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"Home to the Mysore Maharajas"

Mysore tourism.

Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore, currently Mysuru, is one of the most important places in the country regarding ancient reigns. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in Karnataka, and its rich heritage draws millions of tourists all year round. The highlight is the majestic Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a must-visit.

Mysore was one of the three largest Princely States in the erstwhile British Empire of India. To this day, the Mysore Palace stands tall as one of the most spectacular palaces in India. A very famous tourist spot that sees thousands of visitors milling in and around it every day, the Mysore Palace is a mesmerizing example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, every inch of the palace drips with opulence and intricate details, and every room that you visit stands out in terms of its elaborate architecture, beautiful paintings, rich colours and stained-glass windows. On every Sunday, and during the Dussehra celebrations, the palace is spectacularly lit up once dusk falls. Another popular element in Mysore is the Ashtanga School of Yoga. This draws visitors and practitioners from around the world to participate in this style of yoga that originated in Mysore. 

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20 Tourist Places in Mysore

Mysore, often called the “City of Palaces” and the “Cultural Capital of Karnataka,” is steeped in history and adorned with architectural marvels. Nestled in the southern part of India, Mysore is a popular tourist destination known for its regal heritage, festivals and remarkable landmarks. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 20 of the most captivating tourist places in Mysore that make it a must-visit destination for travellers from all over the world.

Mysore Palace

Starting strong, you have Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, which is the crown jewel of Mysore’s architectural splendour. This opulent palace is a magnificent example of Indo-Saracene architecture, a blend of Gothic, Rajput, Hindu and Muslim styles. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in India.

It’s fascinating that it was only built in the 20th century and is the fourth structure to be constructed in the same location.

Location: Sayyaji Rao Road, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001, India

Chamundi Hill

Chamundi Hill is a sacred location that’s about 13 kilometres from Mysore. At the summit, you’ll find the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari. 

The temple, with its Dravidian architecture, offers a panoramic view of Mysore city. The climb to the hill is a culturally enriching experience, and the Nandi Statue is something you can bask in during your adventures, which is remarkable.

You can reach the hill summit either via road or for hiking enthusiasts, by the stone stairs. 

Location: 13 kilometres east of Mysore

Timings: 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

                The temple is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day.

Brindavan Gardens

The Brindavan Gardens, situated approximately 23 kilometres from Mysore, are a beautifully landscaped garden surrounding the Krishnarajasagar Dam.

The garden comes alive in the evening with a musical fountain show that captivates visitors with its synchronised music and water dance.

St Philomena’s Cathedral

St. Philomena’s Cathedral is a neo-gothic-style church over 200 years old located in Mysore and is one of the largest in India. Its striking architecture, stained glass windows and serene ambience make it a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Maharaja Krishnaraka Wodeyar rebuilt it from a small church. It is one of the largest cathedrals in all of South Asia.

Location: Lourdes Nagar, Ashoka Road, Lashkar Mohalla, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001

Timings: 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Jaganmohan Palace

Jaganmohan Palace is another architectural gem in Mysore. Once a famous home to the kings of Mysore, it was established in 1861 and is now regarded as one of the most impeccable contributions of the Wodeyar kings.

It houses an impressive collection of art and artefacts, including paintings by renowned artists such as Raja Ravi Varma and over 2,000 more from other established artists. This is a significant tourist destination and should be on your list.

Location: Deshika Rd., opp. City Bus Stand, Devaraja Mohalla, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570024, India

Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

                Mondays Closed

Karanji Lake

Karanji Lake holds the meaning of ‘fountain’ and is a serene place that is located in Mysore and not far from Cahmundi Hills.

This lake is a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and is home to a variety of migratory birds, a butterfly park, and a walk-through aviary, making this delightful place a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Location: Chamundipuram, Mysore, India

Timings: 08.30 a.m. to 05.30 p.m.

               Tuesdays Closed

Mysore Zoo: Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is one of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos in India. It houses a diverse range of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants and much more.

This can be an educational trip, a chance to slowly stroll through the enclosures, or a fun family day out.

Location : Zoo, Main Rd., Indira Nagar, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010

Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Lalitha Mahal

The second largest palace in Mysore is the Lalitha Mahal, a stunning heritage hotel from 1974 that was once a royal palace of the Wadiyar dynasty from 1921. The design was inspired by London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

The grounds are covered in sprawling gardens and the balcony offers a beautiful view of Chamindi Hills to the left and city views directly in front.

Railway Musem

Experience a different museum in Mysore; it is a fascinating place for rail enthusiasts. Showcasing an impressive collection of vintage locomotives, coaches, and other railway memorabilia. 

The museum offers a true once-in-a-lifetime experience into the history of Indian railways.

Location: KRS Rd., Opp. CFTRI, Medar Block, Yadavagiri, Mysuru, Karnataka 570005

Timings: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers and enthusiasts. Located along the banks of the Kaveri River, it is home to a diverse avian population, including painted storks, pelicans, herons and much more. 

A boat ride through the sanctuary is picturesque and provides a closer encounter with these magnificent birds.

Distance from Mysore: 18.1 Km

Timings: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Kukkarahalli Lake

Kukkarahalli Lake is another pristine lake in Mysore known for its natural beauty and tranquillity. The J-shaped lake spreads over 58 hectares and has a shoreline of 5 kilometres. It offers a great spot for birdwatching, picnics and leisurely walks across the shoreline.

Location: Kukkarahalli Lake, Saraswathipuram, Mysore, Karnataka, 570011, India

Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

GRS Fantasy Park

GRS Fantasy Park is a perfect spot for a fun-filled day with family or friends. It’s an amusement and water park that offers a wide variety of rides and activities that can keep you entertained for hours.

Location: KRS Rd., Metagalli, Mysuru, Karnataka 570016

Timings: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Javaregowda Park 

It is a fun and quirky park and one of Mysore’s most sought-after spots, boasting several fun rides and swings. This is the perfect spot for families, nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts, so be sure to wear some gym leggings before you travel to Javaregowda Park. 

The paved pathways are ideal for jogging and walking activities, while the manicured garden floors are perfect for yoga, meditation and a family picnic. The park gives you access to 10 pieces of gym equipment, from shoulder presses to a cross trainer. You can relax and get your sweat out in this great outdoor space.

Location: 179, 11th Main Road, Saraswathipuram, Mysuru, Karnataka 570009, India

Timings: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 pm

Nagarahole National Park

Located a short distance from the city of Mysore is Nagarahole National Park, which belongs to the Kodagu district of Karnataka.

This area is home to Mysore’s great animals and is one of the most popular attractions if you are lucky enough to spot some wild elephants and deer.

Distance from Mysore: 89.2 Kms

Talakadu is a historic town known for its archaeological significance. It is home to the famous Panchalinga Darashana, where you can witness firsthand the five astounding temples built in the sand dunes. The town’s enigmatic charm and cultural heritage make it a place of intrigue for history enthusiasts.

Distance from Mysore: 48.8 Km

Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm

Folklore Museum

The Folklore Museum in Mysore is a treasure trove of traditional art and artefacts. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka, including costumes, masks, jewellery, and more, providing an insight into the state’s vibrant traditions.

Boasting over 6500 unique memorabilia dedicated to dance, music, literature, art and much more, the museum also holds a place for the weird and wonderful collection of puppets, props, masks and other folk objects that have been a common aspect of folk drama.

Location: Manasa Gangotri, Mysuru, Karnataka 570006, India

Timings: 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 pm; 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, closed on Sunday

Shree Shvetha Varaha Swamy Temple

Also known as Varahaswamy Temple, Shree Shvetha Varaha Swamy Temple is among the most religiously significant Mysore tourist places and portrays a fine example of Hoysla-style architecture. The craftsmanship of every square inch of this temple is remarkable all around the goddess’s shrine.

Within the walls of this temple are several beautiful mural paintings, which depict the life of Lord Krishna as well as two famous Hindu gods, the Ramayana and the Bhagavata. Alongside several inscriptions on the pedestals, including one that commemorates its donor, Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar.

Location: Near South Gate, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570004, India

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Devaraja Market

A must-visit destination is Devaraja Market, which conveniently includes many of the heritage walks covering Mysore. 

Featuring over 300 shops, it spreads over 3 acres so you cannot miss it. They have a vast amount of things to choose from, from fresh fruit to one-of-a-kind men’s graphic tees that are the perfect souvenir.

There are four entrances to this showstopping market complex, and shops are arranged in three aisles. Even if spending isn’t on your agenda, there is no need, as this is a perfect spot for window shopping and provides many photogenic spots.

Location: Devaraja Mohalla, Mandi Mohalla, Mysuru, Karnataka 

Timing: 6.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Melody World Wax Museum

One of the most enjoyable tourist destinations in Mysore for music enthusiasts is the Melody World Wax Museum, which is dedicated entirely to music. Housed in a historically significant structure, the museum opened its doors in 2010 and is home to more than 300 musical instruments from throughout the nation and the globe.

The collection is reportedly the biggest in Karnataka. As you navigate the museum’s 19 rooms, you will see about a hundred life-size wax effigies of well-known performers, each dedicated to a particular musical genre.

Location: 1, Vihara Marga, Kurubara Halli, Siddhartha Layout, Mysuru, Karnataka 570011, India

Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Shivanamudra Falls

Take a tour of the Cauvery River’s birthplace while you see other local tourist attractions, such as Shivanasamudra, a Cauvery River-originating waterfall. The two falls, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, are collectively known as Shivanasamudra.

It is also one of the most well-liked waterfalls in India, not just in the south. Being the first hydroelectric power plant in Asia, it is well-known.

Distance from Mysore: 73.3 Km

Timings: Open 24 hours

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Mysuru (Mysore)

The historic settlement of Mysuru (which changed its name from Mysore in 2014) is one of South India's most enchanting cities, famed for its glittering royal heritage and magnificent monuments and buildings. Its World Heritage–listed palace brings most travelers here, but Mysuru is also rich in tradition, with a deeply atmospheric bazaar district replete with spice stores and incense stalls. Ashtanga yoga is another drawcard and there are several acclaimed schools that attract visitors from across the globe.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Mysuru (Mysore). Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Mysuru Palace

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Keshava Temple

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Venugopala Swamy Temple

Back from the dead, this stunning 12th-century Hoysala temple was submerged when the Kaveri River was dammed in 1930. However, villagers had tantalising…

Devaraja Market

Dating from Tipu Sultan’s reign, this huge and very lively bazaar has local traders selling traditional items such as flower garlands, incense, spices and…

Chamundi Hill

This 1062m hill is crowned with the Sri Chamundeswari Temple. It’s a fine half-day excursion, offering spectacular views of the city below. Queues are…

Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion Museum Complex

On the university campus west of town, this (somewhat neglected) museum specialises in folklore, with artefacts, stone tablets and sculptures, rural…

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya

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Rail Museum

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ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO MYSORE, INDIA

• October 17, 2020

Exploring the Magical City of Mysore… this is your ultimate travel guide to Mysore.

