The name of Mysore is associated and famous with the two great personalities - Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. The city of Mysore is regarded as the "Cultural Capital of Karnataka" and is the second biggest city of Karnataka also known as the "Garden City" and "City of Palaces". The tourism of Mysore is popular since the ancient time because of its picturesque location hemmed in by mountain range extending from north to south that mesmerized the foreigners especially French who joined hands with Tipu Sultan and made significant contributions in the field of art and culture.

Located 770m above sea level and 140 Kms from Bangalore, Mysore, the imperial city, was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars. Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore has never failed to mesmerize the tourists with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. However, the Mysore Palace, St. Philomena's Church, Shri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, Mysore Zoo, Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi Hill, Srirangpattnam etc. are the major components of Mysore tourism.

Several elegant public buildings, erected under the Woodenwares, enhance the wide, tree-lined streets. In the heart of the city is the Ameba Villas Palace. To its west is Agama Palace, built in 1902 to mark the coronation ceremony of Krishna raja III. It partly obscures a neo-classical structure, now the Cameramen Art Gallery, which houses an interesting collection of disparate objects including antique furniture, musical instruments, ceramics and ivory. On its top floor is a splendid collection of musical instruments, as well as magnificent paintings by the renowned 19th century artist from Errata, Raja Ra vi Vera.

In the Western part of the city is the Neo-Classical Ma nasa Angostura, the campus of My sore University. The Oriental Research Institute here houses a collection of Sanskrit manuscripts, while the Folklore Museum has one of the most important ethnographic collection of South Indian toys, Puppets and household objects, as well as toe wooden Chariots. On the way to Chapman Hill, 3 km (2 miles) southeast of My sore, is Plait Ma hal Palace, built in 1930. Formerly a private royal guest house, it is now a hotel. About halfway up the hill is the Nandi monolith, dating to 1659. Carved out of a single boulder, it is 7.5 am (25 ft) long and 5 am (16 ft) high. The richly decorated bull is depicted crouching. The Channels Temple, at the summit of the hill, was built in the 17th century by the Woodenwares and was later refurbished. It houses a beautifully decorated idol of Channels, the family deity of the Wodeyar kings.

Attractions

• Mysore Palace
  This is definitely the most visited tourist attraction in Mysore and also the grandest one. Mysore Palace once served as the residence of Wodeyar Kings. The magnificent palace is as extravagant from inside as it is scintillating from outside. The current structure was build after the original palace was partially destroyed by fire. It was completed in the year 1912 and was designed by the famous British architect Henry Irwin. The style of palace is Indo-Saracenic and amalgamates Hindu, Muslim and Gothic architectural styles. Step into Mysore Palace though the heavily crafted doors that open into large hallways and rooms decorated with splendid art works, carved pillars, ornate ceilings and many more embellishments. The palace now is a museum displaying artifacts like paintings, jewelry, gold items and many other things that once belonged to Wodeyar Dynasty. If possible, visit Mysore Palace on Sundays or on holidays when the entire palace is illuminated and gives a totally different sight. The palace is can be visited on all days from 10 AM to 5. 30 PM. The illumination on Sundays is done from 7 Pm to 8 PM.
  
  
• Chamundi Hills
  Chamundi Hill is named after the Goddess of Mysore "Goddess Chamundi". It is believed that through her meditation the Goddess protects the well being of the town below. She is an incarnation of Parvati (consort of Shiva), who killed the demon Mahishasura. Thus bringing peace to the country (Mysore is named after her). One thousand steps or a taxi takes one to the top of the hill. From the top one can get a bird's eye view of the Mysore City below, which looks very enchanting and beautiful. More than halfway up a 5 Mt high granite stone "Nandi" (Shiva's holy bull) guards over the city of Mysore. Sri Chamundeswari Temple on the summit is dedicated to the royal Wodeyar family's presiding deity, the "Goddess Chamundi."
  
  
• The Mysore Zoo
  Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as the Mysore Zoo established in 1892 under the reign of Chamarajendra Wodeyar.
  
  
• Somanathapura Temple
  The Keshava Temple, located 42 kms from Mysore, was built in 1268 as part of an agrahara, founded by the Hoysala General Somnatha Dandanayaka. It is famous for its elaborate detail and for the fact that unlike the other Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid, it was actually completed.
  
  
• Rail Museum
  Started in the year 1979, rail Museum of Mysore is among the oldest among many such museums in India. The major displays in the rail museum are the many paintings in the Chamundi Gallery relating to the development in Indian Railways. The two luxurious coaches kept in Sri Ranga pavilion, will definitely leave you mesmerized. One can also take a ride in the battery operated mini train which runs inside the premises itself.

How to Reach

• By Rail
  Mysore is connected to all major cities via Bangalore . The Shatabdi Express is a quick and convenient way to get to Mysore from Bangalore or Chennai. Direct trains operate to Mysore from Bangalore, New Delhi, Chennai, Thanjavur, Tirupathi, Mumbai and several other destinations. Trains also operate between Mysore-Nanjangud, Arsikere and Chamarajanagar.
• By Road
  There are private and KSRTC bus services to all major cities.
• Local Transport
  Private taxis, auto rickshaws and local bus services. KSRTC operates large number of services to several destinations, both in the State and outside. City buses also operate covering tourist spots. Private taxies are also available. KSTDC conducts tours to important places.