Mysore Travel Guide - Attractions

Mysore is dominated by the spectacular Maharaja's Palace, around which the shady avenues of the city radiate. There are many markets to explore, beautifully laid-out gardens and some good museums. It is also famous for silk saris, sandalwood carvings and many varieties of perfumed incense sticks.

Mysore Palace: is built in Indo-Saracenic style with stunning domes, ornate arches, turrets and colonnades. There are some intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings with inlaid ivory work, marble figurines and works of art from all over the world. The Palace is illuminated on Sundays and Public Holidays with over 50,000 light bulbs creating a striking and memorable display.

The catacomb under the main alter features a reclining statue of St Philomena that is regularly visited by devotees from all regions. Another item of interest is the large organ situated in a gallery above the nave.

The Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery: (also known as Jaganmohan Palace) houses a treasure of masterpieces from the 19th century. The traditional and well-known ‘Gold leaf’ paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, along with oil paintings of contemporary artists like Raja Ravi Varma and Svetoslav Roerich.

The Sri Chamundeswari Temple: can be found on the Chamundi Hills. The foundations were built in the 12th century, while its tower is only about 300 years old. The major attraction of the temple is the idol of the Chamunda Devi which is made of solid gold. There is also a Nakshatra-Malike jewel with 30 Sanskrit shlokas inscribed on it.