Visiting magical mystical Mysore
Stepping out of the aircraft on arrival at the Bengaluru Airport, you already feel a great sense of expectation and anticipation about Mysore (or Mysuru) which is just about 160 kms from there. The culture capital of Karnataka, Mysore was formerly, during the days of the Maharajas, ruled by Kings of the Wadiyar dynasty.
The city retains its glorious charm with magnificent palaces, well laid-out lush, flowering gardens and a whole lot of ancient temples. The modern imposing apartments and office complexes still fails to overwhelm this charm.
People thrive to Mysore for its special Mysore Silk Sarees which are de rigueur for the bride as far as Hindu weddings are considered. The bright colors, the rich sheen, the soft feel and the blend of traditional motifs with modern design patterns make them special. Mysore is also renowned for sandalwood and stone carvings as well as perfumes and incense.
You can take a cab ride to Mysore but the best way to enjoy a Tour, especially with friends or family is to plan and book tour packages with Southern Odyssey (www.southernodyssey.com). They have a range of tailor-made packages for you that suit your plans and budget. This will help take out all the hassles of bookings, planning and much else and help you enjoy your holidays to the hilt.
There are a whole lot of sightseeing attractions but visiting Mysore during Dasara festival is an experience beyond compare. Places you definitely need to see include of course, the Mysore Palace, which certainly is the most visited attraction in the city. The Mysore Zoo (more correctly, the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens) has many exotic species you may have never seen before.
For a relaxed evening, choose the Brindavan Gardens. You can also visit the Jaganmohan Palace, which is an Art Gallery housing some absolutely amazing paintings and artifacts, especially if you are an art buff. If you happen to tour Mysore during September, you could visit the Rangannathittu Bird Sanctuary as it is the time most of the migratory birds wing it here. The Chamundeshwari Temple, perched atop a hill famously called the Chamundi hills is not to be missed.
