Tourist Attractions around Mysore

 Mysore was the capital city of the old Mysore State. The city is situated at a distance of 138 kms to the south west of Bangalore. The Mahabharata refers to the city as “Mahisamati” in connection with an expedition of the Pandava Prince Sahadeva. Raja Raja Deva – A Chola prince ruled over Mysore in 9th century. Gangas were ruling over this territory between 103 and 1022 AD. The Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijyanagara and Mysore kings ruled over the country in succession. It is one of the most beautiful, calm and attracting cities. It is a city of gardens, palaces and temples. It is also described as fairy land of South India.

Mysore Palace

The main palace built inside a spacious courtyard covers an area of 245 x 156 ft. It is built of massive gray granite. It is mainly a 3 storied building dominated by a five storied tower which is about 145 ft from the ground to the gold flag on its summit. This is built inside a fort of four gates on cardinal points. It consists of great courtyard, the marriage (peacock), pavilion, Durbar hall, the Armoury, the music and drawing room. An image of Shri. Chamaraja Wodeyar is placed under a gold gilded dome in front of the north gate. in the south of this in another circle is the image of His Highness Shri. Krishna Raja Wodeyar. The walls on the ground floor has Dasara processions painted on them by the local painters. The great Durbar hall is on the second floor and about that are private apartments. The west wall of this hall adorns the picture stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata the work of the great painters like Raja Ravi Verma of Travancore.

Chamundi Hill

Chamundi hill stands at a distance of 3 kilometers to the south east of the fort rising to a height of 1050 mts above the sea level. It takes its name from the Goddess Kali or Chamundi, the consort of Shiva, who is worshipped in a temple on the summit. He is also the family deity of Maharaja of Mysore. The oldest temple on the top of the hills is Mahabaleswara Temple standing to the south of Chamundi Temple. Constructed in 13th century AD. The temple is a fine quadrangular structure with the high Gopuradwara which is landmark for many miles. There is a huge stucco figure of Mahishasura who ws killed by Goddess Chamundi. At two thirds of the way up is a monolithic colossal figure of Nandi of 5 meters which was worshipped by Maharajas.

St. Philomena’s Church

The 165 Ft and dazzling medieval style of stained glass interior of the St. Philomena’s Church is truly a majestic sight. The Gothic structure designed by French architects is said to be built on the lines of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York and the Gothic Church at Cologne in Germany. The huge church has a crypt in which there is a statue of St. Philomena, a 3rd century saint from Greece, in sleeping posture and a piece of her bone is preserved here at the centre of a beautiful shield. This statue of St. Philomena is housed in the underground chamber. The many splendours of medieval architecture are embodied in this unique structure that attracts the attention of one and all. The Catholic Mission headed by a Bishop maintains the church.

Brundavan Gardens

A pleasant garden adjacent to the dam constructed across the river Cauveri during the reign of his highness Shri. Krishnaraja Wodeyar Bahadur, is situated at a distance of 12 kms to the North west of Mysore. The garden is full of different kinds of artificial waterfalls and colorful fountains with beautiful plants. An image of Goddess Cauveri is seen in a niche, on the western wall of the dam, facing east, just at the entrance of the garden. It holds a pitcher in its front hands out of which water is made to fall out constantly.

Sri Ranga Patna

It is in the way side of the railway station between Mysore and Bangalore, 19 kms away from Mysore and is linked by road and rail. This is an island town enriched by river Cauvery. The temple of LORD SRIRANGANATHA is said to have been built by the Chieftain Thirumalaiah in 894 AD. This was once the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan – “The Tiger of Mysore”. in the 18th century Maratha’s attacked Srirangapatna and forced heavy payments. Hyder drew back the Marathas and saved the kingdom. In the year 1799 Tipu fought a fierce battle (Battle of Mysore) against the British and fell bravely defending his capital. Srirangapatna remains in a ruined state recalling the battles fought and the past glory.

Tipus Palace

TIPU’S palace, place of Tipu’s death, Daria daulat bagh, Juma Masjid, the Gumbaz, Temples and other tourist spots in and around Mysore – Varahaswamy temple- Built by Chikkadebaraja Wodeyar. Destroyed by Tippu Sultan.

·         Prasana Krishnaswamy temple – Founded by Krishnaraja Wodeyar in the year 1825.

·         Trineswara Temple – this is a large dravidian structure situtaed to the east of the palace.

·         Laxminarayanaswamy – This is the oldest Temple in the city.

·         Ranganatha Temple – The largest Temple in the State.

·         Narashima Temple – Situated to the south of Rangnatha Temple.

