Mysuru Zoo - It Is One Of The Best Zoo In The World

MYSORE ZOO

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KARNATAKA

Mysuru Zoo (Chamarajendra Zoological Garden) was started in 1892 by chamaraja Wodeyar X, then the king of Mysuru.  It is one of the oldest and most popular zooz in India.Initially as a private Zoo, and was named as Khas-Bangale.  It was also called as Thamash Bangle.  The Zoo which has now spread over an area of 250 acres was initially ment for the exclusive visit of the royal family but public entry started as early as 1920.  It is located inside the city unlike many other Zoos in India and Mysuru Zoo is considered to be one of the best in the world.

The Zoo has about 1500 animals, ranging from the opossum to orangutan.  This Zoo houses a wide range of animals.  Mysuru Zoo was the first in the country to obtain gorilla and penguin’s. Many animals which are imported from countries like Africa, America, and Australian countries under conservation project due to the successful breeding of the white tiger.  It is also credited with achieving considerable break-through in captive breeding of many animals.  elephants also breed well in captivity in this Zoo.

The Zoo has a small museum which exhibits the stuffed animals.  A small library is also located in the Zoo. Painting and essay competitions are periodically conducted by the zoo authority the children to create awareness and love in them for animals.

Ms.Sally Walker (USA) started the friends of Mysuru Zoo (FMZ) in 1980.  At present there is a scheme for ‘Adopting’ an animal. Which means you can take care of the feeding expenses of an animal for a certain of time.  Karanji Lake is a part of Mysuru Zoo.  The lake attracts about 45 varieties of birds; some of the birds migrate here from too far aways places. The lake has been renovated recently and boating facility is also available.

Visiting hours: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm    Ph.0821 - 2440752, 2520302

Entrance Fee:   Adults Rs.25/-Children(5-12 yrs) Rs.10/- , Tuesday holiday.

Zoo Road, Near Mysuru Mall, Indira Nagar, Ittige Gudu, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010

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)

One Of The Largest Nandi(Lord Shiva's Bull) In India -Cahmundeshwari Temple

CHAMUNDESHWARI TEMPLE

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MYSORE 

The Chamundi Temple on top of the Chamundi hills is the most famous temple in Mysore, since Goddess Chamundi or Chamundeshwari is the presiding deity of Msyore.

The chamundeshwari temple is located on the top of chamundi hills in the Mysore city of the Karnataka State of India.

 Initially the temple was a small one, but over the past few centuries, as a result of the patronage and expansions made by the Mysore Maharajas it has become a big temple.

In the olden days, human and animal sacrifices were regularly made at this temple, but were stopped in the 18th century.

Chamundi Hill is about 13 kms from Mysore, which is a prominent city in Karnataka State, India. Chamundi Hills is famous not only in India but also abroad.

Atop of the hill the famous Sri Chamundeswari Temple. ‘Chamundi’ or ‘Durga’ is the fierce form of ‘Shakti’. She is the slayer of demons, ‘Chanda’ and ‘Munda’ and also ‘Mahishasura’, the buffalow-headed monster.

She is the tutelary deity of the Mysore Maharajas and the presiding deity of Mysore. For several centuries they have held the Goddess, Chamundeswari, in great reverence.

The Goddess is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. A large number of devotees from all over the country and from abroad visit the temple every year. They believe that the Goddess fulfills their desires and aspirations.

The crowning glory of Mysore, Chamundi Hills is an enchanting place surrounded by natural beauty. In the forest, there are varieties of trees, birds and animals.

 While going up the hills, a bird’s eye view of Mysore can be seen and several prominent places be spotted. It offers a spectacular scene when the Palace and its surroundings are illuminated during the Dasara and other occasions.

The idol of the Goddess is decorated every day and worshipped by a number of priests. The Mysore Maharajas have donated number of valuable gifts to their family deity.Coconuts, fruits and flowers are offered to the diety.

The Chamundi temple has always been patronised by the rulers of Mysore. In 1659 Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar built 1,000 steps and huge Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull. 

This colossal Nandi is one of the largest in India, 16 ft. (4.8 meters) tall at the front and 25 ft. (7.5 meters) in length. The magnificent pendent bells around its neck are exquisite. Nandi and the temple beside it are located at the 700th step of the Chamundi Hill.

Darshana and Pooja Timings:

7.30 a.m to 2.00 p.m

3.30 to 6.00 p.m and

7-30 p.m to 9 p.m.

The temple is 3km away from Mysore Airport, and 5km away from Mysore Railway Station.

By Air

 Mysore Airport (MYQ) is a domestic airport that is connected with regular flights from major cities of India. Bangalore international airport is the nearest international airport that connects the city to various cities of the world. It’s located 190 kilometres from Mysore. We can easily hire buses and cabs from the airport to reach the destinations.

By Train

A train to Mysore is available from all major railway stations. The major Mysore railway stations are Mysore Junction (MYS) and Ashokapuram (AP). Some of the main Mysore trains are Sharavathi Express, Chamundi Express.

By Bus

Mysore is well-connected to national highways and bypass roads. State-run and private buses offer frequent services to the city. A Mysore visit by bus is a common option taken by travellers.

BRINDAVAN GARDENS

BRINDAVAN GARDENS

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 MYSORE

Brindavan Gardens  is located at a distance of 19 kms from Mysore City Center and has rows-of colourful fountains.. The gardens are built across river Cauvery and below Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (also known as Kannambadi) which is in itself a magnificent example of engineering and a major tourist attractions. The dam was built by Sir M. Vishweshwariah in 1924 whereas the Brindavan Gardens were built by Sir Mirza Ismail.

Though Brindavan garden belongs to Mandya district, it is very nearer to Mysore.There is a boating pond to cross the dam from the south bank to the north bank and at the northern edge are the dancing fountains. Using advanced lighting techniques, the fountains are made to jump and dance to the tune of music. The dam is over 3 Kms long and is constructed at the junction of three rivers - Kaveri, Hemavati and Lakshmanathirtha. This site has been popularised over the years by the large number of Indian/foreign films shot at this location.

One can enter the garden from steps down from the middle of the dam. Laid out in three terrace formation, the garden has decorated steps where water flows in-between these ornate steps. The major attraction of the park is the musical fountains that leaps in rhythm with music and light.visitors can enjoy a boat ride around the beautiful statue of the Goddess Cauvery at the foot of the dam.

Entry Fee

Adult: Rs.15/-, Children: Rs.10/-, School Discount: Rs.5/- to Rs.10/- per head.

 Timings

10.30 am to 9.30 pm. Musical Fountain: Monday to Friday: 6.55 pm to 7.55 pm and Saturday & Sunday: 6.55 pm to 8.55 pm.

By Air 

The Mysore Airport also called as the Mandakalli Airport serves the city. The newly upgraded airport began flights from Bangalore to Mysore via the SpiceJet airlines on 14th January 2013. As of now SpiceJet is the only airline connecting to Mysore. Apart from this the major airport close by to Mysore is in Bangalore i.e. the Bengaluru International Airport.

By Train 

Mysore has a railway station with in the city. It is linked by rail to Bangalore and many other cities in south India. Prestigious luxury trains and many other mails and express trains service this station regularly. The Mysore railway station is located in the proximity of the city and is well linked with buses and taxis. 

By Road 

Mysore has a convenient network of roads which connects to important cities in Karnataka. Mysore is connected by National Highway number 212 and other State Highway 17, 33 and 88. 

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and other private operators run regular bus services both within the city and inter-cities. Within the Mysore city, buses and auto-rickshaws are a cheap means of transportation.