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Located in the Indian state of Karnataka, Mysore was the former capital of this region. A city of palaces, people and smells, the princely city of Mysore is worth a visit whatever the month or season. Mysore is a dream city that never lets down the visitors with its clean, light and easygoing environment. Even with the growth of the city in response to modernization, Mysore has acquired only a mild change of pace.
The city of Mysore offers a visitor an insight into the lifestyles, cultures and traditions of its erstwhile rulers. The palaces and temples around the city speak volumes about heritage and architecture of the medieval times and the kind of patronage the city received from its rulers. The Chamundi Hills that towers over the city like a colossus houses a temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the royal family's patron deity. About 15 km from the royal city of Mysore lies the town of Srirangapatnam where the summer palace of Tipu Sultan is located. The Brindavan Gardens are world-famous terrace gardens bordered by watercourses. The Lalitha Mahal Palace, built in the 1930s, has now been converted into a prestigious hotel of the India Tourism Development Corporation. The Mysore Palace, built in Saracenic style, shows both Hindu as well as Muslim influences.
A visit to the places around Mysore casts light on the region's rich heritage. The temples of Somnathpur (35 km), Belur and Halebid give an insight into Hoysala dynasty while the Bandipur National Park and the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary showcase the region's bio-diversity.
Dussehra (September/October) in Mysore is a sight to remember even after leaving the place. It is believed that the presiding deity of the city has the power to conquer evil forces and this has led the citizens to celebrate the festival with much gaiety and fervour.
History:
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 goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi hill near Mysore. Ever since, the Mysore royal family has worshipped Chamundeshwari as the palace deity. Hills dedicated to her stand at the eastern end of Mysore town today.
The Wodeyar family ruled Mysore since 14th century except for a short period of 40 years in later 18th century when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers. The kingdom again returned back to the Wodeyar family in 1799 when Tipu Sultan surrendered finally in a war against the English. Mysore has always fascinated with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Mysore still retains much of its carefully built character of a Maharaja's capital. The city's meticulous planning, testify to the benevolent rule of the Wodeyar kings. The Wodeyar dynasty moulded the city's identity as a 'native' princely state. Beyond Mysore's architectural heritage, the city's long-held tradition of music and dance, art and literature, scholarship and time-honoured crafts were nurtured under their patronage.
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