Mysore is a very beautiful city. When the State of Mysore was ruled by the Kings (Wodeyars), Mysore city was the capital. The kings used to live here and therefore, the city has many palaces - some of which are exquisitely beautiful. Many of these palaces have now been transformed into luxury hotels or university or other government offices.

Mysore Palace is the most beautiful of all palaces in Mysore and is the number one tourist attraction. Try to go there on a Sunday evening, if you can, when the palace is illuminated. It is the most beautiful sight you can see in Mysore. The best time to visit Mysore is during the Dusserah Festival (usually falls in the first or second week of October) when the entire city, including the Mysore Palace, is illuminated. The weather is also very pleasant duing this time.

Besides the magnificent palaces, Mysore has beautifully laid-out gardens, shady avenues, imposing buildings, and the awe-inspiring St. Philomena's church - one of the largest cathedrals of South Asia. Mysore zoo and the Chamundeshwari Temple and the Nandi Bull Temple on the Chamundi Hill are some of the other attractions that a tourist should not miss.

Attractions close to Mysore city are the Brindavan Gardens and Srirangapattana - the capital of the former Kingdom of Mysore during Haidar Ali and Tipu Saltan's time.

I visited Mysore in February of 2008. Included in this article are the pictures from this trip. I urge you to see these pictures in full size (by clicking on the link that says "View full-size image") to fully enjoy them.