Delve into Mysore: Palaces, Silk, and Ashtanga Yoga

About Mysore

Mysore, or Mysuru, is a tranquil oasis in South India, often overshadowed by its neighbor Bangalore. While the latter rushed into the 21st century, Mysore preserved its royal heritage and slow pace of life, earning it the title of the cleanest major city in the region.

Must-Visit Attractions

The Amba Vilas Palace

The Mysore Palace, the former seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, is a masterpiece of architecture. Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style by a British architect, it blends Hindu, Rajput, Islamic, and Gothic elements.

The palace interior is awe-inspiring, with massive mahogany ceilings, stained glass from Scotland, cast-iron pillars from Czechoslovakia, and mosaic tile floors. Witness the spectacular illuminated palace on Sunday evenings from 7 PM to 7:45 PM, when nearly 100,000 incandescent bulbs transform the structure into a glowing jewel box.

The Silk and the Market

Mysore is renowned for its high-quality silk sarees, characterized by their pure silk and intricate gold zari borders. Visit the Government Silk Factory to witness the sericulture process from cocoon unspooling to weaving on massive looms.

The Devaraja Market, at the heart of the city, is a photographers' paradise. Its organized layout ensures a unique shopping experience, with specific lanes for Kumkum, jasmine flowers, and sandalwood oil. The intoxicating aromas will keep you enchanted.

Ashtanga Yoga Capital

In the 1930s, the Maharaja of Mysore funded a yoga school led by T. Krishnamacharya, which later influenced K. Pattabhi Jois's development of Ashtanga Yoga. Nowadays, Gokulam, a Mysore neighborhood, is home to international students who come to study at the KPJAYI. Even if you're not a dedicated yogi, attending a beginner's class at one of the local shalas is an unforgettable experience.

Insider Tips and Logistics

Indulge in the Mysore Pak, a sweet made from chickpea flour, sugar, and pure ghee, at Guru Sweet Mart. Mysore is easily accessible by car or train from Bangalore (3 hours). For an authentic experience, visit during the 10-day Dasara festival in October, albeit with higher accommodation prices and crowds.

For those keen to explore more, we recommend reading our articles on ['travel-mistakes-first-international-trip', 'book-train-tickets-india-foreigners', 'avoid-overpaying-airport-cabs', 'survive-long-haul-flight-economy', 'panch-kedar-trek-guide', 'weekend-getaways-from-bangalore'].