Mysore is well known as the “City of Palace,” the “Heritage City,” and the “Cultural capital of Karnataka.” It is also considered to be one of India’s cleanest cities. The palaces boast an exquisite blend of Hindu, Gothic, Rajput, and Islamic styles, while Mysore’s homes have a unique style and ambiance that sets them apart from other cities. The palaces are truly breathtaking, with magnificent design and extraordinary architecture.
During my stay in Varanasi, I was able to catch a glimpse of the Subah-e-Banaras. It is truly a heavenly city, my Motherland, to which I belong. I quickly packed my backpack and headed to Banglore to meet my friends. The following day, I hopped on a train for Mysore, eager to arrive and start exploring! My journey began as soon as I arrived in Mysore.
Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel
Creativity is not only confined to museums; It can be found in fashion, architecture, and the interior design of hotels and restaurants – it’s everywhere, even on your plate! The Lalita Mahal Palace was built by Mysore’s Maharaja to host his most important guest, The viceroy of India. The Lalita Palace is India’s most opulent hotel and offers an authentic Maharaja’s palace experience. On the first floor of the palace, the Royal Terrace provides a bird’s-eye view of the majestic Mysore city. The Famous Movie KGF was filmed at this palace, featuring scenes from the Royal Terrace. If you are planning a trip to Mysore, be sure to spend at least one night at this grand palace.
Visitors are only allowed to access the ground floor of the palace on a ticket basis; upper floors are off-limits. However, Hotel guests are permitted to explore all areas of the palace. The ground floor offers a vast area to explore, with magnificent design and architecture that make for beautiful photo opportunities. For sports enthusiasts, there are various activities available, including a tennis court, Chess, Billiard room, Swimming pool, Jogging track, Heath Club, and Gym. The Hotel intends to set up an updated Health club, with Ayurveda and Yoga being the core competency.
The highlight of this palace is undoubtedly “The Sapphire” dining experience. This luxurious and indulgent restaurant elevates your palace experience to an entirely new level. The ambiance is strikingly regal, and the dining hall is magnificent. The large windows, adorned with colored glass, and the ceilings, adorned with beautiful paintings, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere. During lunch and dinner, live performances of flute and tabla will enhance your Royal dining experience. Breakfast is included with all Hotel bookings, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the dining experience as well.
I visited Mysore during the winter season and arrived at around 11 AM. After indulging in the iconic Mylari dosha, I checked into my Hotel in the afternoon. I was warmly welcomed at the entrance and was left awestruck by the grandeur of the Mahal’s beautiful design. With ample time to spare, I decided to explore at least one destination and settled on Philomena’s Chruch. Upon my return in the evening, the night view was eye-catching.
After completing the check-in process, I was handed the room key, which was surprisingly heavy. The key and its ring were enormous, made of iron, and reminiscent of an old-fashioned design. It felt like this key is to a large treasure chest. The weight of the key constantly reminded me that I had something of value in my pocket.
St. Philomena’s Church
Take a moment to gaze upon yourself on this beautiful evening in this magnificent Church. Looking up not only opens up our lungs but reminds us where we are. It opens our eyes to the perfect picture moments surrounding us. The evening time is beloved by all, as it keeps our eyes open and provides strength, flexibility, and power output to the human body’s muscles.
The Catholic church, known as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Mysore, was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Built in 1804 in the typical Gothic style, this structure boasts twin spires that stand 52 meters in height. This church is situated about 2km from the Mysore palace. This majestic church captivates everyone with its architectural excellence. Constructed using huge stones, its design is magnificent, making it a truly wonderful and serene place to visit.
The outside of Philomena’s Church offers a spectacular view. As I approached the church, its beauty was etched into my mind. It’s a great place to wander around. The discipline and pin-drop silence inside the church help heal any ache and keep the heart calm. It is possible to go down into the crypt, and photography is strictly prohibited inside. After spending a peaceful evening here, I returned to Lalitha Palace and had dinner at The Sapphire. The distance between the Church and Lalitha Palace is only 6 km, and it takes around 15-20 minutes to travel by cab or auto.
Mysore Palace
The Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace) is a historical palace and a royal residence. It is the largest palace in Mysore, and its surroundings contain twelve Hindu temples dedicated to many Gods in the Hindu pantheon, such as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, The goddess Gayatri, and the Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. This is a must-visit destination in Mysore.
As an individual with a passion for Arts and Architecture, The Mysore Palace is one of the most fascinating Palaces I’ve encountered. The Mysore Palace is incredibly enchanting, with its outstanding Ceiling painting, lighting, wall painting, glasswork, architecture, and designs. Government-approved guides are available to provide information to visitors inside the palace, and there are sound and light programs that delve into the History of Mysore Palace. Battery-operated vehicles are available to assist visitors, and there are parking facilities for private vehicles.
This royal palace now serves as a museum that holds many beautiful paintings and ancient artifacts. It also showcases the history, beliefs, and culture of that time. This palace is vast, and a lot of entrances are shut, so visitors are not allowed to visit all areas like before. Mobile phones are allowed to carry inside, and visitors can take memorable pictures.
I adore morning time. It requires one to awaken their soul early, you may regret it, but you will be so proud of yourself. I woke up early and, after having a delicious breakfast I visited the Mysore Palace. After waiting in a long queue at the ticket counter, I set foot inside. My first expression was “Wow.” The palace is incredibly vast, and it is challenging to capture a complete front view of it on camera. I had to capture it from the side. After a long walk in the palace, I stopped to have Mysore Pak, a sweet specially made of ghee and sugar that helps restore energy in the body.
TRAVEL PLAN
The important aspect to consider when planning a trip is itinerary. October to February is the season for visiting Mysore, while the monsoon season is from July to September, which is hot and humid. Visitors should plan for at least a two-day stay to explore the city.
First day – Visit Mysore Palace which may take around 2-3 hours if you like ancient architecture and history( opening time- 10 am to 5:30 pm). After that, go to St. Philomena church (Free entry and open from 5 am to 8 pm). In the Second half, visitors should stay and explore the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. If visitors are budget travelers, they should stay at the Hostel and visit Lalitha Mahal Palace (Rs 100 entry fee)
Second day – Cover local tourist attractions like Chamundai Hills(Free entry), Srirangapatna (Free entry and opens 9 am to 6 pm), and Brindavan Gardens( Entry fee- Rs 15). Visitors can also explore Mysore Zoo if they are interested.
Taste of Mysore– Never forget to try the iconic Mylari dosha, tasty and delicious. Visit Brahmin’s soda factory( one of the oldest shops in Mysore) and must try Sarsa Parila soda ( made up of plant root). Visit Guru Sweet and try Mysore pak (made up of ghee and sugar).
Activities to do – water sports in Varuna Lake & Climbing in Chamundai hills.
Useful Links
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Book a train and bus from Omino for an international trip. It provides all travel options in one place
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Redbus offers various bus services such as a chair, sleeper, AC, and non-AC options. Redbus is India’s largest online bus ticketing platform.
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