Things to do (Part 1)
Here are some of the best things to do in the area, based on
what our guests have enjoyed...
Mysore Market
The market is the most popular
attraction among our guests and is the perfect place to while
away an afternoon. The much-photographed piles of colours used
for decorating idols, the banana halls, the wonderful array
of vegetables and above all the flowers make it one of India's
most attractive markets. You can buy jasmine marigolds by the
pound and trays full of roses. The garland makers will string
flowers while you wait. A real treat for the senses!
The Palace
Built in 1912, the Palace is a
triumph of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The finest ingredients
such as Belgian stained glass, Minton tiles and cast iron from
Glasgow combine to make this an extraordinary, lavishly carved
building.
The Palace is illuminated at 7pm
on Sundays and every evening, during the season (check with
reception). A band serenades the onlookers. The illumination
of the Palace is the focus of a pleasant evening promenade for
many Mysoreans.
Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
The gallery is attached to the
Palace. It has a very interesting collection of everything the
Maharajah collected on his travels - from armour to French porcelain.
There are interesting Indian paintings, particularly the Tanjore
pieces, and the collection of carved ivory and jade is of world
importance.
The building is also worth a visit.
Hang on to your shoes though as you have to walk over gravel
paths from the exit to the entrance!
Chalmundi Hill and the Nandi
There are 1000 steps to the top
of the Chalmundi hill but it’s worth the climb to visit
the 12th century temple at the top. Alternatively, get a taxi!
Tuesdays and Fridays are auspicious days and are more crowded
than others.
The Nandi (statue of Shiva’s
holy bull), which is half way up the hill, is the second largest
in India. It was carved out of a single piece of granite in
the 17th century. Venerated as a religious object, the bull
is much garlanded with marigolds.
It is best to secure your transport
before you go, as it is often hard to get an auto rickshaw or
taxi.
