Mysore

Location : Karnataka
Tourist Attractions : Mysore Palace, St. Philomena's Church, Chamundi Hills
Local Tongue : Kannada, English, Tamil, Hindi
STD Code : (91) - 821
Best time to Visit : October to March


About Mysore
Mysore, situated in the south Indian state of Karnataka, is a tiny place with a rich history and cultural past. The second largest city in Karnataka, Mysore is adorned with beautiful architectural structures and is also one of the most well maintained cities of India boasting of well built roads, clean surroundings and nice people which reflect the glory as the city would have witnessed during the past times. Mysore is known worldwide for its fine quality of silk and the Mysore pak (a dessert made of lots of liquid butter, sugar and chick pea flour). 

Mysore is the former capital of the Wodeyar rulers who held control of the city for most of its rich past except for a few years when Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali took over control. According to legend, the city is named after the demon Mahishasur who was killed by Goddess Chamundeshwari on top of the Chamundi hills. The city is today a major tourist attraction and a flourishing market for locally produced material such as silk sarees, sandalwood and stone carved structures. 

Climate & Best time to Visit
Unlike other south Indian cities which remain hot and humid, Mysore owing to its altitude is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year with temperature hovering between 23 to 35 degrees during summer (April to June) and remaining around 20 degrees during winters. July to September are the monsoon months. The best time to visit Mysore are the months between October and March. 

Tourist Attractions in Mysore
Mysore Palace
The huge Mysore Palace was once the residence of the Wodeyars. An accumulation of stained glass windows, neatly carved wooden doors, colorful murals and miniature paintings, the structure was constructed in 1912 in a typical Indo-saracenic style of architecture. The major attractions inside its fortified walls are the golden elephant throne and the durbar hall. During special days the palace is lit up by thousands of bulbs presenting a truly spectacular sight. 

St. Philomena's Church
One of the most magnificent churches in India, this ancient structure is adorned with intricate carvings on its walls and stained glass windows.

Chamundi Hills
Named after Goddess Chamundeshwari, the deity of Mysore royal family, The Chamundi Hills and the Chamundeshwari Temple perched on its top is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage attracting hordes of pilgrims throughout the year. The monolithic statue of Nandi, the bull is an architectural splendor carved out of a single rock. 

Other Attractions
Besides the above, Bangalore is also famous for other attractions such as the Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, the Oriental Research Institute, Folk Art Museum and the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. 

Things to Do
Shopping
Mysore is a good place to shop with a lot of locally made quality products available at cheap prices. The must buys on a shopper's list include traditional Mysore silk sarees that come in a variety of colors and designs, handicrafts items including those made of sandalwood, rosewood and teakwood, incense sticks, stone carvings and paintings. The major shopping promenades in Mysore are at Devraj Urs Road, Sayyaji Rao Road, Ashoka Road and Dhanvantri Road. 

Get Aways
Bandipur National Park
80 km from Mysore is a safe heaven for wild denizens. The Bandipur National Park is one of the most exotic wildlife parks in India housing some rare species of plants and animals. The site has been recently included in the Project Tiger by the World Wildlife Fund. The Nagarhole National Park is also situated near by. 

Bangalore
The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore is one of the most modernised cities in India. A mix of ultramodern structures and an old world charm, Bangalore boasts of attractions such as historical monuments, lakes, museums, lush gardens and hitech cities. It is also the hub of a number of information technology companies in India, being sobriquet the Silicon Valley of India.

Tourist Preferred Hotels in Mysore
The historic city of Mysore boasts of a number of quality hotels which provide the best in luxury and comfort for its guests. Some of the best hotels in Mysore include Kings Kourt Hotel (3 star, situated on Laxmi Bai Road just 5 km from both railway station & bus stand), Maurya Palace (3 star, situated on Sri Harsha Road 2 km from railway station and bus stand), Kaynes Hotel (3 star, situated on BEML Road just 8 km from railway station & 9 km from bus stand), The Viceroy (3 star, situated on Sri Harsha Road just 2 km from railway station & 0.5 km from bus stand), Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre (5 star, situated in Ittigegud just 7 km from railway station & 5 km from bus stand), Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel (5 star, situated in Siddhartha Nagar just 8 km from railway station & 4 km from bus stand), Bush Betta Wildlife Resorts (3 star equivalent, situated in Chamarajanagar Distt. near the railway station), Quality Inn Southern Star (4 star, situated on Vinoba Road just 0.5 km from railway station and 1.5 km from bus stand) and Best Western Ramanashree (3 star, situated in Hardinge Circle just 3 km from railway station & 1 km from bus stand). 

Mysore Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
By Air : The nearest airport is situated at Bangalore from where you can board a state transport bus or hire a taxi to reach Mysore. Bangalore is connected to all the major Indian cities through regular flights. 

