Once the capital of the Wodeyar kingdom, the jewel of Karnataka; Mysore is a mammoth, magnificent tourist paradise. A city of much splendor, it has gorgeous palaces, beautiful parks, wonderful museums and art galleries, dams, reservoirs and temples.

Wide stretches of tree lined avenues enveloped with the aroma of jasmine; jacaranda and frangipani permeate the air. This easy-going city is famous for its silk and is also a thriving sandalwood and incense centre.

With the traditional founding of the Mysore dynasty, in 1399 A.D. by Yaduraya, Mysore has seen 25 rulers. However with the emergence of Raja Wodeyar in 1578 A.D. Mysore inherited and perpetuated the traditions of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. With Srirangapatna as capital, Mysore grew into a large and powerful kingdom. But in 1761 it slipped into the hands of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan.

A virtually short rule, Srirangapatna was captured by the British in 1799 and the British again restored the Wodeyars to the throne. A long reign devoid of power, it was only during Chamaraja Wodeyars rule that the administration of the state was handed back to the Sovereign, aided by the British Resident in Mysore.

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Chamundi Hill - Perched at a height of 1,050 m, Chamundi Hill is the abode of Goddess Chamundeswari - the patron goddess of the Wodeyar family. This temple gets its name from Goddess Kali or Chamundi, the consort of Shiva. The temple is a charming quadrangular structure with a towering 40 m high gopuram that is a landmark from several miles. A huge stucco figure of Mahisasura 3 1/2 m tall welcomes you at the entrance. Built in the 12th century, the temple is a fine representation of the Dravidian school of architecture. Its 1000 steps to the top, but ztake heart, there is a path to the top too. The temple is open 6.00 am to 2.00 pm, 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm. Pleasant for a half-day excursion. Entry Rs 10.
Close by is the Godly Museum. Aptly titled, it houses a collection of exhibits that depict a good many moral lessons. You are told that you were probably here 5,000 years ago since everything in the universe repeats itself.
En route is a stunning Nandi temple, which boasts of a 5 m high monolithic statue of Lord Shiva's revered bull. Carved out of a single stone in 1659, it is believed to be the largest in India, commissioned by Dodda Deva Raja, a devout Wodeyar king.

Lalitha Mahal Palace - Built in 1921 by Maharaja Krishna Raja Wodeyar Bahaddur IV, this palace initially housed royal guests. Designed by E W Fritchley, an English architect, the palace is today a five-star hotel. Now a popular venue for local film shoots and other social gatherings, a visit to the palace may help you understand the mystique of royal Mysore.

Folklore Museum - Located in the Mysore University Campus, this museum has a spectacular collection of more than 6,500 unique folklore exhibits. Wooden figures from Karnataka villages, wooden and leather puppets and other interesting items from various villages around Karnataka are on display. Don't miss the carved wooden chariot.

The first of its kind in India, the Rail Museum was set up in 1979. Situated at Krishnaraja Sagar Road, the museum sets a good pattern for regional display and has a good collection. The highlight here is the Chamundi Gallery that showcases a unique and interesting collection of photographs and paintings depicting the development of the railways. Don't miss the Sri Ranga Pavilion, which has two royal coaches. They belonged to the Maharaja of Mysore and have a certain old-world charm about them, harking back to a time when royalty travelled in splendour. Most of the exhibits in the museum once graced the Mysore palace.
Of particular interest is the Maharani's saloon carriage that boasts of a kitchen, dining car unit and a royal toilet dating back to 1899. One of the first steam engines built, it is indeed remarkably well kept. There is also a battery-operated mini-train, which takes you for a fancy ride along the grounds.