Mysore is my city. This is where I've been living ever since I was born. I love this city. But not without reasons. The sheer elegance,tranquility,peace and calmness, makes me say,'' This is where I should live all my life.'' I bet, the same feeling would be sensed by every other visitor.
What is special about Mysore? Well If you ever wished for a cantabile life, then this is the place. Life here is simple and peaceful. So I hereby would like to have the pleasure of writing some things about my city, MYSORE.
Situated in the southern most part of Karnataka, Mysore has a rich history. Speaking of Mysore, it is a place that has got many facets. If you say Mysore is just another tourist centre, my reply would be NO. Because, Mysore emerges not only as a tourist attraction, but as a holiday hang out, an educational centre and more so a heritage centre.
Mysore
As a Tourist Attraction: If you are on a tour out here then here are some of the places you must visit.
1.The Mysore Palace:- The vibrant beauty of this palace cannot be expressed in words. You must visit this place to check out those excellent paintings and many more breathtaking stuff during daytime and for a spectacular view of the lit up palace during the nights. The palace lit up with thousands of bulbs is an ecstasy to watch. But dont forget to check into ''Jagmohan Palace'' for an overdose of paintings and a huge collection of artefacts.
2.Brindavan Gardens:- This beautiful garden behind the KRS dam is another wonder. A garden with a lot of fountains and flowers, this is the perfect evening hang out. Visit this place after 6 in the evening and you will realise what I mean when I say ''Wonder''.Check out the musical fountains. It is awesome.
3.Chamundi Hills:- This is a place which gives a bird eye's view of Mysore city. It has got the temple of Chamundeshwari and Nandi. More than the temple, it is the view of the sun setting behind the city, which is a treat to watch.
4.Other Spots:- Well if you are a history lover, then you should visit Srirangapatna for some Tippu Sultan flavour. Her the Ranganath Swamy Temple is a must visit. The ''Jumma Masjid'' is simply wonderful. The battle fields, the for and what not you have it here. The ''Triveni Sangam'' where three tributaries of river Cauvery meet, is again a spectacle. There are so many more sights and when you reach here you will come to know all about that.
As a Heritage Centre: Mysore has a rich culture and tradition. It is a big Heritage centre. For those of you interested to watch the spectacles of architechture, St. Philomenas Cathedral, Somnathpura and Talkad are perfect.
While, the Cathedral stands tall in the heart of the city, with its awesome architecture and grace, Somnathpura and Talkad are a good 20-30 kms away from the city. Somnathpura is a World Heritage Site famous for its sculptures of the Hoysala Period.
Can you imagine a desert in the middle of temperate lands? If you can't then visit ''Talkad'' to find out more. There are many such places that personifies the heritage of Mysore.
As an Holiday Spot: For me, Mysore is more of a Holiday Spot than a tourist centre. The ambience of the place, the clean air, the soothening climate and the tranquility of this wonderful city, gives a much needed respite to all the people who are stiffed up with the pressures of work and things alike. Be here, and relax.Take it easy out here. The city has some cool holiday hang-outs like the GRS Fantasy Park(Full of water games) and Planet X(Perfect Urban hang-out with bowling alley,golf course,karting and pool).
Visiting the Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary is a must.But if you are here for rest, then enjoy the parks,lakes and the very weather of Mysore. This is the perfect place to relax and forget all your worries. As of shopping, there is a lot of quality products you can fetch. The best of sandalwood products are available here and Mysore silk is world famous as everybody knows. What more can you ask for when you are on a holiday!!
As an Education Centre: As said before the peace that prevails here provides a perfect platform for value based Education. The Mysore University, for years has been doing just this. Institutions like the Ramakrishna Ashram provides value based moral education and no wonder why students from Mysore are so well disciplined. The Medical and Technical colleges cater to the need of every student and the sheer ambience surrounding this place makes it a great educational centre.
Some Mysore Specials: Mysore is a Garden City. Every locality has atleast 2 parks and its green-green everywhere. Quality food, perfect climatic conditions, wonderful and charming people, clean air and peace makes this a great place to be. If you ever craved for a smooth life and wished to be lazy for some days then be here.
Where should you stay: Well, The Southern Star and Lalitmahal Palace are the 5 star hotels you can stay in. But if you are on a budget and need breathing space and peace, then do check out the lesser know Dasaprakash Paradise,totally away from the city. They have their own travels, that would help you tour around Mysore. There is Kaynes, where you can stay and relax too.
When should you visit Mysore: You need to come to Mysore during the time of Dasara(September-October),the world famous festival following Navrathri. That is when the pomp and glory of Mysore will be ultimately revealed. This is the time when every place here would be at its peak, especially the Bird Sanctuary and the Brindavan Gardens(KRS).
While the bird sanctuary would have birds from all around the world including some from even Brazil and NewZealand,(probably they migrate and come over here to watch Dasara!!)the water level in KRS would be full so that the fountains are intact.
Being so near to Bangalore,reaching mysore should not be a problem. On the whole, Mysore is a wonderful place to be. Take my word,I stay here.The elegance of Mysore is what makes me love this place and if you be here, definitely you will also fall in love with this beautiful city.
Wait for September.Come september,Pack your bags and come over to Mysore. Everyone is cordially invited. I would be glad to be your host and show you the colourful charm of my elegant Mysore.
