Palaces and Grandeur: A Tour of Mysore

With a long history of powerful royal dynasties, the city of Mysore is one of the finest and most ingeniously planned out cities of Southern India. Often called the city of palaces for its abundant architecture, the city is an amalgam of inherited grandeur and modernity. With its tree-lined boulevards, beautiful gardens, parks and stately palaces, the reputation of the city far surpasses its name. As a significant contributor to the sandalwood industry of the world, the city is known for its fragrances.

Formerly the residence of the Wodeyar family, your first stop on this tour, the Mysore Palace, is a splendid structure built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Some interesting facets of the palace include a magnificent gold throne which is displayed during the Dussehra festival celebrations and a carved silver door. Its KalyanaMandapa or the Marriage Hall has paintings depicting the royal lives of pre-colonial Indian Maharajas.

A short climb up a hill leads to a 2000-year-old temple dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari. The temple overlooks the entire city, making for a scenic and peaceful experience. Towards the end of your tour, you will be taken to explore the local markets of Mysore which are filled with dainty, yet charming open stores. You will see fruit and vegetable vendors, local artisans practising their craft, and some sandalwood incense makers. Lastly, you will also try some local Mysore sweets.