MYSORE HOTELS

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MYSORE PHONE DIRECTORY

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MYSORE ARTS

Holistic Art : Ashtanga Yoga

A visit to Mysuru would not be complete without experiencing the transforming power of this ancient art of living -Ashtanga Yoga. Literally meaning union, this tantra seeks to unite the individual soul or jivatma with the universal soul (God) or paramatma through rigorous mental and physical efforts. It is an art of leading a physically healthy, mentally balanced and morally rich life. Yoga, conceived by the Indian sages thousands of years ago, long before the advent of modern psychiatry, recognizes the interaction between body and mind and analyses the cause of pain, sorrow and suffering.
The Ashtanga Yoga, an eight-fold path to final liberation of pain and suffering advocates these eight steps: yama or disciplined behavior, niyama or self purification, asana or Bodily postures, pranayama or control of breathing , pratyahara or control of the senses, dharana or concentration of the mind on a chosen object, dhyana or meditation.
Facilities to learn and practice this extremely rewarding discipline are available in tranquil locations in Mysuru.

PERFORMING ARTS : Classical Dances

Of the many forms of classical dances, Bharatanatyam has been practiced for as long as the 5th century. It was during the rule of Wodeyar dynasty, in Mysuru, there came a resurgence of all art forms and a distinctive style of dance emerged. Today it is called the Mysuru style of Bharatanatyam. It bears a unique flavour of its own with a vast repertoire of abhinaya, elaborate purvanga vidhi and packed with Shlokas, Asthapadis, Padas and Javalis of rare beauty. The jaru adavus (slide or rest steps), which embellish the Javalis, are very peculiar and make the Javali lively and crisp. Dancers called devadasis performed in temple courtyards while the ashtana vidushis entertained the royals in the palace courts. They were artists of high standards of technical excellence and profound scholarship apart from being good singers. Today, these arts have shifted from the temples and palaces to the modern theatre and attract art lovers with their superlative charm.
Mysuru being the cultural capital of southern India is home to artistes of other dance forms as well. The Odissi and the Mohiniyattam are among the more acclaimed of dance forms and appreciated over the world for their timeless beauty. if you would like to learn any of these dance forms in Mysuru from the experts, the first choice for bharathanatyam would be Ms. Vasundhara Doraswamy and for Mohiniyattam and Odissi it is Ms. Sindhu Kiran, both performers of international repute.

VISUAL ARTS :

Paintings and MuralsThe erstwhile state of Mysuru has the unique distinction of pioneering a distinctive form of art during the 17th and 18th centuries which has come to be known as the Mysuru School. It was at its zenith during the rule of Maharaja Krishnaraja WodeyarIII. The typical Mysuru Painting was usually

executed on paper pasted on cloth or wood. Once the sketch was made, a special relief work called gesso was done in the areas marked for jewellery and other embellishments to enhance them. These were later covered with 24k gold leaf and then the painting was given the finishing touches. After the painting was completed and dry, a thin paper was placed on top of it and rubbed softly with a smooth soft stone to bring the richness in the relief work done with gold foil. Artists used vegetable dyes and mineral colours and prepared all materials required themselves.There are innumerable examples of mural paintings in temples and palaces all over Karnataka that articulate of the rich culture of Mysuru. While most of the themes are religious, resting on the religious texts of Ramayana and the Mahabharata, there are a few spots of secular themes structured on the contemporary life of the period. The Srirangapatna murals are thematically different in that they are either historical or politically motivated paintings which confers on them a unique quality.

MYSORE CITY

Within Mysore City there is plenty to behold

BRINDAVAN GARDENS

Guaranteed to take your breath away, the world famous Brindavan Gardens is perhaps the single most visited place in Mysore. Located about 19 kms northwest of the city center are the tranquil ornamental gardens laid out below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam and a visit could well be a truly refreshing experience. The best time to visit would be by sunset when the illuminated dancing fountains come to life. Using advanced lighting techniques, the fountains jump and dance to the tune of music and present a heady mix of water, color, light and music turning the place into an enchanting fairyland. To watch the myriad fountains, cascading and springing into different shapes, amidst the surrounding greenery and flowers is an invigorating experience indeed. The gardens remain illuminated from 6.30pm to 7.25pm from Monday to Friday and from 6.30pm to 8.25pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Krishnaraja Sagar Dam

