Mysore: A princely trip during Dussehra
Day 1 AM (Morning)
Bengaluru to Mysore on road: Started around 7 AM from Whitefield, took a breakfast pitstop at Shivalli Restaurant 2 (from the house of MTR) around 8:30 AM. After having sumptuous breakfast, resumed the journey around 9 AM.
Other recommended restaurants on the way include:
- Kamat Lokaruchi - comes before Shivalli
- Maddur Tiffany’s
On the way to Mysore, took a sightseeing halt at Srirangapatnam, starting with
1. Sri Ranganaathaswaami Gudi (Pancharanga Kshetra)
Reached around 10:20 AM, duration of visit: 40 minutes
Revered temple & pilgrimage site along the river, featuring ornate carvings & historic architecture. This temple is dedicated to Ranganathswamy, an incarnation of Shri Hari Vishnu. The temple is located on an island formed by the Kaveri River at a distance of 16 km from Mysore. This town was named Srirangapatna after the name of the Sriranganathaswamy temple.
2. Srirangapatnam Fort / Tipu Sultan Fort
There wasn't any specific sight to see as a fort within. The Sriranganathaswamy temple was housed within the fort, and beyond that there wasn't much to visit. There were quite a few guides near to the temple promising a tour of few historical locations within the fort premises. Their marketing pitch weren't convincing, and moreover we didn't have enough time to spent here as our aim was to reach Mysore Palace by noon. Google maps also didn't help much leading to the fort
3. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace
Reached around 11:00 AM, duration of visit: 20 minutes
Skipping the rest of the fort and river Kauvery, we headed to the summer place in the hope of architecture and palatial marvel. But to our disappointment, there wasn't much to see, with even the garden sparsely populated. Though crowded, not much to spend even at the museum within. The online ticketing system is a proof of the progress that the country has made in digitization and was quick and neat.
4. St. Philomena’s Cathedral
Reached around 11:50 AM, duration of visit: 20 minutes
One of the marvels, not to miss, thankfully in the rush to reach the Palace, we didn't miss a stop here. Was crowded, but had enough parking space. Is a great place for photos (especially of the church and its architecture), and prayers.
With a history of over 200 years, St Philomena’s church is one of the most popular tourist places in Mysore. Not just in Mysore but this church is a well-known tourist spot in the entire state of Karnataka. Take a break from exploring the history, sooth your mind at this divine tourist spot in Mysore. Initially built as a small church was then reconstructed by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar. It is one among the largest Cathedrals in the whole of South Asia.
5. Mysuru Palace
Timings : 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Duration of Visit : 100 minutes
Sound and Light show in English - Thursday to Saturday (7:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
Is residence of the Wadiyar or Wodeyar dynasty. Although the original Mysore Palace was built in the 14th century. It was a palace made of sandalwood, destroyed in 1912 in an accident. The Mysore Palace incorporates elements of Indian, Indo-Islamic, Neo-Classical, and Gothic styles. Three gates of the complex lead to the palace – the front gate (especially the eastern gate) is open for VVIPs and otherwise during the Dussehra; The South Gate is designated for the general public, and the west gate opens during the Dussehra. The three foremost attractions of the Mysore Palace are Durbar Hall, Amba Vilas, and Kalyan Mandap. Illuminated Mysore Palace Timings: 07.00- 7:45 pm (Only Sundays, National Holidays, and State Festivals). The construction is stunning to see from the outside, especially at night on Sundays and public holidays when it is lit with 97,000 lights.
Additional information available here
6. Mahesh Prasad Veg Restaurant (for Lunch)
Reached around 2:00 PM, duration of visit: 1 hour
After a hectic morning session, headed to the restaurant for a sumptuous lunch. Was too crowded, and had to wait for opportunistic turns like a musical chair to get a seat.
If Bisibele bath is one of your favourite south Indian foods, a trip to Mahesh Prasad restaurant is a must.
7. M PRO Palace
After a heavy lunch, headed to the hotel for check-in and a quick rest before the next leg of the tour resumes
Day 1 PM (Evening)
1. Brindavan Gardens
As we couldn't start early post check-in, we skipped this and headed directly to Venugopala Swamy temple.
Opens 3PM. 1 Hour to cover the garden. The most popular and exciting experience at this garden is the musical fountain that is scheduled in the evenings. Being one of its kind, Brindavan Garden attracts tourists from across the world.
2. Venugopala Swamy Temple
Reached around 5:40 PM, duration of visit: 30 minutes
One of the most iconic places on the back waters of the river Cauvery. The temple is well maintained, clean, beautiful and well built. Ample parking space is available on the premises. The only drawback is the approach roads from KRS dam to the location. The remains of Venugopalaswamy temple from that submerged village was taken and this new temple has been reconstructed. The temple sits on river front and the sight is incredible to look at. There is a replica of Hampi's stone chariot. Visit this place in the evening and it will mesmerise you. This temple was built in the 12th century AD around the same time as the Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura. Is a good spot for sunset.
3. Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
Due to heavy crowd and rush during Dusshera week, the traffic diversions and block didn't allow us to go to the temple during evening. Thus, went on the next day morning (Mahanavami Day), and my goodness the queue at the temple was too long (3+ hours). Vast multi-level parking and pathway thronged by shops.
The best time to visit the Chamundi temple is during Dusshera. This temple is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. It is about a thousand years old.
Visiting hours: 7:30 am - 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm - 9:00pm (every Friday from 6:00 am)
Though enquired and it wasn't easy to find, couldn't go to Chamundi Hill View Point. Was told that one can see amazing sunrises and sunsets from the hills, also can see the night view of Mysore from the top. With the lights lit the city looks beautiful.
