Situated at around 140 km from Bangalore, the city of Mysore extends from 12°18’ North to 76°42’ East. In spite of being close to the industrialized city of Bangalore, Mysore hasn’t been touched so much by modernization and still retains its serenity and old-world charm. A visitor to Mysore has always been fascinated by the city’s quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples.

Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyars since the 14th century except for a brief period of 40 years in the later 18th century when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled over the city. The Wodeyar family managed to get back the kingdom when, in 1799, Tipu Sultan surrendered to the British. The benevolent rule of the Wodeyar kings is evident in the city’s meticulous planning. The city’s architectural heritage and its long-held tradition of music and dance, art and literature were nurtured under their patronage.

You can visit the city at any time in the year but it is advisable to avoid the rainy season. The city has pleasant weather throughout the year. The summers are warm, with temperatures varying between 21°C and 34°C, while the winters cool, with the temperatures ranging from 16°C to 27°C

The city of Mysore offers a visitor an insight into the lifestyles, cultures and traditions of its erstwhile rulers. The palaces and temples around the city speak volumes about heritage and architecture of the medieval times and the kind of patronage the city received from its rulers. Some of the interesting places to visit around the city are the Mysore Palace, Chamundi, Hills Srirangapatnam, Brindavan Gardens and Lalitha Mahal Palace.

A visit to the places around Mysore casts light on the region’s rich heritage. The temples of Somnathpur, Belur and Halebid give an insight into Hoysala dynasty and the Bandipur National Park and the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary showcase the region’s bio-diversity.