Mysuru is a city with a unique charisma and a timeless character, an old world charm, and that is what Discover Mysuru, was all about. Discover Mysuru was an initiative to showcase the rich culture, heritage, cuisine and attractions of Mysore, to the world, through the eyes of 15 travel content creators, from across the country. The Discover Mysuru Programme was organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Bengaluru Office, in association with Karnataka Tourism, and Karnataka Tourism Society.

Immersing Experiences In Charming Mysuru

15 travel content creators and influencers, a five-day journey across the beautiful region of Mysuru District, and innumerable experiences formed the heart of the Discover Mysuru programme. The travel content creators had many immersive experiences, that spanned the spectrum of culture, nature, heritage, spirituality, wildlife, and local food.

Discover Mysuru – Grand Inauguration In Bangalore

Discover Mysuru, a specially curated experiential trip to the Mysuru District, began from the garden city of Bengaluru. After a heritage walk in Vidhan Soudha and Cubbon Park where the participants got an idea of Bangalore’s history and its linkage to Mysuru and the Wadiyars of Mysuru, it was time for a grand cultural evening and inaugural ceremony at Holiday Inn, an IHG group hotel in Bengaluru.

The organisers had scripted a beautiful evening that set the tone for the Discover Mysuru Influencer Fam Tour from the 10th to the 14th of September. The event set the tone for what awaited the participants in Mysuru and gave them an introduction to the grandeur and richness of Karnataka’s cultural heritage.

The Discover Mysuru initiative was formally opened with traditional lighting of the lamp, by Shri Venkatesan Dhattareyan and Shri Mohamed Farouk, from the Ministry of Tourism, along with other dignitaries. The stage was then taken over by the rhythms and melodies of Karnataka.

Ms Sneha Kappanna, Director, Brahmari Dance Repertoire, curated a beautiful medley of dance performances that brought into vibrant life Karnataka’s rich dance and musical traditions.

The cultural programme began with a divine Bharatanatyam performance, by the students of Bhanumati Nritya Kalamandira, Bengaluru. They took the audience to a spiritual plane with a divine performance of Shiva Stuthi, the dance was choreographed, by Guru Sheela Chandrashekhar. Riveting dance performances of Yakshagana, Kamsale, Puja Kunitha, and Jogti Nritya followed this.

Shri Venkatesan Dhattareyan and Shri Mohamed Farouk, from the Ministry of Tourism, addressed the gathering and outlined the scope and objective of Discover Mysuru. The travel content creators from across India were then invited to introduce themselves and were given a traditional welcome and presented with welcome kits, by Shri Venkatesan Dhattareyan and Shri Mohamed Farouk, from the Ministry of Tourism. A gala dinner that included local delicacies brought the curtains down on an exciting day.

Shri Mohamed Farouk, Director, Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, Bengaluru office, flagged off the bus that took the travel bloggers and influencers on an amazing journey of discovery in the Mysuru district.

Experiencing Divinity At Nanjangud – Discover Mysuru

The Discover Mysuru bus with the bloggers and travel influencers rolled into the city of palaces, from the the garden city Bengaluru. It was in the order of things, that the first halt was at the ancient and sacred temple of Lord Shiva, famous as Dakshina Kashi. The Srikanteshwara Temple, also known as Nanjundeshwara Temple, finds mention in ancient texts like the Shiva Purana, where it is referred to as Sri Garalapuri.

Located near the banks of the River Kabini, a tributary of Kaveri, the temple is associated with many legends. It is believed that it is here that Lord Shiva killed the demon Keshi. It is also believed that Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, did penance here to atone for the sin of Matricide (Matru Hatya), as he had killed his mother at the behest of his father, the sage Jamadagni. The most notable feature of the temple is its 120 feet high Gopuram, which was built by Queen Devarajammanni, the consort of the then, king, Krishnaraja Wadiyar III.

The temple comes alive with huge crowds during the annual Chariot festival known here as Dodda Jathre in which huge decorated Rathas or chariots take part. The main chariot that carries the deity Srikanteshwara is 90 feet tall and weighs about 110 tonnes. Four other chariots are for Parvati, Subrahmanya, Ganesha, and Chennakeshwara.