By Rail : Mysore has its own railway station which connects the city with other major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore. Daily trains between Bangalore and Mysore are the Mysore Pass and Mysore Exp. The journey takes 4 hours to complete. 

By Road : A good network of roads connect Mysore with other neighbouring cities in and outside the state. State transport buses and other private operators provide regular services between Bangalore and Mysore. 

Distance from Major Cities

• Bangalore : 139 Km
• Chennai : 470 Km
• Coimbatore : 201 Km
• Kochi : 397 Km
• Panaji : 643 Km
• Pondicherry : 435 Km
• Tiruapti : 386 Km

Dalhousie

Location : Himachal Pradesh
Altitude : 6678 feet above sea level
Best time to Visit : Throughout the year
STD Code : (91) - 1899

About Dalhousie
Do you know that Dalhousie, at one time, was the dream destination of the former British Governor General Lord Dalhousie. What sets Dalhousie apart from its counterparts including Shimla and Mussoorie is its secluded charm that travellers like much. Being at Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh takes you away from the hum-drum of city life. Apart from laid-back lifestyle, Dalhousie hill station also gives you an opportunity to explore a host of colonial structures. The snow-laden mountain peaks provide a wonderful backdrop to the placid atmosphere. During you trip to Dalhousie, you can also choose to visit Kahjjiar, another kept-away destination located at just a distance of 27 km.

Major Tourist Attractions in Dalhousie
Though there are not too many options of sightseeing, Dalhousie is worth exploring. Some of the most famous tourist attractions in Dalhousie are as follows.

Subhash Baodi
The Subhash Baodi springs are situated at an altitude of 2085 mts above sea level, at a distance of just 1.6 Km from the G.P.O. square. The place is a popular picnic spot with its picturesque environs and pleasant climate. The view of snow covered mountain peaks at a distance lends the place a unique charm. 

Kalatope
Kalatope is another famed attraction situated just 5 km from Dalhousie at an altitude of 2438 mts above sea level. The place is housed amidst picturesque environs and consists of a beautiful palace, forest rest house and a wildlife sanctuary with attractions such as ibex, deer, bear and leopards. The drive upto the place is an experience in itself passing through winding roads lined with pine and deodar trees. 

Satdhara
Satdhara or seven streams is a group of seven springs, situated at an altitude of 2036 mts on the way to Panjpulla. The water of the streams is said to contain medicinal properties capable of curing chronic diseases. The place also affords a commanding view of the surroundings. 

St. Andrew's Church
Built in the year 1903, St. Andrew's Church, also known as the Church of Scotland is situated just one and a half kilometers from Dalhousie bus stand. The church is built in a Scottish architectural style and is still in good condition. Other important churches around the city are St. Patrick's Church, St. Francis Church and St. John's Church. 

Popular Getaways from Dalhousie
Do remember to pay a visit to Khajjiar while in Dalhousie. Khajjiar is a tiny hamlet, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. You can also indulge in a number of adventure sports there.

Khajjiar
Situated 27 Km from Dalhousie at an altitude of 6430 mts above sea level, Khajjiar is a quaint little hill town which attracts a number of visitors for its huge adventure sports opportunities and salubrious climate. The place was originally developed by the British as a summer resort to escape the high heat and humidity of the plains. 

Popular Shopping Centres in Dalhousie
There is something unique waiting to be explored at every nook and corner of the city, you will just have to make that extra bit of effort to roam the streets. Do not ignore the roadside vendors as they may have something really rare that you may not find in the bigger showrooms. Shopping options at Dalhousie mainly include woolen garments, Kashmiri shawls, Kullu caps, intricate silver jewellery and beautiful handicrafts items. Major shopping hubs around the town include the Himachal Handloom Crafts Centre and DC Khanna Store on the Protreyn Road. Shopping at Govt. run emporiums is also a good option. 

Eating Out in Dalhousie
Travellers can savour a wide range of sumptuous multi-cuisine food at the hotels and restaurant in Dalhousie. Road side 'dhabas' are also a good option if you like spicy north Indian food, however, as far as possible, avoid eating at the small road side shacks as the food is uncovered and not very hygienic. 

Dalhousie Travel (Airport/Railway/Road) Information
By Air : The nearest and most convenient airport is located at Gaggal near Kangra, from where you can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Dalhousie.

By Rail : Pathankot is the nearest railhead which is connected to all the major Indian cities through regular trains. Major trains between Delhi and Pathankot are the Jammu Mail, Shalimar Exp, Jhelum Exp and Tata Jat Exp.

By Road : Luxury and standard buses operate regularly between Dalhousie and major neighbouring cities. The route is through Pathankot via Ambala and Ludhiana. State transport and privately operated buses are easily available. 

Distance from Dalhousie to Major Cities 

• Delhi : 446 Km 
• Pathankot : 45 Km 
• Shimla : 194 Km 
• Chamba : 14 Km 
• Kangra : 140 Km