Mysore is the third largest and perhaps the most beautiful town in Karnataka State (the sixth largest state in India). The name Mysore is believed to be derived from its ruler Mahishasura, the Demon, who was killed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari, also known as Mahishasuramardhini. Today, Mysore is an educational, cultural and tourist centre.
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Mysore lies on the plateau and plains region of Karnataka at an altitude of 770 meters above mean sea level. The city nestles in a valley formed by two ridges of hills running north and south and somewhere between the rivers Kaveri and Kabini. Dotting the surrounding countryside are several rain filled tanks and dominating the city's skyline is the massive granite mass of the Chamundi Hills. These hills, once the royalty's gateway, appear rosily flushed at sunrise, as an enormous brooding silhouette after sundown and as a star-spangled giant at night. A city of flowers, Mysore has the beautiful rose gardens, notably the one at the Main Palace. Famous too, is 'Mysore Mallige', the jasmine whose fragrance simply captures everyone. The main fruits here are Mango, Sapodilla, Jackfruit, Mangosteen and 'Rasabaale' - the famous Mysore Banana. |
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The rich cultural heritage enjoyed by Mysore is, indeed, rare and unique in India. Mysore is a cultural centre and has extended its patronage to state's best dancers, musicians, artists and sculptors. People here are very friendly and hospitable. The official and regional language of the city is Kannada.
Mysore is famous for its 10 days Dasara Festival usually held in September/ October. During the Dasara, the city is drowned in colourful cultural festivities - music, dance and sports, on the grounds of the Palace. The palace and the public buildings are illuminated by millions of tiny bulbs and on the tenth day, long marigold garlands festoon the streets, bathing the city in a golden glow. On each of the first nine days of the festival, pujas are performed to the nine incarnations of the Goddess Shakthi. The tenth day, known as "Vijayadashami" (the day of victory) has a spectacular procession and parade of brightly uniformed regiments, twirling dancers, prancing horses, caparisoned elephants and floats bearing tableaux depicting the state's cultural heritage.
The Climate of Mysore: Mysore enjoys an equable climate. The temperature does not vary much and the weather is mostly crisp, clear and invigorating. Nights are cooler and light woolens are useful. In summer(March to June), the temperature varies between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The rainy season (June to November) follows the summer. The rains are moderate and the sky during this season is generally cloudy. The winter is from December to February. The temperature during winter varies between 14 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Shopping in Mysore: Mysore is famous for its hand-woven silk garments, sarees, printed silks. Other good buys include handicrafts in rosewood, coffee-wood, sandalwood, brass, lacquerware, wooden toys, incense sticks, carpets, etc.
Click here for information on Some important Shopping Avenues.
Click here for Places of Tourist interest in and around Mysore.
A few of the important sight-seeing places in and around Mysore are shown below with links for details. For more information, the following links may be explored:
1. http://mysore.nic.in
2. http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/mysore/
3. http://www.mysore.net/
4. http://www.mysoretourism.org/