Other tourist spots in and around Mysore

·         Jaganmohan art gallery

·         Railway Museum

·         Lalita Mahal Palace

·         Zoo Gardens

·         The Lake of Thousand Lines Ranganathittu

·         Dussehera Grounds

·         Old Masjid

·         Delhi Gate and Bridge

·         Singing Arch

·         Melkot

·         Tibetan golden temple, Gurupura & Bailkuppa

·         Niserga dama at Kaveri River Bank

·         Sravanabelagola and many more

 

• Mysore is the second biggest city in the State of Karnataka. It lies 130 km's from the State Headquarters, Bangalore. It is the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled Mysore State from this royal city. It is now the headquarters of Mysore District with a population of over seven lakhs. The chief language of the people, as in the State of Karnataka, is Kannada and original Kannada is spoken in this part of the area. It covers an area of more than 40 sq.km. and is administered by the Mysore City Corporation. Situated 763 meters above sea level surrounded by hill ranges from north to south, it is known as the 'Garden City' and the 'City of Palaces'. The famous Chamundi Hill, which is mythologically associated with the name of the city, is to its southeast.
• Mysore is associated with the Pouranic story that is found in the Devi Bhagavatha. According to this story in the mythological Devi Purana, Mysore was ruled by the demon-king Mahishasura. He was called Mahishasura, because he was a buffalo-headed monster. Hearing to the prayers of Gods and Goddess to save them from the monster, Goddess Parvathi, wife of Lord Siva, took birth as Chamundi or Chamundeswari and killed the monster. Hence, this place came to be known as Mahishuru, the city of demon Mahisha. After killing the demon, the Goddess resided atop the Chamundi Hills where she is worshipped with reverence and devotion even today. However, the original name of the hill is 'Mahabaladri Hills' and it derived the name Chamundi Hills at a later period, after 17th century.
• The earliest mention of Mysore or Mahishur historically is referred to the time of King Ashoka in 245 B.C. On the conclusion of the third Buddhist convocation, Ashoka is said to have despatched a monk to Mahishamandala for the purpose of spreading Buddhism. However, some historians have viewed that this Mahishamandala does not relate to Mysore or Mahishur. Some edicts of Ashoka have been found in the northern parts of the present Karnataka State. Similar reference is also found in the epic work, Mahabharata. According to this legend, King Yudhishtira is said to have sent an expedition and Sahadeva made an attack on Mahishmati. However, experts are of the opinion that the reference made in this epic, one of the oldest legends of an historical haracter, is not related to Mysore. 

Maharajas of Mysore

• Till the rise of Gangas in 10th century we find very little or no evidence at all relating to Mysore. The Ganga dynasty established its reign in the 2nd century and the Ganga kings ruled over the greater part of Mysore till about 1004. They established their capital in the 3rd century at Talakad, on the bank of the Cauvery river in T.Narasipur Taluk. One of their inscriptions has been traced in the Chamundi Hills. The inspection of 950 A.D. is the earliest inscription found in Mysore. After Gangas, Cholas rose to power and ruled for over a century. The Chalukyas followed them. Mysore was a part of Chalukya Prince Narasinga's kingdom in the 10th century. The Cholas built a few temples in Mysore. Hoysalas drove out the Cholas from Mysore region in the 12th century. Hoysalas, who are known for their famous temples, built or expanded the existing temples in Mysore and on the Chamundi Hills. Their 11th and 12th century inscriptions are found in Mysore.
• The Mysore Yadu dynasty came to power in 1399 A.D. They were feudatories to the Vijayanagar kings, who followed the Hoysalas. They also contributed to the development of temples in Mysore. Bettada Chamaraja Wadiyar, the raja of Mysore, rebuilt the small fort of Mysore in 1584 A.D. He made Mysore his headquarters and called the place as 'Mahishura Nagara' or the city of Mahishur. Several inscriptions of 17th century and later period make reference to Mysore as 'Mahishuru'. Raja Waidyar shifted the capital of his kingdom from Mysore to Srirangapatna in 1610 A.D. However, after the fall of Srirangapatna and death of Tipu Sultan in 1799, Mysore became the capital of the Wadiyars again. The transformation of Mysore from a small town confined to the limits of the Fort to a modern township began at the period of Krishnaraja Wadiyar III. It was Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV who developed Mysore into a handsome city with excellent planning. He brought fame to Mysore as a city of wide roads, imposing building and fairy parks.
• Several Kannada works make reference to Mysore. But it is the famous Kannada work, "Kantirava Narasaraja Vijaya", written in 1648, which gives a beautiful description of Mysore. Poet Govinda Vaidya, author of the work, describes King Kantirava Narasaraja Wadiyar as "Maisoora Narasarajendra". He exhorts the beauty of "Maisooru", the "Sriman Mahabalachala" (Sri Mahabaladri Hills), "Bettada Chamundi" (Goddess Chamundi atop the hills), the Palace, the fort, the streets, the parks and the people in the town of Mysore. The very first chapter is dedicated to this beautiful description, the landmarks of which are to be found even today. Similar references to Mysore are also found in Kannada classics like "Chikka Devendra Vamshavali" (1680 A.D.), "Soundara Kavya" of Noorondayya (1740 A.D.) and "Krishnaraja Vilasa" (1815 A.D.)

