This charming city, renowned through the ages, was the capital of the Mysore rulers. The sprawling and beautiful palace, the lovely Chamundi Hills, Sri Krishnaraja Sagar and Brindavan Gardens are all great delight to the tourists who step into this magic city, still exuding old-world charm. Mysore is 140 km from Bangalore. It is easily accessible from here.

Chamundi Hills : The shrine of Goddess Chamundeshwari commands a panoramic view of Mysore city on the plains below. Sri Chamundi is the tutelary Goddess of the Wodeyar kings, who lavished lots of gifts to the temple. The gopuram was constructed by Krishnaraja Wodeyar.

The Goddess is worshipped as Mahishasuramardhini. There is a life size statue of demon Mahishasura, whom the goddess vanquished at this holy spot. Shrines dedicated to Shiva as Mahabaleshwar and Vishnu as Lakshmi Narayana are situated near the Chamundi Temple.

Navaratri is an important festival that is celebrated in a spectacular manner. The grand Vijayadashami procession marks a colourful finale in a royal way.

Nandi: This giant monolithic sculpture, about 5 metres high and 7.6 metres long, was consecrated during the reign of Dodda Devaraja. Known for excellent workmanship, this Nandi is equal in importance to those at the temples of Thanjavur and Lepakshi.

Deva Ganga and Pathala Vahini are sacred waters on the hills.

Shrines in Mysore Palace: The Lingam at the ancient shrine of Thrineeswara is said to have been installed by sage Thrina Bindu. The Goddess is Tripura Sundari. There are other shrines dedicated to Varahaswami, Bhuvaneswari, Goddess Gayatri and Lord Krishna.

Markandeya Ashram and Jwalamukhi Tripurasundari shrine are other holy spots that are worth visiting.