Chamundi Hills

The 1062 m Chamundi Hills and the temple on top dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari is an integral part of Mysore’s identity. On the hill there is a fierce and gaudily coloured statue of Mahishasura, the demon who, as per the legend, ruled over the area and harassed humans and divine inhabitants, and was slayed by Chamundeshwari. Half way up the hill is a 16ft monolithic statue of Nandi, which is believed to have been carved in 1659. The temple itself was built by the Wadiyar kings in 17thcentury as a tribute to the patron deity of the royal household; it was renovated and added on to, by many others. The gopura, in classical South Indian style, houses the Goddess who is usually dressed in colourful robes and around whom centres the famous Mysore Dasara. Outside the temple, it is fun to wander through the market stalls, which sell everything from children’s toys to typical Mysore souvenirs.