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13 Unknown Facts About Mysore

By Akshatha Vinayak

Mysore was the capital of the Wodeyar Kingdom for a long time. There are so many unknown facts about Mysore which is quite surprising to know.

Mysore is the second fastest growing city in Karnataka after Bangalore. Once, a capital of the Princely State of Mysore, the city maintains its royal charm till today. Mysore is also one of the most popular weekend getaways from Bangalore.

It has seen modern development from ages; the Wodeyars brought in new things to the betterment of the city. Today, Mysore is a well known tourist place and most visited in Karnataka. Even people from Bangalore love to travel around this beautiful city.

So, let us know some interesting facts about Mysore city!

One of the First Planned Cities

One of the First Planned Cities

Mysore is one of the first cities in Asia to have undertaken a planned development. Today it is the 2nd biggest city in Karnataka after Bangalore.
Photo Courtesy: Nagesh Kamath

The Name Mysore is an Anglicised Version

The Name Mysore is an Anglicised Version

Mysore's original name is Mahishuru; the legend says, the place was ruled by the demon Mahishasura. Goddess Chamundeshwari killed the demon to protect the people and today Chamundeshwari temple atop Chamundi hills is a popular place.
Photo Courtesy: Flying Cloud

Karnataka Was Earlier Known as Mysore
 

Karnataka Was Earlier Known as Mysore

On November 1st in 1956, a unified state of Karnataka was formed. Till 1973, the state was called as Mysore . On 1St November 1973, a decision was made to name the state as Karnataka.
Photo Courtesy: Nick Johnson

500 Years Under The Wodeyars (The Royal Family)

500 Years Under The Wodeyars (The Royal Family)

Mysore has been under the Wodeyars for about 500 years. Probably, it is one of the few kingdoms to have ruled a place for such a long time in India.
Photo Courtesy: Pramukh Arkalgud Ganeshamurthy

The City Was the First to Get a University

The City Was the First to Get a University

Mysore University is the oldest and the first university to have started in Karnataka.
Photo Courtesy: Christopher J. Fynn

Homeland of Many Celebrities

Homeland of Many Celebrities

Popular personalities from different fields like the Kannada actors Vishnuvardhan, Ambareesh, Writer U.R. Anantha Murthy, Cartoonist R.K. Lakshman, Infosys founder N. R. Narayana Murthy, Cricketer Jawagal Shrinath, etc. are from Mysore.
Photo Courtesy: http://www.filmitadka.in/

The Only Manufacturer of Indian Election Ink

The Only Manufacturer of Indian Election Ink

Mysore is the only place which manufactures the ink (marked on finger) which is used in the Indian elections.
Photo Courtesy: Aneeshnl

Cleanest City in the Country

Cleanest City in the Country

Mysore maintains a good hygiene system; it is voted as the cleanest city in India.
Photo Courtesy: Sumanth Vepa

First Wi-Fi Enabled City in India

First Wi-Fi Enabled City in India

Mysore became the first Wi-Fi enabled city of India in 2010. Only the second to Jerusalem in the world.
Photo Courtesy: Prof tpms

The Biggest Walk-Through Aviary is in this City

The Biggest Walk-Through Aviary is in this City

Karangi Lake is owned by the Mysore Zoo, it is one of the biggest walk-through aviary (a large enclosure of birds) in India. Karangi Lake also has a butterfly park which makes it one of the must visit tourist places in the city.
Photo Courtesy: Nagesh Kamath

The World Famous Dasara is 400 Years Old

The World Famous Dasara is 400 Years Old

Mysore Dasara festival is celebrated over 10 days during the months of September/ October. The tradition was started by the King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610. Today, the festivities are organized by Karnataka Government and still it is celebrated in grandeur.
Photo: Information and Public Relations, Mysore

The Original Mysore Palace Got Burnt

The Original Mysore Palace Got Burnt

In a fire accident, the Amba Vilas Palace (Mysore Palace) was completely burnt in 1897. Later, a bigger and the present palace was constructed in the same site.
Photo Courtesy: Prateek.thunga

Mysore Zoo is the 3rd Oldest in India

Mysore Zoo is the 3rd Oldest in India

Mysore Zoo is a popular tourist attraction in Karnataka. It is one of the oldest Zoos in India; it was earlier known as the Palace Zoo, as the area had the summer palace of Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar.
Photo Courtesy: Dhar

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