Mysore
A couple of hours drive from Bangalore brings one to the majestic city of Mysore, the erstwhile capital of the former princely state of Mysore. For long the seat of an ancient ruling family, the city still retains an aura of royal splendour _ a splendour which can be seen in practically every public building in the city, from railway and bus stations to government offices and colleges.
And from Mysore one can undertake a series of exciting excursions. A mere 16 km away lies Srirangapatnam, the magnificent capital of Tipu Sultan, from where the latter waged a heroic struggle against the British.
ACCESS
The city is well connected by air, rail and road.
PLACES OF INTEREST
The Maharaja's Palace, the University, Jagmohan Palace, Sandal Oil Factory, Sri Chamarajendra Technical Institute, the Chamundi Hill.
EXCURSIONS
Srirangapatnam (16 km), Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary (80 km), Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and the famous Brindavan gardens (19 km). Elaborately carved structures make up the Chalukyan temple style in Somnathpur (35 km), Belur and Halebid.
SHOPPING
Mysore is famous for its silks, sandalwood, crepes, lacquer dolls and wooden toys. Sandalwood products and silk are sold in government owned emporia at fixed prices. The government silk factory offers silks straight off the loom.
ACCOMMODATION
Lalitha Mahal Palace (5-star), 6 Mysore-570011. Phones: 571265/76. Fax: 0821-571770.
Ramanashree comforts (3-star), L-43/A, B.N. Road, Mysore - 570001. Phones: 30503. Fax: 0821-565781.
The viceroy (3-star), Rajendra Enterprises, Sri Harsha Road, Mysore - 570001. Phone: 424001, 428001. Fax: 43391.
Quality Inn Southern Star, No. 13/14, Vinobha Road, Mysore-570 005. Phone: 438141, 429686. Fax: 421689.
Metropole (2-star), 5, Jhansi Lakshmibai Road, Mysore-570 005. Phones: 420681/871. Fax:420854.
Rajendra Vilas Palace, Chamundi Hills, Mysore-570 019. Phones: 565632. Fax: 0821-520031.
Paradise, No. 104, Vivekananda Road, Yadavagiri, Mysore-570 020. Phones: 410366. Fax: 0821-514400.
Krishnarajasagar, Mysore, Phone: 57322-6.
Mysore Dasaprakash, Gandhi Square. Phone: 24444, 24455.
Mayura Yatri Niwas, 2 Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Road. Phone: 23652.