Mysore, officially known as Mysuru, is a captivating city in Karnataka, India, historically serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore for nearly six centuries until 1947. Renowned for its opulent palaces, especially the iconic Mysore Palace, the city is often referred to as the "City of Palaces" and the "Heritage City" of Karnataka. Mysore is also known as the "Cultural Capital of Karnataka," thanks to its rich heritage, art, and culture, which flourished under the rule of the Wadiyar dynasty, Hyder Ali, and Tipu Sultan.
The city boasts a serene ambiance, nestled at the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, earning the moniker "Pensioners' Paradise." Mysore showcases not just its royal past but also a thriving present, with annual festivals like Dasara attracting a multitude of global tourists. The city's culinary scene, including iconic dishes like Mysore Pak and Mysore Dosa, alongside renowned brands such as Mysore Sandal Soap and Mysore Paints, add to its charm.
With a diverse range of transportation options, including buses, trains, and flights, Mysore is well-connected and continues to thrive as a key cultural and economic hub in Karnataka.
The area where Mysore Palace stands today was once inhabited by a village called Puragere in the early 16th century. In 1524, Chamaraja Wodeyar III (1513–1553) erected the Mahishūru Fort, passing the rule of Puragere to his son Chamaraja Wodeyar IV (1572–1576). Since then, the name Mayashūru has been commonly used to refer to the city.
Initially under the Vijayanagara Empire, the Kingdom of Mysore, ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, gradually gained independence following the empire’s decline after the Battle of Talikota in 1565. By the time of King Narasaraja Wodeyar (1637), it had become a sovereign state. Seringapatam, near present-day Srirangapatna, became the kingdom’s capital in 1610. During the 17th century, under Narasaraja Wodeyar I and Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar, the kingdom expanded steadily, annexing significant areas of modern-day southern Karnataka and parts of Tamil Nadu, establishing itself as a formidable power in the southern Deccan.