 

 

Nagarhole National Park:

Also known as "Rajiv Gandhi National Park", is located 40 kilometers from Hunsur and  94 kilometers from Mysore in Karnataka in South India. It is spread between Kodagu district and Mysore district. Located to the north-west of Bandipur National Park, Kabini reservoir separates the two. The park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys, and waterfalls. The park has a healthy tiger-predator ratio, and tiger, Indian bison, and elephant are much more populous here than in Bandipur.

The park stretches over 643 square kilometres (248 sq mi), protecting the wildlife of Karnataka. Together with the adjoiningBandipur National Park (870 km² (340 sq mi)), Mudumalai National Park (320 km² (120 sq mi)) and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary(344 km² (133 sq mi)), it forms the largest protected area in Southern India, totalling 2,183 km² (843 sq mi).

The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000⁺ km²), including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

The park was an exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore. This place derives its name from naga, meaning snake and hole, referring to streams. It was set up in 1955 as a wildlife sanctuary and later converted into a national park in year 1988.

The Jenu Kurubas, primary inhabitants of this forest area, are a tribe in Karnataka state and their traditional practices and rituals are slowly disappearing. The government is restricting their entry inside the National park and forest due to multiple factors including but not limited conservation efforts and bringing the community to the mainstream society.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, identified the Jenu Kuruba and the Koraga as tribal groups in Karnataka. The Jenu Kurubas are traditional food gatherers and honey collectors. In Kannada, the term ‘Jenu’ means ‘honey’ and the term ‘kuruba’ generally mean ‘shepherd’. It is derived from the Kannada word ‘kuri’ which means ‘sheep’. The term kuruba is also associated with non-shepherd communities. They speak a variant form of Kannada commonly known as Jenu-nudi within their family kin group, and Kannada with others. They use Kannada script. According to the Census of 1981, the population of Jenu Kuruba community is 34,747 out of which 17,867 are male and 16,880 are female.

The Jenu Kurubas are found scattered in the jungles as with other tribal groups. They are excellent climbers of tree and are skilled in the use of sling, bows and arrows. They demonstrate a strong emotional attachment to the forest as their mother deity and represents a whole way of life. Their food, dress, worship, house, medicine storing articles furniture etc. all are linked with forest. Parts of the tribe which have resisted exposure to civilization still live in thatched huts made of mud, leaves and grass.

A significant population of this community have adopted the civilized ways of life an have moved out of the forest in the last decade, thanks to relocation efforts by the Government of India and other NGOs operating in this region. For those still in the forest, health is one of the serious problems due to unhygienic living conditions, lack of access to clean water, under nourishment, malnutrition and superstitious ways of life. Their food habits differ significantly from the civilized communities. They generally consume edible roots and tubers while occasionally consuming wild animal meat as well.

The Jenu Kurubas mainly depend on forest for their day to day life. They occupy forested regions where for a long period in their history, they lived in isolation but in harmony with nature. They demonstrate significant knowledge of the forest including varied species of flora and fauna and relate to the forest very well. Collecting honey, wax and other forest produce like roots and tubers has been the mainstay of their survival and in recent times they have been found selling them in the market through organized trade groups, both legal and illegal which has led to a furore of angst amongst the conservationists.

Many of the cultural traits they have are common with the neighbouring tribes such as Betta Kuruba / Kadu Kuruba. In the forest the tribes also practice agriculture, the main crops grown are Ragi, Cow gram, Bengal gram, Horse gram and black gram.

In the recent years, a lot of commercialization has occurred due to increase in tourism and fragmentation of forest ranges leading to severe. The tribal communities have long since given up the traditional ways of life and have easily indulged in poaching activities and indiscreet hunting of birds and forest animals. Numerous cases of such assistance provided by the tribal folk to poachers in trying to sell game, live or dead, medicinal herbs have been observed and controlled by the forest department leading to a clash between the tribal communities protected by law and law enforcement agencies. To resolve this conflict and imminent threat to the bio-diversity in this forest, numerous relocation efforts and anti-poaching efforts have been made in the last decade. An increase in poaching was attributed to the tribal support received by poachers in getting guidance from the tribal groups to navigate the forest and tracking game, in exchange for money or other supply of necessaries.

Tourism

The park is usually closed for safaris during mating season of animals and during monsoon. Traffic movement is restricted to 6 pm to 6 am every day and the gates are closed on either sides of entry into the forest.

The forest department houses visitors in lodges in the Murkal guest houses (approx 40 km from Hunsur) and also near the RFO office in the park itself. Safaris are organized in the Forest department vans two time a day; early morning and evening.

Regular education camps are conducted for school children and the forest department provides special concessions for tours organized for school children.