Karnataka · Travel

Mysore: along a heritage trail

Rashmi Gopal Rao

Easily one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, the heritage city of Mysore (recently renamed Mysuru) is synonomous with resplendent royalty, its larger than life Dasara festival, gorgeous silk saris and exquisite Mysore paintings.  Known as the city of palaces, this famous South Indian city lies in the state of Karnataka about 150 km from Bangalore.  An important center of art and culture, the Kingdom of Mysore was ruled by the Wadiyar dynasty from 1399 to 1761 and from 1799 to 1947.

Given the fact that the city was an erstwhile royal capital, it is dotted with numerous heritage buildings that were built by the Maharajas.  With distinctive architectural, historic and cultural values, these buildings lend the city its unique character.   Truly fascinated by these traditional structures, I stumbled upon quite a few of them during my recent visit to the city.

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The busy circle near Sayyaji Rao road

Mysore Palace:

The soul of the city is of course the opulent palace that lies in the center of the town.  It is one of the most popular and visited monuments of the country ranking second only to the Taj Mahal and clocks  more than 6 million visitors each year!

An excellent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, it is a magnificent three-storeyed stone structure. With influences of  Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture, the palace has three entrances.  The interior of the palace with its unique rooms epitomizes grandeur and splendor.  Illuminated on Sundays and on special festive occasions, it is a spectacular monument that is not to be missed.

 

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Entrance to the palace

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Devaraja Market:  

Over a hundred years old, this market is a bustling center of activity with scores of stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers among a host of many other things.  The entrance to the market is yet another heritage structure and is designed like a typical city square.

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Crawford Hall:

This beautiful structure is the administrative wing of the Mysore University.  Set amidst sprawling green lawns, the pillared entrance has the university’s motto, “Na Hi Gyanena Sadrusham” (Nothing compares with knowledge) and its emblem inscribed prominently in front.

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Mysore City Corporation:

Yet another vintage building in the city center built in the  Indo-Saracenic style.

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Other government offices:

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Public office

 

Office of the Deputy Commissioner
A section of the office of the Deputy Commissioner

These buildings have truly stood the test of time and are symbolic of the city’s rich past.  They offer glimpses of the ‘historic’ and ‘traditional’ Mysore even as the city like most others has adapted over time to accommodate the modern and contemporary.  I was lucky the capture the essence of the latter in the picture below.

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45 thoughts on “Mysore: along a heritage trail”

  2. Rashmi ..An extravagant post like the place itself replete with royal touch..enjoyed the resplendent glory and I am adding the opulent wedding of the legal heir held recently.
    I never miss the Dasara procession ( on TV) which is a marvellous spectacle that keeps the visitors spellbound.

    Reply

  3. Rashmi first of all, kudos on the photography ! Just stunning!
    A wonderful read too!!! You got me reminiscing childhood trips to Mysore with the family…it’s always been like a second home.
    The Palace lit up at night on Sunday’s accompanied by a live orchestra by the police force is something I miss the most…
    Have never been to the Devaraja Market…maybe next time:)

    Reply

    1. Thanks Divya for your kind words; glad you liked the post. You must visit Devaraja market; am sure you will like it.
      With all the hustle bustle and the numerous varieties of “mallige huva”, I feel it is “your kind” of place. Planning a separate post on that so you can decide for yourself:)

      Reply

      1. Haha now I am so much more tempted Rashmi Also eagerly awaiting to read more about it…your virtual tour will definitely help …I will bask in the aroma of mallige huva from here:)

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  5. The buildings are absolutely beautiful and I would dearly love to visit all of them one day. Thank you for posting such lovely photos and detail, I very much enjoyed reading it.

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  14. Mysore looks a fascinating place! Have enjoyed reading about the history and seeing your wonderful photos of the beautiful buildings. That last photo certainly captures the traditional and the contemporary in one picture! 🙂

    Reply
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  20. HAI RASHMI, MORE THAN THE PLACES U COVER, IT’S YOUR WRITING STYLE THAT FASCINATES ME NO END. KEEP WRITING MORE ABOUT OTHER PLACES TOO. DEVARAJAN, MYSORE

    Reply
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