Sunday, February 20 2005 16:34 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mysore: Austrian President Heinz Fischer on a short visit to this royal city was captivated with the beauty of Mysore Palace as he went round various sections including Kalyana Mantapa, Darbhar Hall and the vast room where armoury of the Maharajas has been kept.

Fischer evinced keen interest in knowing details of the imposing ceiling, and the artistic wealth that embedded them attracted him.

Accompanied by wife Margit Fischer and an eighty member delegation, he had a glimpse of the world famous Dasara procession as he saw the wall paintings of the processions of the past.

Later, the couple visited the ATS company, an Austrian firm, at Nanjangud, some 24 kms from Mysore and from there they drove to Somanathapura to see the eleventh century temple built by Hoysala Kings known for its rich architectural splendour.