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Mysore is the "City of Palaces" and in the center of town is the Maharaja's Palace - another gem of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Here is where the Wadiyar Rajas, when reinstated by the British in the early 19th century, lived and entertained lavishly.

It's now a museum and Mysore's #1 tourist attraction. Every Sunday night for one hour the 5,000 light bulbs that garland the palace are turned on.

The Palace is also the hub of activity for Dassara - the 10 day festival that goes on in September or October. (Consult your local astrologer for exact dates.) It commemorates the slaying of the demon buffalo, Mahishasura by the goddess Durga (who happens to be an avatar of Parvati, the wife of Shiva).