Mysore Palace
Image by Uday Shankar
Built in 1912, the beautifully decorated Mysore Palace is another must-visit. Constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style, it is one of the most splendid buildings and is certainly a beautiful sight when illuminated on Sundays and festive occasions. Located on Sayyaji Rao Road, the palace reeks of grandeur and royalty. From the beautiful paintings and the gifts received by the royal family to the durbar halls and the porch, its all just a beauty.
Mysore zoo
Image by Floyd Almeida
Head to the widespread Mysore zoo, which is home to a wide range of species and is home to six giraffe's, African elephants, exotic birds, a white tiger, a gorilla crocodiles, snakes and four species of monkeys. At the zoo you are not allowed to carry any food items as most visitors end up feeding the animals. However, there is zoo eatery where you can grab a bite. Water is available at many drinking-water stations or you can also buy a bottle of water inside. The zoo is large and so does not seem crowded all the time. Plan to spend at least two hours, here.
St. Philomena’s Cathedral
Image by Floyd Almeida
Located at Ashoka Road and very close to the Mysore Palace, the then king of Mysore Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV laid the foundation for this church in 1933. The cathedral has beautiful stained glass windows and two lofty 175 feet spires. Designed by a French architect in the Neo Gothic style, its architecture is said to resemble the St. Patrick’s cathedral at New York and a church at Cologne in Germany. The Cathedral is open from 7am to 6pm on all days. Photography is not allowed inside the Cathedral; one can only take pictures of the façade from the outside.
Railway Museum
Head to the Railway Museum, located at Krishnaraja Sagar Road. The museum has an interesting collection of locomotives, photographs and paintings that display a chronology of the Railways in India. Amongst the many engines and models that are on display it also houses an Austin 1925 railway car. It is said that it was used for transporting inspectors and could accommodate around six people. It is the only one of its kind in world still in running condition.
Shopping in Mysore
Mysore is known for its lovely silk saris which are available in a variety of hues and in a wide range of designs. While the women are out buying saris, the men can shop for silk ties. Sandalwood crafts and articles doused with the scent of sandalwood are also sold widely. You could also pick up other knick-knacks like wooden elephants and trinket boxes. For kids, wooden toys are a thrill. You can head to the Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium on Sayaji Rao Road for your goodies.
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