Saturday 12 September 2015

MAGNIFICENT MYSORE

Located in Karnataka, Mysore is one of South India's most coveted tourist destinations. Go deep down South and enjoy the blend of the Hindu, Islamic, Rajput and Gothic culture. Lose yourself in the grandeur of the age old Mysore Palace, relax in the lap of nature's finery at the mesmerizing Brindaban Gardens and chill out at the Karanji Lake. And many more delightful places to visit, tingle your tastebuds to the spicy southern cuisine and drape yourself in elegant silks and kanjeevarams. Off you go!!!


The Mysore Palace


          Perhaps the most coveted destination of Mysore, located at the heart of the city, the Mysore Palace was the former abode of the ruling Wodeyar Dynasty. An excellent symphony of Dravidian, Indo-Saracenic, Oriental and Roman architectural styles, it boasts of the grandeur of a bygone era and is one of the greatest tourist attractions. The Maharaja's palace is painstakingly designed of pink marble and grey granite and is a three storeyed building. Towering above it is the 145ft high tower of five storeyes whose domes are gilded in gold.  There are seven canons marshaled in front of the palace, each marking a day of the Dussehra festivities. There are twelve temples inside the premises, showcasing varied architectural patterns. A must visit for any enthusiastic traveler!

The Karanji Lake


        Originally a part of the Mysore Zoo, the Karanji Lake is a vast water body with rippling fluids enhancing its natural beauty. It is surrounded by lush greenery, a beautiful garden and India's largest walk-through aviary. You will have the time of your life watching birds of brilliant hues twittering in the wilderness. And don't forget to visit the Butterfly Park where a plethora of tiny winged beauties and brilliant blossoms await to steal your attention.

Brindaban Gardens


         Adjoining the massive Krishnagovind Sagar Dam is the mesmerizing Brindaban Gardens, justly  famous all over the world for its symmetric design and grand layout. One of the most well known terrace gardens of India, it is a horticultural pride of the nation. Modeled on the design of the Shalimar Bagh of Kashmir by Sir Mirza Ismail, the garden is laid out over three terraces, ending in a horseshoe shape. It's musical fountain is a delight for one and all - an unforgettable sight! The whole garden when illuminated is a dazzling sight to behold!

Chamundeswari Temple 


       Located atop the Chamundi Hills, about 13 kilometers away from the city of Mysore, the temple is over 1000 years old. Built in the structure of a quadrangle, the temple boasts of Dravidian architectural pattern. Atop the Shikhara, the entrance to the tower, there are seven kalashas of pure gold! And standing at the edge of the Chamundi Hills, you can afford a spectacular view of the city of Mysore, sprawled out with palatial grandeur in miniature. The temple is considered the city's most sacred shrine as the deity is considered Mysore's principal deity. If you are not an atheist, a trip to Mysore without a visit to Chamundeswari is incomplete. But mind it, you have to climb one thousand steps to make it to the top!

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