Located in the southern state of Karnataka some 140 kms from Bangalore, Mysore is also known as the city of palaces. A major tourist attraction of India's southern region, Mysore is also famous for sandalwood apart from its palaces. As Mysore enjoys moderate weather throughout the year, tourists visit the place the whole year round. A city of historical importance, Mysore was ruled by many illustrious rulers of yesteryears including Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and Wodeyars at different times in history. As such, all of them have left a rich legacy that is still cherished in Mysore.

Accommodation and Connectivity

Those desirous of visiting Mysore would have to come to Bangalore by air. The Bangalore airport is located at a distance of 140 kms from Mysore.


Mysore is well connected with the metros of Delhi, Mumbai,Chennai and Karnataka's capital city of Bangalore by railways. There is a good network of roads connecting Mysore with important cities of the southern region.

Mysore has good accommodation facilities for all categories of tourists.


Tourist Attractions

Mysore Palace

The major attraction of the city is the Mysore Palace which was built in its present form in the year 1897. The famous architect Henry Irwin was employed by Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV for its construction. This three storeyed masterpiece has its walls, floor and ceilings richly decorated with gold, bronze, stained glass and other precious metals. There is a beautifully laid garden on the front and small attractive temples surrounding the palace. The palace is illuminated on sundays, national holidays and other special festivals.


Shri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery

In this gallery are displayed some of the most precious paintings and statues of yesteryears. Inaugurated in the year 1875, the paintings of Raja Ravi Verma and Svetsolav Roerich adorn the walls of the gallery. Other than the conventional paintings, a few traditional gold leaf paintings and statues made of sandalwood, ivory and stone are also displayed in the gallery. It is worth mentionable that some of the paintings have also been done using minerals and vegetable dyes.


Aloysius Church

An architectural marvel associated with Christianity in Mangalore is Aloysius Church. Paintings of famous Italian artist Antony Moshaini adorn the walls of the temple. St. Aloysius College Chapel is compared with the Sistine chapel of Rome. Every inch of the roof and walls of the chapel are covered with exquisite paintings.

Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple

Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple of Mangalore is actually a collection of temples of Sharavu, Kadri, Mangaladevi, and Kudroli. There is an 800 year old history associated with the temple. Another temple that has been renovated recently to attract more tourists is the Kudroli Gokarnath Temple situated 3 kms away from the main city centre.

Excursion Delights

Dharmastala
Located 75 km east of Mangalore, the place has a number of Jain temples including the famous Manjunatha Temple. There is also a museum that gives ample information about the temples and history of the place.


Venur

Venur is another place famous for Jain temples and the ruins of the Mahadeva temple.

Karkal

Karkal is a place famous for several important temples. There is also a 13 km high Bahubali statue. The statue was constructed in the year 1432. The statue s on a small serene hillock. A good view of the western ghats is available from the place.

The atmosphere of Mangalore always remains festive and joyful. The main festivals celebrated here are Dusshera and Janmashtami. Tiger Dance is a unique dance form of the place performed during Dusshera. Aati festival is another event exclusive to Mangalore. Along with many other Hindu festivals, Ganesh Puja and Navaratri are also celebrated with pomp and gaiety.