Mysore: One City, Many Wonders!

Mysore is a city of many wonders - natural or otherwise. If youre planning a trip to Mysore this Dasara, heres a list of places you must visit! With tongas and palaces, Mysore recreates the old-world charm that you cannot probably miss even if you wanted to... #13;Mysore has earned the title of being the cultural capital of Karnataka. Being a former princely state, the city and its people are a patron of arts and crafts. Be it the Mysore style of painting or the soft sweet dish Mysore Pak or the traditional turban called Mysore Peta or world famous Mysore silk saree, Mysore has made a mark in traditional industries. Kannada literature that pours in from Mysore knows few parallels. Tourism is not an inch behind. The ten day Dasara festivities attract people from all over the world in huge numbers. Heres what Mysore has in store for tourists... #13; Amba Vilas Palace, or the Mysore Palace, was the official residence of the Wodeyars of Mysore. With time, the royal lineage has shifted to the extended building of the palace. Mysore Palace is said to be the most visited tourist spot in India listed only after the magnificent Taj Mahal. The visiting timings is from 10.00 am to 5.30 pm. Established in 1892 under royal patronage, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens or the Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the entire world. The zoo houses the most number of Indian elephants compared to all other zoos in India. Mysore zoo is also the first to launch electronic ticketing. Karanji lake is a small island that was taken over by the Mysore Zoo authorities in 1976. The lake has to its credit a butterfly park and Indias biggest walk-through aviary. Also, the Regional Museum of Natural History lies on the banks of this lake.147 species of birds including the Grey Pelican, Ibis, Painted Stork, and Egret migrate to the lake every year. Krishna Raja Sagara Dam or KRS Dam is built across River Kaveri. This is the main source of irrigation to Mysore and Mandya. Sir M. Vishveshvarayya was the chief engineer of the dam. It is a visual treat when River Kaveri gushes in at the very instant the gates are let open. Brindavan Gardens is the ornamental gardens built across KRS Dam. The elegant Brindavan gardens are inspired by the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir. The musical and dancing fountains here mesmerize visitors of all age groups alike. Mysore is also called the City of Palaces. Jaganmohan Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in Mysore. The former residence of the royal family of Mysore, the palace has been converted into an arts gallery today. The beautiful depictions of Dasara festivities and the famed paintings of Raja Ravi Verma are the highlights. Located in the heart of the city, Kukkarahalli Lake is part of the Mysore University campus. Come the migratory season, avaitors beautify the lake. Birds from Siberia are said to migrate here each year. The walkway and stone benches make it comfortable for visitors. An outdoor exhibition of vintage motors, the rail museum of Mysore is the second in the country after the National Rail Museum in Delhi. It was established in 1979 by Indian Railways. A mini-train comes as a joy-ride at the location for kids to enjoy!