The KRS dam, a marvel of civil engineering and is itself another popular tourist attraction. It was built in 1924 by Sir M.Vishveswariah, using 'surkhi', a mixture of limestone and brick powder instead of cement. It was among the first in the world to use automatic sluice gates. The dam is named after the then Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar, who financed this novel project. It is 3 kms long and is located at the confluence of the three rivers- Kaveri, Hemavati and Lakshmanathirtha.
The Brindavan Gardens and its scenic surroundings have provided a picturesque backdrop for several movies and is still a popular locale for film shootings.
About 2 kms from KRS dam is a tiny beautiful island created by the backwaters of the dam, an ideal picnic spot, not to be missed out.Maharja's palace : visit mysore palaces for details Chamundi Hills : Visit 'Mysore Hills n Falls' for details Mysore Zoo : visit mysore wild for details
Balmuri and Edmuri
On the way to K.R.S. from Mysore, 3 Km away from the main road, there are two beautiful small waterfalls, which is the hot spot for students and nature lovers. You also come across an ancient Ganesh temple in the vicinity.
Blue lagoons
Two Km from K.R.S. there is a beautiful island created by the backwaters of K.R.S.Dam. You can reach the spot cutting through the shallow waters. It is a beautiful picnic spot and atmosphere is mind relaxing. Risk involves while reaching the island due to swirling of water and necessary precaution to be taken. You can hire an auto from K.R.S. to reach this spot. Don’t miss this spot.

KARANJI LAKESituated at the foot of the Chamundi hills and close to the city center is the serene Karanji lake. This 90-acre lake is a haven for more than 90 species of resident as well as migratory birds. It also houses India's largest walkthrough aviary. There are boating facilities available and is open all days except Tuesdays.On the banks of the Karanji lake is the Regional Museum of Natural History. With the Chamundi hills in the backdrop, the museum provides a unique opportunity to explore nature and the natural world through plenty of models, AV aids, diorama, and thematic, interactive and participatory exhibits.

KUKKARANAHALLI LAKEIn the heart of Manasa Gangothri, the Mysore University campus is this beautiful lake, frequently visited by bird watchers, water sport enthusiasts and nature lovers. Varieties of migratory birds visit the lake during winter and to watch them in action is a feast to the eyes. The lake is very near to the railway station and bus stand. Boating facilities are available on nominal rates.LINGABUDI LAKEIn Sriramapura, about 8 kms from the city center is another scenic lake that accommodates myriad varieties of migratory birds. There is a beautiful park beside the lake and the natural greenery around is very soothing.

GRS Fantasy park
Mysore's only Amusement cum Water Park with a truly international flavour.Covering a sprawling 30 acres, Fantasy Park is a high-tech, action packed entertainer with amazing things to do for all ages. For visitors bursting with energy, GRS can be the ultimate sports holiday. For those of you who just want to relax and unwind, it could be a country club and indoors you'll find a wealth of things to do, from zipping down our scintillating slides to amazing rides. You can do as much or as little as you like in a safe environment for you and your family. Featuring for the first time in South India this slide is a unique massive slide having a height of 35 feet and width of 135 feet . The user experiences both forward and backward motion from a height of 35 feet in quick succession making it a truly memorable ride . The Park is open to public from 10.30 A.M. to 6.00 P.M. every day Adults (Above 12 Years or Height above 4' 6") Rs.239/- Senior Citizens(above 65 years) Rs.125/- Children (3 to 4' 6" in height) Rs.175/- Entry after 4.00 pm: Adults Rs.175/- Children Rs.150/- 10% Discount for Students Discount also available on Bulk Bookings 60 people and above

Planet X

The Best entertainemnt complex in the city for a pleasant evening or family get together or a b'day bash...This place is about 5 kms from Mysore zoo and close to Lalith mahal palace. The facilities that are on offer are l Go- Karting l Bowling Alley l Billiards l Games arcade l ‘Pot Pourri’ WI-Fi & Pastries l ‘Ground Zero’ - Console Gaming with PS III & Xbox360 l Mini-Golf l Kiddie Zone l Golf and Multi- Cuisine Restaurant ll ‘Hookah’ - Cocktail Lounge Address:Maharana Pratap Singh Road (Near Horse Park) Nazarbad, Mysore-570 010Ph : +91 (821) 6522100/99542 88888

MYSORE FESTIVALS

Mysooru Dasara If you want to see Mysore in all its grandeur then you need to visit Mysore when the ten days Mysore Dasara festival is on. It is celebrated in the month of September -October. Mysore city generally known for its quaint calm takes a different look altogether. Today Dasara in Mysore is recognized as the state festival of Karnataka and attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world. Over a period of time, Mysore has become synonymous with the Dasara festival.According to Hindu mythology the festival celebrates and commemorates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari after slaying the demon Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil.

