Mysore (pronounced /masr/( listen) in English, Kannada: Maisru) is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka, India. It is the headquarters of the Mysore district and the Mysore division and lies about 146km (91mi) southwest of Bangalore, the capital of the state. The city is spread across an area of 128.42km (50sqmi) and is situated at the base of the Chamundi Hills. Until 1947, Mysore was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore which was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, except for a brief period in the late 18th century when Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan usurped power. The Wodeyars were patrons of art and culture and have contributed significantly to the cultural growth of the city, which has led to Mysore earning the sobriquet Cultural capital of Karnataka. Mysore is notable for its palaces including the Mysore Palace, and the festivities that take place during the Dasara festival when the city receives a large number of tourists. Mysore also lends its name to the...
