Mysore is the second biggest city in Karnataka and this served as the capital of Wodeyar dynasty. Mysore is called the city of palaces and noted for its beautiful architecture. This was once a sleepy city but then evolved into a city of apartments, complexes, supermarkets, malls and IT companies. Though there is fast growth towards modernity, the old and traditional culture is still preserved.
Mysore has become one of the important tourist hubs of Karnataka and if you want to visit Mysore then you should look at the right Mysore travel guide that will help you to plan your travel. There is a domestic airport located at a distance of 12 kilometers from the main city. The Mysore Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in Karnataka and there are frequent trains from here to Bangalore. For getting around the city, you have the choice of buses, cars and auto-rickshaws.
A first time traveler would love to explore all the places of interest in Mysore. If you want to visit all these places at leisure then you need to stay at Mysore at least for four or five days. Some tour groups and state transport corporation organize one day tours and they cover all important places in just one day.
Mysore palace is the important place that you should not miss visiting. This is a beautifully built palace with rosewood doors with ornamental carving and inlaid ivory works. You can see life size and lifelike paintings of the members of the royal family here. The palace is illuminated with nearly 1, 00, 000 bulbs in weekends and national holidays from 7 PM to 8 PM.
The Brindavan Garden is one of the most beautiful places that offers good feast for your eyes. The musical fountain and the light and sound show is the favorite of everyone. You have to stop by the main bus stand at the Krishna Rajasagar Circle if you want to reach this place by bus. One of the important Hindu shrines in Mysore is Chamundi Hills and there is a famous Nandi statue located here.
Some other places of interest in Mysore are Jagmohan Palace and Art Gallery, Lalit Mahal Palace, St. Philomenas Church, Karanji Kere, Jayalakshmivilas Mansion and Mysore Zoo. Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest zoos of the world and millions of people visit here every year. The zoo also has in it the breeding houses of animals and some of the animals found here are royal Bengal tigers, elephants, white tigers, giraffe, Himalayan black bear, white peafowl and African rhino.
Mysore is famous for silk saris and sandalwood carvings. If you visit the Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium located at the Sayaji Road, then you can buy some traditional incense sticks, Chenaptna dolls and wooden toys and sandalwood figurines. Mysore is also noted for Mysore pak, the rectangular sweet and Mysore Masala Dosa. To enjoy all these pleasures you might find a comfortable place to stay and eat. A good Mysore travel guide will help you to find out the best Mysore hotels and Mysore Restaurants.