You're Going to Love Mysore
Mysore (or Mysuru), a city in India’s southwestern Karnataka state, was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947. In its center is opulent Mysore Palace, seat of the former ruling Wodeyar dynasty.
Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore, currently Mysuru, is one of the most important places in the country regarding ancient reigns. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in Karnataka, and its rich heritage draws millions of tourists all year round. The highlight is the majestic Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a must-visit.
Mysore was one of the three largest Princely States in the erstwhile British Empire of India. To this day, the Mysore Palace stands tall as one of the most spectacular palaces in India. A very famous tourist spot that sees thousands of visitors milling in and around it every day, the Mysore Palace is a mesmerizing example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, every inch of the palace drips with opulence and intricate details, and every room that you visit stands out in terms of its elaborate architecture, beautiful paintings, rich colours and stained-glass windows. On every Sunday, and during the Dussehra celebrations, the palace is spectacularly lit up once dusk falls.
Another popular element in Mysore is the Ashtanga School of Yoga. This draws visitors and practitioners from around the world to participate in this style of yoga that originated in Mysore.
Mysore Pak
Mysore Pak is a delicious sweet dish that is made of roasted gram flour and butter. It is a traditional South Indian sweet dish. History states that this mouth-watering dish was first made in the kitchens of the Mysore Palace which was then ruled by Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar. The sweet delighted the royalties so much that it was declared as the ‘Royal Sweet.’ However, at that time it did not have a name, so it was named as “Mysore Pak’.
The Reign Of Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan was the eldest of Hyder Ali, who was the Muslim ruler of Mysore. He fought the second Mysore war in February 1728 where he defeated Col. John Brathwaite. Tipu Sultan succeeded his father in December the same year. He continued his aggression against the British by recapturing Baidanur and Mangalore. In 1784, he settled peace with the British and assumed the title of Sultan of Mysore.
Tipu introduced some administrative revolutions during his rule, including his currency, a new Mauludi lunisolar calendar and a new revenue system of land which instigated the development of the Mysore silk industry. Tipu Sultan was a capable general and administrator, and, though a Muslim, he reserved the faithfulness of his Hindu subjects. Tipu Sultan was commonly known as the Tiger of Mysore and adopted this animal as the symbol of his reign. It is said that while he was hunting in the woods with a French companion, he encountered a tiger. His weapon did not work, and his knife fell on the ground as the tiger hopped on him. He went after the blade, lifted it up, and killed the tiger with it. That earned him the name “the Tiger of Mysore.”
Mysore Dasara
Dussehra or Dasara as it is known as in the southern part of India is synonymous with Mysore. It is the most extravagant festival which sees the entire city lighting up and coming alive. Also called Navaratri, this is a 10-day festival that ends with the celebration of Vijayadashami.
Restaurants and Local Food in Mysore
The cuisine of Mysore has a distinct influence of Udipi cuisine on its dishes. One of the most famous items here is the traditional sweet, Mysore Pak. Other than this, Mysore’s platter is brimming with authentic, traditional and local cuisines. These include 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.
What are the things to do in Mysore?
The top things to do in Mysore are Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Somanathapura Temple, Mysore Zoo, Chamundeshwari Temple, Shuka Vana. You can see all the places to visit in Mysore
What are the things to do in Mysore?
The top things to do in Mysore are Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Somanathapura Temple, Mysore Zoo, Chamundeshwari Temple, Shuka Vana. You can see all the places to visit in Mysore
Mysore Palace
An incredibly breathtaking example of Indo – Saracenic style of architecture, the Mysore Palace is a magnificent edifice located in Mysore in the state of Karnataka. Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, it…
Brindavan Gardens
The Brindavan Gardens, spread over 60 acres, is located at a distance of 21 km away from Mysore. Built across the notable river of India, Cauvery, it took around five years to complete the project. The well…