Festivities during Dasara l The Mysore Palace is lit up on all the 10 days of Dasara. The festivities begin with the Wodeyar royal couple performing a special puja to Goddess Chamundeshwari in the Chamundi Temple located on the top of Chamundi Hill at Mysore. This would be followed by a special durbar (royal assembly)l A two-month long Dasara Exhibition is held at the Doddakere Maidan, in which several business and industrial houses take part. l Food and Film festivals are organized. l During the festivities special religious ceremonies are held at different temples in Mysore especially the Chamundeshwari Temple on top of the Chamundi Hills. l The State Government arranges music, dance, and folk dance performances, doll shows. l Wrestling and sports competitions are held. l The high point of the Dasara celebrations is the Vijayadashami procession held on the tenth day. The finale of the celebrations is the state organized procession consisting of floats, the police and their bands, mounted guards in royal livery and folk artists and musicians. The procession begins at the Mysore Palace and ends at the Banni Mantapa grounds, traveling a distance of about 2.5 miles. The procession is followed by a torch light procession in the evening and a stunning display of fireworks.
History: The Dasara festivities were first started by the Wodeyar King, Raja Wodeyar I (1578-1617 CE) in the year 1610. It was during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in the year 1805, when the king started the tradition of having a special durbar in the Mysore Palace which was attended by members of the royal family, special invitees, officials and the masses. This tradition has been continued even now with the current scion of the Wodeyar family, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar holding a private durbar during Dasara. The ninth day of Dasara called as Mahanavami is also an auspicious day on which the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession involving elephants, camels and horses.What to expect: Do the prior hotel booking as all hotels are full during these days.Lot of traffic on the roads.
Ayudha PoojaIt is also a part of the Dasara celebrations.All vehicles and machineries are worshipped on this day. The majestic Elephant adorned by golden anklets, bell and chains carries the city's Patron Goddess Chamundeshwari in a howdah.UgadiThe New year festival or Ugadi comes close on the heels of Holi. While the strong colors of Holi start fading away, the freshness of spring lingers on with sprightliness all around. The flames of the forest (trees with bright red flowers that blossom during holi) are in full bloom signifying an affluent season. It is believed that the creator of the Hindu pantheon Lord Brahma started creation on this day - Chaitra suddha padhyami or the Ugadi day. Also the great Indian Mathematician Bhaskaracharya's calculations proclaimed the Ugadi day from the sunrise on as the beginning of the New Year, new month and new day. The onset of spring also marks a beginning of new life with plants (barren until now) acquiring new life, shoots and leaves. Spring is considered the first season of the year hence also heralding a new year and a new beginning. It is a season for raw mangoes spreading its aroma in the air and the fully blossomed neem tree that makes the air healthy. Also, jaggery made with fresh crop of sugarcane adds a renewed flavor to the typical dishes associated with Ugadi. "Ugadi pachchadi" is one such dish that has become synonymous with Ugadi. It is made of new jaggery, raw mango pieces and neem flowers and new tamarind which truly reflect life - a combination of sweet, sour and bitter tastes!Ugadi is celebrated with festive fervor in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. While it is called Ugadi in A.P. and Karnataka, in Maharashtra it is known as "Gudipadava". On Ugadi day, people wake up before the break of dawn and take a head bath after which they decorate the entrance of their houses with fresh mango leaves. The significance of tying mango leaves relates to a legend. It is said that Kartik (or Subramanya or Kumara Swamy) and Ganesha, the two sons of Lord Siva and Parvathi were very fond of mangoes. As the legend goes Kartik exhorted people to tie green mango leaves to the doorway signifying a good crop and general well-being.Ugadi is also the most auspicious time to start new ventures.The celebration of Ugadi is marked by religious zeal and social merriment. Special dishes are prepared for the occasion. In Andhra Pradesh, eatables such as "pulihora", "bobbatlu" and preparations made with raw mango go well with the occasion. In Karnataka too, similar preparations are made but called "puliogure" and "holige". The Maharashtrians make "puran poli" or sweet rotis.

