Mysore (officially Mysuru) is a tapestry of natural wonders. From its life-giving rivers and rugged hills to its dense forests and fertile plains, Mysore’s geography has shaped its culture, economy, and identity millennia. Lets explore the region’s ecological treasures, revealing how its landscapes have sustained kingdoms, inspired devotion, and nurtured biodiversity.
The Lifelines of Mysore: Rivers and Their Legacy
Mysore’s rivers are the veins that nourish its land, supporting agriculture, sustaining ecosystems, and anchoring spiritual traditions.
1. The Kaveri (Cauvery) River
The Kaveri, often called the “Ganga of the South,” is Mysore’s most sacred and vital river. Originating in the Brahmagiri Hills of Kodagu, it flows through Mysore’s heart, creating fertile plains. The river’s significance is twofold:
– Agricultural Backbone: The Kaveri’s waters irrigate vast tracts of paddy, sugarcane, and coffee plantations. The Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam, built in 1924 near Mysore city, remains a critical reservoir for the region.
– Cultural Symbol: The river is central to festivals like Kaveri Sankramana, where devotees gather to honour its mythical descent to Earth. Srirangapatna, the island fortress of Tipu Sultan, lies on the Kaveri, underscoring its strategic importance in Mysore’s history.
2. The Kabini River
A major tributary of the Kaveri, the Kabini originates in Kerala’s Wayanad district and flows through Mysore’s northern edges. The Kabini Reservoir, near Heggadadevana Kote, is a biodiversity hotspot and a lifeline for wildlife in the adjoining Nagarhole National Park.
3. The Lakshmana Tirtha
This lesser-known river, originating in the Brahmagiri Hills, merges with the Kaveri near Krishnarajasagara. Its serene course through coffee estates and forests adds to Mysore’s ecological charm.
Guardians of the Landscape: Hills and Their Mystique
Mysore’s hills are more than scenic backdrops—ecological sanctuaries and cultural landmarks.
1. Chamundi Hills
Rising 1,000 meters above Mysore city, the Chamundi Hills are synonymous with the region’s spiritual identity. The summit is home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, a revered Shakti Peetha dedicated to Goddess Durga. The hills also offer panoramic views of Mysore’s sprawling plains and are a haven for hikers and pilgrims alike.
2. Biligiriranga (B.R.) Hills
Straddling the Eastern and Western Ghats, the B.R. Hills are a biodiversity wonder. Their name translates to “White Rock Hills,” a nod to the snow-white mist that often shrouds their peaks. The Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary here is a critical corridor for elephants and tigers migrating between the Ghats.
3. Melukote Hills
The Melukote Hills, known for their ancient Vaishnava temples, are part of Mysore’s spiritual and ecological heritage. The Yadugiri Yatri Nivas temple complex attracts devotees, while the hills’ scrub forests shelter endangered species like the grey wolf.
Ecological Wealth: Forests, Wildlife, and Conservation
Mysore’s diverse ecosystems range from deciduous forests to lush wetlands, hosting some of India’s most iconic wildlife.
1. Nagarhole National Park
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi National Park) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its teak and rosewood forests are home to tigers, leopards, dholes (wild dogs), and one of Asia’s largest elephant populations. The park’s Kabini River backwaters are famed for boat safaris, where visitors spot crocodiles, otters, and migratory birds.
2. Bandipur National Park
Adjacent to Nagarhole, Bandipur is another jewel in Mysore’s ecological crown. Once the private hunting ground of Mysore’s rulers, it thrives as a protected tiger reserve under Project Tiger. Its dry deciduous forests support chital deer, gaurs (Indian bison), and over 200 bird species.
3. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Located on the Kaveri River near Srirangapatna, Ranganathittu is a birdwatcher paradise. During monsoon, thousands of migratory birds nest on its islets, including painted storks, pelicans, and Siberian cranes. Crocodile sightings add to the sanctuary’s allure.
4. Sandalwood Forests
Mysore’s association with sandalwood dates back centuries. Though now protected due to overexploitation, the region’s aromatic Santalum album trees remain a cultural and economic symbol. The Mysore Sandalwood Oil, a government-monitored product, is renowned worldwide.
Human Harmony with Nature: Agriculture and Sustainability
Mysore’s fertile plains and favourable climate have made it an agricultural powerhouse. The region’s farmers cultivate:
– Coffee: The slopes of Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru produce some of India’s finest Arabica and Robusta beans.
– Silk: Mysore’s mulberry farms feed its thriving silk industry, producing the iconic Mysore Silk sarees.
– Spices and Horticulture: Cardamom, pepper, and sandalwood thrive here, while Mysore’s betel leaves (vettilai) are prized across India.
However, challenges like deforestation, water disputes over the Kaveri, and human-wildlife conflict threaten Mysore’s ecological balance. Conservation initiatives, such as community-led afforestation and wildlife corridors, aim to safeguard its natural heritage.
Mysore’s rivers, hills, and forests are not just geographical features—they are the soul of a region that has harmonised nature with human ambition. From the Kaveri’s sacred waters to the tiger trails of Nagarhole, Mysore’s landscapes tell stories of resilience, spirituality, and coexistence.
As climate change and urbanisation loom, preserving this ecological wealth becomes imperative. Mysore’s geography reminds us that progress need not come at nature’s expense; instead, it can flourish through sustainable stewardship, ensuring that future generations inherit land as vibrant and life-sustaining as we cherish today.