Mysuru, the Glorious Kingdom of the Wodeyars

Mysore, also known as Mysuru, was the famed capital of the former kingdom of the same name, and flourished greatly under the rule of the Wodeyar dynasty. It was ruled by Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali for a brief period of time in history. Even under their rule, Mysore prospered and became known throughout the region for its silk production.

Today, Mysuru captivates visitors with its diverse cultural offerings. The most notable of these is the magnificent Vijayadashmi festival, which is celebrated on a grand scale over ten days and culminates with great aplomb at the Mysore Palace, the same place where it was first conceived by King Wodeyar in 1610.

A visit to this historic town would be incomplete without seeing some of its most popular attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit in Mysore:

Mysuru Palace

The Mysuru Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, is one of the city's seven palaces and is located in the heart of the city. The current palace was constructed on the site of an earlier structure that was destroyed in a fire in 1896. The new palace was designed by British architect Henry Irwin in an Indo-Saracenic style, with Gothic, Hindu, and even Mughal influences woven throughout.

It is now one of India's most popular tourist destinations, with nearly six million visitors each year. Aside from its notable architecture, the palace is also known for its annual Dasara celebrations, during which the entire palace is bathed in splendor and lit up with a thousand lamps.

Shri Chamundeshwari Temple

Perched atop the landmark Chamundi Hills, the eponymous Shri Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru is a sight to behold. It is constructed in the traditional South Indian style, with towering gopurams tapering up to meet the sky. The temple has special significance for the people of Mysuru because it houses the deity 'Chamundi,' an avatar or form of Goddess Durga, who is known as the presiding deity of the city.

There is also a timeless legend associated with the temple's history that contributes to its uniqueness. According to legend, the temple was built on the site where Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura, a demon in Hindu mythology. This historic temple attracts thousands of visitors each year due to its extraordinary history and the powerful deity it honors.

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens

This wonderful zoo was originally built as a private zoo by then-monarch Chamaraja Wodeyar X and later opened to the public in 1920. It is one of India's oldest and best-kept zoos, with facilities for endangered and exotic species, water harvesting systems, and animal rescue programmes. At the zoo, you can see a wide variety of animals and birds, including Bengal foxes and the Indian Grey Wolf, as well as the Painted Stork, Scarlet Ibis, and others.

Other noteworthy attractions include the 13th-century Chennakeshava Temple, which is located on the Kaveri River and is a stunning example of Hoysala architecture, and the lush and colossal Brindavan Gardens.