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Mysore

Mysore is the third largest city in Karnataka brimming with a majestic history and a regal heritage. It brings out an astonishing melange of traditional and modern charms where ancient temples can be seen rubbing shoulders with hi-tech edifices. A visit to Mysore is like a rollercoaster ride where you experience vivid facets of South India in terms of its cultures, traditions, lifestyle and food.

No holiday to Mysore can ever end without a visit to the larger than life Mysore Palace. This former residence of the royal family of Mysore looks priceless with its Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. It was raised in 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty. One can see a mix of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles of architecture in the palace. The three-storeyed stone palace features a large garden, a Doll's Pavillion with traditional dolls, numerous secret tunnels, a private hall called "Ambavilasa", a Darbar Hall called "Diwan-I-Am" and a wedding hall called Kalyan Mandapa.

Architecture lovers can also explore the wonderful Somnathpur temple which is a traditional exemplar of the stone carvings in Hoysala architecture. Chamundeshwari Temple of the city is also renowned for its grandeur and beauty. Located on the eastern edge of Mysore, the temple is perched 1000ft high on the Chamundi hills. It is dedicated to goddess Durga apart from housing statues of Nandi and Mahishasura. Every year countless devotees visit here to seek blessings of the goddess who holds a great importance in Hindu mythology.

There is no dearth of natural wonders in the city. Spend a day at the Karanji Lake where different species of birds can be found. It is said that this lake has the largest aviary in India. There is also a butterfly park with over 45 species of flamboyant butterflies. A leisurely stroll in the Brindavan Gardens must also be experienced by nature lovers on holidays to Mysore. The gardens cover over 60 acres of land and look impressive during evening hours when numerous fountains light up the surroundings.

Wildlife enthusiasts must save some time to visit the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens covering an area of 157 acres. This, one of the oldest and most famous zoos in India, is the only zoo to have a Gorilla. It also houses some exotic animals like Giraffes, Zebras, White Deer, African Elephants, Bears, Porcupines, Rhinoceros, Tapir, Otters, etc.