The Majestic Mysuru... An Enchanting Place To Behold
Being in Telangana first and then in Karnataka- the two southern states of India for over 4 years now, I was privileged to visit the city of Mysore, currently renamed as Mysuru many times till date. Every time I visit this flamboyant city, I re-discover the places with a new charm and from different perspectives. It is indeed a great weekend gateway from Bengaluru. The photos depicted here thus are a collection of photos from all my previous visits to this magical place and I will continue to add new images here as and when I visit the city of palaces.
Mysuru served as the capital of the “Kingdom of Mysore” for almost six centuries (1399 – 1956) and was the seat of Wodeyar dynasty who over the years contributed significantly to the cultural excellence and overall prosperity of this place. A stone’s throw distance from the city center is a monticule called Chamundi Hill where the Chamundeshwari Temple exists atop, dedicated to and named after Goddess Durga. This temple, considered as one among 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, was built in Dravidian style by Hoysala, Vijaynagara and Wodeyar dynasties.
Besides the temple, there are two other giant statues of 15 feet high "Nandi Bull", curved out of black granite stone a little down the hill and the "Mahishashura", the demon.
The hill top offers an exhilarating view of the Mysore city. Last time I visited the Chamundeshwari temple amidst Ganesh Chaturthi festivals and experienced one Ganesha immersion procession with people thoroughly charged up and enjoying the journey.
In the heart of the city lies the renowned and magnificent edifice “The Mysore Palace” which was the official residence of the Wodeyar Maharajas for almost 600 years. A part of this palace is still reserved for the royal families while the rest of it has now been turned into a state-owned museum. This building is an architectural marvel built in Indo-Saracenic style which is a harmonious combination of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic architectural styles and undoubtedly is the second most visited palace in India after only the "Taj Mahal".
Every evening between 7 PM and 7.45 PM the whole place is lit up with tiny bulbs that leave the visitor awestruck. “Bijaya Dashami” or “Dusshera” is the biggest festival celebrated all over Mysore but especially in the Mysore Palace which embraces the royal customs of elephant parade march and physical presence of present members of the royal family. The whole city is decked up like a queen and is a spectacular sight that should not be missed.
Unfortunately, I have not been to this arcadian city during “Dusshera” yet and this needless to say is in my “to do” list. Photography inside the palace was prohibited but the good news is that very recently, this embargo has been lifted but the responsibility is now more on us not to destroy any oil paintings by using camera flash.
Sri Chamaraja Zoological Garden alias Mysore Zoo is another must see place when you are in Mysore. Established by the Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar in 1892, this zoological garden is spread over 157 acres of land and is now one of the best zoo in India with some of the rare species of animals in its womb.
The only Gorilla in India was in this zoo but unfortunately has died very recently. This zoo offers common people or organizations with an opportunity to adopt an animal for a certain period of time and the adoptee’s name is mentioned in front of that animal’s cage. Starting from the birds of various species, reptiles, big and small cats to even some rare species like ring tailed lemur, red kangaroos, white deer, baboons are few to name in that endless list. Photography is allowed inside the zoo with a nominal fee for the camera.
Mysore is a splendid city with an exceptionally favorable weather throughout the year but is also famous for its sandal wood products, Mysore silk and sweets delicacies like “Mysore Pak” and many others which undoubtedly draw millions of tourists to this majestic “palace city” every year.
