Mysore is one of the legendary states of India that is decorated with a number of palaces and temples. This legendary state is located at a distance of 146 kms from Bangalore. The state derived its name from the legendary ruler Mahishasura who used to rule the area which is presently known as Mysore. Surrounded with a number of decorative palaces and attractive tourist spots this city is also known as a major trading centre in India. Mysore is known for exporting the exotic sandalwood & incense and the Mysore silk sarees. It is also known for Mysore Mallige, Mysore style of painting and some special sweet dish. Since 14th century the city was ruled by the Wodeyar family who continued to remain as the last surviving rulers of Mysore. As one of the ancient cities of Karnataka it includes some prominent sites which attract a lot of tourist from all parts of India.

Location of Mysore
Located at the southwest of Bangalore the city spreads across an area of 128.42 kms which extends at the foot hills of Chamundi hills. The latitudinal location of Mysore is 12.30 degree N and 76.65 degree E which has an average altitude of 770 meters or 2526 ft.

History of Mysore
Historically the city of Mysore played a very significant role in the past. This city continued to remain the capital of the Mysore Kingdom which was under the rule of Wodeyar dynasty. This city came under the rule of Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan for a very short period of 40 years. According to the Hindu mythology Mysore was ruled by the famous demon Mahishasur who was killed by Goddess Chamunda. As such the place received its name from the legendary ruler Mahishasura, after whom the place was originally known as Mahisha or Mahishasuru. As a tribute to Goddess Chamunda the place is located at the foothills of Chamundi hills which is one of the popular tourist spots in Mysore. The place includes a number of historical monuments and Mahishasuru fort which was built by Chamaraja Wodeyar III. This place continued to be the main administrative centre till 1610 when the Wodeyars ousted the Vijayanagara governor in Shirangapatnam and shifted the capital to Shirangapatnam.

Mysore in 18th century came under the rule of Haidar Ali and his son Tipu sultan who ruled the area for a short period of 40 years. They continued to remain the rulers of Mysore till they were defeated by the British rulers in the Anglo Mysore war. After the fourth Anglo- mysore war the kingdom of Mysore was distributed by the Britishers and their allies. The kingdom of Mysore came under the rule of the Nizams, maratas and the state of Travancore while the rule of Mysore city was retained by the British who established government buildings. The British established the a well organised municipal administration in1888 in the area which was later on adopted by Indian administration after the area was annexed to Indian territory. With Indian independence and annexation of territories this city came under Indian administration.

Climate of Mysore
Located in the southern region of the state of Karnataka, Mysore enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. Summer season extends from March to June which is followed by the monsoon season in July to November. And winter season in December that continues till February. The highest degree of temperature recorded is 38.5 degree Celsius. Surrounded with a number of lakes and rivers this city has urban settlements, roads, parks, open spaces, industries, public property and other water bodies.

Culture of Mysore
Mysore city has been the cultural centre of Karnataka. The culture of Mysore is reflected with a number of festivals, palaces and paintings which depict the spirit of Mysore. Mysore city celebrates a number of festivals among which Dussera is the most important festival of the city. As the city is established on the legend of Mahishasur Vad by Goddess Durga, it celebrates Dussera with great excitement. Besides this the legend of Mysore is also reflected with the palaces of Mysore. This reflects a distinctive architecture. The Wodeyars were great patron of art and architecture. As such Mysore developed the Mysore paintings which are an off shoot of the Vijayanagar paintings.

Tourism in Mysore
Mysore is surrounded with a number of tourist spots which include some prominent places like Mysore Palace, Chamunda Hills,Zoo, St. Philomena`s Church, Jaganmohan Palace, Ranganathittu, Somanathpura, Krishnrajasagar Dam and Brindavan Garden.

Economy of Mysore
Mysore derives a lot of earning from tourism which is one of the main industries in Mysore. Tourism contributes heavily to the state treasury. Along with it Mysore also has some cottage industries and small scale industries which manufacture the sandalwood products, matchboxes and incenses. Along with this there are some automobile manufacturing industries and information technology companies which add to the state`s earnings.