MYSORE WILD

Mysooru, as one of the most haunting tourist destinations in India, beckons every visitor with its rich wild life. A walk or drive thru one of the many wild life sanctuaries in and around Mysooru can be a truly relaxing experience indeed. Here are some destinations that are a must have in your excursion itenerery...

CHAMARAJENDRA ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

Named after its founder, the erstwhile maharaja Chamarajendra Wodeyar in 1892, this 10-acre park houses the Mysooru zoo and is located just 3kms away from the city center. It is home to some 2,000 animals belonging to 200 different species, fascinating among them being the royal Bengal Tiger, Giraffe, Indian and African Elephant, White Tiger, Lion, Rhino, Nilgiri langur, Himalayan Brown Bear, Hippopotamus and the Tapir, among many others.
With its profuse cover of vegetation and meticulate landscaping, it provides near-natural environment to the captive animals. It has to its credit the breeding of rare animals and largest mammals in captivity and hence ranked among the best zoos. 35 species of ornamental plants and 85 species of trees from India and abroad beautify the landscape of the zoo.
The zoo offers plenty of amenities to the visitors like cobbled walkways, direction signs, layout maps, guides, library, information brochures, snack kiosks, clean drinking water, ample places to sit down and play areas for chilren. About 2 million visitors visit this Zoo every year which indicates its popularity. It is open from 8am thru 5pm on all days.

NAGARAHOLE
93 kms from Mysooru city is an expanse of lush tropical forest covering an area of 643 sq kms. Nagarahole, once the Maharaja's reserved forest, is now a National Park and has been lately rechristened as Rajiv Gandhi National Park after the late Prime Minister of India. The park derives its name from the river Nagarahole (meaning serpent stream) that winds through the forests in a serpentine fashion. Covering gentle hills bordering Kerala, the park includes swampland, streams, deciduous forest, stands of bamboo, and dense thickets of teak and rosewood trees.
Sunlight fitered through the branches of trees gives the place a cathedral-like grandeur .The park has a large elephant and bison population apart from a large variety of other species like sambar, chital, tiger, leopard, barking deer, the tiny mouse deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, langurs and macaques. It also over 250 species of birds like the Malabar pied hornbill, the great black woodpecker, Indian pitta , green imperial pigeon, Babbler, Bee-eater, Bulbul, Lorikeet, Minuet, Parakeet, Peacock and Alexandrine who have made their abode at Nagarahole.
Trekking through Nagarhole can be a wonderful experience and the sense of being one with nature is overwhelming. Guided safaris on jeeps are arranged by the forest dept. There are good accommodation options like the forest bungalows and inspection bungalows, however prior booking is advisable. Best time to visit is between October and May.

BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

Under the shadows of the Western Ghats, about 80 kms from Mysooru city is Bandipur the nature - lovers' paradise. It covers an area of 874 sq kms and is part of a larger contiguous wildlife reserve that includes closeby Nagarahole, the Madumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Wayanad Reserve in Kerala.
Bandipur is separated from Nagarahole by the Kabini river and is another of nature’s marvels. The park has open grasslands towards the eastern limits but as one heads towards the north-western fringes, a gradual shift in vegetation is seen from shrub jungles to dry deciduous forests to tropical forests.
The Bandipur Tiger Reserve is famous for its Royal Bengal Tiger and has over 75 of these majestic creatures. It is home to over 2000 Asiatic elephants and with its vast open spaces is one of the most accessible places to watch these gigantic beasts from close quarters.
The forest department maintains reasonably priced lodges, cottages, guest houses and deluxe bungalows. Entry permits are available at the entrance to the park. Elephant and jeep rides into the park could be engaged. KSTDC cottages, besides a few private resorts and hotels are also available. Prior booking is advisable.
The best season depends on what you are looking for. If it's wildlife you seek then the hot months from March to May are when animals flock to the watering holes, the best. If cool climate and comfort is important, then the months of November-February are great when the flora is resurging after the rains.