If you are planning a trip around the South of India , then Mysore, officially known as Mysuru, should not be missed off of your itinerary.   Situated in the state of Karnataka, Mysore is a culturally diverse city with a rich & colourful history.   And stories of its royal heritage are sure to excite the imagination of any curious traveller.

Mysore is famous in the region for a number of things – high-quality sandalwood, exquisite silk, natural incense and mouth-watering food.   As a result, walking the streets of the city is a show-stopping delight, bursting with colour, aroma and craftsmanship.  

Encompassing an enchanting palace, majestical elephants, empowering temples and local artisans, Mysore transported us back in time watching one of our all-time favourite Disney films, Aladdin.   It was like a fairy tale brought to life before our eyes.   And in this article, we will share our recommendations and experiences for getting around this magical city.  

So without further ado here is our travel guide and itinery for the wonderful city of Mysore, so let’s get to it!

Mysore Itinerary & Travel Guide

*Before You Travel to Mysore , have you got your travel insurance sorted?  Cover yourself for the unexpected, read  why you really need travel insurance , or  get a quote from World Nomads .

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ARRIVING INTO MYSORE

BY AIR – The closest airport to Mysore is Bangaluru Airport, around 170kms away.   From there it is possible to take a bus directly to Mysore which cost us about 300 INR each.

BY BUS – Mysore is accessible by bus from a number of destinations across India.   To check routes, timetables and ticket prices we recommend using redbus.com .   In our experience, they are extremely reliable.   They are one of the only companies who will accept payment with an International card, and if you have any problems with your journey they are contactable by phone.  

BY TRAIN – Mysore is well connected via train from across the region, however booking trains in India can be tricky.   It is advised to book at least 3 days in advance, and we are more the last minute types.   You can book trains up to 6 months in advance using 12GO Asia.

WHERE TO STAY IN MYSORE

Hostel – Zostel Mysore – Rated one of the best-rated locations in Mysore, just 3.6 km from Mysore Palace.

Budget –  Sonder – Just 4km from Mysore palace, this accommodation comes with breakfast and has a garden, lounge and library too.

Mid-range – OYO 22046 Apple Trees Inn  –  Rooms are air-conditioned with a peaceful terrace, breakfast is also included.

For more places to stay in Mysore, check the  latest prices here .

BEST TIME TO VISIT MYSORE AND HOW LONG TO STAY

We visited Mysore at the end of September when monsoon season is fast-approaching autumn.   Although we did experience some stormy weather, it was mostly in the evening and early morning, leaving the days clear and pleasant to walk around in.

There are many attractions in the Mysore area, however, to cover the main ones will take you no more than 2-3 days .   Mysore is also a popular spot for yoga retreats, therefore many visitors stay for up to a month embracing their inner yogi.

THINGS TO DO IN MYSORE

Here are just some of the top things we enjoyed doing during our time in Mysore:

1. TAKE A TOUR OF MYSORE PALACE

Mysore Palace is one of our top Instagram spots in India. (Don’t forget to follow us on  Instagram here! )  Being one of the most famous tourist attractions throughout India, and rightfully the number 1 thing to do in the city.   The palace has served as a royal residence since the 1400s, although the current structure was built in the late 1800s after the Old Palace was burnt down. The extraordinary architecture is said to be inspired by a mix of Rajput, Hindi, Gothic and Islam styles.   Serving as a true reflection of the diversity of religions living together harmoniously throughout the city.

The internal tour of the grandeur palace was an experience that left us speechless.   The exquisite detail and captivating artistry that would have gone into constructing the cities landmark is simply inconceivable.   There are 2 ways in which you can choose to explore the palace.   The first option is to pay the entrance fee and walk around at your own leisure, or it is also possible to book a guided tour.   To explore the flourishing gardens that adorn the palace grounds is free of charge.

TIPS –  Be prepared to remove your shoes and socks.   There is a safe area where you can leave your shoes for a small tip.   – Cameras are allowed to be used in all areas, however, you may be asked not to use your tripod.   We entered the grounds on a number of occasions and only once were we asked not to use it.

Entrance Fees: Adults – 50INR Children – 30INR Gardens Only – Free

Opening Hours : The palace is open daily from 10.30pm to 5pm.   Be aware that weekends get very busy.

MYSORE PALACE MAP LOCATION

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d15592.632562189861!2d76.6551483!3d12.3051351!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0xc37fbae2a124da0d!2sMysore+Palace!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v1538822368146&w=600&h=450]

2. VISIT CHAMUNDESHWARI TEMPLE

Chamundeshwari Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the South of India.   Situated on the top of Chamundi Hills, around 13km from the city centre, the original structure is thought to have been constructed in the 12th century.   The remarkable architecture is truly awe-inspiring, and if you visit on a clear day, you can find panoramic views over Mysore.

We visited the temple early on a Saturday morning, which unknown to us at the time, is a religious day for Hinduism.   Although we arrived before the temple had opened, there were already 100s of devotees awaiting to worship and make an offering to Shani.   The god associated with bad luck.   Despite the crowds, we were really grateful to have been a part of the spiritual ceremony.   We made our offering of flowers, which you can buy outside of the temple for a small charge, and were even blessed by a Pujari – A Hindu Temple priest.  

TIP – Cameras are NOT allowed to be used inside of the temple.

Entrance Fees : To enter the temple via the queue is free of charge, or you can pay 30INR for fast track entrance.

Opening Hours: Open daily from 10am – 5.30pm.   Be aware that weekends are extremely busy.

CHAMUNDESHWARI TEMPLE MAP LOCATION

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d15594.544572689003!2d76.6709202!3d12.2728843!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x279348271c86346e!2sShree+Chamundeshwari+Temple!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v1538822532317&w=600&h=450]

3. TAKE A TOUR OF THE OLD TOWN

As mentioned before, Mysore is famous for a number of things including silk, sandalwood and incense, therefore it would be a shame to visit without seeing where it all comes from.   There are work shops situated throughout the old part of the city, where you can see the artisans at work with the aforementioned materials.   It is a fascinating insight into the meticulous attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship required for such delicate materials.  

Although you may be lucky to stumble across these workshops on your own, it is recommended that you have a guide with you.   We were very fortunate to meet a friendly rickshaw driver one evening, who also happened to hold an abundance of knowledge about the city.   He offered to take us on a tour of the old town where we visited local markets, an incense manufacturer, a wood workshop, and a silk factory.   It was a taste of the real Indian culture, and we loved every minute of it!    

Fees : Price will depend on where you want to go but for a good price, you can contact our friend Mustafa on: (+91) 9845237691, our tour was approx 500 INR.

4. WATCH THE SOUND & LIGHT SHOW AT THE PALACE

This grand spectacle only happens once a week, however, if it works with your itinerary it is well worth sticking around for.   Every Sunday & national holiday from 7pm, locals and tourists unite inside the gates of Mysore Palace for a magical show of light, sound & celebration.  

The main event of the evening is the full illumination of the grounds.   98,000 balls of golden light, transforming the royal residence into a palace of hopes & dreams.   The crowds cheer and dance as the alluring sound of Indian music radiates from a band on the forecourt, while a convoy of vintage cars and guards on elephants make a way to the front of the stage.   The event only lasts an hour, but is sure to captivate you eternally.  

Entrance Fees:  It is free of charge to enjoy the light show.

Opening Times:  Sundays and Public Holidays from 7pm – 8pm.

5. EXPLORE THE MYSORE BAZAARS (MARKETS)

Exploring the bazaars is one of the most cultural things to do in Mysore.  Every day of the week, the streets of Mysore come alive with the hustle and bustle of the daily markets.   Aromas, colours, tastes and textures are in abundance, attacking your senses in the most enticing way.  

The most exciting markets are usually stumbled on by accident, hidden down mysterious alleyways, however, the most popular choice for tourists is Devaraja Market.   Although this market is open every day of the week, we found it to be far better on a weekend, however, that also means it is far busier.   Here you can buy a wide range of local produce from fruit & veg to streamed flowers and incense sticks to essential oils.  

Opening Times:   Open daily from 6.30AM to 9.30PM  

6. WATCH THE MYSORE PALACE ELEPHANT MARCH

OK, we know this one is a sensitive subject, and we’d like to point out that we are by no means advocates for the use of wild animals to entertain.   We are huge animal lovers, and the thought of anybody causing harm to these majestical creatures breaks our heart.   However the Mysore Palace elephants play a huge part in the cities tradition and history, therefore how could we be the culture hungry travellers that we are without acknowledging this part of it.

As it happens, we actually stumbled upon the march by accident, as we hadn’t heard of it’s existence & just happened to be there at the right time.   Every evening at 6pm , the palace guards line up with the elephants outside of the palace grounds, before stopping traffic with a march around the city centre.   I’d like to point out that there is no charge for this , it is simply a tradition of the city, and a bloody beautiful one at that.   The elephants that we saw looked far happier & healthier than any we’ve seen in so called sanctuary’s in SE Asia.   And we were happy to have been in the right place at the right time to witness the occasion.

7. WATCH THE SUNSET ON CHAMUNDI HILL  

If you like to chase sunsets, then the best place in the city to catch them is at the top of Chamundi hill.   Here you can find panoramic views over the whole of Mysore, and when the weather is good, the majestical Indian sunsets are breath taking.

Another popular time for visiting Chamundi Hill is after 7pm, when the city of Mysore transforms into a sea of light.   Just be sure you have a means of transport for getting back down the hill once it’s dark.  

WHERE TO EAT IN MYSORE

Mysore is bursting at the seams with good restaurants, and we were fortunate enough to enjoy an abundance of delicious food during our stay there.   Whether you’re Vegan, vegetarian, carnivore etc. you will have no problem satisfying your culinary desires.  

Some of our favourite restaurants include Hotel RRR, Depth and Green and Pakva, you do not want to miss these restaurants!

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Please be sure to dress appropriately, no matter where you are in India.   The rule of thumb is to keep shoulders, legs (below the knee is fine) and cleavage covered up.   The shoulders and legs goes for men too, and in some circumstances cleavage as well!  
• Getting around the city is easy.   Rickshaws (Tuk Tuks) are usually gathered around the tourist attractions, or easily flagged down on the street.   Just be sure to agree on a price in advance to avoid any conflict at the end. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle to get around the city. Check out this bike rental comparison site to find the best deal.
• In all busy areas, be sure to be aware of pick pockets.   There are known to be some professional scammers operating in the area.   We use either a small padlock or protective cover on our backpack.  
• It’s useful to have a downloaded map of the area on your phone in case you find yourself in any tricky situations.   We use MAPS ME and find it very reliable.

WHAT TO PACK FOR MYSORE

Unsure of what you might need to pack for your adventures in India? Don’t worry, we have got you covered.  Check out our  backpacker  essentials,  for a   packing list of  items that we carry with us on every adventure .

TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY 

As travellers, it should always be a top priority to travel responsibly.  We already leave a substantial carbon footprint just by flying to our travel destinations, so that’s even more reason to make a positive impact when we get there.  There are many  small steps you can take to  becoming a responsible traveller,  and we highly encourage you to educate yourself before travelling to India. Here are some things you can do to minimise your footprint:

1. Do not leave any rubbish on the ground:  You will see a lot of rubbish on the ground in India, but that doesn’t make it ok to add to it.  Bin your trash!

2. Limit your single-use plastic consumption:   This is tough in India as we wouldn’t recommend drinking tap water even if it has been treated/sterilised.  However, you can say no to straws and plastic bags. Take a  reusable bag  with you everywhere.

3. Respect the local culture:  Be courteous of the local culture and act in such a way that leaves a good impression.  Learn a little of the local language (hello and thank you is the minimum), greet the locals in a polite manner, and respect dress codes & traditions. We recommend carrying a  Sarong  with you to cover up where needed.

More on India

Are you planning a trip to India?  Check out our other articles to help plan your trip.

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Did you enjoy our  Ultimate Mysore Itinerary & Travel Guide ?

Well, that concludes  Ultimate Mysore Itinerary & Travel Guide .   We hope you enjoy your time in this magical country. If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below, through our contact us page. Don’t forget to follow us on  Instagram here  where we share further travel advice & inspiration.

Stay Adventurous & Happy Travels,

Charlotte & Natalie x

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8 Responses

Love the article and what a spectacular sounding city! India is a place we’ve been cautious about going but the more we see, the more we likey!! Henry and Jenni aka Hoopla Adventures x

Hey Henry & Jennifer. Thank you for taking the time to read the article, and apologies for not responding sooner. We were also a little anxious before coming to India but it was completely without reason. Its quickly become one of our favourite countries so we hope you will visit in the future. Thanks again. Charlotte & Natalie x

Good post. I was searched for this topic. Finally, I got the information on this blog. Thanks for posting such a nice article.-

Hello Priya, Thank you for taking the time to comment, we are so pleased this was helpful to you. Enjoy Mysore!

Nice blog.. Good job.. Thank you so much for the information. It’s a great post. We are offering taxi service in India on affordable rates as Bharat Taxi.

Hi Bharat Taxi, thank you for your comment! We are glad you enjoyed the article!

really enjoyed reading your blog! keep going.. love from London

Hi Subia, thank you so much! Your support means everything to us!

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Things To Do In Mysore 

Last Updated on October 23, 2023

Most of us are familiar with the famous tourist destinations in South India, like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. However, very few of us know of this gem in South India, in the state of Karnataka. Mysore is the cultural city of Karnataka and definitely lives up to this title. This cultural city reeks of royalty, history and has a very charming vibe to it. Its authentic old school charm and warm friendly locals, brings out the traveller in you rather than being a mere tourist. Isn’t that the experience each of us thrives on? Here’s a list of offbeat, interesting Things To Do in Mysore . Our guide to exploring this picture perfect region along with some of the best places to visit in Mysore.

Table of Contents

Mysore Palace  

Just like what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, Mysore Palace is to the city of Mysore. You cannot skip this beauty that was built in the 14th century. One can spend hours here just strolling in the corridors. You’ll feel like you’re a part of the royal mansion, with a journey that takes you back in time. Are you that social media addict who has to repost all of their travel experiences? Then this is just the location for all those insta-worth images. Do expect it to be relatively more crowded over the weekends.

And lastly, if you are here on a Sunday (or any public holiday), Mysore Palace will light up your evening (literally). The whole palace is illuminated with thousands of bulbs post 7 pm. The palace, lit up in the evening, makes for a whole new experience while viewing this gorgeous structure from a whole new perspective.

Cycle around the city 

What better way to explore the city and at the same time burn that holiday fat. You could rent a cycle or go on a bicycle tour (INR 1,500 – INR 2,000). If you wish to do it on your own, be sure to explore some of these gorgeous sites, scattered across the city – Balmari and Edmuri falls, KRS Dam and Chamundi Hills . All these locations are quite easily accessible. Be sure to commence your journey early morning by 7am.

You will see a whole new side to this heritage town when you ride past these streets in the morning. This is a great way to gain insight into the cities local culture. Cycling past the streets and witnessing it all for yourself. A cycling tour allows you to truly explore the city as opposed to just visiting it by going to all of the popular places to visit in Mysore or the so-called tourist hot spots. 

Sweat It Out To Chamundi Hills 

If you feel like Mysore is a little too relaxing for you, don’t get discouraged just yet. Set out on a scenic trail, not too intense, and trek up to the Chamundi Hill. This hill can be seen from any point in Mysore and you can ask the locals how to get there. T here are about 1200 steps up this hill and once you’re at the top, soak in the picturesque view of the entire city. Beware of the monkeys at the beginning of the trail. You don’t want to chase a monkey who has your cellphone or stole the food you stocked up on. Once you complete your trek, rejuvenate yourself with fresh tender coconut water. 

For the foodie in you

For an authentic South Indian meal, ditch the fancy crockery and enjoy your meal on a Banana Leaf! Some of the best eateries to visit, include Mylari Hotel. An 80-year-old restaurant famous for its idli (steamed cake rice) and dosa (a pancake made of rice) served with some lentils. You have to try the famous Mylari dosa here! To truly experience the phrase ‘Figure licking good’, enjoy this meal without your fork and spoon.

Another Iconic restaurant that’s existed for decades now is Hotel RRR. Known for its meat dishes, this little restaurant is almost always packed. It’s menu may lack variety, but every dish on it is bound to leave you craving for more. Be prepared to eat off that banana leaf and have your mouth burning, given the incredibly spicy and yet simply delicious food.

Another favourite we highly recommend is Anima Madhva Bhavan . A taste of authentic Mysore heritage and a gem for all those vegans and vegetarians. A meal here provides you with a traditional home dining experience where not a single food item is prepared using commercial ingredients. A traditional unprocessed flavour that will leave your mouth watering. Be sure to visit this diner on an empty stomach to make the most of its extensive menu. 

In case you wish to escape the Indian cuisine, you can visit this Italian restaurant – The Old House, the ambience and staff here is lovely and of course so is the food. A must try here in their Pizzas and Bruschetta.  When it comes to places to visit in Mysore, the eateries are usually some of the top places, with the delicious, mouth watering food that each of them have to offer.

The Mysore Markets

It’s very unusual for Indian Markets to be quiet and lack the hustle and bustle. Well the markets of Mysore are not only quiet but are so colorful, well organized and less intense in comparison to the ones in North India (Rajasthan) . Don’t forget to get your cameras while visiting the markets here, there is so much to look at and just observing the local people carry on with their life is a sight by itself. These markets are definitely up there on the list of best places to visit in Mysore. Devaraja market is one famous fruit, vegetable and spice market. However, do take care of the scams here. 

Discover: Rajasthan’s Hidden Gems

Witness the craft of the craftsmen

Mysore is known for its local artisans who excel in intricate designs with respect to wooden sculptures, rose wood inlay work, kinnal craft, embroideries, block printing on sarees. One can sign up for the various tours organised and watch the interesting process of making the final product. If you are into fashion and interested in what goes on in making the material you wear, you can watch the making of Khadi cotton by the local women or the famous Mysore silk Sarees. These sarees are a patent of Mysore and will not be found at any other place.

Read Further: Decode India’s Richness in Activities

Live the local life

One of the essentials to truly enjoy your time at Mysore is to spend your time there like a true localite. One can beat the Uber and travel round the city in a tonga, which is a colorful chariot ride . While you can’t leave India without a sip of its famous chai, you can’t leave Mysore without having its delicious Mysore coffee , it is a robust, deep color and strong scented coffee.

And lastly, the locals here are very proud of their culture and heritage, so you cannot forget to admire the grandeur and architecture of this city, from St Philomena’s Cathedral (with Neo Gothic architecture), to Tipu Sultan’s Tomb and The Railway Museum are just a few mentions that ought to make it to your list of places to visit in Mysore. 

From the delicious food, to the stunning architecture and the hospitality of the locals, you will definitely leave a piece of your heart in this charming city. Want to know how to fit in this city with the rest of your travel route across the subcontinent? Click here for some inspiration or simply hit the plan your trip button and leave the rest to us. We’ll help customise the ideal itinerary that fits your travel style and caters to all your needs and constraints. 

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• 35 Places to Visit in Mysore

Mysore Tourist Places

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Places to Visit in Mysore

Mysore palace.

Brindavan Gardens

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens

Treat the animal lover in you, visit Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens at Mysore. Popularly known as Mysore zoo, this place makes it to the best of places to visit in Mysore. A number of school and college students visit this place periodically making it a popular educational trip location. While you are busy taking trips of various palaces, museums and temples in this city, Mysore zoo is an offbeat and enthralling destination that can engage you for an entire day. Location:  Zoo, Main Rd, Indira Nagar, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010 Timings:  8:30am–5:30pm Also Checkout & Book:  Upside Down World Bali Tickets

Sri Chamundeshwari Temple

Located on the top of the peak this is not only a sacred place but also caters to the 360-degree view of the city and one of the famous places to visit in Mysore. Homing the deity of Goddess Durga, devotees from all over the map come here to seek her blessings.

The structure of the temple is adorned with intriguing pillars and the walls are carved with the sayings. Build back at the time of Maharaja’s this place is of utmost importance and is one of the most revered places to visit near Mysore. Temple opens from  7:30 am to 9:00 pm. Location: Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi Hill, Mysuru - 570010 Karnataka, India Timing:  7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM Also Checkout & Book:  Sanctuary Of Truth Pattaya Tickets

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Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden

Karanji Lake

Holding the meaning of a ‘fountain’- Karanji Lake is another place of extreme tourist attraction in this city of palaces. It is situated at the foot of Chamundi hills and was constructed by one of the kings of Mysore. It is the largest lake in the state of Karnataka with the total area of about 90 acres.It qualifies as one of the best tourist places in Mysore because of its scenic beauty. It is also a home for different birds that make your visit to this lake all the more blissful and exciting. Location:  Chamundipuram, Mysore, India Timings:  08.30 am to 05.30 pm                 Closed on Tuesdays Also Check:  Amazing Resorts in Mysore

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GRS Fantasy Park

St. Philomena's Cathedral

Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery and Auditorium

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Folk-Lore Museum Mysore

Chamundi Hills

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Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts

Lalitha Mahal

Railway Museum

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Devaraja Market

Shree Shvetha Varaha Swamy Temple

Regional Museum of Natural History Mysore

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Melody World Wax Museum

Kukkarahalli Lake

Government Silk Factory

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Freedom Fighter's Park

Sanjeevini Park

Lingambudhi Lake

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Nagarahole national park.

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Srirangapatna

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

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Shivanasamudra Falls

Government Sandalwood Oil Factory

People Also Ask About Mysore

What are the mysore tourist places to visit for couples, what are the best mysore tourist places to visit with family, how can i plan a trip for 2 days in mysore, what is famous in mysore, is mysore worth visiting, how many days are enough in mysore.

