Jaganmohan Palace – This Royal Palace Is A Significance Place Visiting During Your Stay In Mysore

JAGANMOHAN PALACE

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MYSORE

Jaganmohan Palace is a royal palace in Mysore city.This Art Gallery located to the west with a walking distance to that of main palace, which is famous Art Gallery. It was built during rule of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in 1861 to celebrate the marriage of his daughter, the princess of  Mysuru, because the main palace was destroyed in a fire in 1897.

The main door of this Museum is itself a master piece of Art with intricate carvings which is said to have been made in just 70 days. The museum was officially started in 1915, and has since been expended adding many artifacts. This Art Gallery was linded to the famous Mysuru style of painting of rare original paintings and artiacts and entrusted the Administration of this Museum to a committee.

The museum was named after sri Jayachamrajendra Wodeyar in 1955 as Jaganmohn Palace Art Gallery.The original oil paintings of Raja Ravi Varma of Travancore on display here are on many mythological themes.The painting of lady holding the lamp of the Indian Artist S.G.Heldnker is another piece. The other Exhibits include Artifacts made from Glass, Ceramic and Metal.

A good collection of clocks is on display here. Few energravings from china and Japan give it an oriental charm, painting on silks from Japan are worth seeing. Another attraction is the display of paintings of various styles like Moghal, Rajputh give the museum the Artistic touch. Innumerable toys and Artifacts of various description (like the French musical calendar and religious bells from Nepal) makes a visit to this museum memorable.

This palace has witnessed many important events. The daily royal durbar, special Dasara durbar, the first session of the Legislative Council of the Mysore, the coronation of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and many other events has been organized in this palace. 

Few convocations of the earlier Mysore University were also held at this palace hall. Till now, many conferences and cultural programs have been hosted in the grand hall of Jaganmohan palace.Jaganmohan palace flaunts the traditional Hindu architecture. The hall exhibits intricate carvings of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations. Jaganmohan palace houses an auditorium which is used to organize cultural programs especially during the Mysore Dasara.

Timings: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm (Daily)

Amboli Hill Station – You Can Feel That The Power Of Nature Creates Its Pleasing Music

AMBOLI HILL STATION 

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SINDUDARG

Amboli is situated in Sindudarg district of Maharastra State of India. It is at an altitude of 690 meters above the sea level and its amazing topography comprises dense forest area with a large number of waterfalls which increase in number during the rains.The beautiful hill-station of Amboli is rightly called the ‘queen’ of Maharashtra; such is its natural splendour.

Famous among environmentalists as a precious ecological hotspot, it is cool, calm, serene and enriched with all the treasures that the world of flora and fauna can bestow upon it. Located in the princely state of Sawantwadi, Amboli is located on the ridge of the Western Ghats and is particularly majestic during the monsoon when impromptu waterfalls gush down the hilly terrain.

Located 529 kilometers from Mumbai and well-connected by road, the railway station nearest to it is at Sawantwadi Road on the Konkan railway line while the closest airport is at Dabolim in Goa.  In fact, it is the heavy rainfall of an average of 750 centimeters per year which results in such thick growth of trees and plants along the hillsides.

The hill-station was a favourite with the British rulers and it is said that Colonel Westrop was the one who took special efforts in developing this place. Winter is actually the perfect season to visit Amboli and some of the points that are a ‘must see’ include the Nangartas Waterfall, Hiranyakeshi, Sea View Point, and Mahadevgad. Kavlesaad Point is another interesting point from where you can get a view of the Sahyadri ranges.

However, for those who would like to add a little more mysticism to their visit, choose to go during the monsoon season. The entire region gets covered with a dense fog during several times a day.

It is then that you can actually experience the power of silence and how nature makes it own music. Meanwhile, don’t forget to stop by at the Hiranyakeshi Mandir. It is from here that the river Hiranyakeshi originates.

The approach road is rough but the destination provides a wonderful experience. You would in fact want to spend hours at this calm and peaceful spot. The river ultimately flows through Karnataka where it is known as Ghataprabha. There’s also a small temple dedicated to Parvati.

For lodging MTDC offers a perfect rest house with a facility for meals. There are of course other hotels and restaurants too at Amboli which has emerged as a popular tourist destination over the years. What makes this place special is that it is very rich in flora and fauna and you will in all probability be able to spot wild boars, antelopes, deer, monkeys and bison and maybe a leopard too in case you happen to be at the right spot at the right time.

Amboli is also a draw with enthusiastic bird-watchers who come here to glimpse and photograph various species like the Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, Drongo, Yellow-Browed Bulbul, Red-Whiskered Bulbul, Crimson-Backed Sunbird, Orange-Headed Ground Thrush, Indian Schimitar Babbler, and a lot more.

A huge number of butterflies, frogs and reptiles make the forest their home too. Some of the trees and plants found here include Hirda, Ain, Anjan, Shikekai, Mango, Fern, etc.

By Air

The nearest airport is Dabolim

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Sawantwadi road on Konkan railway.

By Road

Amboli is well connected by road from Sawantwadi, Belgaum and Kolhapur. Number of buses ply from Pune and Mumbai to Amboli.