Located to the north of the city, this colossal church is a stunning neo-Gothic structure built from 1933 to 1941. Also known as St Joseph's Church, it was designed after the Cologne Cathedral by Rev Rene Feuge, bishop of Mysore in 1933. The lofty crosses on the twin towers are 120 feet high.

The church looms 165 feet into the air, its twin spires touching the sky. The interiors, much like any other church, are peaceful. The stained glass lends a lovely yellow light to the interiors of the church. The beautiful image of Philomena, who is known as a martyr for Christ, is placed uncharacteristically in an underground chapel. You can make donations in the receptacle kept here. The glass windows that adorn the interiors of the main hall depict scenes from the birth of Christ, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the Ascension of Christ. No photography allowed inside the church. And if services are on, don't disturb.
  

Perched at a height of 1,050 m, Chamundi Hill is the abode of Goddess Chamundeswari - the patron goddess of the Wodeyar family. This temple gets its name from Goddess Kali or Chamundi, the consort of Shiva The temple is a charming quadrangular structure with a towering 40 m high gopuram that is a landmark from several miles. A huge stucco figure of Mahisasura 3 1/2 m tall welcomes you at the entrance. Built in the 12th century, the temple is a fine representation of the Dravidian school of architecture. Its 1000 steps to the top, but take heart, there is a path to the top too. The temple is open 6.00 am to 2.00 pm, 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm. Pleasant for a half-day excursion. Entry Rs 10.

Close by is the Godly Museum. Aptly titled, it houses a collection of exhibits that depict a good many moral lessons. You are told that you were probably here 5,000 years ago since everything in the universe repeats itself.

En route is a stunning Nandi temple, which boasts of a 5 m high monolithic statue of Lord Shiva's revered bull. Carved out of a single stone in 1659, it is believed to be the largest in India, commissioned by Dodda Deva Raja, a devout Wodeyar king.

Certainly worth a visit. Paintings, portraits of kings, ceramic, porcelain and glass objets d'art from England and Japan, Chinese wooden furniture and carvings, etchings and Roman relics, all in all, quite a feast for the eyes.

On the ground floor there are paintings and murals that depict the genealogy of the Mysore kings and princes. The paintings of the wedding darbar and dussehra durbar offer a wealth of detail.

The first floor is a treasury of paintings of various artists from across the world. The gallery also has paintings by Raja Ravi Verma - 'Sucking child', 'Sakuntala', 'Krishna and Balram', 'Harishchandra' -- all of them interesting in that you will be able to see how popular iconographies developed under the influence of Varma. A collection of postcards home is available for a small fee.

One the second floor are musical instruments - the harp, veena, flute, guitar, sarangi - they're all there.

Open daily from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm. Entry Rs 10.

The first of its kind in India, the Rail Museum was set up in 1979. Situated at Krishnaraja Sagar Road, the museum sets a good pattern for regional display and has a good collection. The highlight here is the Chamundi Gallery that showcases a unique and interesting collection of photographs and paintings depicting the development of the railways. Don't miss the Sri Ranga Pavilion, which has two royal coaches. They belonged to the Maharaja of Mysore and have a certain old-world charm about them, harking back to a time when royalty travelled in splendour. Most of the exhibits in the museum once graced the Mysore palace.

Of particular interest is the Maharani's saloon carriage that boasts of a kitchen, dining car unit and a royal toilet dating back to 1899. One of the first steam engines built, it is indeed remarkably well kept. There is also a battery-operated mini-train, which takes you for a fancy ride along the grounds.

The Brindavan Garden on the outskirts of the city is one of the most beautiful places, which cannot be missed.

If Mysore figures in the tourist's itinerary, he will do well to time his visit for Dussehra, the most spectacular festival of the region. Commencing some time about the end of September or the beginning of October the festival lasts for ten days. In Mysore it is known as Navaratri (nine nights). Hindus in all the regions of India universally observe Dussehra, but the grandeur and pageantry of the colourful celebrations in Mysore have a special appeal for the tourist.

Tourist Spots Around Mysore