe was ruled by the demon Kind Mahishasura. Mahishasura was a buffalo-headed monster. In response to the prayer by the Gods and Goddesses to save them from the demon, Goddess Parvathi, took birth as Chamundeshwari and killed the monster on top of the Chamundi hill near Mysore. Hence the hill and the city have the names Chamundi Hill and Mysore respectively. 

It is said that after killing the monster the Goddess stayed on top of the hill, where she is worshipped with great devotion to this day. The famous 10 daylong Dasara of Mysore is in honour of the Goddess Chamundeshwari and is a celebration of this victory of good over evil. Before the rise of the Gangas in the 10th century there is little historical evidence relating to Mysore. The Gangas established their supremacy in the 2nd century and they ruled over a large part of Mysore till about 1004 AD. In the 3rd century they established their capital at Talakad on the banks of the river Cauvery. 

There is an inscription on Chamundi Hills that was done in 950AD during the reign of the Gangas. This inscription is the oldest inscription found in Mysore. The Cholas ruled Mysore for over a century after the Gangas. The Chalukyas followed the Cholas. The Hoysalas drove the Cholas from the remaining part of Mysore region in the 12th century. Hoysala are known for the beautiful temples they built during their reign. It is said that they built or expanded the existing temples in Mysore and on the Chamundi Hills. There is an inscription in Mysore by the Hoysalas that dates back to the 11th and 12th century.

After the Hoysalas came the Vijayanagar Kings and then the Mysore Yadu dynasty came to power in 1399A.D. They were the feudatories of the Vijayanagar Kings. This dynasty also contributed to temple building in Mysore. Bettada Chamaraja Wodeyar, the raja of Mysore rebuilt the fort of Mysore and made his headquarters and called the city 'Mahishura Nagara' meaning the city of Mahishur. Many inscriptions done in the 17th century and later refer to Mysore as 'Mahishuru'. Raja Wodeyar moved the capital from Mysore to Srirangapatna. After the death of Tippu Sultan in 1799, Mysore became the capital of the Wodeyars once again. 

During the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III the town of Mysore expanded and moved beyond the walls of the fort. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV developed Mysore into a beautiful city with excellent planning. Under his reign Mysore became famous for its wide roads, magnificent building and elegant parks. Today Mysore is a modern city that has managed to retain its quaint old world charm. Today Mysore in famous in the world for its sandalwood and rosewood artifacts, stone sculptures, incense sticks, inlay work with ivory and its exquisite silk saris.

Sightseeing in and around Mysore

Mysore Palace - The Palace is famous for the rich culture and architectural history. The Mysore palace is a highlight of the architecture and reflects Hindu, Rajput, Islamic and Gothic style of architecture. Located in the heart of the city, it has two Darbar halls, garden, and buildings. It is the official residence of the rulers of Mysore.

Brindavan Gardens, Mysore- Brindavan Gardens: Another prominent tourist attraction, Brindavan Gardens is a famous garden in India. Situated next to the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, the gardens house a dancing fountain which is a major tourist attraction. A light and sound show is conducted every evening, which adds colour to the beautiful gardens.

Chamundi Hills-  Located in the outskirts of Mysuru, the Chamundi Hills is one of the most sacred hills in India. The Chamundeshwari Temple is situated at the top of the hill. Goddess Chamundeshwari is the main deity of the temple and one can get a breathtaking view of the city from the top of the hills.

Rail Museum- The rail museum located in the city of Mysuru is only the second museum in India after Delhi. It has a huge display of vintage locomotives and royal carriages that were once used by the royal family of Mysore. In addition, there are paintings, photographs and various items that give an insight into the history of the city

Mysore Zoo- One of the oldest zoo in India is the Mysore Zoo. It has a huge plantation and houses white tigers, rhinos and gorillas. It is one of the popular tourist attractions in the city.

Wax Museum- The wax museum in Mysuru is one of a kind. It exhibits various musical instruments and has more than 300 musical instruments which represent different states in the Country.

Specialty of Mysore

Mysore Silk Saree- Mysore and silk both share the same history. The Mysore royalty is taking serious measure to cultivate the craft. The silk saree is a light, smooth and soft variety that is inlaid with beautiful and intricate golden zari thread in different patterns. There are various saree shops in Mysore for you to choose from.

Sandalwood Oil and Soap- Sandalwood has become a thriving industry in Mysuru. You can buy the famous Mysore Sandalwood soap and oils from here. There are shops located near the Devaraja Market, which specialize in the same.

Coffee Powder- The city produces one of the best coffee in the country. You can easily buy coffee powder or buy roasted beans and have them fresh ground. Various stores are located near the Devaraja Market.

How to Reach Mysuru

By Air - The nearest airport is at Bengaluru which is at a distance of 150 kms.

By Rail- The city h has a railway station which connects it to various cities.

By Road- One can easily drive on the Bangalore-Mysore highway to reach the city. Regular buses also ply to different cities from Mysuru.