If you plan to visit Mysore, the city is known for its cultural heritage, festivals, palaces, and hills. The Chamundi Hills are one such place in Mysore that you must visit during your trip. Located 13 kilometres from Mysore the Chamundi Hills are known for the holy Chamundeshwari Temple, perched on top of the Chamundi Hills. The temple is named after Chamundeshwari, the fierce form of Shakti known for destroying all the evil powers. To reach the divine Chamundeshwari Temple, one has to climb 1008 steps, which makes the journey more adventurous. Besides this, the Chamundi Hills Temple offers a panoramic view of Mysore city. Add this place to your travel bucket for an Unforgettable trip.
Chamundeshwari Temple: History
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Set on top of Chamundi Hills, the Chamundeshwari Temple is one of the famous and ancient temples in Mysore. The temple’s origins date back before the rule of Maharajas of Mysore and the Wodeyars. The Chamundi Hills Temple was a shrine, and significant contributions to the temple were made during the rule of the Hoyasla, Vijayanagar, and Mysore dynasties. In 1659, the 1000 steps of the temple were built by Dodda Devraja Wodeyar. The massive sculpture of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull, was built during this time. Later, in 1827, during the rule of Krishna Wodeyar III, the temple was renovated again.
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Chamundeshwari Temple: Architecture
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The Chamundi Hills Temple, also known as the Chamundeshwari Temple, exhibits the Dravidian Style architecture. The Chamundi Hills Temple’s entrance welcomes tourists with an impressive seven-tier pyramidal tower that can be spotted from a mile away. The top of the seven-tier tower of Chamundi Hills Temple is adorned with seven golden Kalashas that add to the beauty of the temple. The building at the entrance also has a small image of Lord Ganesha and silver-plated images of Goddesses worth noticing. The temple’s main attraction is the Nandi statue, the bull of Lord Shiva, which is made of granite and embellished with metallic bells around the neck.
Places To Visit Near Chamundi Hills
Mysore has many famous tourist attractions. Here is a list of places you can consider visiting near Chamundi Hills.
1. Mysore Palace
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Mysore is also referred to as the “city of Palaces” because of the ornate palaces that allow tourists to have an in-depth knowledge of the cultural heritage of Mysore. The Mysore Palace is the perfect place to dive into the rich cultural heritage of Mysore. Constructed between 1897 and 1912, the striking Indo-scenic architecture of the three-storied Palace draws the attention of tourists from different regions. The square-shaped towers of the Mysore Palace are adorned with a dome structure. The Durbar Hall of the Mysore Palace is worth noticing, which is embellished with an ornate ceiling, sculpted pillars, intricately carved doors, a golden howdah, and a jewel-encrusted throne are some of the things worth noticing during your visit to Mysore Palace.
Distance from Chamundi Hills: 11.6 kilometres
Timings: Monday-Sunday: 10:00 A.M.-5:30 P.M.
Entry Fees: Adult: INR 50, Child: INR 30
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2. Jaganmohan Palace
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The Jaganmohan Palace adds to the royal grandeur of the city of Palaces. The Palace was used as a residence for the Royal Family when the Mysore Palace was renovated after a fire incident. The Jaganmohan Palace was built in 1861 under the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. Like other Palaces in Mysore, tourists widely appreciate the architectural brilliance of Jaganmohan Palace. Built in traditional Hindu architectural style, the entrance of the Palace will mesmerise tourists. The main entrance of the Palace is carved with Dashavatara, Vishnu’s tenth incarnation. Inside the Jaganmohan Palace, the carvings on the walls exhibit the royal history of Mysore.
Distance from Chamundi Hills: 12.5 kilometres
Timings: Monday-Sunday: 10:00 A.M.-5:30 P.M.
Entry Fees: Adult: INR 20, Child: INR 10
3. Mysore Wax Museum
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The Mysore Wax Museum is a famous tourist attraction near Chamundi Hills that you can add to your Mysore itinerary. In 2010, Shreeji Bhaskaran, an IT professional, came up with the idea to exhibit an extensive collection of musical instruments to honour the work of Musicians. The unique feature that draws the attention of the tourists is that the whole museum is managed by computer technology. Visitors can watch a collection of 300 musical instruments, including Western and Indian. The Museum also has 110 life-size wax statues. The Museum represents popular bands such as Hindustani, Carnatic, Punjabi Bhangra, Middle East, Hip Hop, Rock, etc.
Distance from Chamundi Hills: 8.4 kilometres
Timings: Monday-Sunday: 10:00 A.M.-5:30 P.M.
Entry Fees: INR 30 per person.
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4. Tombs Of Tipu Sultan And Hyder Ali
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They are 15 kilometres from Mysore, the Tombs of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. The Tomb was built by Tipu Sultan in 1784 A.D. for his parents. Besides the historical significance, the Tombs of Tipu Sultan are renowned for their Persian style of architecture. Surrounded by a picturesque Lalbagh Garden and the Gumbaz in the middle captivates tourists. The polished pillars add to the charm of the vast domes. The architectural brilliance can be observed in the ivory-decorated doors of the domes. The walls are painted in tiger stripes associated with Tipu Sultan. The Tombs are a fascinating place you can visit on your Mysore trip.
Distance from Chamundi Hills: 29.8 kilometres
Timings: Monday-Sunday: 8:30 A.M.-6:30 P.M.
Entry Fees: Free
5. Brindavan Gardens
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Located at the bottom of Krishnaraja Sagara Dam, the Brindavan Gardens is one of the splendid tourist places to visit near Mysore Palace within 50 kilometres. Spread across 60 acres, the garden offers an alluring atmosphere to the tourists. The three terraced Garden is filled with exotic flowers and fountains that enhance the charm of this place. The Brindavan Garden is divided into four parts- the main gate area, South Brindavan, North Brindavan, and Children’s Garden. Once you enter the main gate of the Brindavan Garden, you will be amazed by rose gardens on both sides. The other three parts of the Garden offer breathtaking views of the splendid water fountains and lush green gardens.
Distance from Chamundi Hills: 33.8 kilometres
Timings: Monday-Sunday: 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: Adults: INR 15; Child: INR 5
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Chamundi Hills, situated 3849 feet above sea level, is a historic hill mentioned in ancient Hindu Scriptures, including the “Skanda Purana.” This picturesque hill is a must-visit place on your trip to Mysore , as one can embark on a religious journey and witness the panoramic view of Mysore city.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chamundi Hills
What is the significance of Chamundi Hills?
The Chamundi Hills Temple, or Chamundeshwari Temple, is culturally significant because it is considered one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.
What is the timing of Chamundi Hills Temple?
The Temple is open for devotees at three different times. The Temple timings are Monday-Sunday: 7:30 A.M.-2:00 P.M.; 3:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M.; 7:30 P.M.-9:00 P.M.
Where is Chamundi Hills Located?
The Chamundi Hills are located 13 kilometres from Mysore City in Karnataka. The iconic Chamundeshwari Temple is set on top of Chamundi Hills.
What is the best time to visit Chamundi Hills?
The best time to visit Chamundi Hills is between October and March when the weather is much more pleasant.
How to reach Chamundi Hills?
Chamundi Hills is easily accessible to tourists. Public transportation, such as buses and taxis, is available. To explore the iconic Chamundeshwari Temple on top of Chamundi Hills, tourists have to climb 1008 stairs to reach the top.
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