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One Day in Mysore

 

It seems impossible: tight schedule, rushed, tiring, maybe all of it but if you want it, you can make it work.

Mysore, the city of Silk Sarees and Sandalwood, a more quiet and tourist attraction, green all around you and the most magnificent palaces of India, if that doesn’t make you want to visit, what will?

How to Get to Mysore

The easiest and fastest way to Mysore would be by flight. However, there are also ways to get here like bus and train or by private vehicle. If you live in the state of Karnataka and nearby cities to Mysore, it shouldn’t take you long. Bus and train to Mysore from nearby cities in Karnataka are available on daily and weekly basis.

The Best Time to Visit

The Best time to visit Mysore would be between the months of October to February since the temperature is a little bit lower. You will feel chilly evenings amidst the heat, especially since there are more open lands out here in Mysore.

History of Mysore

The Kingdom of Mysore was a realm in southern India, traditionally believed to have been founded in 1399 in the vicinity of the modern city of Mysore. From 1799 until 1950, it was a princely state, until 1947 in a subsidiary alliance with British India. The British took Direct Control over the Princely State in 1831. It then became Mysore State (later united with other Kannada speaking regions and transforming to Karnataka) with its ruler remaining as Rajapramukh until 1956, when he became the first Governor of the reformed state.

What to See in Mysore

Srirangapathna Temple

A beautifully incarnated temple with so much details that you will not want to blink your eyes, just in case you might miss them. This temple falls in the way to Mysore about 12 km away.

St.Joseph's Cathedral

As beautiful this church is on the outside, you will find peace inside. It is one of the largest churches in India and was built in the year 1843. The church is dedicated to St. Philomena, a Grecian princess who was martyred in the 4th century. She is said to have been born to a Greek monarch after much prayer. When she was 13, her parents took her to Rome to obtain the favor of the Emperor, who, as it turned out, was enamoured by her beauty and wanted to marry her. She refused, choosing instead to dedicate herself to God. As a result, she was imprisoned, tortured, and eventually beheaded in Rome. Her relics were found centuries later in one of the Roman catacombs, and, in 1926 Thamboo Chetty, the secretary of the Maharaja of Mysore, obtained one of these relics to house in the church by her name.

Kaveri Complex for sarees and Sandalwood

Pure silk sarees and scarves, perfumes, soaps, decors carved intricately from Sandalwood, this is the perfect place to get your loved ones a souvenir. They have very reasonable prices and everything from budget friendly to exclusives.

Mysore Palace

Massive, grand, royal, words fall short to describe its aura, The palace gives you a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the royals that dwelled here is Mysore. The word ‘beautiful’ would be an understatement to this place. The high ceilings with ornaments, the paintings on the walls, the colors, the gold and the silver, it makes you feel royal even if for the very moment you were at the premise.

Chamundi Hills

A little way up the road and a little far from the city is the Chamundi Hills. Set upon the hills is the famous temple, giving you a beautiful view of the city on your way up. ‘Chamundi’ or ‘Durga’ is the fierce form of ‘Shakti’. She is the slayer of demons, ‘Chanda’ and ‘Munda’ and also ‘Mahishasura’, the buffalow-headed monster.

Railway Museum

This is the place that took me back in time and gave me a little glimpse of the railway world from parts to whole, and far the world has come along. This is undoubtedly where we had the most fun, as there are just so many things to see. Climbup the view tower, take the short toy train ride and click many many pictures. The museum has represented everything perfectly, with train cabins even reminding me of the Hogwarts Express.

Brindavan Garden

The highlight here is the Musical Fountain which takes place from 7 to 8 pm in the evenings. You do not want to miss the Musical Fountain. It is the sole attraction that pulls crowd from all over Mysore late in the evening.

What I Liked About Mysore

Mysore seems more laid back and relaxed and out in the open. A popular tourist destination, both domestic and international, Mysore certainly has a lot to offer.  I liked the green surrounding the city everywhere and the open farmlands not far from the main city with coconut trees high up. But, what I liked most about Mysore, definitely has to be their popular sweet Mysore Pak. It is a genuine delight to dig in.

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