MAYSORE CITY TRAVEL Guide
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Mysore is the second biggest
city in the state of Karnataka. It lies 140 kms from the
State headquarters, Bangalore.It is the erstwhile
capital of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled Mysore State
from this royal city, for several centuries. Thanks to
royal patronage, artists, writers and craftsmen have
flourished in Mysore, making it the cultural epicentre
of Karnataka.Mysore still retains an aura of old world
charm and much of the city’s architectural heritage
remains intact. The city’s proximity to famous wild life
sanctuaries and its very own zoo make it a popular
destination for wildlife enthusiasts from across the
world.
History of Maysore
Mysore city was the capital of the former royal Mysore
province. The word Mysore expands to 'Mahishasurana Ooru',
which means the town of Mahishasura. According to Hindu
mythology Mahishasura was a demon king who was killed by
the warrior goddess Chamundeshwari on Chamundi hill near
Mysore. Ever since, the people of Mysore have worshipped
Chamundeshwari as their tutelary deity. The Wodeyar
royal family ruled Mysore since the 14th century except
for a short period of 40 years in the 18th century when
Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers. Hyder Ali was
a general in the army of the Wodeyar king who rose to
become the ruler of Mysore. His son Tipu Sultan followed
in his footsteps expanding Mysore’s territories in a
series of daring battles, until he was killed when
fighting the British. Following his death in 1799 the
kingdom again returned to the Wodeyar family who ruled
Mysore till monarchy was abolished in 1947, when India
gained independence.Mysore is the erstwhile capital of
Wodeyars, the rulers of Mysore State. The Wodeyar family
ruled Mysore since 14th century except for a short
period of 40 years when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were
the rulers. Today Mysore is one of the major cities of
Karnataka. Mysore has emerged as a thriving market for
exotic sandalwood & incense, the Mysore silk sarees and
stone-carved sculptures.
Mysore Palace:
A silhouette of the Mysore Palace illuminated with
ninety seven thousand bulbs shimmering against an inky
black night is one of the most enduring images of the
city.A priceless national treasure and the pride of a
kingdom, the Mysore Palace is the seat of the famed
Wodeyar Maharajas of Mysore. An eclectic synthesis of
architectural styles the palace is one of India’s most
dramatic national monuments. Today it is a museum
housing treasures from across the world reflecting the
rich and colorful history of the erstwhile princely
state of Mysore
Climate:
India is not the first location you might consider for a
cooler summer holiday, but, because of its altitude,
Mysore enjoys wonderful weather all year round.The
highest temperatures are from May to June (23-35°C), and
even at it coolest, the temperature rarely drops below
16°C.The rainy season is from June to August, but even
then it seldom rains all day. |
