Mysore is the former Capital of the erstwhile Wodeyars and the state of Mysore. Mysore is also known as the City of Palaces. Abode of untold grandeur and glory, where the rich heritage of the Wodeyars is carefully preserved to this day in its magnificent palaces, gardens, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There is an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched. Mysore, or Mahishur as it was called in the past, traces its history back to the mythical past, when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura.

Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharatha and King Ashoka of 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyar rule, Mysore reached the zenith of its glory as a fabled center of oriental splendor. Hyder Ali and his valiant son Tippu Sultan are notable figures in the history of the land.

They expanded the Mysore kingdom on an unprecedented scale and by their resistance against the British, became personages of world fame. Tippu was a great scholar and lover of literature. His artistic pursuits were also many and he made rich gifts to the Hindu temples. Tippu Sultan "Tiger of Karnataka" was killed in 1799 A.D., and the Mysore throne was handed back to the Wodeyar's. The whole of Karnataka came under the control of the British in the beginning of the 19th century. The new state was named as new Mysore and the Maharaja of Mysore was appointed Governor by Independent India. This unified state was renamed as Karnataka on November 1, 1973. Mysore - the former capital of the erstwhile Wodeyars and also of the State of Mysore lost its prominence to Bangalore.

The palace is at Mirza Road. Palace open daily from 10 a.m - 5 p.m. Entry fee - Rs.10, Museum Open daily from 10.30 a.m - 6.30 p.m Entry fee - Rs.10. Shoes cannot be worn inside the palace. Camera not allowed.

The Palace was designed by Henry Irwin and built in 1897 after a fire burnt down the old wooden palace. It is one of the largest palaces in India. The stained glass, wall paintings, ivory inlaid doors and the ornate golden throne are all remarkable.

The Maharaja's Residence is now converted into a museum. The costumes, children's toys, musical instruments, photographs and numerous portraits are placed at the ground floor. A small collection of weapons are displayed on the upper floor

The gallery is inside the Jaganmohan Palace. It displays Indian miniature paintings including paintings by renowned artists like Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich. Curios in Ivory, sandal wood, ceramics, stone, old musical instruments and antique furniture are also on display.

The temple on the hill, which is 2000 years old is dedicated to Durga Devi or goddess Chamundi (avatar of Parvathi, Shiva's consort) for celebrating her victory over the demon Mahishasura. From the top of hill you can have a panoramic view of Mysore. There is a giant statue of Mahishasura, the demon who was killed by the goddess Chamundi (Durga Devi) near the temple. Halfway up the hill a ornamented monolithic statue of the Nandi Bull can be found.

The zoo here was established in 1892. It has well kept lawns and gardens. The tiger is the main wild animal bred here.

The Maharaja of Mysore created this factory in 1932 to obtain the finest hand-loomed silks for himself and his royal family. Today it is run by the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation. Here you can see craftsmen at work and also buy silk, fresh from the looms.

This garden is situated at Krishnaraja Sagar Road, 19 Km northwest of Mysore. Garden is open daily, but the fountain show is there only in spring. Entry fee Rs.5. The main attraction is the 'dancing musical fountains'. The garden is fully illuminated during the night.

Built in 1933, this church is one among the grandest churches in India. It is the tallest Church in India built in the new Gothic style. A statue of Saint Philomena is placed in an underground chamber. The twin spires are 175 feet in height and are visible from miles around. Some fine attractive glass paintings can also be seen here.