Mysore
Mysore
is more than palaces, parks and temples … the exotic fragrance of Mysore
Jasmine… the melodious strains of the Veena… the rich aroma of filter
coffee… traditional carvings on fragrant sandalwood, rosewood and ivory
… the rustle of rich silks … delicious Nanjangud bananas … Hot
'N' Spicy Bisi-bele-hulianna … mouthwatering Mysore Pak, a traditional
sweetmeat … It is a gourmet's delight and a Shopper's paradise. Shop at
Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium or in the little backstreets and bylanes that offer
some exciting bargains. Mysore Come, experience it for yourself.
Steeped in History Mysore, capital city of the Wodeyars. Adobe of untold grandeur
and glory, where the rich heritage of the Wodeyars is carefully preserved to
this day in its magnificent places, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings,
board shady avenues and sacred temples.
There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one
untouched. Mysore, or Mahishur as it was called then, traces its history back
to the mythical past, when Godess
Chamundeshwari of
Chamundi Hills
killed the wicked buffalo-headed Demon, Mahishasura.
Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore
also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century
B.C. during the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the zenith of its glory as a fabled
centre of oriental splendour.
Pomp and Pageantry Relived Come to Mysore in October when the tranquil city
awakens to ten days of Dasara festivities. Brilliantly lit up Palaces, decorated
arches, festooned streets, colourful costumes and cultural shows…classical
music, folk dances, Bharata Natyam, Yakshagana, Huthari, Torch Light Parade,
Theppotsava… The culmination is the legendary Mysore Dasara Procession
with caparisoned elephants, the golden howdah, decorated horses, stately coaches,
troops in ceremonial uniforms, folk dancers and colo
urful
floats.
Places of Interest
Mysore Palace
Where the Mharajas lived… You can't miss the Palace at Mysore, for all
roads lead to the Maharaja's Palace. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes,
turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite
carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors
open on to luxuriously furnished rooms.
The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. See
the magnificent jewel studded golden throne, the pride of the Wodeyars and the
symbol of their sovereignty, displayed here during the Dasara. The palace, illuminated
on Sundays and Public Holidays, presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.