Also skipped Sri Nandi Temple: Hindu temple dedicated to Nandi with a massive, popular sculpture of a bull carved from stone. About 16 feet in height and 24 feet long, this Nandi atop the Chamundi Hills is the third largest in India, whereas first in Hampi, second in Thanjavoor Tamil Nadu. The creation of this colossal image is attributed to Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar (1659–1673) on of the illustrious Maharajas of Mysore. As one visits the Sri Chamundeshwari temple above, chose to go down 300 steps to get to this one.
4. Dinner at Kapoor’s Cafe Mysuru - Sharada Devi Nagar
Day 2 AM (Morning)
Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapur
After a sumptuous breakfast at M Pro Palace, and check-out, headed to this temple and is worth every KM and time spent driving to this place
Is open from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Reached around 9:15 PM, duration of visit: 45 minutes
The Chennakesava Temple, also referred to as Chennakeshava Temple and Keshava Temple, is a Vaishnava Hindu temple on the banks of River Kaveri at Somanathapura, Karnataka, India. The temple was consecrated in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala King Narasimha III. An architectural masterpiece of a Temple dedicated to Lord Chennakesava (meaning “handsome Keshava”)
Shopping
A quick detour to Chamundeshwari Temple on the way back, before heading for shopping around Devaraja Market area for Mysore Pak at Guru Sweet Mart, and Silk clothing at Badsha Stores
Additional Notes
Other places to visit
- Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
- Art Gallery
Other restaurants that may be of interest (if time permitted)
The Old House - Café - Continental/Italian
The Alle Verdure pizza
For North Indian food
Their spicy mutton and chicken biryani are richly flavoured with spices, meaty and very appetising. The restaurant also has some great vegetarian dishes on their menu. Their unlimited vegetarian thali (platter of food) is quite popular.
Hotel Original Vinayaka Mylari - Small dining area, inside the streets. Limited seating only. The place is also known as, “The Creators of the Mysore Masala Dosa".
Vibrant streetside cafe with an easygoing vibe & a menu of mixed-fare standards. Burger/Sandwich
Thali for lunch
Chinese, Fast Food, Beverages, Sichuan
Tegu Mess is a hidden gem that serves some authentic Kannada cuisine to its clients.
For a meat lover, this restaurant, that is known for its local-style non-vegetarian food is paradise. The hearty meat-dishes on the menu, each with its special masala ground in-house, are sure to tickle your taste buds. The thick and spicy curries are served with generous portions of meat. Their famous ragi mudde (finger millet dumplings) and mutton curry will leave you licking your fingers and wanting more. The restaurant has several other curries on their menu along with neer dosa, idlis and ghee rice.
Best mutton pulao. The Hotel Hanumanthu Original, 1930 is one of the best place for all mutton eaters and hardcore mutton lovers. The restaurant has not changed its menu for last 70 years. All the food is still cooked in the open air using firewood, just like the original chef and owner Hanumanthu did. The restaurant serves mutton pulao right from the morning in the breakfast.
Other shopping places of interest (if time permitted)
To see the entire market, you should enter from either the north or south entrances. Bananas are the most popular fruit sold in the market with more than 40 different varieties to choose from.
Don’t miss Mysore Pak
Mysore Silk
The booming silk industry in Mysore speaks volumes for the art of rearing silkworms and producing silk in the region. The golden Zari border beautifying the graceful silk sarees are a mandatory add-on to your wardrobe.
Where to buy: KSIC Silk Factory and Showroom; Badsha Stores- The Silk Experience Since 1965
Mysore Pak
The origin of the sweet goes back to almost 70 years back when the king of Mysuru requested a certain cook to produce a unique sweet that would bear the name of the city. The cooks were referred to as, 'Nalapaka' the person who prepares sugar syrup or 'paka'. He made a rich satisfying delicacy with the goodness of flour, sugar and butter, naming it as Mysore Pak.
Where to buy: Guru Sweet Mart; Shree Mahalakshmi Sweets
Sandalwood Products
The connection between sandalwood products and the city can be traced to the golden era of Wodeyar kingdom. The Government Sandalwood Oil Factory was set up in the year 1916 by the King of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar along with Diwan Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The aim of this establishment was to utilize resources and produce the purest form of Sandalwood oil. Located at 2 kilometres away from the royal palace, the factory welcomes visitors for guided tours where they can see the different stages of the production of sandalwood oil. It is the best place that sells authentic sandalwood soaps, incense sticks, powder and oil.
Update: Post corona, there are no guided tours, nor visitors are allowed
Where to buy: Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium
Incense sticks
A paste composed of spices and gum is rolled around a thin bamboo stick, immersed in fragrant oils, when burnt releases heart-warming aroma. Incense sticks in jasmine, rose, sandalwood, lily and much more are worth collecting from the city of Mysore.
Where to buy: KR Circle
Other places to stay
Just 10 kms away from Mysore city, a unique retreat hotel – YOGADHAAMA is a perfect place to promote yoga and cultural tourism
Private room in bungalow. Wake up to the chirping of birds. You'll live in a quiet neighbourhood and in a home that has nature all-over
4-star hotel
Just 2kms from the famous Mysore Palace, 3kms from the railway station and 12kms from the Mysore airport
A very VFM hotel with large and clean rooms. The entire place is sports themed which makes it unique
Not to miss the experience. Can book through JLR
Comments
Post a Comment