RANGANATHITTU BIRD SANCTUARY

Just about 20 kms from the city of Mysooru is Ranganathittu, situated on the banks of the Kaveri river.This bird paradise includes six lush green islets spread around 2 sq kms and is a delightful place to visit. For the serious birdwatcher, it is indeed a mecca of avian bliss.
The isolated islets and the abundance of aquatic insects during the monsoon make Ranganathittu a favorite abode for birds. Moreover, it is an important nesting and breeding ground for migratory birds from all across the earth. Migratory birds begin arriving in the sanctuary in December every year.
They breed and lay eggs in and around the islets until they finally move out of the sanctuary with their little ones by August, only to return yet again the following year. Experts have traced the origins of some of these bird species to as far as Siberia, Australia and even North America. Spoonbills, Open Bill Storks, Darters, White Ibis, little Cormorants, Egret, Heron, Partridge, River Tern, Stone Plougher, Snake bird, are a few of the exotic bird species that fly to the sanctuary in large flocks in addition to the local inhabitants like kingfishers, wild duck and peafowls.
Boats are available at the sanctuary to take tourists for rides along the river and the islets, to witness hordes of beautiful birds of myriad varieties perched on the trees. Most of the oarsmen are also excellent guides. The Kaveri riverbank also offers excellent spots for picnics. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between June and September. Riverside cottages are available but most prefer to stay in nearby Mysooru.

TOURIST ATTRACTION

THE MAHARAJA'S PALACEA

silhouette of the Mysuru Palace, illuminated with ninety seven thousand light bulbs shimmering against an inky black night is one of the most unforgettable images of the city. Located in the heart of the city, it stands as a reminder of the splendor and affluence of its erstwhile rulers, the Maharajas of Mysuru. It was the pride of a kingdom, and is now a priceless national treasure!
The palace you see today is the fourth to occupy this site, each of the earlier ones succumbing to disaster and political upheaval down the centuries. Designed by British architect Henry Irwin, the Amba Vilasa Palace as it is also known, was completed in 1912 at a cost of Rs. 4,147,913. A brilliant combination of Dravidian, Indo-Saracenic, oriental & Roman architectural styles, the Maharaja's Palace is a splendid three storied stone building of fine gray granite and deep pink marble domes, dominated by a five-storied 145 foot tower whose dome is gilded in gold.

Entry to the palace is through the Gombe Thotti or the Doll's Pavilion, a gallery of traditional dolls from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries including a wooden elephant howdah (frame for carrying passengers) decorated with 84 kilograms of gold! There are seven canons right in front of the Gombe Thotti and are still fired to mark the beginning and end of the annual Dasara procession. Halfway along is the elephant gate, which is the main entrance to the centre of the palace. The Kalyana Mantapa or marriage pavilion with a central octagonal gabled roof, covered by stained glasses, is to the south of the building. Its flooring has artistic geometrical patterns created by using glittering glazed tiles imported from England. The Ambavilasa or Diwan-e -khas, a hall used by the king for private audience, is one of the most spectacular rooms of the palace located on the first floor, facing east. On the same floor is the Diwan-e-Aam, facing south. All around the sprawling palace, there is much to see…the portrait gallery, the royal armory, collections of costumes and jewelry, intricately carved doors of mahogany and solid silver, delicate chandeliers, exquisite stained glass ceilings, decorative frescoes and just during the Dasara festival - the breathtaking royal throne made of 200 kgs of pure gold! Its ancestry is traced to the period of the Pandavas, epic heroes of the Mahabharata. The walls of the palace are painted with pictures of the Dasara processions which have been painted in such a fashion, that, from any angle it appears as if the procession were heading towards you. There are twelve temples within the palace complex dating from the fourteenth to the twentieth centuries and displaying a wide range of architectural styles.
The whole palace is set among meticulously laid gardens where one can sit down to watch one of the most enchanting of sights in the world. The palace is open all days of the week, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The palace is illuminated on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and state festivals between 7:00 p.m. and 8 p.m. and during the Dasara festival, from 7p.m. until 9p.m. If you would like to treat yourself to a private guided tour of the entire palace complex, Mysooru Palace Board certified guides can be found at the entrance who will take you around for a nominal fee.How to reach? Palace is at the city center and at walkable distance from most of the Hotels.
How much time to spend ? You may have to spend about 2 hours to walk around the PalaceEntry Timings from 24th September to 8th of October : 12 Noon to 5.30 p.m.No entry on October 9th

