Question

Travel essay from mysoor

Answer 1

Our journey to Mysore began at about 9 at night. We took the Mysore Express train at 9.30 on the 1st of October. It was a pleasant journey without much adventure. We reached Mysore at about 8.15 in the morning the next day.

 

We had made a reservation at Balaji Palace. The prices of the rooms begin from Rs.750 onwards but the rooms are very nice, clean and spacious. Ideal for a short stay. After freshening up and taking rest for a while, we headed for our breakfast. Though we had the regular course of breakfast items, I wouldn’t suggest this place for food. It is better to try Govardhan Restaurant nearby where you can get tasty South Indian vegetarian food. You can probably even try Dasa Prakash or Ramada Inn. Initially, we planned to get our accommodation there but the place was full and so we had to book at Balaji Palace. After a hearty breakfast, we returned to our room and relaxed. At about 12.30 at noon we started again for local visits. We decided to arrange for a cab. We enquired about the rates and finally booked a cab. The rates start from Rs.700 per day. It varies depending on the destination.

 

Our first stop was at Chamundi Hills. We climbed up the steps all the way to the top of the hills. The view is beautiful. The temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari is a very famous one in the whole of South India. There is also a huge statue of Nandi on the top. Apart from the temple, the hill is also home to several wild animals. Thousands of devotees throng this place every year to get darshan of the Goddess.

 

 



Chamundeshwari Temple

 

 



 The Statue of Nandi

 

The view from top of the mountain is simply amazing and breathtaking. One can see the entire city of Mysore in all its splendor from the top. Mysore is comparatively greener and pleasanter when compared to its neighbouring city Bangalore.

 


View of Mysore city from Chamundi Hills

 

After worshipping, we came down all the way and headed to St. Philomena’s Church. This is a beautiful cathedral considered to be one of the largest churches in the country. It has an imposing medieval architectural style. With lovely stained glass windows and huge towers, the church is built in typical gothic style. 

 
St. Philomena’s Church

  

After our visit to the cathedral, we moved on towards Srirangapatna.




Entering Srirangapatna

 

We then stopped over at the famous Lal Mahal Palace which was once the ruins of Tipu Sultan’s palace situated near Ranganatha Swamy temple. The palace is of magnificent proportions and stands testimony to splendid design and architecture. It is believed that the palace had advanced system of underground drains and concealed earthenware piping in the walls. 


A notice board with details about Lal Mahal Palace

 

 

There are several places to visit at Srirangapatna and there was a notice board providing details about the major tourist spots there. You will need a day to cover this small town and visit all the places there.

 


Notice board indicating places to see in Srirangapatna

 

Another very famous place not to be missed in Srirangapatna is of course the cremation ground of Tipu Sultan. A tomb has also been raised in the memory of this Mysore king.



 Tipu’s death place

 

 After visiting this historical place, we returned to visit the most famous Mysore Palace at about 5 in the evening. The magnanimity and grandeur of the palace is absolutely breathtaking. There are intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings with beautiful ivory work throughout the palace. One can see the paintings of the Royal family members and several other objects of personal use. If you are visiting this place over a weekend or during national holidays, you shouldn’t miss to see the palace completely illuminated by almost one lakh bulbs. A view that is as everlasting as the monument itself. Unfortunately you cannot take along your cameras inside. The grandness and luxury of the palace will leave you gasping for breath.