A minimum of two to three days is enough for a visit to Mysore, because tourists can easily explore all the places of interest in these days. 

Which places can I visit in Mysore in one day?

What is the best way to reach mysore, which are the places to visit near mysore, what is the best time to visit mysore.

Mysore Top Attractions

Just fifteen minutes away from Mysore Town in Karnataka, resides the most celebrated and stunning amusement park, the GRS Fantasy Park. A perfect holiday destination, spread across 40 acres of lush green environment, this theme park rejuvenates it's visitors with endless joy. Situated on the Mysore-Bangalore highway, it has created bundles of remarkable memories for its tourists over the past 13 years. This water park is a bewitching place and is customized in a way to cater different adrenaline levels of all age groups. The GRS Fantasy Park came out as an epitome of adventure in the Southern-Indian region. Featuring 33 dry and wet thrilling rides and multipurpose playstation for everyone, it ensures a fun filled vacation for the entire family. The main attractions of this water park are its water games and the interactive river called Amazonia. With facilities such as spacious restaurants, gift shops and amphitheater, this park takes the visitors to a state of ecstasy that they will never forget in their entire life. This park is the greatest pride of Mysore since it has bagged 7 National Awards for Excellence at the International Amusement Expo held in Mumbai in 2013 and 2014. It has also won the APT National Award for Dragon's Den in 2003 for being the most innovative ride commissioned in India during 2002-2003. It is not only known for providing it's customers thrill and cheer but also is the most responsible business venture across the town. The park is recognized as one of the major green spots in the city of Mysore. So, come enjoy the breathtaking ambiance and exhilarating array of rides at this park.

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A centre of sandalwood-carving, silk and incense production, and dotted with palaces and gardens, Mysore (officially Mysuru) is one of south India ’s more appealing cities. This cultural capital remains a charming, old-fashioned place, changed by neither an IT boom nor its now well-established status as a top international yoga destination.

The best travel tips for visiting Mysore

Best things to do in mysore, best areas to stay in mysore, best restaurants and bars, how to get around, what is the best time to visit, how many days do you need in mysore, how to get here, tailor-made travel itineraries for india, created by local experts.

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In addition to its established tourist attractions, chief among them the Mysore Palace, Mysuru is a great city simply to stroll around.

The evocative, if dilapidated, pre-Independence buildings lining market areas such as Ashoka Road and Sayaji Rao Road lend an air of faded grandeur to a busy centre that teems with vibrant street life.

That said, the erstwhile capital of the Wadiyar rajas can be underwhelming at first: upon stumbling off a bus or train you’re not so much embraced by the scent of jasmine blossoms or gentle wafts of sandalwood as smacked by a cacophony of tooting, careening buses, bullock carts, and tongas.

RoughGuides tip: Planning a trip to India? Perhaps our local experts in India can help you!

Mysore Palace in Mysore, Karnataka state in India © Shutterstock

From exploring the magnificent Mysuru Palace to experiencing the captivating wildlife at Mysore Zoo, here are the best things to do in Mysore.

#1 Stare in wonder at Mysuru Palace

Mysuru’s centre is dominated by the walled maharaja’s palace, popularly known as Mysuru Palace, a fairytale spectacle topped with a shining brass-plated dome.

It’s especially magnificent on Sunday nights and during festivals, when it is illuminated by nearly 100,000 light bulbs. The palace was completed in 1912 for the 24th Wadiyar raja, on the site of the old wooden palace that had been destroyed by fire in 1897.

In 1998, after a lengthy judicial tussle, the courts decided in favour of formally placing the main palace in the hands of the Karnataka state government but the royal family, who still hold a claim, have lodged an appeal, which is ongoing.

Twelve temples surround the palace, some of them of much earlier origin.

#2 Nip into the Residential Museum

Privately owned by the present scion of the royal family, and housed within the residential part of the palace, the Residential Museum displays royal treasures, paintings, musical instruments, children’s toys, furniture, trousseaux and armoury.

#3 See the paintings at the newly-renovated Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery

Built in 1861, the three-storey Jaganmohan Palace was used as a royal residence until 1915, when it was turned into a picture gallery and museum, the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV.

Most of the “contemporary” art in the collection dates from the 1930s, when a revival of Indian painting was spearheaded by E.B. Havell and the Tagore brothers, Rabindranath and Gaganendranath, in Bengal.

Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery in the centre of Mysore city in India © Shutterstock

#4 Gawp at artefacts and jewellery of various tribal groups in the Government Museum

Occupying a two-storey building that was once home to the Duke of Wellington, the Government Museum is devoted to anthropology on the ground floor, with photos, artefacts and jewellery of various tribal groups, mainly from the Himalaya and northeastern India. Upstairs there is a collection of statues and a modest selection of modern art. The grounds are strewn with large terracotta sculptures.

#5 Visit one of the oldest zoos in India

Officially named Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysuru Zoo is one of the oldest and best in India. Established as far back as 1882, it was opened to the public in 1902 and has grown to encompass 245 beautifully landscaped acres, with spacious compounds for most of the animals that live here.

The zoo boasts all the usual big mammals, including leopards and tigers, and there are also many species of bird and reptile to be admired, though some of their cages do not make viewing the animals easy.

#6 Take in the views from Chamundi Hill Temple

Around 12km southeast of the city, Chamundi Hill Temple is topped with a temple to the chosen deity of the Mysore rajas – the goddess Chamundi, or Durga, who slew the demon buffalo Mahishasura.

It’s a pleasant, easy bus trip to the top; the walk down takes about thirty minutes. Take drinking water, especially in the middle of the day – the walk isn’t very demanding, but by the end of it, after more than a thousand steps, your legs are likely to be a bit wobbly.

Inside the twelfth-century temple, which is open to non-Hindus, is a solid gold Chamundi figure. Outside, in the courtyard, stands a fearsome, if gaily coloured, statue of Mahishasura.

#7 Try some yoga

Despite the passing in 2009 of its founder, Sri Pattabhi Jois, the world-renowned Ashtanga Yoga Institute, 3.5km northwest of town in Gokulam, is still a revered pilgrimage destination for devotees.

The surrounding neighbourhood has in recent years turned into a bustling expat haven, filled with cafés, guesthouses, restaurants and internet cafés. The institute doesn’t offer drop-in classes; students must register for a minimum of one month, and book at least two months in advance.

There are several other centres clustered around Gokulam, including Bharath Shetty’s popular IndeaYoga which offers early morning courses of between two and eight weeks’ duration, and Yoga Bharata, who welcome drop-ins and offer courses of one to four weeks Some 3 km south of town, Mysore Mandala Yogashala, is a self contained retreat, offering excellent instruction, an organic café, well-tended garden, cultural events and drop-in classes.

© Shutterstock

Mysore offers a range of delightful neighbourhoods for visitors seeking accommodation . Finding a room is only a problem during Dasara and the Christmas/New Year period when the popular places are booked up weeks in advance and prices predictably soar. Here are the best areas to stay in Mysore.

Devaraja Mohalla

This area is situated north of Mysore Palace has a number of reasonable and affordabnle options.

Jayalakshmipuram

Residential Jayalakshmipuram has numerous hotels and guesthouses near the city centre. The better quality stays can be found around Hansa Rd.

Situated to the southwest of the city centre, Gokulam is a tranquil and green neighbourhood. It is primarily known for its yoga centres and wellness stays.

Browse the best hotels in Mysore.

With lots of Indian restaurants and a number of good cafes, Mysore has plenty of decent places to eat, even if it isn’t setting the world alight.

Vani Vilas Mohalla

One of the city’s busiest neighbourhood, Vani Vilas Mohalla has of local restaurants serving authentic Karnataka cuisine as well as a handful of multi-cuisine places to eat and cafes.

This centrally located district in Mysore is dotted with Indian restaurants as well as a few vegetarian joints and burger stores.

Residential Museum in the Mysore Palace in Mysore City, Karnataka, India © Shutterstock

From buses to auto-rickshaws, it is easy to get around Mysore. Here’s how to do it.

By auto-rickshaw

These three-wheeled vehicles are readily available to can take you to different parts of the city. Agree on a fare before starting your journey.

Metered taxis and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber operate in Mysore. You can book a taxi for point-to-point travel or for exploring the city at your own pace.

Mysore has an extensive city bus network, covering all major areas a traveller might visit.

The best time to visit Mysore is during the winter and early spring months, from October to March. During this time, the weather in Mysore is pleasant and comfortable, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures range from around 15°C (59°F) to 30°C (86°F), with cooler evenings.

Visiting Mysore during the winter months allows you to explore the city's attractions, such as the Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundi Hill, and the Mysore Zoo, without the discomfort of extreme heat or heavy rainfall. The city also hosts the grand Mysore Dasara festival, a 10-day celebration held in October, which showcases cultural performances, processions, and the illumination of the palace.

It's important to note that Mysore experiences a hot summer season from April to June, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) and high humidity. The monsoon season, from July to September, brings heavy rainfall to the region. While some people may still find these seasons suitable for travel, the weather conditions can be challenging for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Find out more about the best time to visit India .

Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple in Mysore city in India © Shutterstock

You will only need around two to three days to visit Mysore. That's enough time to visit the major attractions like Mysore Palace and then venturing up Chamundi Hill to pay homage at the Chamundeshwari Temple.

It also gives you time to make a stop at the Mysore Zoo, wander through the bustling Devaraja Market, and spend an evening visiting the enchanting Brindavan Gardens and witnessing its captivating musical fountains.

If you want to extend your stay, days four and five could be spent seeing the impressive, Gothic-style St Philomena's Cathedral, a leisurely stroll around Karanji Lake, and a peek in the Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery.

Most travellers arrive in Mysore by train or bus. Here’s how to get here.

The railway station is 1.5km northwest of the centre. For long hauls, the best way to travel is by train, usually with a change at Bengaluru , the fastest service is the a/c Shatabdi Express which continues to Chennai.

The Hampi Express Goes daily via Bengaluru to Hosapete There are 2–5 daily express services to Hassan, of which the Talguppa Intercity Express is the fastest.

Mysuru has three bus stands: major long-distance KSRTC and other state services pull in to Central, near the heart of the city, where there are advance booking counters.

The Private stand is about 1 km northwest of here and a host of agents there can make bookings for private buses.

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• Places to Visit in Mysore

54 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Mysore

• Mysore Overview
• Top 54 Places to Visit in Mysore
• 63 Best Mysore Tour Packages
• Top Resorts in Mysore
• Best Time to Visit Mysore
• How to Reach Mysore
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Mysore Palace

#1 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

About Mysore Palace

History of mysore palace, architecture of mysore palace.

...read more

Chamundi Hill Temple

#2 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

About Chamundi Hill Temple

History of chamundi temple, mysore zoo / jayachamarajendra zoological gardens.

