Sightseeing in Mysore

Mysore is a located in the state of Karnataka in Southern India. A former capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, Mysore is often considered as the cultural hub of Karnataka. The city boasts of a large number of palaces and gardens that reflect the history of the city.

The full name of the city is 'Mahishasurana Ooru' which literally means the city of the demon king Mahishasur. According to Hindu Mythology, the demon king was killed by the Hindu Goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi Hill, Mysore on the outskirts of the city. Today, the hill houses a temple that is dedicated to the Goddess and is visited by devotees all through the year. The temple is an important tourist attraction in Mysore. Sightseeing in Mysore would remain incomplete without a trip to this holy abode of worship.

Known as the City of Palaces, Mysore houses a number of palaces that reflect a royal history of the city. While sightseeing in Mysore one will witness a large number of fortresses which signify the past grandeur of the Wodeyar reign. The travel guide of Mysore includes a list of palaces and fortresses and one of the major tourist attractions in the city is the Mysore Palace, Mysore the erstwhile residence of the Royal Family of Mysore. The Palace lies in the midst of the Mirza Road in central Mysore and is locally referred to as Amba Vilas. Completed in 1912, the Palace is the largest palatial monument in the country. The palace reflects the charm and grandeur of the Wodeyar dynasty in its architecture. The main attraction in the Palace is the Golden Royal Elephant Throne and the Durbar Hall which houses a few artifacts of the former rulers of Mysore.

Another architectural genius and a must in the itinerary of the travelers is the Jaganmohan Palace, Mysore in the heart of the city. It is a former palace of the Maharaja of Mysore and is known to house the brilliant works of Indian artiste Master Raja Ravi Verma.

While touring Mysore one can see a large concentration of parklands and gardens in and around the city. One of the must while sightseeing in Mysore is the Brindavan Gardens, Mysore which is located 19 kilometers from the city center. Connected to the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, it is a popular tourist destination.

There are other tourist attractions in Mysore which may not be as well known as the Palaces of Mysore but are worth visiting. These are the GRS Fantasy Park and the Planet X. The GRS Fantasy Park, Mysore is an amusement park that is spread on an area of 30 acres. Planet X, Mysore is another entertainment center in Mysore, Karnataka. It is the ideal place to relax with friends and family.

The other sightseeing spots in Mysore are:
- Jayalakshmi Vilas, Mysore
- Vasantha Mahal, Mysore
- Rajendra Vilas, Mysore
- St. Philomena's Church, Mysore