Mysore

Splendid palaces, well manicured gardens, daunting buildings, broad shady avenues and consecrated temples await you at the 'City of Palaces'- Mysore. The capital city of Wodeyar rulers, the heavenly opulence and quaint charm of the city leaves no stone unturned.

Previously known as Mahishur, the history of the city dates back to the rule of buffalo demon Mahishasura. Legend states that Goddess Chamundeshwari killed him at Chamundi hills near Mysore. To commemorate this victory of good over evil, Dussehra is a grand affair at Mysore.

Situated 770 m above sea level, Mysore is in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau. About 140 kms from Bangalore, it is one of the most vibrant cities teeming with tourists. Ruled by Wodeyars for nearly three decades till Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan wrested power from them, Mysore reached the pinnacle of its magnificence as a legendary centre of oriental charm under the former rulers.

Mysore is known all over the world for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks. It was the continuous patronage and support of its rulers that made Mysore an origination point of a distinct style in arts. The unique cultural heritage of Mysore still calls its masterpieces to be classified as "Mysore Style" in the fields like painting, architecture, music and poetry. As a result the best quality jasmine flowers in Karnataka are referred to as Mysooru Maligae or Mysore Jasmine till date.

Spread over an area of 6,268 sq kms, the district is occupied by 22, 81,653 people as per the 1991 census. The staple food of the people here is rice. Dominated by a Hindu population, Mysore yet observes perfect harmony in all its residents irrespective of their religion, caste, color or creed. Its pleasant climate with a temperature ranging between 19º C to 30º C, along with its historical monuments makes the city a pleasurable tourist destination.