‘Mysore’s topography lends itself to being explored by bicycle’

Cycling tour covers historical structures

A heritage cycling was conducted by the Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage for IOB staff in Mysore on Sunday. Photo:Anurag Basavaraj

Heritage Cycling, a cycling tour mooted to explore the city’s urban landscape, was flagged off on Sunday and received an encouraging response from participants.

The concept was conceived in January by the State Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage. It evoked interest among a few organisations and the first tour was held for the staff of the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB).

C.G. Bethsurmath, Director of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, said they planned to have such tours regularly. “Discovering a city on cycle is not only environment-friendly but will give an impetus to cycling,” he added. There were 27 participants from the IOB, including Senior Regional Manager Umesh. The tour commenced at 7 a.m. from Town Hall and covered Chamaraja Circle and the Mysore palace, K.R. Circle, Lansdowne Building, Jaganmohan Palace, and other heritage buildings and ended with breakfast. N.S. Rangaraju, retired professor, Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Mysore, and Gavi Siddaiah, Deputy Director of Archives, were among the key resource persons who spoke to the participants about the historical significance of the landmarks, which are an intrinsic part of Mysore’s skyline.

“Compared to Heritage Walk, more number of buildings were covered. We will make efforts to popularise this concept here as the city’s topography and size lends itself for exploration by cycle,” said Mr. Bethsurmath.

With more than 200 heritage buildings adorning the skyline of Mysore, it is an opportunity for the Tourism Department to tap the interest the discerning tourists and showcase a slice of the city. Mysore has scores of Union government departments, public sector undertakings, educational institutions and yoga schools which are patronised by both Indians and foreigners. If heritage cycling is promoted among these groups, it would help make the concept popular. Interested organisations may contact the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Karnataka Exhibition Authority grounds, Mysore, at 0821-2424673 or email: commissonerramh@gmail.com or commissioner@karnataka-

archaeology.gov.in