Where to go for your autumn adventure
Autumn travel is for colour, culture and smaller crowds – as these six destinations prove. When Britain’s summertime ebbs away to autumn,
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The palaces and royal gardens of Mysore, ‘the jewel of Karnataka’, provide glimpses of its past grandeur. The rulers of Mysore State, the Wodeyar Rajas, were connoisseurs of art and architecture and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle. Thus the Maharaja’s Palace is one of the largest in the country, embellished with stained glass and domes and turrets giving it an ethereal air. The elegant city of Mysore is also ideal for shopping, with its famous Mysore silks printed or woven in brilliant colours, and beautiful textures. And all around is the soft perfume of sandalwood, Mysore’s signature, used in everyday life in temples as incense, as oil or soap, or just a pale symbol on the forehead.
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Mysore is renowned for its inlay art, paintings, woodwork and stone carving. Interact with the local artisans and learn more about traditional and innovative styles, distinctive techniques, and the various religious and cultural influences that have all contributed to Mysore's artistic recognition. The back streets of Mysore teem with wood inlay workshops, a craft that, under the tutelage of the Royals of Mysore, flourished in the 17th century. Nowadays the 5,000 artisans earn their living from their intricate carvings on rose and sandalwood. Mysore has always been famous for its traditional wrestling known as Kushti and this tour includes a visit to one of the century-old wrestling houses where you can watch wrestlers in action.
As the sun sets, embark on a walking tour to discover the charm of Mysore in the evening. Capture some amazing sights including the illuminated Mysore Palace, the gleaming temples, lively markets and streets bustling with an array of street food. Your guide will tell you stories from various chapters of Mysore's history, transporting you back to a bygone era. You will also get a glimpse into the life of the locals, going about their daily chores. It is a great tour for photography enthusiasts, who will get a chance to capture city life at its best.
Built in 1268, the beautiful Keshava Temple at Somnathpur is the best-preserved example of Hoysala architecture in India. The Hoysala's, a dynasty that ruled the southern Deccan for approximately 300 years between the 11th and 14th centuries AD, developed an architectural style that is considered to be intermediate between the Indo-Aryan and Dravidian traditions. This particular star-shaped temple is characterised by intricate sculptural carvings of cavalry, elephants and scenes from epics such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita whilst sculptures of the Hoysala kings depict scenes from their lives.
Markets in India are a colourful and captivating scene, with an infectious energy. Walk through the Mysore market and get a glimpse into the daily life of the locals. Observe the shoppers bargaining with local traders, enjoy the aromas of the organic produce, and see heaps of fresh vegetables and fruits, incense stalls and also some handicraft and souvenir stalls.
A guided walk in the heart of Mysore is a perfect way to explore the city. On the Royal Walk, learn more about the maharajas' contributions to this city and the subsequent colonial influence of the British. The 2-hour walk meets at the Town Hall, built in 1884 in memory of the first Dewan of Mysore. Wander through historic avenues, visiting the fort, Mysore Park and also the iconic Mysore Palace that was the official residence and seat of the Wodeyars. The tour culminates at the 125-year-old market with its bewildering array of stalls selling Mysore's specialities, ranging from sweets, flowers and fruits to natural incense.
Among the grandest of India's royal buildings, the Maharajah's Palace was the former seat of the Wodeyar maharajas. Completed in 1912, this beautiful palace dominates the centre of Mysore. The building is a synthesis of Hindu and Saracenic architecture, designed by Henry Irwin, a British architect. It is topped with a single brass-plated dome surrounded by turrets, giving it a fairy tale appearance, which is further enhanced by the illumination of 96,000 light bulbs during Dussehra and every Sunday from 7pm to 8pm. The interior is also lavishly decorated with stained glass, mirrors, pillars, paintings and jewels. The way into the palace takes you past a fine collection of sculptures and artefacts whilst the armoury contains an intriguing collection of 700 or more weapons.
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