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An Anglican church built for the East India Company troops stationed at Mysore. It was consecrated on 29 November 1830 by Bishop Turner of Calcutta, and the building was completed in 1832.
St. Bartholomew's Church is an Anglican church, built by the Madras Government for the East India Company troops stationed in Kingdom of Mysore and is located in Lashkar Mohalla, on the Nilgiri Road, near the noisy Mysore sub-urban bus stand in Mysore City. The church grounds was consecrated on 29 November 1830 by Bishop Turner of Calcutta, (p. 327) and the building was completed in 1832. The church is named after Saint Bartholomew, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, and is said to have visited India in the first century AD, and preached the Christian gospel in the Kalyan, Thane and Raigad regions of present-day Maharashtra.
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Definitely the number one attraction in Mysore. Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings, some with inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, paintings of the members of the royal family and other objects of personal use exhibit such opulence, and over time have been preserved remarkably well. The guards quick out the public from the palace premises (gardens) around 18:00 to prepare for the 'light and sound' show in the evening. It starts at 19:00, lasts 40 minutes and is in Kannada language only, making it less interesting for foreigners, were it not for the impressive illumination of the whole palace at the end (19:40-45) with 100,000 bulbs. The ticket counter opens at 16:45 for the show (₹100). Entry is on the south side. You are required to leave your shoes outside before entering at a cost of ₹2 per pair.
A former palace that has been converted into an art gallery and function hall. The palace for some time was home to the Wodeyar dynasty. The art gallery features paintings of many styles, including Mughlai, Mysorean and European. The most prominent works are those of Raja Ravi Varma, which are over 100 years old. A big part of the exhibition is comprised of very similar portraits of members of the Royal family.
A beautiful cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style, is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the Gothic style, the church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers. It gives a kitsch style 'à la Disneyland', especially from the exterior.
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
The zoo was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest in the world. Mysore Zoo has had a successful breeding program and houses animals from more than 40 different countries, along with native Indian fauna, including Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, elephants, fallow deer, Himalayan black bears, Gaur (Indian bison), white peafowl and African rhinos. The zoo is also home to many other exotic creatures from around the world, like Barbary sheep, giraffes, hippos and gorillas. The zoo encompasses Karanji Lake, which attracts several species of migratory birds during the breeding season, including painted storks, pelicans, and darters. Other attractions include the botanical garden with 35 species of exotic ornamental plants and 85 species of trees from India and abroad. Visitors can treat themselves to snacks and tender coconut that are available inside the zoo. Excellent mementoes are available in a souvenir shop. Vehicle parking is available in an open area opposite the zoo. The parking fee collected is ₹50 for buses, ₹30 for mini-buses or tempos, ₹10 for cars and ₹5 for two-wheelers.
Exhibits vintage locomotives as they were in use. The second of such museums was set up after the Rail Museum in Delhi. The major attraction of the museum is the wagon used by the Queen of Mysore. There is a small toy train. The museum is a small one and can be visited while arriving or leaving Mysore during working hours.
Has exhibits on plants, animals, and geology of the southern region of India. They conduct a show at intervals. They also have a cute watch tower for bird watching. The museum is situated in a beautiful garden. You can even visit the place just sit to in the gardens in the lush green surroundings. This facility is run by the central government of India.