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Mysore Palace
The Maharaja's Palace is one of the important sights in Mysore. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades,the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasera festival. Illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, the palace presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.
Brindavan Gardens
Located at the KR Sagar Dam [Kannambadi], Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films. Special attractions include the 'Dancing Fountains'. In Dec 2004 the entire garden was revamped with new fountains and lights.
Chamundi Hills
A well known 335 metres high landmark,Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century.
Half-way up along the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith.At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars.Close to the temple is the gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces.
St. Philomena's Church
A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style,is one of the largest churches in the country. Was built between 1933 and 1941 in the gothic style, the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers this is a miniature replica of the Cologne Cathedral, the hall is huge with stained glass windows and soaring Gothic Revival arches.The biblical scenes adorn the stained glass windows. The main feature of this church is the reclining statue of St Philomena. The statue is taken out in a procession in the city streets during the fest.
Mysore Zoo
The Mysore Zoo was set up under royal patronage in the nineteenth century. Its fauna includes rare and exotic species which are housed in lush, green surroundings. The Zoo is famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity.
Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, which has emerged as one of finest zoos in the country to breed a wide range of animals in captivity, has embarked on a new venture to set up a state-of-the-art Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.
The zoo would become the first in the country to have an emergency mobile service to rescue animals fighting for life and cater to animals in and around Bandipur, Brahmagiri, Kanakapura, Madikeri and other wildlife sanctuaries.
The Art Gallery
The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings which date back to that period. The artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional Mysore 'gold leaf ' paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary artist like Raja Ravi Varma and Svetoslav Roerich.
Rail Museum
Rail Museum was set up in 1979, situated at Krishnaraja Sagar Road,is home to priceless locomotives, coaches, paintinga and photographs narrating the "Rail Story".The highlight here is the Chamundi Gallery that showcases a unique and interesting collection of photographs and paintings depicting the development of the railways.
There is also a Maharani's Saloon built in the year 1889 in UK and then there on a kitchen, dining car and a royal toilet was built in Mysore in 1914. One of the first steam engines was built, it is indeed remarkably well kept. There is also a battery-operated mini-train, which takes you for a fancy ride along the grounds.
Other rare items which are present are Austin Rail Motor built in the year 1925 has a body of an Austin car and four locomotive wheels, and Krishnaraja Wadiyar's personal telephone from 1930.
St. Bartholomew's Church
This church is located in the City of Mysore and was built in 1830A.D. St. Bartholomew's Church is near the suburban bus stand. The site for church was a generous gift from the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III (1799-1868). The church was affiliated to the Anglican denomination and in 1852 it was handed over to the madras government.
In 1874 the church had initiated Sunday school. They still provide a good christian education to students.
On February 4, 1906, King George V had offered prayers at the church. The visit had led to the construction of rows of storehouses on Sayyaji Rao Road, opposite the Devaraja Market, in honour of the visiting dignitaries. Many bulidings had been spruced up for this occasion.
The stained glass window seen was donated by the Maharaja of Mysore. Initially the church was bulit in the outskirts of Mysore. Due to the growth and development of the city the church is now located in the heart of the City.
Karanji Lake Nature Park
Built by the Maharaja of Mysore about a century ago. It was built in those days to meet the resident's water needs.The total area of Karanji lake is 90 hectares. While waterspread area is about 55 hectares. The lake is surrounded by a nature park consisting of a butterfly park with more than 50 varieties and a walk-through aviary.
The nature park is also home to large number of species of birds. Some of the common migratory birds found here are Grey Pelican, Painted Stork, Ibis, Cormorant, Egret, etc. which nest on trees in the islands present in the lake.
This aviary is the biggest 'walk-through aviary' in India. There is also a museum, the Regional Museum of Natural History which is located on the banks of this lake. This museum provides a splendid opportunity to explore the natural world. On display are specimens, models, audio-visual aids, dioramas, thematic exhibits and interactive and participatory exhibits.The tropical rain forest section in the Biological Diversity Gallery is of great interest.
Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden
Is the largest of its kind in the country. There is a collection of over 300 bonsai plants collected from all over the world all within the precincts of the Ganapathi Sachchidananda Ashram on the city's outskirts.
The Kishkinda bonsai garden with neat arrangements of plants and their nameplates is accessorized with statues, figurines and small water-bodies with bridges besides pathways for visitors following an oriental/Chinese style. Sourced from around 14 countries like China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico, Australia, West Indies, etc., these bonsai plants have been meticulously miniaturized and potted. There are about 400 bonsai species, many of them with medicinal value, in the ashram and there is a rotation of plants on display in the bonsai garden.
Rare varieties include marine bonsai, are also found here. The Nakshatra Vana has a collection of rare cacti and succulents. An interesting feature of the garden is that precious stones are kept here so that their vibrations enhance peace and happiness.
