Statue of Mahishasura, Chamundi Hill

Many aeons ago, there lived a powerful buffalo-headed demon king who was so dreadful that even the Gods were terrified of him. In desperation, they begged the Goddess Parvathi for help. Assuming the form of Durga, Parvathi killed the demon in a battle that lasted ten days, following which she retired in triumph to a nearby hill. The demon of legend was Mahishasura, who came from a place known as Mahisha Mandala or Buffalo Land (the Mysore region of today). And Durga is also known as Chamundeswari…Which makes this the story of how Mysore got its name (Mahishuru to Mysooru to Mysore) and why Chamundi Hill is so integral to the city.

Mysore, the city of palaces and royal traditions, brings to mind the smell of jasmine and filter coffee; tender betel leaves and delicate brinjal; the quietly intellectual atmosphere of a university town; Dasara celebrations dazzling in their splendour; breathtaking architectural inheritances; a rich history in literature and the arts; a lovingly nurtured veena tradition; neighbouring landscapes of immense natural beauty…and a sense of being transported to a gentler, kinder time and place.

If Bangalore is the commercial capital of Karnataka, Mysore is its cultural headquarters. Mysore reflects the influences of its history: Hindu and Muslim emperors, enlightened Maharajas, emissaries of the British Raj…and some of the best thinkers and statesmen of independent India.

Close to Mysore are a profusion of ancient temples, palaces and mosques. The sculptures in the Somanathapur temple are unforgettable for their artistry; the Nandi statue on Chamundi Hill has been carved from a single rock. Srirangapatna is home to a temple and mosque; as also a Muslim ruler's palace and mausoleum. Shivasamudra provides a breathtaking view of the Kaveri cascading into a mist-filled gorge. The Kabini Reserve is elephant country at its best. The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary has a wide and wonderful resident bird population; it also plays host to migratory birds from all over the world.

Today, Mysore is poised to merge its royal past with a dynamic future: as indicated by its rapid business expansion; development of new transport and communication networks and upgraded infrastructural facilities. Even as a new Mysore is in the making; the spirit of the old, much loved Mysore seems to glow even brighter.

Brigade Group has contributed to the promotion of tourism to our state through calendars showcasing heritage sites of Bangalore and places of tourist interest in the vicinity of Chikmagalur. Continuing the tradition, we now take you on a trip to magical Mysore and its exciting environs. We hope you enjoy the journey.