MYSURU MEMOIRS

Origin & Location

Name Evolution: Mysore was originally called Mahishuru (Sanskrit: Mahisha = buffalo demon, uru = town), rooted in the legend of Goddess Chamundeshwari slaying Mahishasura. The city was officially renamed Mysuru in 2014 to reflect its Kannada heritage.
Mythological Significance: The demon Mahishasura symbolizes chaos, and his defeat by Chamundeshwari during Navaratri is celebrated as Dasara, a 10-day festival. The Chamundi Temple atop Chamundi Hills is believed to mark the site of this battle.
Strategic Location: Situated on the Deccan Plateau, Mysore acted as a gateway between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Its elevation (770 meters) ensures a moderate climate.
Connectivity: Accessible via NH-275 from Bengaluru (3 hours), Mysore Junction railway station (a major hub), and Mandakalli Airport (flights from Hyderabad/Chennai).

Geography & Topology

Landforms:
Chamundi Hills: A granite hill with ancient temples; that offers panoramic views of the city.
Kaveri River Basin: Fertile plains support agriculture (silk, sugarcane, coconut).
Climate:
Summer (March–June): 20°C–35°C.
Monsoon (July–September): Receives 800 mm rainfall.
Winter (October–February): 10°C–28°C; ideal for tourism.
Soil & Ecology: Red sandy loam soil supports crops like ragi and pulses. Nearby Bandipur and Nagarhole forests host tigers, elephants, and leopards.

History & Cultural Significance

Early Dynasties:
Gangas (2nd–10th century): Built early Jain and Hindu temples.
Hoysalas (12th–13th century): Constructed intricate Chennakesava temples in nearby Somnathpur.
Wodeyar Dynasty:
Yaduraya Wodeyar (1399): Founded the dynasty; shifted the capital from Mysore to Srirangapatna temporarily.
Raja Wodeyar I (1610): Revived Dasara as a royal festival.
Tipu Sultan’s Interlude (1761–1799): Built the Dariya Daulat Bagh and resisted British forces until he died in the 1799 Battle of Srirangapatna.
British Era: The Wodeyars became princely rulers under the British; Mysore became a “model state” for education and industry.
Cultural Highlights:
Dasara: Features the Jumbo Savari (elephant procession) and Vijayadashami fireworks.
Mysore Paintings: Gold-leaf-accented artworks depicting Hindu epics.
Cuisine: Mysore masala dosa (red chutney-filled), Mysore pak (gram flour sweet), and filter coffee.

Top Tourist Destinations

Mysore Palace
Architecture: Designed by Henry Irwin (1912), blending Indo-Saracenic, Rajput, and Gothic styles.
Interiors:
Ambavilasa Palace: Belgian stained-glass ceilings and carved rosewood doors.
Kalyana Mantapa: Mural paintings depicting Dasara processions.
Light Show: Narrates the palace’s history in English/Kannada (₹100 entry).
Chamundi Hill
Temple: Dedicated to Chamundeshwari (Durga’s fierce form). The 12th-century shrine houses a gold-plated kalasha (spire).
Nandi Statue: Carved from a single rock in 1659; adorned with bells and carvings.
Rituals: Daily abhishekam (milk bath) at 6:30 AM.
Brindavan Gardens
Design: Built in 1932 below Krishnaraja Sagar Dam; Mughal-style terraces with 60+ fountain varieties.
Musical Fountain: Synced to Carnatic and Bollywood tracks; entry fee ₹50.
Mysore Zoo
Conservation: Houses 168 species, including white tigers and giraffes. The zoo pioneered captive breeding of Indian gharials.
Timings: ₹80 for adults; safari rides available.
St. Philomena’s Church
History: Built in 1956 over a 19th-century chapel. Stained-glass windows depict Christ’s life.
Devaraja Market
Sensory Experience: Over 700 stalls selling jasmine (Mysore mallige), sandalwood idols, and spices like cardamom. Bargaining is expected!

Offbeat Places

Karanji Lake:
Biodiversity: A 90-hectare lake with 147 bird species. The butterfly park has 45+ species.
Activities: Pedal boating and canopy walks (₹50 entry).
Rail Museum:
Exhibits: The 1939 Maharani Saloon (royal coach) and India’s first diesel engine.
Toy Train: Operates on weekends (₹20).
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:
Migratory Birds: Spot painted-storks (June–November) and crocodiles during boat rides (₹200/person).
Melody World Wax Museum:
Unique Theme: Features wax statues of Beethoven, MS Subbulakshmi, and Ilaiyaraaja.
Kukkarahalli Lake:
Academic Oasis: Built in 1864; adjacent to Mysore University. Ideal for jogging and birding
The Kings of Mysore: A Legacy of the Wodeyars
Key Monarchs:

Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar (1673–1704): Introduced Astadiggajas (eight poets) to promote literature. Built the Devraj Market.
Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar (1799–1868): Rebuilt Mysore after Tipu’s fall; established the first Kannada newspaper.
Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar (1902–1940): “Saintly King” who commissioned the Mysore Palace and Mysore University.
Hyder Ali & Tipu Sultan:
Innovations: Introduced iron-cased rockets in warfare; promoted sericulture (silk farming).
Legacy: Tipu’s Summer Palace in Srirangapatna has frescoes of French allies.
Post-1947:
Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar merged Mysore into India in 1947. The family still resides in the palace’s Lakshmi Vilas Mansion.

Travel Tips

Festivals: Avoid crowds during Dasara by booking hotels 3 months in advance.
Transport: Rent scooters (₹300/day) or use Ola/Uber. Auto-rickshaws charge ₹20/km.
Etiquette: Cover shoulders/knees in temples. Remove footwear before entering palaces.
Safety: Avoid isolated areas after dark; stick to well-lit zones like Ashoka Road.
Language: Learn basic Kannada phrases: Namaskara (Hello), Dhanyavadagalu (Thank you).

Sustainable Tourism