Encounter With The Wild In Bandipur – Discover Mysuru

The delegates of Discover Mysuru had a thrilling Tiger Safari in the lush forests of Bandipur, at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The forest was lush green and teeming with flora and fauna. The delegates were thrilled to sight leopards, apart from a host of other forest residents, including Indian Gaur, Elephant, Sambar, Deer, Wild Dog, and birds including Peacocks and Hens. The bliss of nature in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve was a welcome getaway from the chaos of the cities.

During the stay at the Bandipur Safari Lodge, by Jungle Lodges, the delegates of Discover Mysuru planted a tree as a tribute to Forest Guards, Foresters, Range Forest Officers, and others who laid down their lives for the protection and conservation of forests and wildlife. September 11, is observed as National Forest Martyr’s Day.

Culture And Heritage Come Alive in Somanathapura

It was a scintillating fusion of Culture and heritage at the Somanathapura UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Chennakeshava Temple. The temple provided an ideal backdrop for the performance of Kannada folk dances including the energetic Dollu Kunitha, Veeragase, and Kamsale.

It was here, that the Discover Mysuru entourage was welcomed by the lovable mascots of Mysuru, Gajju and Ammu. As the dancers took centre stage outside the exquisite Chennakeshava temple, it was a riot of colours, and the place resonated with the rhythmic sounds of the drums, creating an exceptional ambience.

The temple and its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and superb sculptures held the visitors in thrall. The 13th-century Chennakeshava temple is believed to be the last of the great temples built by the Hoysalas. It is modelled on the lines of the Chennakeshava temple and scales the zenith of architectural and artistic brilliance. The temple was built by a commander in the army of the Hoysala King Narasimha III, named Somanatha Dandanayaka.

The temple has three Garbagrihas or sanctums which contain deities which are different forms of Vishnu. These are Jagannatha, Keshava, and Venugopala. The temple is known for its exquisite sculptures including the deities in the sanctum. If you look upwards, intricately designed ceilings gaze back at you. On the outer walls you can see the names of the artists who have crafted the sculptures, the most prolific one being that of Malithamma.

Admiring Exquisite Art and Artefacts at Jaganmohan Palace

The Discover Mysuru group of travel content creators had a brush with art at the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, commonly referred to as Jaganmohan Palace. The art gallery is housed in the premises of what was once the Jaganmohan Palace, an alternative palace used by the Royal Family of Mysore. They stayed there when the Mysore Palace burned down in 1897.

The Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery contains one of the largest collections of art and artefacts that were owned by the royal family. These include masterpieces of great artists like Raja Ravi Verma, Nikolai Roerich, Svetoslav Roerich, and Rabindranath Tagore. Unique artefacts that can be seen in the gallery are a French clock, weapons used by the kings, musical instruments, and much more.

Being Awed by GI-Tagged Mysore Rosewood Inlay Craft

Mysuru is home to many GI-tagged items, and the Discover Mysuru programme provided an opportunity to the delegates to observe these crafts and products in close quarters. One of the most intricate of crafts is the Mysore Rosewood Inlay craft. The bloggers and influencers were given an orientation on the history and evolution of Rosewood Inlay work, at Arun Fine Arts. They were also explained the stages involved in the crafting of the exquisite items with inlay work.

Witnessing the Rehearsal of the Dasara 2024 Elephant Parade

With Dasara just around the corner, the excitement of the grand celebrations could already be felt in the atmosphere of Mysuru. The travel bloggers and influencers had a unique opportunity to watch an elephant parade on the roads of Mysore, as part of the rehearsals that would build up to the grand climax during Dasara.

Ride Through Mysuru on KSTDC Ambari Double Decker

Breezing through the beautiful avenues of Mysore on top of an open double-decker is an unforgettable experience, and that is what the delegates of Discover Mysuru experienced. It was a carnival-like atmosphere as evening set in, and we boarded the Ambari Double Decker, a venture of KSTDC, for an exclusive ride through the streets of Mysore.

Waking Up In The Beautiful Environs of Brindavan Gardens

Waking up in the arms of nature, with the famed Brindavan Gardens of Mysuru stretching out below you, is an experience which is the stuff that dreams are made of, and that is what we experienced while staying at the heritage Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden.

The group had a night stay here and took an early morning walk to observe the famed gardens in exclusive solitude. Though the music and illumination were missing, the serenity and greenery more than made up for it. It was a unique experience, having Brindavan Gardens to yourself. Brindavan Gardens nestles next to the famous Krishna Raja Sagara Dam and is the brainchild of Sir Mirza Ismail, Dewan of Mysore, who established it in 1932. It is one of the most visited spots in Mysuru and a prime attraction for tourists.

