 Mysore
is a major craft center with numerous shops selling an incredible
range of ivory, sandalwood, rosewood and teak carvings and
furniture. Until independence, the city was the seat of the
Maharajas of Mysore, a princely state covering most of Karnataka.
The 10 day Dussehra festival is one of the major attractions,
culminating in the long procession of caparisoned elephants,
liveried retainers, cavalary. flower-bedecked images of deities,
complete with bands and clouds of incense. Other places of interest
include the palace; Chaumundi Hills; Srirangapatnam, the former
capital of Mysore state; Somnathpur temple, built by the Hoysala
kings in the 11th to 13th centuries.
ONE DAY EXCURSIONS AROUND
MYSORE :
-
Srirangapatnam ( 15 km): The island fortress of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan is
picturesquely located in the River Cauvery. Within the fort walls
that still carry the poignant scars of Tipu's last stand against
the British, are a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. The
'Daria Daulat', Tipu's summer palace with a beautifully gilded and
painted interior and the majestic 'Gumbaz'-his mausoleum, are
located close to the river.
Brindavan Gardens (19km): The splendidly planned ornamental gardens
at the Krishnarajasagar Dam are a must-see for visitors, Its fine terraced lawns
and swirling fountains are illuminated over the weekend to give it a fairy tale
quality.
-
Somnathpur (35km):  The star shaped
temple at Somnathpur is a splendid example of Hoysala
architecture. It is embellished with a profusion of finely
sculpted friezes and panels. The temple is well preserved and not
to be missed.
-
Bandipur Tiger Reserve (80km)
: This Tiger Reserve has open forests and
facilities for viewing wildlife from elephant
back.
-
Nagarhole
National Park
(90km): A fine wildlife reserve that
is within easy reach of Mysore. Its dense deciduous forests are
the habitat of the tiger, leopard, gaur, elephant, sambar, chital
or the spotted deer, wild boar, pangolin, langur, macaques and
about 250 species of birds, including the magnificent Malabar Pied
Hornbill and the Great Black Woodpecker. There are excellent
facilities for visitors to stay at the Kabini River Lodge and for
viewing wildlife.
HOW TO GET THERE :
The nearest airport is Bangalore (140 km). Mysore is well
connected to Bangalore by rail and road.
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