Nansakara (hello) friends, am Rohith Pal let me guide you through my beautiful city of Mysuru (means: My Home) and, also known as:
The Royal City: Mysuru was a princely state, ruled by the descendants of Wadiyar dynasty pre-independence. You can feal the royal vibes & mark in every look and corner. The architecture in its historic buildings, temples complex, churches, mosques, squares… as a touch of royalty infused into them.
City of Lights: Whole of city including Mysuru palace is lit-up in incandescent bulbs during the auspices festival of Dasara, to celebrate the victory of good over bad.
Cultural Capital of Karnataka: From its intricate, rich & delicate rituals, art, literature, music, painting and philosophy. The whole state of Karnataka was known as Mysuru pre-independence.
City of Palaces: There are seven palaces and mansions which were constructed for the royal family namely, Amba Vilas or popularly known as Mysore Palace, Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Rajendra Vilas Palace, Karanji Mansion and Cheluvamba Mansion.
For all the nature lovers and fitness fanatics there are many places to behold:
Kukkarahalli Lake: The beautiful lake in the heart of the city, which hosts hundreds of flock of bird species, spectacular views and amble trial through the woods which has a special place in my heart.
Chamundeshwari Betta or Hill: It doesn’t matter if you go by road or via 1000 odd steps atop Chamundi hill you are treated with an mesmerising view of the city and feel blessed in by Sri Chamundeshwari goddess.
Mysore Zoo: One of the best zoological gardens in India, it was established in the year 1892 by Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar.
Karanji Lake: It is surrounded by a nature park comprising of a butterfly park and an aviary which is the biggest ‘walk-through aviary’ in India.
Lingambudhi Park: The massive park or it can be called as a greenwood forest in the middle of the concrete jungle, which is situated in close proximity to downtown. It also comprises of waterbody and houses many species of flora and fauna.
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Cultural trip in the city:
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple: Sri Chamundeshwari the tutelary deity of Mysuru. Temple is built atop the Chamundi Hills, this temple dates back to the 12th century.
There are many other temples which are a must visit: Nandi Statue, Gayathri temple, Bhuvaneswari Temple, Mahabaleshwara Temple, Kote Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple.
St. Philomena’s Church: Recognised as the second tallest church of Asia, St. Philomena’s Church was constructed to pay tribute to the Catholic Saint and martyr of Roman Catholic Church, Saint Philomena. It is one of the most important historical sites in Mysore.
Masjid E Azam: Dedicated to the followers of the Markaz Ahle Sunnath Wal Jamath sect of Islam, it displays an impressive architecture predominantly painted green.
For all you shopping lovers and to all you husband’s who love their better halves there are many places and thinks to buy out there in Mysuru:
Cauvery Emporium: State government run place known for its handicrafts and its unique, traditional masterpieces and toys which are made from a variety of materials as sandalwood and rosewood grown in abundance in Karnataka and Mysore paintings.
Devaraja Market: The first planned market in all of Asia. Devaraja market is full of hustle & bustle, which will talk you back in time. Scents, aromas and vibrant colours of variety of flowers, fruits, vegetables and spices are set to stimulate your senses.
Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Limited (KSIC) Factory: Mysore is rich for its Royal heritage and Grandeur and it is no surprise that the silk produced there reflect the traditional splendour through its rich yet delicate motifs sarees.
With all the above activities I’m sure you would be pretty existed, now lets begin our gastronomical adventure:
Mysuru Pak: Try Mysuru pak in Guru sweets in Devaraja market complex, it was a desert which was prepared for the Mysuru royal family. Also try at Mahalakshmi sweets, URS road and butter Mysuru pak in Bombay Tiffanies, URS road.
Mysuru Masala Dosa: made from rice past, filled with potato slew and served with chutneys. Try one at Gayatri Tiffin Room(GTR), Hotel Original Vinayaka Mylari, Dosa Point - DD Urs Road, Street vender at Krishna Vilas road.
Mysore Donne Biryani/Pulao: For all the meat eaters Mysuru has something special for you in store. In Mysuru region Biryani is addressed as Pulao. Try one at Hotel Hanumanthu original Est.1930, Hotel RRR, Hanumanthu New Hotel Devi Annex Non Vegetarian, Vaibhav Annexe and Sri Chamundeshwari Donne Biriyani Centre.
Also worth trying Idli, Dosa, Shavige Bath, Pongal, Chutneys and Pickles, Vangi Baath (rice with Brinjal curry), Bisi bele bath (a spicy preparation of rice) as well as a number of sweets such as Payasam, Jalebi, Rave Unde, Ladoo and more. Indian filter coffee and Adike (Areca nut) with Betel leaf are also popular items.
Mysuru is a city which as its roots in the past, but branched out into future. As learnt to coexist and celebrate differences in culture, clothing and cuisine.
It’s my privilege to share my favourite places, things I would do and my best-loved eateries. I’m sure I have motivated you to visit Mysuru. As a Google local guide, I’m committed to put out reviews and ratings which not only help masses of travellers to decide, but also help local businesses grow.