Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore

Mysore Palace is an incredible man-made edifice. It is a palatial structure that tells many tales of India's complex and intriguing past. This palace was once a royal residence of the mighty Wodeyar rulers, who ruled Mysore for seven centuries. At present, it witnesses more than 2.7 million visitors every year. the palace has many highly revered shrines. Worth mentioning among them are Sri Lakshmiramana Swami Temple, Kodi Bharravasvami Temple and Sri Shweta Varahaswamy Temple. To witness the beauty of the Mysore Palace, tourists must plan their visit on Sundays or public holidays. During these days, the structure is illuminated using 97,000 electric bulbs. People from all across the globe come here to behold this spectacular sight.

Chamundi Temple, popularly known as Chamundeshwari Temple, is a 12th century shrine situated atop Chamundi Hills, about 13 kilometres away from the Mysore city. A flight of 1000 steps takes visitors to the temple, which is named after Goddess Chamundeshwari or Durga, (the fierce form of Shakti). She is often identified as Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva, and is also the family deity of the Maharajas of Mysore. Architecturally, this shrine has a quadrangular structure with lofty gopuram (temple tower) and dwara (entrance), which are visible from a distance. It also consists of a navaranga, sanctum sanctorum, antharala mantapa a prakara. The seven-tier gopuram of the shrine has been constructed in Dravidian style of architecture. Atop the tower or shikara, there are seven golden kalashas that capture attention of every onlooker. At the entrance, there is a tower with a small statue of Lord Ganesha. The silver-plated doorway has images of dwarapalakas (door keepers). As visitors enter the temple, they can see a statue of Nandi (the mount of Lord Shiva) facing the sanctum. Within the sanctum, there is a stone idol of Goddess Mahisha Mardhini, featuring eight hands or Ashta Bhujas. Many idols and other valuable things of the temple were originally gifted by the rulers of Mysore, who were ardent devotees of Mother Goddess. One of the rulers presented the Simha-vahana (chariot) along with various other valuables. Also, mid-way uphill, near the steps, there is a huge 16 feet tall statue of Nandi that was gifted by Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar in 1659.

Mysore Zoo, or Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden, was established in 1892. The zoo has been named after its founder and erstwhile ruler of the city, Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur. Initially, it was only meant for royal families, but in 1920, was opened to public. This zoo spans over a large area of about 80.13 acres along with 77.03 acres of Karanji Lake in the heart of the city. The zoo home to about 1450 animals belonging to 170 varied species. Gorilla, Chimpanzee, African Rhino, Tapir, Baboon, Emu, Marmoset, Lemur and Cassowary inhabit the zoo. Besides, Deer, Antelopes, Candies, Primates and Reptiles can also be seen here. Since the popular Karanji Lake is an integral part of the zoo, you can even spot different types of birds here. Butterfly Park is another highlight of the zoo, which will especially be loved by kids. Other than these, the zoo offers several opportunities to keep its visitors engaged. It houses a small museum that displays stuffed animals and a library. The zoo authority also organises painting and essay competitions for kids to inculcate in them love for animals and awareness regarding wildlife conservation. You can even be a part of the ‘Adopting an Animal’ scheme, wherein you can pay the amount spent on taking care of animals, for a certain period.

St. Philomena's Church is one of the largest churches in India. This landmark can be spotted from a distance due to its 175 feet long twin spires. Designed by Reverend Rene Feuge, it looks similar to that of Germany’s Cologne Cathedral and boasts of Neo-Gothic style of architecture. The exteriors of this church boast of France-made stained glass windows, which exhibit prominent events of the life of Jesus like his birth, baptism by St. John and crucifixion. The interior of the church is equally attractive and well-designed. The crypt has a grand statue of Saint Philomena (3rd century saint from Greece) obtained from France. Architecturally, the floor plan of this colossal church resembles a cross. The nave (main body of the church) or congregation hall looks like a cross, where about 800 devotees can pray at a time. There is an exquisite marble altar with the statue of Saint Philomena and a figure of wounded Jesus Christ. Since this church is one of the prime attractions of Mysore, people from across the country visit it year-round. The Holy Mass performed here regularly in various languages including English, Kannada and Tamil, must not be missed.

