Mysore is a historic city in Karnataka, India that was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore. It is known for its grand palaces and architecture. Some of the top tourist attractions in Mysore include the Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens, and Mysore Zoo. Mysore also hosts major festivals throughout the year, most notably the 10-day Dussehra festival celebrated in October and November with music, dance, sports and a torchlight parade on the last day. Mysore has a pleasant climate year-round and offers tourists natural parks, monuments, temples and lakes both within the city and in surrounding areas.

1. TOURISM IN
MYSORE
BY
P R AT H I K S H A

2. HISTORY
• Mysore city was the capital of the old royal Mysore province. The word
Mysore expands to "Mahishasurana Ooru" which means the town of
Mahishasura. The story goes that the demon Mahishasura was killed by
goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi hill near Mysore, hence the
name. Ever since, the Mysore royal family has worshipped
Chamundeshwari as the palace deity. Hills dedicated to her stand at the
eastern end of Mysore town today.
• The Wodeyar family ruled Mysore since 14th century except for a short
period of 40 years when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers. Mysore
has never failed to mesmerize the tourists with its quaint charm, rich
heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing
buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. The charm of this city
leaves no one untouched.

3. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
• Dussehra in Mysore is a sight one would remember for a long time even
after leaving the place. It is believed that the presiding deity of the city has
the power to conquer evil forces and this has led the citizens to celebrate
the festival with much gaiety and fervor.
• The tradition of celebrating Dussehra with such grandeur started with the
16th-century rulers of Vijayanagar. After the disintegration of Vijayanagar
Empire, the tradition was kept alive by rulers of Mysore and continues till
now.
• During the month of October and November, for ten days the Dussehra
festival is celebrated and the city is at its colorful best with music and
dance, Sports, Literary competitions, fairs and exhibitions all over. All this
culminates in the Dussehra procession and a torchlight parade on the

4. TOURISM IN MYSORE
• Mysore is located in the South Indian state of Karnataka around 140 km
from Bangalore. The city extends from latitude 12°18' in the North to
longitude 76°42' in the East. Mysore is well connected through road and
rail networks with other parts of Karnataka and India.
• Mysore Tourist Places offers a variety of attractions. Over the years
Mysore city as attracted tourists from all over the world, to see the
splendor of the city of Mysore. Tourist attractions includes prehistoric
sites, monuments, museums, forts, temples, mosques, churches and zoo.
Historic city of Mysore is famed for its magnificent palaces and majestic
buildings, sprawling gardens and tree lined boulevards, simmering Silks
and Sandalwood, Handicrafts etc,.

5. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN MYSORE
• Mysore palace
• Chamundi Hills
• Brindavan gardens
• Mysore zoo
• St. Philomena’s Church
• The Railway Museum
• Jaganmohan Palace
• Lalith Mahal Palace
• Karanji Lake
• Kukkarahalli Lake

6. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AROUND
MYSORE
• Srirangapatna
• Bandipur National Park
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
• Shivanasamudra Falls
• Talakadu
• Melukote
• Nagarahole National Park
• Somanathapura
• Bylakuppe

7. BEST TIME TO VISIT
The weather in Mysore is pleasant throughout the year. The
summers are warm and winters cool. April is the hottest
month with the daily temperatures varying between 21°C
and 34°C while in December, the coldest month here, the
temperatures ranges from 16°C to 27°C. The average
annual rainfall in the district is 761.9 mm. One can visit the
city any time of the year but it is advisable to avoid the
rainy seasons.