Mysore Zoo
Mysore zoo is a 245 acre zoo located near the palace in Mysore It is one of the oldest and most popular zoo in south India and it is the most popular attraction of the city.It was established under royal patronage in 1892. It is one of the oldest zoo in the world.
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Chamundi Hills
A well known 335 metres high landmark,Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century.Half-way up along the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva’s Bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith.At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars.Close to the temple is the gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore’s lakes, parks and palaces.
Brindavan Gardens
Located at the KR Sagar Dam [Kannambadi], Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films. Special attractions include the ‘Dancing Fountains’. In Dec 2004 the entire garden was revamped with new fountains and lights.
St. Philomena’s Church
A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style,is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the gothic style,the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers.
The Art Gallery
The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings which date back to that period. The artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional Mysore ‘gold leaf ‘ paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary artist like Raja Ravi Varma and Svetoslav Roerich.
Around Mysore
Daria Daulat Bagh Tipu’s Summer Palace,built in 1784,is located here.Made of teak,this Indo-Sarcenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescos.It is now a museum and tells eloquently of Tipu’s valor and his losing battle against the British.
Fort
It is here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with his legendary sword.An obelisk in the fort marks the place where he fell -betrayed by his own men.The fort holds within it,a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple.Outside the fort is the Gumbaz,Tipu’s tomb with splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory.
Himvad Gopalaswamy Hills
This is a popular hill resort and a trekker’s delight as well.It is situated in the verdant western ghats of Mysore District.The temple here is dedicated to Lord Hoysala.
Melkote
Situated 50 Kms.north of Mysore,Melkote is a sacred pilgrim centre,known for its Vairamundi festival in March-April.More than one lakh devotees congregate here for the festival.Melkote is also famous for its handlooms.Ramanucharya,the Shrivaishnava saint-philosopher,took shelter here from his persecutors.
Talakad
48 Kms from Mysore,It is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery and is completely buried beneath sand dunes.Only the Dravidian style Vaidyeshwara temple is visible above the ground.Its temples are opened for ceremonial worship on special occasions -once in twelve years.
Shivsamudra
85 Kms east of Mysore,where the river Cauvery cascades down in two picturesque waterfalls,is Shivsamudra.Falling down from a height of 75 m into a deep gorge,these falls are best during the monsoons.1.5 kms.away is Asia’s first hydro-electric power project set up in 1905.
Nagarhole National Park
93 kms.from Mysore, in the forest of Nagarhole, is a National Park.Abounding in a rich variety of wildlife, one can find elephants, antelopes and even leopards here.
Kabini River Lodge Situated 80 kms. from Mysore in the Karapur forests is the old hunting lodge of the Maharajas and Viceroys. The lodge on the banks of the river Kabini arranges jeep rides into the jungle and coracle rides on the Kabini for bird watching. A naturalist guide helps you identify the many varieties of birds and wild beasts.
B.R. Hills
This picturesque hill range,at a height of 5091 ft.,is 120 kms. from Mysore and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna.The temple on the hill,dedicated to Biligiri Rangaswamy attracts
devotees round the year.
Mysore zoo is a 245 acre zoo located near the palace in Mysore It is one of the oldest and most popular zoo in south India and it is the most popular attraction of the city.It was established under royal patronage in 1892. It is one of the oldest zoo in the world.
To see more pictures and videos
ENTER THE ZOO
Chamundi Hills
A well known 335 metres high landmark,Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century.Half-way up along the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva’s Bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith.At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars.Close to the temple is the gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore’s lakes, parks and palaces.
Brindavan Gardens
Located at the KR Sagar Dam [Kannambadi], Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films. Special attractions include the ‘Dancing Fountains’. In Dec 2004 the entire garden was revamped with new fountains and lights.
St. Philomena’s Church
A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style,is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the gothic style,the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers.
The Art Gallery
The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings which date back to that period. The artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional Mysore ‘gold leaf ‘ paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary artist like Raja Ravi Varma and Svetoslav Roerich.
Around Mysore
Daria Daulat Bagh Tipu’s Summer Palace,built in 1784,is located here.Made of teak,this Indo-Sarcenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescos.It is now a museum and tells eloquently of Tipu’s valor and his losing battle against the British.
Fort
It is here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with his legendary sword.An obelisk in the fort marks the place where he fell -betrayed by his own men.The fort holds within it,a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple.Outside the fort is the Gumbaz,Tipu’s tomb with splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory.
Himvad Gopalaswamy Hills
This is a popular hill resort and a trekker’s delight as well.It is situated in the verdant western ghats of Mysore District.The temple here is dedicated to Lord Hoysala.
Melkote
Situated 50 Kms.north of Mysore,Melkote is a sacred pilgrim centre,known for its Vairamundi festival in March-April.More than one lakh devotees congregate here for the festival.Melkote is also famous for its handlooms.Ramanucharya,the Shrivaishnava saint-philosopher,took shelter here from his persecutors.
Talakad
48 Kms from Mysore,It is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery and is completely buried beneath sand dunes.Only the Dravidian style Vaidyeshwara temple is visible above the ground.Its temples are opened for ceremonial worship on special occasions -once in twelve years.
Shivsamudra
85 Kms east of Mysore,where the river Cauvery cascades down in two picturesque waterfalls,is Shivsamudra.Falling down from a height of 75 m into a deep gorge,these falls are best during the monsoons.1.5 kms.away is Asia’s first hydro-electric power project set up in 1905.
Nagarhole National Park
93 kms.from Mysore, in the forest of Nagarhole, is a National Park.Abounding in a rich variety of wildlife, one can find elephants, antelopes and even leopards here.
Kabini River Lodge Situated 80 kms. from Mysore in the Karapur forests is the old hunting lodge of the Maharajas and Viceroys. The lodge on the banks of the river Kabini arranges jeep rides into the jungle and coracle rides on the Kabini for bird watching. A naturalist guide helps you identify the many varieties of birds and wild beasts.
B.R. Hills
This picturesque hill range,at a height of 5091 ft.,is 120 kms. from Mysore and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna.The temple on the hill,dedicated to Biligiri Rangaswamy attracts
devotees round the year.