Sprawling over a large area of about 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens are considered to be the best in Mysore. This beautiful stretch of land is situated just a level below the popular Krishnaraja Sagar Reservoir that is built across the Cauvery or Kaveri River. The garden is about 18 kilometres northwest of the city of Mysore. The idea of building this fascinating garden close to the dam was of two former Devans of Mysore, namely Sir M. Visveshwaraiah and Sir Mirza M. Ismail. The most notable thing about Brindavan Gardens are the beautiful fountains that look wonderful during the night when they are lit up. Sunset is the best time of the day to visit this garden and enjoy the sight of water (from fountains) dancing to the tunes of pleasant music. The area of the garden that is covered with shrubs, grass and trees looks like a well-manicured lawn. Within the garden, there is also a children’s park, hydraulic research station and fisheries station. Adding to the beauty of the garden is an attractive sculpture of Goddess Cauvery, set at the foot of the dam. Opening Closing

Mysore silk, one of the most famous kinds of silks in India is exclusively made in this city of palaces, Mysore. Best known for the Mysore silk all across the world, you should definitely make a tour though the Government Silk factory to learn and familiarize about the making of several silk products. Alongside you can also shop for several silk products that will make you want to come back and shop for some more.

Karanji Lake, also known as Karanjikere Lake, is a beautiful place to visit. Apart from its natural beauty, this picturesque lake is noted for being home to a wide variety of indigenous and migratory birds. Spanning in an area of about 90 acres, this lake area features a butterfly park, boating point, children's corner, watchtower and India's largest walk-through aviary (with over 70 species of birds). Inhabited by a wide variety of birds, including peacock and geese, the aviary is the main highlight of Karanji Lake. Neighbouring the aviary is another huge area that is home to Sarus Cranes (a striking and possibly one of the tallest flying birds). A stroll in the butterfly park, located on an island in the lake, is a must while you are here. Brimming with plenty of natural treasures, this picturesque site is definitely a must-visit for every tourist coming to Mysore.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of Karnataka's largest and most revered shrines. The temple is dedicated to Hindu deity Ranganatha, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Within the shrine, there is a colossal image of the deity reclining on Adisesha, which connotes the artistic brilliance of the artisans of the bygone era. An inscription (found in the temple) dating back to AD 894 suggests that the temple was originally built by Ganga Chieftain, Thirumalaiah. Later, Haider Ali, Vijayanagara, Hoysalas and Mysore Wodeyars contributed to the temple. The shrine is an exemple of the Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles of temple architecture. It is an imposing structure with a beautifully built gopura or (temple tower) and two huge concentric rectangular prakara (enclosures) around its boundary. The porch that leads to the garbha griha (inner sanctum) features multiple mantapa (columned halls). Other highlights of the temple are a sukhanasi (vestibule), navaranga (hall) and mukha mantapa (front hall). Inside the sanctum, one can see a large statue of God Vishnu (with His consort, Goddess Lakshmi) reclining on the snake, Adisesha. Within the temple complex, several smaller shrines dedicated to Hindu deities are there. Some of them are the shrines of Narasimha (an incarnation of God Vishnu), Srinivasa (a manifestation of Lord Vishnu), Gopalakrishna, Garuda and Hanuman. Owing to its antiquity, the temple is considered as a historical edifice of national importance according to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It forms an intrinsic part of Pancharanga Kshetram (a set of five holy sites), where Lord Ranganatha is worshipped. The town is enclosed by the Kaveri River which in itself is considered to be pious and auspicious. Interestingly, the name of the town has been derived from the holy temple, which stands as a popular pilgrimage centre in the state.