Gurur is a small town located near the town of Mysore. The proximity of Gurur to Mysore makes it a crucial part of the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage. The surrounding lands of this quaint little town are rich with fertile soil which makes these areas perfect for agriculture and hence make it the main occupation in those parts. Agriculture has always been the main boost for this town’s economy, although in recent years scale factories have been coming up with the surrounding modernization and the age of technology. But the beauty of the town lies in the fact that it is more of a reminder of what was than what will be.
Tourist Destinations In and Around Gurur
This town’s proximity to Mysore makes it the perfect place for those looking to get away from their metropolitan lives for a bit. And even though Gurur might seem like a bit of a ghost town, it has its serene charm and plenty of places to visit in its surroundings as listed below.
1. Brindavan Gardens
Image Credit: Abgpt for Wikimedia Commons
The Brindavan Gardens, situated around 12 km from Mysore, is one of the most beautiful man-made gardens in the country. This marvel of landscape architecture was commissioned in 1927 by Sir Mirza Ismail, the Deewan of Mysore, and took 5 years to complete. This project was taken up by German botanist and landscape designer Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel. Along with these gardens, the diwan also commissioned the construction of the Krishansgar Dam which is one of the largest hydroelectric stations in our country. The garden is maintained by the Cauvery Niravari Nigama, a Government of Karnataka enterprise, and is spread across an area of 60 acres, which includes a fruit orchard and 2 horticulture farms. The main attraction of the park is the musical fountain show in which bursts of water are synchronized to the music of songs to create loads of entertainment for its visitors.
Address: HCF+X2V, Krishnarajasagara, Karnataka 571607
Entry Fees: The entry fee is 50Rs for adults and free for children. These rates do not include boating or fountain show charges.
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM.
Must Read: Trekking near Mysore
2. Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
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The Mysore Zoo, also called the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, was founded in 1892 and is named for its cherished creator, Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur. When the zoo first opened, it covered 11 acres. Six more acres were added in 1907, and in 1952, it was enlarged to 45 acres. Eventually, an additional 50 acres of Kensington Gardens were added, bringing the total size to 157 acres, now including the 77 acres of Karanji Lake. Currently, this zoo is home to approximately 1450 specimens representing over 25 nations and more than 150 species. It also runs an animal adoption program and a free veterinary clinic that is funded by the government and other private companies.
Address: Zoo Rd, Indira Nagar, Ittige Gudu, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010
Entry Fees: The entry fee is 100Rs for adults and 50Rs for children.
Timings: 8:30 AM- 5: 30 PM on all days except Tuesdays.
3. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Image Credit: Paweł ‘pbm’ Szubert for Wikimedia Commons
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary in the Mandya District of Karnataka. It is the largest bird sanctuary in the state, with an area of almost 40 acres, and comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri River. This sanctuary is located around 16 km from Mysore city. Ranganathittu’s islets were formed when an embankment across the Kaveri River was built between 1645 and 1648 by the then-king of Mysore, Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar. These islets, originally numbering 25, soon started attracting a variety of birds thanks to the favorable conditions and lack of human presence. The sanctuary is currently maintained by the Forest Department of Karnataka and efforts are ongoing to improve the sanctuary.
Address: Ranganathittu Rd, Srirangapatna, Karnataka 571438
Entry Fees: The entry fee is 50Rs for adults and free for children.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Mysore Within 100 km
4. Freedom Fighter’s Park
Image Credit: Giridhar Appaji Nag Y for Wikimedia Commons
Freedom Fighter’s Park is a public park located in the Chamrajapura locality of Mysore, also known as The Subbarayanakere Park, it is one of the prominent places to visit in the city. Freedom Fighter’s Park was built to commemorate the ‘Mysore Chalo’ movement, one of the most significant events in the history of Mysore which resulted in the establishment of a democratic government in Mysore. Freedom fighters assembled at this very spot, launching a resistance movement when the Maharaja of Mysore retained the rule of the state and refused to surrender to the democratic government. As a part of the protest, the Indian flag was hoisted every day at this park by freedom fighters, which eventually made the Maharaja surrender to the demand for democracy in 1947.
Address: WG83+JC7, Rangaswamappa Rd, Global village Back gate Mailasandra, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560098
Entry Fees: Entry to the park is free of charge.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM.
5. Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
Image Credit: Christopher J. Fynn for Wikimedia Commons
Located around 200 meters west of Mysore Palace, the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, also referred to by its previous name, The Jaganmohan Palace, is a royal home, art museum, and amphitheatre that was formerly the maharaja of Mysore’s alternate residence. Having started construction in 1856 and finished in 1861, it is currently one of Mysore’s oldest modern buildings. When Mysore Palace was undergoing restorations and construction, the royal family would live here. A fire mishap during a wedding celebration destroyed the ancient Mysore Palace in 1897, and that was the last time the royal family lived in the palace, as it took 15 years to reconstruct the Mysore palace. The palace is three stories tall and constructed in the classic Hindu style. Currently, it serves as an art gallery with one of the biggest collections of antiquities in South India. Notable pieces include paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, some of which depict scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. A new hall was constructed in 2003 since there wasn’t enough space for all of the artworks to be on display.
Address: 8J4X+QW5, Jagan Mohan Palace Road, Subbarayanakere, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570004
Entry Fees: The entry fee is 20Rs for adults and 10Rs for children.
Timings: 830 AM – 5 PM on all days except Tuesdays.
Further Read: Things To Do In Mysore
Mysore has a lot of things to offer. From nature to architectural marvels, you will not return disappointed from your trip. The town of Gurur is a quaint little hamlet in the middle of nowhere. But its mysterious aesthetic is exactly what makes it a desirable weekend getaway. So do keep this list of locations in mind while planning your trip to Mysore.
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Cover Image Credit:Jim Ankan Deka for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Gurur
Where is the town of Gurur?
Gurur is 7km south of Mysore, which is a 15-minute drive so it is in quite proximity to the city center, which makes it an integral part of Mysore’s culture and history.
What are some places to visit around Gurur?
The bird sanctuary, the Mysore palace, the Freedom Fighters Park, and the railway museum are a few notable tourist attractions in and around Gurur
What is the climate of gurur?
Gurur has a typical south Indian tropical climate with hot summers and comfortable winters, although the monsoons are the most beautiful time of year in this part of the country, with very heavy rainfall that replenishes the crop and sets it up for the next agriculture season.
How to get to Gurur from Bangalore?
Gurur is 155 km away from Bangalore. That distance can be covered by car which will take around 3 hours, or you can also choose to take a train to the Mysore railway station and then hail a cab or a bus to Gurur.
How far is Gurur from New Delhi?
Gurus is 2234 km away from New Delhi by road which will take about 38 hours on average to cover by road. So it is advisable to make that trip by either a train or flight to Mysore.
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