Origin & Location  

Name Evolution: Mysore was originally called Mahishuru (Sanskrit: *Mahisha* = buffalo demon, *uru* = town), rooted in the legend of Goddess Chamundeshwari slaying Mahishasura. The city was officially renamed Mysuru in 2014 to reflect its Kannada heritage.  

Mythological Significance: The demon Mahishasura symbolises chaos, and his defeat by Chamundeshwari during Navaratri is celebrated as Dasara, a 10-day festival. The Chamundi Temple atop Chamundi Hills is believed to mark the site of this battle.  

Strategic Location: Situated on the Deccan Plateau, Mysore was a gateway between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Its elevation (770 meters) ensures a moderate climate.  

Connectivity: Accessible via NH-275 from Bengaluru (3 hours), Mysore Junction railway station (a major hub), and Mandakalli Airport (flights from Hyderabad/Chennai).  

Geography & Topology  

Landforms:  

  • Chamundi Hills: A granite hill with ancient temples offering panoramic city views.  
  • Kaveri River Basin: Fertile plains support agriculture (silk, sugarcane, coconut).  

Climate:  

  • Summer (March–June): 20°C–35°C.  
  • Monsoon (July–September): Receives 800 mm rainfall.  
  • Winter (October–February): 10°C–28°C; ideal for tourism.  
  • Soil & Ecology: Red sandy loam soil supports crops like ragi and pulses. Nearby, Bandipur and Nagarhole forests host tigers, elephants, and leopards.  

History & Cultural Significance  

Early Dynasties:  

  • Gangas (2nd–10th century): Built early Jain and Hindu temples.  
  • Hoysalas (12th–13th century): Constructed intricate Chennakesava temples near Somnathpur.  
  • Wodeyar Dynasty:  

  * Yaduraya Wodeyar (1399): Founded the dynasty; shifted the capital from Mysore to Srirangapatna temporarily.  

 * Raja Wodeyar I (1610): Revived Dasara as a royal festival.  

 * Tipu Sultan’s Interlude (1761–1799): Built the Dariya Daulat Bagh and resisted British forces until he died in the 1799 Battle of Srirangapatna.  

* British Era: Under the British, the Wodeyars became princely rulers, and Mysore became a “model state” for education and industry.  

Cultural Highlights:  

  • Dasara: Features the *Jumbo Savari* (elephant procession) and *Vijayadashami* fireworks.  
  • Mysore Paintings: Gold-leaf-accented artworks depicting Hindu epics.  
  • Cuisine: *Mysore masala dosa* (red chutney-filled), *Mysore pak* (gram flour sweet), and *filter coffee*.  

Top Tourist Destinations  

 Mysore Palace  

  • Architecture: Designed by Henry Irwin (1912), blending Indo-Saracenic, Rajput, and Gothic styles.  
  • Ambavilasa Palace: Belgian stained-glass ceilings and carved rosewood doors.  
  • Kalyana Mantapa: Mural paintings depicting Dasara processions.  
  • Light Show: Narrates the palace’s history in English/Kannada (₹100 entry).  

 Chamundi Hill  

  • Temple: Dedicated to Chamundeshwari (Durga’s fierce form). The 12th-century shrine houses a gold-plated *kalasha* (spire).  
  • Nandi Statue: Carved from a single rock in 1659, adorned with bells and carvings.  
  • Rituals: Daily *abhishekam* (milk bath) at 6:30 AM.  

Brindavan Gardens  

  • Design: Built-in 1932 below Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, Mughal-style terraces with 60+ fountain varieties.  
  • Musical Fountain: Synced to Carnatic and Bollywood tracks; entry fee ₹50.  

Mysore Zoo  

  • Conservation: The zoo houses 168 species, including white tigers and giraffes. It pioneered captive breeding of Indian gharials.  
  • Timings: ₹80 for adults; safari rides available.  

St. Philomena’s Church  

  • History: Built in 1956 over a 19th-century chapel. Stained-glass windows depict Christ’s life.  

Devaraja Market  

  • Sensory Experience: Over 700 stalls sell jasmine (Mysore mallige), sandalwood idols, and spices like cardamom. Bargaining is expected!  

Offbeat Places  

Karanji Lake:  

  • Biodiversity: A 90-hectare lake with 147 bird species. The butterfly park has 45+ species.  
  • Activities: Pedal boating and canopy walks (₹50 entry).  

Rail Museum:  

  • Exhibits: The 1939 *Maharani Saloon* (royal coach) and India’s first diesel engine.  
  • Toy Train: Operates on weekends (₹20).  

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:  

  • Migratory Birds: Spot painted-storks (June–November) and crocodiles during boat rides (₹200/person).  

Melody World Wax Museum:  

  • Unique Theme: Features wax statues of Beethoven, MS Subbulakshmi, and Ilaiyaraaja.  

Kukkarahalli Lake:  

  • Academic Oasis: Built in 1864, adjacent to Mysore University. Ideal for jogging and birding.  

The Kings of Mysore: A Legacy of the Wodeyars  

 Key Monarchs:  

  • Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar (1673–1704): Introduced *Astadiggajas* (eight poets) to promote literature. Built the Devraj Market.  
  • Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar (1799–1868): Rebuilt Mysore after Tipu’s fall; established the first Kannada newspaper.  
  • Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar (1902–1940): “Saintly King” who commissioned the Mysore Palace and Mysore University.  
  • Hyder Ali & Tipu Sultan:  
  • Innovations: Introduced iron-cased rockets in warfare; promoted sericulture (silk farming).  
  • Legacy: Tipu’s Summer Palace in Srirangapatna has frescoes of French allies.  

 Post-1947:  

  • Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar merged Mysore into India in 1947. The family still resides in the palace’s *Lakshmi Vilas Mansion*.  

Travel Tips  

Festivals: Avoid crowds during Dasara by booking hotels 3 months in advance.  

Transport: Rent scooters (~ ₹300/day) or use Ola or Uber. Auto-rickshaws charge ₹20/km.  

Etiquette: Cover shoulders/knees in temples. Remove footwear before entering palaces.  

Safety: Avoid isolated areas after dark; stick to well-lit zones like Ashoka Road.  

Language: Learn basic Kannada phrases: *Namaskara* (Hello), *Dhanyavadagalu* (Thank you).  

Sustainable Tourism  

– Eco-Friendly Stays:  

– Green Hotel: A heritage property run by the Mysore royal family.  

– Responsible Shopping: Buy directly from artisans at Cauvery Arts Emporium.