#3 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 3 km from Mysore Railway Station, the Mysore Zoo is a zoological park situated in Mysore. Also known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, it is one of the oldest zoo parks in South India, and among the must include places in Mysore packages . The Mysore Zoo was established in the year 1892 by Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar and designed by German Landscaper and Horticulturist Mr. GH. Krumbeigal. It is one of the best Mysore tourist places , and often used to promote Mysore Tourism along with Mysore Palace. The zoo was originally 10 acres and has expanded to over 250 acres currently. Mysore Zoo provides shelter to a large number of animal species. The Zoo is famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity. It has a fine collection of animals like lions, tigers, hyenas, deer, elephants, rhinos, king cobras, and birds. The highlights .....

Brindavan Gardens, Near Srirangapatna

#4 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

About Brindavan Gardens

History of brindavan gardens, railway museum.

#5 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of about 500 meters from Mysore Railway Station & 2.5 Kms from KSRTC Bus Station, Railway Museum is situated adjacent to the railway station on Krishnaraja Sagar Road. This Museum was established in 1979 by Indian Railways and it was the earliest railway museums set up in India. A visit to Railway Museum is one of the top things to do in Mysore . The museum houses a great collection of different models of trains ran by India Railways throughout the history. This collection consists of engines running on narrow gauge, meter gauge and broad gauge tracks, inspection coaches, engines from different periods, a cart running with steam, etc. There is also a private train with two coaches used by Maharaja of Mysore exhibited in Sri Ranga Pavilion which has a Maharani's saloon carriage dating back to 1899. The Pavilion also houses several artifacts used during the initial days like different models of .....

St. Philomena's Cathedral

#6 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 2.5 km from Mysore Railway Station & 1 km from KSRTC Bus Station, St. Philomena's Church is a Catholic Church built in honor of St. Philomena in the Diocese of Mysore, India. This is one of the top places to visit in Mysore . Designed by the Reverend Rene Feuge, it was constructed in 1956 in a Neo Gothic style and its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The church is dedicated to 3rd century saint Philomena who was the daughter of the monarch of a small state in Greece. Her parents were childless for several years. They prayed Jesus to bless them with a child and the next year Philomena was born to them. Even in her childhood Philomena showed signs of piety. When Philomena was 13 years old her father took her to Rome to obtain the favour of Emperor Diocletian. The Emperor was enthralled by her beauty and wanted to marry her. But she refused and vowed to give herself .....

Jagan Mohan Palace / Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery

#7 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 2 km from Mysore Railway Station & 2 km from KSRTC Bus Station, the Jagan Mohan Palace which houses the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery is located near the City Bus Stand in Mysore. It is one of the best-preserved art galleries in Karnataka, and among the most popular Mysore tourist places . The Jagan Mohan Palace was constructed in 1861 by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III as an alternate retreat for the royal family. The Mysore Palace , which was the original home of the royal family, was burnt down in a fire and the construction of a new palace in its place was started in 1897. Till the new palace was completed in 1912, the Jagan Mohan Palace was used by the royals as their home. The Palace is a three-storied structure constructed in the traditional Hindu style of architecture. The original palace was extended in 1900 and an external .....

Regional Museum Of Natural History

#8 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 5 Kms from Mysore Railway Station & 2.2 Kms from Mysore Zoo, the Regional Museum of Natural History, located on the banks of Karanji Lake, is one of the best Mysore tourist places . The museum exhibits plants, animals and geology of the southern region of India. The galleries of the museum are presented under the divisions of Man and the Environment, Ecology, Life through the Ages, Biological Diversity, and Conservation for Development. The galleries emphasize the conservation of nature and natural resources while depicting ecological interrelationship among plants and animals. Visually challenged students can feel the exhibits of animals on the premises. The museum provides an extracurricular activity for schools and promotes environmental awareness. They also arrange film shows on topics related to natural history. The lobby of the museum has beautiful art work of Elephants .....

#11 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 5 km from Mysore Railway Station, Shuka Vana is a bird aviary situated in the serene premises of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashrama, Mysore. Located on Nanjanagud- Mysore Highway, it is one of the must-visit tourist places in Mysore , especially for bird lovers. Literally means Parrot Park, the Shuka Vana Bird Aviary was established by Dr. S. Subramanya, a well-known veterinarian and ornithologist, in collaboration with Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji of Avadhoota Datta Peetham. The aviary was inaugurated in 2011 with the vision of providing shelter to injured & uncared birds, fostering their well-being, and conserving their habitats. The Aviary is home to more than 450 species of parrots totaling over 2200 birds, making it, to the Guinness World Records for housing the largest number of bird species in an aviary. These birds hail from diverse habitats such as rainforests, .....

Lalitha Mahal Palace

#9 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 7 Kms from Mysore Railway Station & 4 Kms from Mysore Zoo, Lalitha Mahal Palace is located close to Chamundi Hill Road. This is the second largest palace in Mysore after The Mysore Palace. It is one of the top Mysore tourist places and among the best palaces in Mysore. Built in 1921 by Maharaja Krishna Raja Wodeyar Bahaddur IV, this palace initially housed royal guests. It was designed by EW Fritchley from Mumbai in European & Indian styles. The palace is beautifully designed and it is one of the most attractive palaces in South India. The lobby and corridors of the palace have beautiful paintings of Mysore rulers and historical events of Mysore kingdom, like The siege of Srirangapatna Fort, Tipus Sons, etc. The staircase of the palace is wonderfully designed. The most attractive part of the palace is the restaurant block. The curved .....

Kukkarahalli Lake

#10 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 3.5 Kms from Mysore Railway Station & 4 Kms from KSRTC Bus Station, Kukkarahalli Lake is situated in the heart of the Mysore City and lies in the vicinity of the University of Mysore. The Kukkarahalli Lake or Kukkarahalli Kere was built in 1864 AD by Dewan Poornaiah. This lake sprawls over an area of 120 acres. The lake is a paradise for bird watchers and it has more than 180 types of birds including the aquatic kind. The lake is used by the naval wing of the National Cadet Corps to provide boat-pulling training to its cadets for the annual boat-pulling competition. Karnataka State Tourism division provides boating facility in both motor and pedal boats. There is a sidewalk along the lake with stone benches for people to sit, relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake. Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.

Nagarhole National Park

#12 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 10 km from Kutta, 20 km from Iruppu Falls, 62 km from Kalpetta, 88 km from Mysore, 88 km from Madikeri, and 218 km from Bangalore, Nagarhole National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India and among the must include places in Karnataka Tour Packages . Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, it is spread across Mysore and Kodagu districts in Karnataka. Nagarhole National Park is one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg tour packages . Originally the forest area was the private hunting ground for the Maharajas of Mysore. It was converted into a sanctuary in the year 1955 covering an area of 258 sq. km and subsequently enlarged to include the adjoining areas of Mysore district and now extends over an area of 643 sq. km. Nagarhole got National Park status in 1988 and declared as 37th Project ..... Distance (From Mysore): 88 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore - Including Travel): Full Day .....

#13 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 61 km from Gundlupete, 66 km from Mysore, 68 km from Kutta, 128 km from Ooty, and 209 km from Bangalore, Kabini is one of the most popular haunts for those who love to explore the wildlife sanctuaries in India and enjoy getting up close with nature. Kabini can be visited along with Mysore Tour . Kabini is a region situated around the banks of the Kabini River. It is a part of Nagarhole National Park , famous for its spectacular wildlife and birdlife. It is the starting point of wildlife safari in the south-eastern part of Nagarhole. There is a dam built on Kabini River near Sargur which spread over an area of 55 hectares covering forests, rivers, lakes, and valleys. The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir are very rich in wildlife especially in summer when the water level recedes to form rich grassy meadows. .....

Private Residential Museum - Mysore Palace

#14 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 3 Kms from Mysore Railway Station & 2 Kms from KSRTC Bus Station, The Private Residential Museum attached to the Mysore Palace is located in the old portion of the Palace. Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar, the heir of the Mysore royal family has set up this museum. The museum houses a number of artifacts that provide an insight into the lifestyle of the Wodeyars, former Royal family of Mysore. The living room of Krishnaraja Wodeyar, intricately carved doors and pillars with gold leaf painting, stained glass window panes, marble and tiled floors, personal collection of Wodeyar dynasty are the notable features of the museum. The displayed collection also includes silver royal thrones and paintings of the city. The museum also features a silver clock with a photo of Jayachamaraja Wodeyar. The wrestling trophies of the Maharaja, silver wedding throne of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the 1940 Dussera procession .....

Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden

#15 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 5 km from Mysore Railway Station, Kishkinda Moolika Bonsai Garden is a famous garden located in Mysore, Karnataka. Next to Sukha Vana, it is one of the popular places to visit as part of the Mysore - Coorg tour packages . Kishkinda Moolika Bonsai Garden was established in the year 1986 and is a part of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham founded by His Holiness Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji. The name Kishkinda is the name of the kingdom of monkeys from the epic Ramayana. This garden is well-known for its exquisite collection of more than 450 carefully shaped and miniaturized trees. The trees have been collected from various countries around the world, such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, America, the West Indies, and Singapore. Spread over 4 acres, the garden consists of very valuable trees ranging in age from 1 year to 200 years. Sri Swamiji even uses some of the trees for medicinal purposes. Some of the unique .....

Shweta Varahaswamy Temple - Mysore Palace

#16 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 3 Kms from Mysore Railway Station & 2 Kms from KSRTC Bus Station, The Shweta Varahaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Varaha (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) is situated inside the Mysore Palace grounds. Built in Hoysala style, it is one of the ancient temples of the city. The Temple is an architectural beauty with intricate carvings on its doorway, towers and pillars. The Mysore King Chikka Deva Raja Wodeyar (1672-1704 A.D.) procured the stone image of Shweta Varahaswamy from Srimushnam in Tamil Nadu and installed the idol in the original temple in Srirangapatna . However, the temple was demolished and the idol was shifted and set up in this temple in 1809. The current temple was built by Dewan of Mysore Purnaiah using materials of a Hoysala building in Shimoga district. Surrounded by high scaling walls also nicely carved with wonderful murals, .....

Freedom Fighters Park

#17 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 2 km from Mysore Railway Station, Freedom Fighter's Park is a public park located in the Chamrajapura locality of Mysore, Karnataka. Also known as Subbarayanakere Park, it is one of the places to visit in Mysore . Freedom Fighter's Park was built to commemorate the 'Mysore Chalo' movement, one of the most significant events in the history of Mysuru which resulted in the establishment of a democratic government in Mysore. Freedom fighters assembled at this very spot, launching a resistance movement when the Maharaja of Mysore retained the rule of the state. As a part of the protest, the Indian flag was hoisted every day at this park by freedom fighters, which eventually made the Maharaja surrender to the demand for democracy in 1947. It is a huge park known for its unmatched beauty, lush green lawns, and bright flower beds. The major attractions of the park are the captivating and magnificent .....

Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple - Mysore Palace

#18 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 3 Kms from Mysore Railway Station & 2 Kms from KSRTC Bus Station, the Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is located inside the Mysore Palace towards the eastern end of main palace building. Built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in 1829, the statue of the temple is made of chlorite schist. The idol of Krishna is in the crawling pose with butterball in the hand. There are around 40 bronze images of gods, goddesses, saints and sages in the temple. The figures of Krishnaraja Wodeyar along with his wives are still worshiped in the temple. Another shrine is dedicated to Sage Atri who was the priest of the Maharaja. There is another shrine with idols of Ramanujacharya, Paravasudeva, Ananthasayana and Rajamannar. This temple is also known for the murals on the walls of the mandapa. The murals depict stories from Bhagavata. The murals of this temple are excellent examples of 19th century .....

Sand Sculpture Museum

#19 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 6 km from Mysore Railway Station, the Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum is a unique museum situated in Mysore. Located on the way to Chamundi Hills, this is the first sand sculpture museum in India, and among the prominent places for sightseeing in Mysore . Sand Sculpture Museum in Mysore is the brainchild of MN Gowri, one of the leading sand sculptors of India. A bachelor in fine arts, Gowri, took four months of hard work and unwavering dedication to create this unique museum. The museum was inaugurated in 2014 on a one-acre land at the base of Chamundi Hills. The museum is an excellent example of creative brilliance. Sand Sculpture Museum displays around 150 sculptures of sand that were created in 16 different themes using more than 115 truckloads of sand. Various interesting themes have been used at the museum such as Mysore Mysore's cultural heritage, wildlife, religion, and fairy tales. .....

Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple - Mysore Palace

#20 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 3 Kms from Mysore Railway Station & 2 Kms from KSRTC Bus Station, The Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located inside the Mysore Palace is one of the oldest temples in the city. The idol of Lakshmiramana is seen holding the discus and the conch. A 4 feet idol of the lord is installed in this temple. The temple was renovated and the temple tower was added in 1851. The inscription mentions that the temple received grants in 1499 from Vijayanagara King Narasa Nayaka, the father of the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya. According to legend, Rajakrishna Wodeyar defeated the chief of the Karughalli tribe. Raging with vengeance, the chieftain conspired with the priest of the temple to offer poisoned holy water to the king. However the priest confessed the conspiracy to the King. The king on hearing this decided to drink the poison but it could not harm him. It is said that the Lord himself saved his devoted follower. Another legendry story .....

Melody World Wax Museum

#21 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 5 km from Mysore Railway Station, Melody World Wax Museum is a musical themed museum situated on Chamundi Hill Road in Mysore. Next to Karanji Lake, it is one of the popular wax museums in India, and among the prime places to visit in Mysore . Melody Wax Museum was conceptualized and developed by an IT professional named Shreeji Bhaskaran. Started in 2010, this museum is maintained and managed by sophisticated computer technology. The museum was built in honor of musicians across the globe. The museum houses the largest collection of musical instruments in Karnataka. Each wax exhibit is a brilliant work of art that reflects the talent of the sculptor and his deep passion for his art. Melody World Wax Museum has 19 galleries with each gallery presenting a unique experience of the world of music and art. Approximately 300 musical instruments, both Indian instruments and Western instruments, .....

Government Silk Factory

#22 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 4 km from Mysore Railway Station, Mysore Silk Factory is a government-owned factory located in the heart of Mysore city. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Mysore. Spread across acres of land, the Mysore Silk Factory is mainly responsible for silk weaving and distribution of silk products. The factory was founded in 1912 by Sri Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodiyar, the Maharaja of Mysore. Initially, the silk fabrics were manufactured & supplied to meet the requirements of the royal family and ornamental fabrics for their armed forces. After India gained independence, the Mysore State Sericulture Department took control of the silk weaving factory, and it was handed over to government-owned Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Limited (KSIC) in 1980. Mysore silk, one of the most famous kinds of silk in India, is exclusively made in Mysore. Karnataka produces 9,000 metric tons of mulberry silk out of a total of 20,000 metric tons of mulberry silk produced .....

Government Sandalwood Oil Factory

#23 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 5 km from Mysore Railway Station, the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory is a government-owned factory located in Mysore. It is one of the most famous places to visit during your Mysore - Coorg tour packages . The Government Sandalwood Oil Factory was established in 1916 by the Maharaja of Mysore, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, and Diwan Sir M. Visvesvaraya. It was set up with an aim to explore resources in Mysore and produce the best natural sandalwood oil to be used for a variety of purposes, most importantly the state's signature and iconic sandalwood soap. Currently, the factory is managed by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), an organization working under the state government of Karnataka. The first experiment conducted for the extraction of sandalwood oil was carried out at the Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), under the supervision of Professor Suddourough and Professor Watson. The first .....

Guinness World Record Sea Shell Art Museum

#24 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 6 km from Mysore Railway Station, the Guinness World Record Sea Shell Art Museum is a private museum located on Chamundi Hill Road in Mysore. Situated near the Sand Sculpture Museum, it is a one-of-a-kind museum that can be visited as part of Mysore holiday packages . Sea Shell Art Museum in Mysore is established & maintained by Smt. Radha Mallappa. The museum consists of different places, sculptures, statues, figures, and people built entirely from seashells. There are 160 models on display and Radha Mallappa has spent nearly Rs.4 crore on making these lovely pieces using seashells and conchs. The museum's main attraction is a 22-foot-tall Lord Ganesha sculpture made with seashells and conchs. This is the world's largest seashell sculpture and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the greatest seashell sculpture that can be seen in the museum. The museum also houses the 14 feet high Shiva Mandir, foot .....

#25 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 3 km from Mysore Railway Station, Snow City is an indoor real snow-based theme park located in Nazarbad at the Regency Theater on Lokranjan Mahal Road in Mysore. Situated near Mysuru Zoo, it is one of the fun places to visit in Mysore for adventure enthusiasts. Snow City was started in 2019 and is the first snow-based theme park in Mysore. The Regency Theater has been completely refurbished, and the whole structure resembles the Kremlin, a fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, the capital of Russia. It features real snow with a constant -5 degree Celsius temperature, offering visitors an authentic winter experience in a tropical region. Snow City is a great place for families to have fun, with a variety of activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. The Snow City will offer an experience in snowballing, mountain climbing, snow jumping, sliding, sledding, dancing, snow skiing, and snow sliding along with DJ music in an area of 10,000 square feet. .....

Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion

#26 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 5 Kms from Mysore Railway Station & 5 Kms from KSRTC Bus Station, Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion is situated on a high ridge in the campus of the University of Mysore. It was built in 1905 by Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar for his eldest daughter Jayalakshmi Devi. Made up of 3 different buildings, the palace was originally set in vast estate of 800 acres. The mansion was initially called the First Rajkumari Mansion or Palace of the first princess or the Kebbekatte Bungalow. It houses a dancing hall and Kalyana Mantapa. Renovated in 2002, it is now a part of the Mysore University and has been converted to a museum. The palace has 125 rooms. Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion has an imposing structure and an equally impressive architecture with large & intricately carved pillars. The interior decorations of this magnificent building are in a purely Indian style. The highlight of the palace is the kalyana mandapa which is a square shaped hall with large teak pillars adorned with .....

Vasantha Mahal Palace

#27 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 3.5 Kms from Mysore Railway Station & 0.7 Kms from Mysore Zoo, Vasantha Mahal Palace was built in 1842 by the ruler of Wodeyar Dynasty. It stands on 36 acre landscape and is nestled amidst lush green ambiance. Though it was originally built for pleasure, the palace was later turned into a special school for the princes of Mysore. The specialty of this palace is that the facing portion of the palace is made of soft iron. After entering the palace we can see a large portico which connects the other parts of the building. The first floor resembles the ground floor. The huge, oval shaped hall is used as royal dining and living area. The same pattern of structure is repeated in the first and third floors. The columns are reminiscent of Tuscan style architecture and the whole palace has a unique sense of modernity and simplicity. It was converted into a grand hotel later on, but the hotel is now closed.

Cheluvamba Mansion

#28 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 2 Kms from Mysore Railway Station & 3 Kms from KSRTC Bus Station, the Cheluvamba Mansion is located on the Mysore- Krishnaraja Sagar road, close to the City Railway Station. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV built a mansion for each of his three daughters. This Mansion was built in 1910 - 11 for the third princess of Mysore, Cheluvajammanni. The Mansion is named after the princess and therefore called Cheluvamba Mansion. Like all the other mansions this one too is spread over a huge area and is surrounded by gardens. The Mansion is beautifully built and all the rooms have splendid cravings. This building houses Mysore's premier research institution, the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI). This is another imposing building constructed on an elevated place with an extensive area. Entry into this complex is restricted for general public.

Chikkadevamma Hill / Chikka Devammana Betta

#29 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 54 km from Mysore, Chikkadevvamma Hill is a sacred place situated at Kundur Village in the Mysore district of Karnataka State. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage near Mysore and among the prominent trekking places in Karnataka. There is a temple on the hilltop and is dedicated to Goddess Chikka Devamma, believed to be the sister of goddess Chamundeshwari. This old temple was constructed by Mysore Wodeyars. The hill derived its name from the goddess Chikka Devamma, who came from Kerala and settled in Chikkabetta. Devotees have a strong belief that the Goddess has fulfilled all their genuine demands. Besides, Chikka Devammana Hill is well known for its mesmerizing surroundings. From the top, one can have a panoramic view of agricultural fields, villages & Nugu Reservoir. The hill is also surrounded by forest so one can find elephants, leopards deers and other animals here. The journey to the hilltop is also a wonderful experience as there are .....

Sangama & Mekedatu, Near Bangalore

#30 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 93 Kms from Bangalore (via Kanakapura), 107 Kms from Mysore, Sangama and Mekedatu are two lovely places situated nearby. This is one of the famous weekend getaways from Bangalore . Sangama is the place where Arakavathi river merges with River Kaveri. From this point, about 3.5 kilometers downstream, Mekedatu is a place where river Kaveri flows through a deep and narrow gorge. These two are the must visit places for those people who want to relax amidst pristine nature as part of Bangalore trip . Mekedatu means goat's leap in Kannada. River Kaveri flows into a deep and narrow gorge, so narrow that a goat could leap over it and that is how it got its name. It is said that a goat being chased by a tiger saved its life by jumping over the gorge whereas the tiger did not attempt to take the risk and abandoned the chase. When reaching the gorge the river ..... Distance (From Mysore Junction): 107 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore Junction - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Chunchi Falls, Near Bangalore

#31 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 83 km from Bangalore, and 101 km from Mysore, Chunchi Falls is a serene waterfall situated near Harro Shivanahalli near Bangalore. It is one of the popular waterfalls near Bangalore , and among the must include places in Bangalore Tour Packages . Lies en route to Mekedatu and Sangama, Chunchi Falls is formed over River Arkavathi and is one of the most visited tourist places near Bangalore . It drops down from a height of about 50 feet through multiple tiers into a small pool. It is an ideal place to swim, play & relax in water amidst naturally formed rock formations. Located on the edge of the Western Ghats, the waterfall is surrounded by rocky hills and lush vegetation, which make the scene quite picturesque. On the way to Chunchi Falls, travellers also come across a watchtower ..... Distance (From Mysore Junction): 101 Kms Trip Duration (From Sangama & Mekedatu - Including Travel): 2 Hours .....

Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta, Near Bangalore

#32 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 75 km from Bangalore City Junction, 16 km from Kanakapura & 112 km from Mysore , Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is a hill near Kanakapura town. It is one of the highest hills in the area, and also one of the popular places to visit near Bangalore . Situated at an altitude of 3780 ft, Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is also called Bilikal Betta that means white rocks. It is one of the popular places for trekking around Bangalore . There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rangaswamy at the peak of Bilikal Betta. This temple is located underneath a huge, white-colored rock. The temple priest lives near to the temple and the only person living at the peak. Every year, pilgrims from the surrounding area climb this hill to celebrate a festival at the Rangaswamy temple at the top. The Trekking ..... Distance (From Mysore): 112 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Melukote / Melkote

#33 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 50 km from Mysore and 133 km from Bangalore, Melkote / Melukote is a historical town located in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka. Also known as Thirunarayanapuram, it is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Karnataka and also one of the best places to visit as part of Mysore Tour. Melkote can also be included in your Mysore holiday packages . The town is built on rocky hills known as Yadavagiri or Yadugiri overlooking the Cauvery valley. The town derives its name from two words, Melu means top and Kote means fort. According to the history, the great Vaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya lived here for about 14 years in 12th century AD and thus it became a prominent center of the Srivaishnava sect of Brahmins. There are two popular temples reside in this town, one is Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple and the other one is Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple. These temples existed even before Sri Ramanujacharya .....

Biligiri Ranga Hills / BR Hills

#34 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 85 km from Mysore, 40 km from Chamarajanagar and 170 km from Bangalore, the Biligiri Ranga Hills popularly known as the BR Hills is a lofty hill range in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. It is considered to be the wildlife corridor that connects Eastern Ghats to Western Ghats. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Mysore and is one of the top attractions you must include in Mysore packages . BR Hills is famous for BRT Wildlife Sanctuary (Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary). The sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 5091 feet and is spread across an area of 540 km. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2010 by the Karnataka State Government. The highest peak within the sanctuary is the Kattari Betta. The wildlife sanctuary is inhabited by a number of animals including elephants, sloth bears, bison, deer, porcupines and a number of other .....

Lingabudi Lake

#35 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 10 Kms from Mysore Railway Station & 12.5 Kms from KSRTC Bus Station, Lingabudi Lake located in Sriramapura was built in 1828 by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. Spread over an area of 260 acres, it is the biggest and the oldest lake of Mysore. The lake is home to nearly 250 species of birds. The whole place is full of greenery and it is a favorite place of nature lovers. There is also a bio-diversity park here. It is an ideal place for jogging and morning walks. To maintain the quiet atmosphere for migratory birds, boating and other recreational activities are not allowed at the lake. Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.

Karanji Lake

#36 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 5 Kms from Mysore Railway Station & 2 Kms from Mysore Zoo, Karanji Lake is located at the bottom of the Chamundi Hill Road and behind Mysore Zoo . Karanji Lake (also called as Fountain Lake) is maintained by the Zoological department of Mysore and a huge fountain is installed inside the lake. It is spread over 90 acres and is home to more than 90 species of resident and migratory birds. This lake also has India's largest and first walkthrough aviary and a butterfly garden. The butterfly park has been created on a small island within the Karanji Lake. About 45 species of butterflies have been identified here. Karanji Lake has boating facilities on all days except Tuesdays. Boating on the lake is a favorite activity with row boats and pedal boats. Timings: 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM, Closed on Tuesdays Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Adults, Rs. 5 for Children, Rs. 10 for .....

Nanjundeshwara Temple - Nanjangud

#37 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

Male Mahadeshwara Betta / MM Hills

#38 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 135 km from Mysore, 89 km from Hogenakkal , 72 km from Kollegal & 209 km from Bangalore, Male Mahadeshwara Betta, also known as MM Hills is a sacred place situated in the eastern parts of Kollegal taluk in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. It is situated at an altitude of 3000 feet. This is one of the top attractions you must include in Mysore packages . Male Mahadeshwara Hills is surrounded by dense forest and is famous for Malai Mahadeshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara. The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Male Mahadeshwara is a very popular Shaiva pilgrim center and one of the most powerful Shiva temples in the region. The temple is surrounded by 77 hills of the Eastern Ghats. The temple draws large number of pilgrims from the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Mahadeshwara Temple was built by Junje Gowda Rich Kuruba Gowda Landlord. .....

Gunja Narasimha Swamy Temple - T.Narasipura

#39 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 35 Kms from Mysore, Gunja Narasimha Swamy Temple in T.Narasipura is a 450 years old temple built in Dravidian style. The name of the town Narasipura comes from this temple. The temple is a large structure with a high gopura with four pillared mantapa. Lord Narasimha holds a berry stalk of Gunja plant between his thumb and forefinger. Legend says that Lord Narasimha appeared in the dream of a washer man told him that his idol lays beneath the stone on which he washes clothes every day. The Lord told him to build a temple for him and asked him to look for gold coins beneath the stone that could be used for construction of the temple. Every year the car festival is celebrated here with great pomp and show. Timings : 9 AM to 12.30 PM and 5.30 to 8.30 PM

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Near Srirangapatna

#40 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 3 km from Srirangapatna, and 16 km from Mysore, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a small sanctuary situated in Srirangapatna, Karnataka. It is one of the must include places in wildlife tours in India and among the must visit Mysore tourist places . Spread across 67 sq. km, the sanctuary comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri River. It was declared in 1940 as a result of many requests from Dr. Salim Ali who surveyed the birds in this area. Since then, the sanctuary has become a paradise for bird watchers. The sanctuary is a breeding ground for many migratory birds from all over the world. It is home to a wide species of birds including cormorants, darters, white ibis, spoon billed storks, open-billed storks, painted storks, white-necked storks, egrets, herons, terns, swallows, kingfishers, sandpiper, etc. A boat ride takes ..... Distance (From Mysore Junction): 16 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore Junction - Including Travel): 1-2 Hours .....

Chunchanakatte Falls

#41 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 55 Kms from Mysore , Chunchanakatte Falls is a famous waterfall formed by Cauvery River. The river flows into Chunchanakatte forming a 60 feet tall and about 350 feet wide waterfall. It is one of the top Mysore tourist places to visit in monsoon and another popular attraction not to miss in a Mysore tour package . Legend describes that Lord Rama during his tenure in the forests stayed in this place on the behest of the tribal couple Chuncha and Chunchi. There is a belief that Goddess Sita took holy bath in this place and till now the water colour in that area looks like mixed with turmeric and other holy powders used for pooja. The place is very scenic surrounded by waterfalls and greenery. Lord Kodanda Rama temple is situated just beside the waterfalls. There is a hydraulic power generating .....

Srirangapatna

#42 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 18 km from Mysore, 26 km from Mandya and 124 km from Bangalore, Srirangapatna or Srirangapattana is a historical town in the Mandya district of Karnataka. Located near the city of Mysore, it is among the popular tourist places in Karnataka owing to its cultural, religious, and historic importance. Srirangapatna is one of the top places to visit near Bangalore . The entire town is surrounded by the river Kaveri to form a river island. According to history, Srirangapatna was founded by the rulers of the Ganga dynasty in the 9th century. However, the destination came into the limelight during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. The rise of the Wodeyar kings marked the downfall of the Vijayanagara Empire. During the reign of the Wodeyar kings, Raja Wodeyar conquered Rangaraya in 1610, who was then the viceroy of Srirangapatna. From 1610, the town of Srirangapattana ..... Distance (From Mysore Junction): 18 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore Junction - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Bheemeshwari

#43 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 85 Kms from Mysore & 100 kms from Bangalore, Bheemeshwari is a small town that lies between the Sivanasamudra falls and Mekedatu falls, on the Cauvery River. The presence of the River Cauvery has made Bheemeshwari a major fishing hub. Many enthusiastic anglers come here every year to try their luck at fishing. A number of fishing camps have sprouted here for catching the mahseer, the finest game fish in India. These camps provide comfortable tents equipped with all basic facilities like cots, mosquito nets, shower and toilet. Food is usually served in the open air common dining room. There is abundant natural scenery in this place together with ample fishing facilities. Tourists can see a large number of animals in this region including leopards, jackals, crocodiles, deer, wild boars and plenty of exotic birds. Bheemeshwari is also an excellent trekking spot. Boating facilities are offered in River Cauvery.

Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary

#44 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 71 Kms from Mysore, 85 Kms from Bangalore City Junction, Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary is located in Mandya District of Karnataka and is about 20 km from Mandya. The name of the village is derived from Kokkare meaning stork and Bellur meaning village of jaggery. This is one of the popular tourist places near Bangalore & Mysore. The Mandya district is famous for sugarcane fields and this village is famous for having large colonies of Painted Storks and Spot-billed Pelicans nesting in trees within the village. It is home to cranes, painted storks and pelicans. The best season to visit the migratory birds is October to March. Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

#45 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 137 km from Bangalore, 35 km from Mysore & 50 km from Shivanasamudra Falls , Somnathpur is well known for the breathtaking Prasanna Chennakesava Temple, one of the three famous & finest representations of Hoysala architecture (other two being temples at Belur & Halebid). This is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Bangalore & Mysore and one of the wonderful weekend getaways from both the cities. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal like polishing. It is one of the well known Karnataka tourist places and also one of the best places to experince Mysore Tourism . Located on the banks of Cauvery River, ..... Distance (From Mysore): 35 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore - Including Travel): 3-4 Hours .....

Talakadu, Near Somnathpur

#46 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 24 km from Somnathpur , 32 km from Sivanasamudram & 49 km from Mysore, Talakadu is a historical place situated on the banks of Kaveri River n Karnataka. It is one of the popular places to visit in Somnathpur . Talakadu is a beautiful place surrounded by temples and is among prime place to visit on a Mysore trip . Talakadu had over 30 temples, most are them are buried in the sand today. Some of these temples have been excavated and are open to the public. There are five temples dedicated to Lord Siva - Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, Vaideeshwara, and Mallikarjuneshwara Temple. The Keerthinarayana temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a beautiful site with wonderful carvings. Talakadu was ruled by several dynasties - Gangas, Hoysalas, Rashtrakutas and Vijayanagara Kings. The ..... Distance (From Mysore): 49 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore - Including Travel): 3-4 Hours .....