THE LALITHA MAHAL PALACE

Perched atop a low hill, about 11kms from the city of mysore is the Lalitha Mahal Palace. Set amidst sprawling terraced gardens this magnificent twin storied palace was built in 1921 by the then Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV to accommodate his most important guests, mainly the viceroy of India. Today, it is one of India’s most opulent hotels -The Lalaitha Mahal Palace Hotel which offers royal living and dining in the environs of a real palace.
Inside, the central hall is decorated with lifesize portraits of the royalty, lithographs portraying Tippu Sultan's battles with the British, decorative motifs on the walls and ceiling, carved wood shutters, wall panels and myriad touches of regal embellishment.There are 54 rooms and suites, including the Viceroy, Vicerine and Duplex suites, all of princely proportions,with high ceilings and furnished with the old palace furniture-four poster beds, carved wooden cupboards, deep velvet covered armchairs and gilt framed belgian mirrors.
The erstwhile ballroom has been recreated as a gourmet restaurant which serves Indian and continental cuisine amidst genuine royal ambience. The most sought after dish here is the Mysuru Thali - a fine array of several delicately spiced south Indian delights served in small bowls on a large silver platter. truly a meal fit for a king!

How to reach? Lalith Mahal Palace is about 5 Kms from City Center (towards Chamundi Hill) and an Auto ride may cost around Rs. 100How much time to spend ? 15 Mins drive from city Center and maximum 30 mins at at the Hotel

JAGANMOHAN PALACE

The Jaganmohan Palace , another of Mysuru's majestic royal edifices was built in 1861, and served as a royal auditorium. It houses the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, a treasure house of paintings of unpareleld beauty, handicrafts, a rare collection of musical instruments and historical memorabilia dating back to the nineteenth century and earlier. The famous traditional Mysuru gold leaf paintings are also exhibited in the gallery.

Oil paintings of contemporary artists like Raja Ravi Varma and Svetoslov Roerich are awe- inspiring. It is open from 8.30am thru 6.0p.m on all days.

How to reach? Jaganmohal Palace is at the city center and at walkable distance from most of the Hotels. How much time to spend ? 5 Mins walk from city Center and maximum 15 mins at at the Palace

DARIA DAULAT PALACE

In Srirangapatna, an island in the river Kaveri, about 14 kms from Mysuru is the Dariya Daulat Palace located amidst the scenic gardens of Daria Daulat Bagh. Popularly acclaimed as the "Tiger of Mysuru" Tipu Sultan, built this summer palace in 1794 and ruled Mysuru for a brief period after his father Hyder Ali wrested power from the wodeyars during the mid 18th century.

The structure is in Indo-Islamic style and composed mostly of teakwood, set on a 1.5 mt high platform. Open corridors run along its four sides with wooden pillars at the edges of the plinth. There are two fairly large audience halls. The four staircases concealed from view are built in the four partitions walls which divide the audience hall into four rooms at four corners, with a central hall connecting the eastern and western corridors. At first sight, this low rectangular building fails to impress, however its well preserved interiors are remarkably interesting. The most striking feature of this building is that every inch of space on the walls, pillars, canopies and arches are painted with exquisite paintings and murals. The paintings portay the glorious victories of Haidar and Tippu over the English contingent led by col. Bailee in the battle at Pollilur near Kanchipuram in 1780. Upstairs is a small collection of Tipu memorabilia, European paintings and Persian manuscripts. Nearby is Tiupu’s fort, mostly destroyed and in ruins. It is here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with his legendary sword. The fort holds within it, the Jamia Masjid mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Closeby is a ruined structure identified as Tipu's Palace, the famed Lal Mahal. Outside the fort is the Gumbaz, Tipu's tomb with splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm on all days. How to reach? Dariya Daulat Palace is 30 minutes drive from City Center. How much time to spend ? 30 Mins to 1 Hour

NAMMA MYSOORU

Nestled between the east and west coasts of India at an altitude of 770m above sea level and a distance of 140 Kms from Bangalore is Mysore... a city that is still heady from the days of being the capital of a rich princely state ruled by the erstwhile Wodeyar dynasty. Steeped in legend, it beckons with its magnificent palaces, imposing buildings, sacred temples, beautiful gardens, tree-lined avenues and to top it all, a salubrious climate. A trip to this city can be truly a rewarding experience. MYSORE. The word is but a corrupted version of "mysooru" meaning itself is a derivative of "mahishur" or "Mahishasurana Ooru" which the town of Mahishasura in the local tongue, Kannada.