Feeling The Power of Shri Chamundeshwari Devi On Chamundi Hill

It was a Friday, a day that is dedicated to Shakti, the Mother Goddess, and by design or divine intervention, the morning saw the Discover Mysuru entourage heading towards the Sri Chamundeshwari temple that stands like a beacon of hope and power atop the Chamundi Hill, overlooking Mysore city.

Historically, the temple is believed to be more than a thousand years old, however, the sanctity of the place and the legend associated with it go way back in time. It is believed that a small temple existed atop Chamundi Hill as far back as 2,000 years ago. The temple is mentioned in the Skanda Purana, and other Hindu ancient texts, where it has been referred to as Trimuta Kshetra. Sri Chamundeshwari Devi is the titular deity of the Royal family of Mysore.

The bloggers and influencers had a close darshan of the divine mother at the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple. They also were able to watch the Palakki Seva or palanquin procession of the deity who was taken around the temple complex. A truly humbling moment for all.

Rendezvous With Royalty At Mysore Palace

When you talk of Mysore, it is but natural that you talk about its royalty and the Amba Vilas Palace, also known simply as Mysore Palace.

The group exploring Mysuru under the umbrella of Discover Mysuru visited the grand palace and admired its magnificent exteriors as well as its exquisite interiors.

The highlight of the visit to Mysuru Palace was an exclusive interactive session with the Wadiyar scion and Hon Member of Parliament, Mysore-Coorg, Shri Yaduveer Wadiyar. The session saw the group sharing their experiences in Mysuru and suggestions for fully realising the potential of Mysuru as a tourist destination. Shri Yaduveer Wadiyar outlined his vision for Mysuru and answered questions from the group.

Galloping Back in Time on a Tonga

There was a Tonga heritage ride organized for the group by the organizers, that took them on a ride into the Mysore of the past, where tongas were the main means of transportation in Mysore.

Experiencing Colours, fragrances, and Aromas At Devaraja Market

The bloggers and influencers imbibed the intoxicating fusion of flavours and aromas at the century-old Devaraja Market. The market is flush with local products that include fresh flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Colourful mounds of vermillion and turmeric beckoned hypnotically. The treasures of Mysuru including Silk and Sandalwood can be bought here. Just walking through the lanes of the market makes for an experience that evokes nostalgia and old-world charm.

The haunting fragrance of the GI-tagged Mysore Jasmine accompanies you as you walk around the market. We also interacted with a shop that has been selling GI-tagged Nanjangud Bananas for three generations and also supplied the same to the royal palace.

Just outside the market is a shop that sells Mysore Pak. This shop named Guru Sweets, is run by the descendants of the man who invented Mysore Pak. A man named Kakasura Madappa, worked as a cook in the royal kitchen.

Indulging In Local Cuisine with Discover Mysuru

Tasting local food and indulging in traditional cuisine is one of the integral aspects of travel, and the seasoned travellers who were part of Discover Mysuru got an opportunity to savour the wide repertoire of Mysuru cuisine in particular, and Karnataka cuisine in general. From Mysore Pak to Nanjangud Banana, the group got to taste various local items during the Discover Mysuru tour.

The celebration of local cuisine on the Discover Mysuru journey was a continuous process with the hotels where we stayed pulling all stops to ensure we had an authentic, local experience. The food at Bandipur Safari Lodge was rooted in the flavours and aromas of the region and included items like Ragi Mudde, Sambar, Rasam, and seasonal vegetable curries.

Travel is not only about sights and cultural experiences, it is also about local cuisine which provides a window to the region’s culture and history. In recognition of this fact, the organizers of Discover Mysuru ensured that the group got to experience authentic flavours at various local eateries as well as upmarket restaurants.

A lunch was arranged at Mysouth, a restaurant of Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Mysore. We were served a delectable meal that was a medley of south Indian dishes from Karnataka, and other south Indian states, and of course, had to include the ubiquitous Mysore Pak. At the end of the meal, it was time to savour the rich fragrances and flavours packed into a Beeda(Paan) made from the GI-tagged, Mysore Betel Leaf.

