Mysore Must Visit Places
Of prime importance and elegance is the Mysore Palace, the crown-jewel of the Wodeyar dynasty. During the daytime one can venture inside and gaze at the lavish Kalyana Mantapa (marriage hall), the Golden Throne, and the royal heirlooms on display. The evening brings with it the famous lighting up of the palace facade as thousands of light bulbs are switched on together. One can also visit the Jaganmohan Palace which has a vast and wonderful art gallery containing Raja Ravi Verma’s paintings. For a day out the Mysore Zoo is just perfect, while a drive up the Chamundi Hill offers a bird’s eye view of the city along with a chance to pay your tributes at the Chamundeshwari Temple. A visit to one of the finest churches in the country, St Philomena’s Cathedral, sums up your Mysore trip. Now it’s time to head 18kms out of the city to the massive Krishnaraja Sagar Reservoir on the Kaveri river in whose shadow lies the magical Brindavan Gardens. Stay there until sunset when the world-renowned fountain lights dazzle the eyes.
Mysore's Famous Cuisines
The best thing to eat is the basic local fare of dosa, idli and vada topped with authentic Mysore ‘Pak’, the favourite local sweetmeat, and filter coffee. The best places to eat are Hotel Dasaprakash, Hotel Nalpak and Guru Sweets.
Mysore Markets
Mysore silk and sandalwood are two of the world’s finest things one can take home. Visit Cauvery Arts Emporium to find the best of wood carvings, sandalwood products, and lush silk sarees. On a trip to the Silk Weaving Factory, one can discover the secret behind the creation of silk sarees. For a more casual ambience the impeccably planned Devaraja Market awaits you with its local spices and flowers.
How To Reach Mysore
The easiest way to reach Mysore is by rail since it is very well-connected with both Bangalore and Chennai. For the more adventurous the road trip from either city is a good option.