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Mysore is a major craft centre 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, cavalry. flower-bedecked
images of deities, complete with bands and clouds of incense.
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Chamundi Hills
This is a 1150m hill that is named after Goddess Durga, the
consort of Lord Shiva, who vanquished the Demon Mahishasura.
From the top of the hill, one can have a panoramic view of
Mysore.
Maharaja's Palace
Built enormous and lavish in 1911 to replace the old palace
in the fort that burned down, the Maharaja's Palace is an
extravagance of domes, arches, turrets and sculptures. It
is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.
With vast pillared corridors and stately halls, carved ceilings,
intricate mosaics, carving in ivory, stone and wood, life
like paintings, antique royal weapons, this palace is a must
in every visitor's itinerary.
Chamundeswari Temple
Built in the 12th century, a fine example of Dravidian temple
architecture, Krishnaraja Wodeyar renovated the temple in
1827. The temple tower is 40m high with seven storeys. The
deity is Goddess Durga. On the way to the temple, there is
a monolithic statue of Nandi Bull and a morter statue of Mahishasura.
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 (19 km)
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.
EXCURSIONS:
Somnathpur (35 km)
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 (80 km)
This Tiger Reserve has open forests and facilities for viewing
wildlife from elephant back.
Nagarhole National Park (90 km)
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.
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