A traditional banana leaf lunch had been arranged at Dakshina Paka restaurant, which pulled all the stops to welcome the group to the beat of drums. The delegates were then honoured in the traditional Mysuru manner by being garlanded and presented with a Mysuru Peta, Shalya, and a framed picture of Sri Chamundeshwari Devi. The lunch was then served with love in a homely ambience on a banana leaf. The sumptuous meal consisted of an assortment of local vegetable curries, sambhar, rasam, rice, pooris, and last but not least, Holige or Vabbattu, and at the end was the Nanjangud Balehannu (Banana).

On the day of the departure from Mysuru city, the group of travel bloggers and influencers were taken to the Old Original Vinayaka Mylari, an iconic restaurant of Mysuru that has been serving its trademark dosas to a loyal clientele since 1938. The soft idlis, Masala Dosas with a distinct taste and texture, and traditional filter coffee were enjoyed by all.

But the feast of local cuisine was not over yet for the Discover Mysuru participants. Lunch on the way back was arranged at Kamat Lokaruchi Vegetarian Restaurant in Ramanagara, right next to Janapada Loka. The Discover Mysuru travellers were received with great fanfare. Traditional folk dances of Karnataka Dollu Kunitha, Pata Kunitha, and Puja Kunitha, were performed before the group was escorted into the restaurant where a banana leaf meal with cuisine from North Karnataka awaited them. The meal included traditional items like Jolada Roti, Masala Akki Roti,  Soppu Palya, Yennegai, Mirchi Bajji and of course, hot and delectable Holiges.

Experiencing Traditional Mysuru Hospitality with Discover Mysuru

The group of travellers on the Discover Mysuru trip stayed at different properties during the trip. They were received with great warmth at all the places.

Bandipur Safari Lodge

The first stay was in the beautiful environs of the Bandipur Safari Lodge, by Jungle Lodges. It is a beautiful property set in pristine environs, located on the fringes of the Bandipur National Park, but strategically located, right on the Mysuru-Ooty road.

The Bandipur Safari Lodge is true to the brand value expected from the Jungle Lodges brand. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the staff friendly and welcoming, and the food was wholesome and homely. The safari experience offered was excellent.

Royal Orchid Brindavan Gardens Palace and Spa

The travel content creators on the Discover Mysuru tour were accorded a royal welcome at the Royal Orchid Brindavan Gardens Palace and Spa. The hotel is a heritage property that commands a spectacular view of the famed Brindavan Gardens and is an exclusive luxury hotel which evokes the grandeur of the royal era.

Ibis Styles Mysuru

The participants of Discover Mysuru experienced the elegant ambience of the Ibis Styles Mysuru, a beautiful hotel that is themed on the Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary. The rooms and suites were luxurious and comfortable. The staff was helpful and the food was good. Ibis Styles was also the venue for the Valedictory Function and Cultural Evening.

Discover Mysuru Grand Finale

The Discover Mysuru programme was formally concluded at the Ibis Styles Mysuru with a colourful cultural programme.

Shri Mohamed Farouk, Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Bengaluru Office addressed the audience with his closing remarks, and all stakeholders and sponsors spoke to the group.

The bloggers and influencers on the Discover Mysuru programme were honoured in the traditional Mysuru style, with the draping of a shalya, and presentation of Mysuru Peta.

The participants also received a certificate from the Ministry of Tourism, and a gift box of assorted articles which are synonymous with Mysuru and included many GI-tagged items of Mysuru.

The Discover Mysuru Programme succeeded in providing immersive and offbeat experiences of Mysuru to the participants. The medley of experiences that were curated covered a wide range of areas across heritage, culture, cuisine, spirituality, and much more. The bloggers and travel influencers returned to their respective homes carrying Mysuru in their hearts, with magical memories to be cherished for a long, long time.

We hope you liked reading this blog post about Mysuru and the experiences it offers. We also hope that it inspires you to script your own Mysuru itinerary and feel the magic of Mysuru. You Must experience the Mysuru Dasara which is an integral part of Mysuru’s rich heritage. Do let us know if you need clarifications or require any details about Mysuru and its attractions.

Visit Mysuru. Welcome to Mysuru Dasara!!

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We extend our heartfelt thanks to Shri Mohamed Farouk and his team for having us on this memorable ‘Discover Mysuru’ trip and for organizing and showcasing the rich culture, heritage, and beauty of the Mysuru region.

We were hosted by India Tourism Bengaluru – Ministry of Tourism. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.

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