Mysore/Mysuru, Dec. 27 -- Tourists throng city

Amid Christmas celebrations and an extended weekend, the cultural capital Mysuru witnessed a sharp surge in tourist footfall, with major attractions packed to capacity over the past few days.

With Dec. 25 being a Government holiday and the fourth Saturday falling immediately after, many people took leave on Friday, creating a four-day weekend from Dec. 25 to 28, resulting in a steady influx of tourists to Mysuru and nearby destinations.

Visitors thronged prominent attractions including the Mysore Palace, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru zoo), Chamundi Hill and St. Philomena's Church. Official data showed that the Mysore Palace recorded 15,816 visitors on Dec. 24, with the numbe...