Mysore was the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty which ruled Karnataka for some 150 years till the independence of the country from the British. The kings, great patrons of art and culture, developed Mysore as an important centre of religion, education and culture. It was the Wodeyars who instituted the tradition of the grand celebration of Dasara festival, the 10-day festivities that celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2010. Today, Mysore is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the charm of the old world while stepping into modernity with enthusiasm.

Sights to See

Mysore Maharaja’s Palace
Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, the palace is an imposing structure standing in the heart of the city. This palace was constructed on the foundations of an old palace which was partially destroyed in a fire in 1897 and was completed in 1907. Only the Gombi Totti, the Kalyana Mandapam containing life size paintings and murals of the Dasara Procession, Durbar Hall and the Amba Vilas used for private functions of the royal family, are open to visitors. The palace is illuminated every Sunday and on public holidays. It is closed only one day of the year, i.e., on the day of the Dussehra Procession. Timings: Daily 10 am to 5.30 pm. Entry Fee: Rs. 20, free for children below 10 years

Saint Philomena's Church
Built in the Gothic style, it has some beautiful stain glass windows. The only one of its kind in this part of the world, the imposing building of the church brings to mind the architectural styles of the medieval times. Timings: 7 am to 3 pm. Entry free .

Folklore Museum
Manasagangotri (Timings: 10 am to 1.30 pm & 2.30 to 5.30 pm, closed on Sundays).

beautiful gardens, efforts have been made to create a natural habitat for a variety of birds and beasts. It also contains several rare species of birds and animals, some of which have been successfully bred in captivity. Timings: Daily 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Rail Museum:
Located behind the railway station is the little known but impressive Rail Museum with its priceless locomotives, coaches and collection of paintings and photographs narrating the ‘Rail Stories’. The prize exhibit of the museum is the Maharani’s saloon built in the UK. (Timings: 10 am to 1 pm & 3 to 5.30 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
Housed in the Jaganmohan Palace, it has paintings of the members of the royal family, works of Raja Ravi Verma and other Indian and Western Painters, a display of furniture, glass and china ware, oriental and western decorative arts, sculptures and musical instruments. The Palace building was built in 1861 and was converted into an Art Gallery during the reigns of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. It used to serve as a royal auditorium and is still used as one for the public. Timings: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm daily .