1. Animals First
The oldest zoo in South India, the Myzore takes up 157 acres of lush grassland and is home to elephants, giraffes, rare Bengal tigers, green anacondas, zebras, lions, white rhinos, exotic birds that live at the Karanji Tank bird sanctuary, an artificial lake that comes alive during the holiday season, and a boardwalk. But that's not all: the Mysore Zoo acts as a major point of conservation and protection of wildlife efforts in India and, as such, ensures that animals are able to thrive in their spacious enclosures. Alongside a clear zoological, rescue and rehabilitation interest, the zoo also offers visitors the chance to engage in some conservation education and the study of wild animals and aquatic birds within the sanctuary.
2. One Of Seven
Scoping out Mysore, you'll soon realize that its beauty is not just reserved for the natural world. Royalty and majesty is kept alive even today at Jaganmohan Palace, one of many beautiful architectural wonders. While it was intended and used as a royal residence from its inception in 1861, this stunning, 3-storey ode to Hind architecture today functions as an art gallery and conference hall. Actually, the gallery functions more like a museum, because the interior walls feature murals and the Wodeyar family tree. This museum-come-art-gallery features a 2000-strong collection of South Indian-specific artifacts, alongside a painting collection featuring works by Raja Ravi Varma, depicting popular scene from the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
3. Fountains And Farms Galore
The famed Brindavan Gardens are yet another of Mysore's natural attractions imaged and designed in 1932 by the Dewan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail. Meant to evoke its northern partner, the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir, the Brindavan Gardens are a haven of beauty. Here, nearly 2 million visitors arrive every year to take in the gorgeous, peaceful winding paths, and tour the Mughal-style layout. This garden spreads across a generous 60 acres and, as though that weren't enough, has a 75-acre fruit orchard adjoining it. The gardens' true tranquility comes from its colorful fountains, which twinkle with light at night, as well as its two horticultural farms, open for public visitation: Nagavana and Chandravana - and both make you feel like it's "nirvana".
4. Seeing The City From 3000 Feet
Yes, the sacred Chamundi Hills sit at an elevation of over 3,200 feet, towering over the city of Mysore, close to its eponymous palace. The tale goes that it was here that the Goddess Chamundi slew the demon king Mahishasura, earning her place in history - and the hills! Hit Chamundi Hill to take in the beautiful, golden-spired pagoda-like temple, ornate statues and, most importantly, the panoramic views.
5. Alive & Thriving
There are no words for the hustle-and-bustle of the historic Devaraja Market. Its splashes of colors and throng of people as well as its tasty cuisine make it a must-see event. "Event" because its 800 traders and stalls make it a lively experience.
