Mysore in the south Indian state of Karnataka is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the old world charms with its many institutions that propagate Carnatic Classical music and dance. 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 godess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi hill near Mysore, from which it derived its name. Ever since, the Mysore royal family have worshipped Chamundeshwari as the palace deity. Hills dedicated to her stand at the eastern end of Mysore town today.

Mysore is the second largest city in the Indian state of Karnataka. Mysore is the administrative seat of Mysore District, and Mysore Division. Mysore is located at 770 m above sea level at at 12.18° N 76.42° E and is 135 km from Bangalore, the state capital. The city is known for its palaces and proximity to several attractions. Along with Sandalwood products and crafts, Mysore is known for its celebration of the ten day Navaratri (Dasara) festival held every year.

The history of Mysore has been closely linked with the history of the Kingdom of Mysore. References from the times of Mahabharata and Asoka refer to Mahisha Nadu or Mahisha Mandala. References can also be found in Tamil literature about Ezimahi Nadu.The earliest documented evidence of the town is in the form of stone carvings in old Kannada(Saasanas) found in villages around Mysore, inscribed around 1021 CE. From 1499 the name Mahisūru has been recorded in inscriptions. During the rule of the Vijayanagar Empire, Mysore kingdom served as feudatory, gaining sovereignty after the fall of the empire in 1565 CE. Till the year 1610, when Srirangapatna was acquired, Mysore was the center of administration. It became the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore after the death of Tippu Sultan in 1799 [1]. The administrative center was shifted to Bangalore in 1831, as the British moved their garrison from Srirangapatnam (Outskirts of Mysore) to Bangalore, thereby establishing the Bangalore Cantonment. Mysore once again became the capital of the kingdom in 1881 with the rendition of power by the British to the Wodeyars. Most present day historical landmarks, and organisation of the city of Mysore were inspirations of the Wodeyar kings and their Dewans. Plans for organised development of the city exist as far back as 1904. Several structures were built around late 1800's and early 1900's.

Chamundi Hills

Situated at the top of 1,100 ft high Chamundi Hills, is the temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the royal family's patron deity. One may reach the temple either through a 13 km drive or climb the 1,000 stone steps. Near the temple is the gigantic statue of Mahishasura, the demon that had been killed by the Goddess Durga. Midway up along the stone steps, is the 300 year old 4.8 m monolithic statue of Nandi Bull, chosen mount of Lord Shiva. Its main attraction is its size and the amazing craftsmanship of its ornaments - from its delicate anklets to the awesome pendant bell around its neck.

Srirangapatnam

15 km from Mysore, Srirangapatnam has many captivating sites including the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, which was built in 1784 in the Indo-Saracenic architecture. It also boasts a small museum displaying Tipu's trivia such as a gold-embroidered tunic, old paintings and a coin collection. Then, there is Gumbaz, the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan and his father, Hyder Ali. Another famous place to visit is Jami Masjid. The slender minarets of this mosque are visible from several kilometers.

Brindavan Gardens

Brindavan Gardens has watercourses bordering the well-manicured steps of these world famous terrace gardens. Musical fountains with soft coloured lights are sites of attraction here.

Chamundi Temple

Mysore Lalitha Mahal Palace : The snow-white Lalitha Mahal, the guesthouse of Wodeyar rulers was built in the 1930s. The attraction of the palace is a staircase of Italian marble branching off from a landing to reach the first floor hall. Now, converted into a prestigious hotel of the India Tourism Development Corporation, Lalitha Mahal is surrounded by lush green lawns and stately trees.

Mysore Palace

Built in & around 1897 AD in Saracenic style, the Mysore Palace is a find composition of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Designed by an English architect, the palace was built in place of an earlier palace burnt down in 1897 and was completed in 1912. The entire palace is tastefully shaped with massive gray granite stones, beautiful and colourful gem stones, paintings etc. There is a temple within the royal courtyard, from where the Dussehra procession starts in the month of October. The museum of the palace houses a collection of musical instruments, children's toys, many paintings, costumes and weapons belonging to the Maharaja's family.

By Air

The nearest airport is in Bangalore, 140 km from Mysore, which has daily flights to most of the important cities in India

By Rail

Mysore is well connected with regular trains to most of the metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. The railway station is almost 2 km from the city center.

By Road

Mysore has a good network of roads connecting it to the other important cities of the region.

Mysore is famous for its sandalwood products, oil, and fine silk fabrics, especially the hand-woven silk sarees and garments, at competitive prices world over. The main shopping area is on Sayaji Rao Road in the main city. During the festival season, one can buy wares from all over the country from exhibitions. Other traditional handicrafts of Mysore available in Mysore are rosewood, sandalwood, copperware, stone and brass, wooden furniture, sandalwood powder and perfumes and lacquer ware.