Shivanasamudra Falls

#47 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 130 km from Bangalore & 81 km from Mysore, Shivanasamudra is a famous waterfall situated in the Mandya district of Karnataka State. This is one of the best waterfalls in Karnataka , and among the popular places to visit near Bangalore . Shivanasamudra is among the popular Tourist places in Karnataka . The island of Shivanasamudra divides the Kaveri River into two parts that form two waterfalls, one is Gaganachukki and the other is Bharachukki. Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls are collectively called Shivanasamudra Falls though Gaganachukki is most commonly represented as Shivanasamudra Falls . This place offers breathtaking sights in the peak monsoons. Shivanasamudra Falls is among the must include place in your Mysore tour packages . Gaganachukki ..... Distance (From Mysore): 81 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore - Including Travel): Half Day to Full Day .....

Bandipur National Park

#48 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 70 km from Ooty, 80 km from Mysore, & 215 km from Bangalore, Bandipur National Park is one of the well preserved national parks in Karnataka . It is located in Chamarajanagar district on the border of Karnataka - Tamil Nadu between Mysore & Ooty. Nagarhole and Bandipur National Park are separated by Kabini reservoir. Bandipur National Park is one of the top attractions you must include in Ooty packages . Spread across 874 sq.km, Bandipur is one of the best places to visit as part of your wildlife tour in India. It is part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park (12 Kms towards Ooty), and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Bandipur forests used to be the private game reserve of the Maharajas of Mysore. ..... Distance (From Mysore): 80 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Shravanabelagola

#49 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 50 km from Hassan, 83 km from Mysore, and 140 km from Bangalore, Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain pilgrimage centers in South India. This is one of the popular 2 day trip from Bangalore and a major heritage / historical site not to miss in a Karnataka tour packages . This place is named after the pond in the middle of the town (Bela-Kola means White Pond). Shravanabelagola is famous for the Bahubali Statue, among the must include places in Shravanabelagola tour packages . With a height of 58 feet carved out of a single block of granite, the statue is supposed to be the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world. The statue was carved during the period of Chamundaraya, a minister of the Ganga King Rajamalla between 982 and 983 CE. The nude statue of Bahubali is carved carefully ..... Distance (From Mysore): 83 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore - Including Travel): Full Day .....

#50 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 89 km from Coimbatore, 128 km from Mysore, 158 km from Kozhikode, 244 km from Munnar, 254 km from Kodaikanal, 265 km from Bangalore, & 556 km from Chennai, Ooty is a stunning hill station as well as the headquarters of the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu. It one of the best hill stations in Tamilnadu , and among the must include places in Tamilnadu Tour Packages . At an altitude of 7,440 feet, Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is often referred to as 'Queen of hill stations'. Nilgiris means 'Blue Mountains. A land of picturesque picnic spots & lakes, it was a popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during colonial days. Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden and Rose Garden are among the must include places in your Ooty tour packages . Ooty was originally a tribal land occupied by the Todas along with ..... Distance (From Mysore): 128 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore - Including Travel): 1-2 Days .....

#51 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 139 km from Mysore, 261 km from Tirupati, 347 km from Chennai, 348 km from Mangalore, 573 km from Hyderabad, 514 km from Kochi, and 595 km from Goa, Bangalore (also known as Bengaluru) is the capital city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the 5th largest city in India, and among the top places to visit in Karnataka . Bangalore is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India due to a large number of technology companies established in the city. Bangalore is one of the must include places in Karnataka Tour Packages with many attractions nearby and perfect for excursions and day trips. There are several places to visit as part of Bangalore Tour Packages including palaces, gardens, museums, temples, etc. Bengaluru derives its name from the Kannada words 'Benda Kalluru', which means the land of boiled ..... Distance (From Mysore): 139 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore - Including Travel): 2-3 Days .....

Kunti Betta, Near Srirangapatna

#52 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 7 km from Pandavapura, 14 km from Srirangapatana, 30 km from Mysore and 122 km from Bangalore, Kunti Betta is a picturesque hill situated in Pandavapura Taluk of Mandya district in Karnataka. This place Pandavapura was named after the Pandavas who had been here during their exile days. Kunti Betta is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore for one day trip and also one of the popular places to visit in Mysore . Kunti Betta is marked by the two rocky hills at an altitude of 2,882 feet. These rocky hills are surrounded by sugarcane, paddy fields & coconut trees. The Kunti Betta trail is a short but fairly challenging one. It includes steep ascents and descents. There is a temple with a pond at the foot of the hill which serves as a popular destination for pilgrims. There are rooms which are used by the pilgrimage for an ..... Distance (From Mysore): 30 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore - Including Travel): Half Day to Full Day .....

Irupu Falls

#53 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

At a distance of 248 km from Bangalore, 110 km from Mysore, 75 km from Madikeri, 48 km from Virajpet, 32 km from Gonikoppal, 20 km from Nagarhole National Park, 10 km from Kutta & 10 km from Srimangala, Iruppu Falls is a magnificent waterfalls situated in Brahmagiri Hills between Srimangala & Kutta in Coorg district of Karnataka State, bordering the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is one of the best waterfalls in Karnataka and also one of the well-known Coorg tourist places . It can be visited as part of 2 day trip from Bangalore . Also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls locally, Irupu Falls or Iruppu Falls is another popular attraction not to ..... Distance (From Mysore): 108 Kms Trip Duration (From Mysore - Including Travel): Half Day to Full Day .....

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Near Ooty

#54 of 54 Places to Visit in Mysore

About Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

History of mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, most asked questions on mysore.

Mysore has pleasant weather throughout the year, however, the best time to visit Mysore is from September to May. This is also the time for exploring the beautiful hill stations near Mysore like Coorg, Ooty & Chikmagalur. Winter is the busiest season in Mysore and often hotels run full and tourist places are crowded.

Mysore usually takes about 2 full days to visit the most important attractions. However, there are several wonderful places to visit around Mysore like Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park which usually take additional one day. One can also mixed their Mysore trip with some of the popular places to visit near Bangalore like Coorg, Ooty, Wayanad, Kannur by adding few additional days to your trip..

Budget of Mysore trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Mysore tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 4800 per person for a 2D/1N trip and from INR 8600 per person for 3D/2N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Mysore like Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill Temple, Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, Lalitha Mahal Palace and Railway Museum. If you have time, you can dedicate a day to visit near by places like Nagarhole, Irupu Falls. Mysore is famous for its heritage palaces, museums and ancient traditions.

While in Mysore, don't forget to buy beautiful silk sarees, sandalwood products and the famous sweet Mysore Pak.

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25 best places to visit in & around mysore, karnataka.

Embrace the Land of History – Mysore

Dubbed ‘Cleanest City of India’ and a cultural centre of Karnataka , Mysore fulfils the criteria that makes it amongst the best places to visit in India. It is situated at the foothills of the lofty Chamundi Hills. One gets to trace the history of Wodeyars; witness the magnificent Mysore art and architecture; enjoy day outings at beautiful places of nature, ethereal temples and modern entertainment hubs. The city and the places around it offer everything that an avid traveller or someone seeking a rejuvenating break from work is looking for.

Quick Important Facts & Info on Mysore Tourism

List of 25 best places in and around Mysore that one must visit:

• Mysore Palace
• Tipu Summer Palace
• Chamundi Hills
• Karanji Lake
• Nimishamba Temple
• Brindavan Gardens
• Lingabudi Lake
• Philomena Church
• Lalitha Mahal
• Railway Museum
• Tombs of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali (Gumbaz)
• GRS Fantasy Park
• Somnathpura
• Srirangapatna
• Shivanasamudra Falls
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
• Bandipur National Park
• Jaganmohan Palace
• Melody World Wax Museum

Recommended Tour Packages

• 6 Nights 7 Days Coorg Wayanad Mysore Tour
• 5 Nights 6 Days Bangalore Mysore Ooty Conoor Tour
• 2 Nights 3 Days Mysore Weekend Tour from Bangalore
• 5 Nights 6 Days Bangalore Mysore Nagarhole Tour

Mysore Palace- Legacy of Ancient Past

Also known as the Mysore Maharaja Palace, it is the biggest thing that you will ever notice in Mysore ! The palace is situated in the city’s centre, so you know, it cannot be missed anyway. It is a must visit tourist attraction to include in Mysore travel Itinerary. The architecture is up for appreciation as it is a fine mix of Hindu, Islam, Gothic and Rajput styles. The stunning interior displays intricate craftsmanship. One would transcend to the era of Wodeyar dynasty while feasting eyes on the palace’s exclusive design and properties. The palace is decorated in a grand manner every year during the Dasara festival, which probably is the best time to visit here.

Timings – 10:00 am to 5:30pm

Also Check Out: Mysore Tourism Guide

Tipu Summer Palace – Abode of Happiness

Also known as Dariya Daulat Bagh (Wealth of the Sea), Tipu Summer Palace used to be the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mysore. The grandeur of Tipu Sultan Palace is one of a kind. The pillars of Teak and beautiful interiors painted with floral motifs will sooth your eyes. There is a magnificent garden in the palace that brightens the architectural beauty of this grand place. In the outer walls one can see beautiful paintings of battles and different events of that time. The palace also houses a museum which showcases the belongings of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. For example- clothes, silver vessels, coins and weapons etc. It has many names as it is also called as ‘Abode of happiness’ or ‘Envy of heaven’ etc by its constructor. It was constructed by Hyder Ali but completed by Tipu Sultan in 1784 AD.

• Timings- 10:00am to 6:00pm all weekdays.
• Sunday – 8:30 to 5:30pm
• Entry Fee- Indian – INR-15 and Foreigner – INR 200

Other Interesting Blog to Read

• Popular Hill Stations to Visit in South India

Chamundi Hills – Grandeur of Mysore

Chamundi Hills is the identifier of Mysore. It is famous for a temple – Chamundeshwari Temple, that was built in the 11th century and has been renovated and turned into a tourist spot. The temple has a 5-meter-tall statue that is said to have been sculpted out of a single rock. A flight of stairs with 1000 leads to Chamundi Hills that also offers spectacular vistas of the surroundings. On the way, you shall also encounter the statue of Nandi the Bull. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Mysore which you should also not miss.

Temple Timings

• 30 AM- 02.00 PM
• 30 PM – 06.00 PM
• 30 PM – 09.00 PM
• Best Nature Weekend Tour in and around Karnataka

Karanji Lake – Fountain Lake

At the foot of the famous Chamundi Hills is a huge lake called Karanji Lake. Constructed by the King of Mysore, Karanji is a 90-acre water body and is amongst the biggest lakes in Karnataka. It is a popular tourist attraction to visit when you are enjoying Mysore Tour. The lake has become the shelter for migratory birds and as many as 90 species of birds can be found here. There is also a scenic park around the lake that has a huge enclosure for birds and it is considered the largest of its kind in the country.

• For Kids, the children’s corner will entertain their soul.
• Boating is the best thing to do in Karanji Lake.
• For nature Lovers, the Butterfly Park is the best place to visit in Karanji Lake.

Timings- 8:30 to 5:30 pm

Charges – INR 10 and for Video Camera charges INR 25 and Still Camera charges INR 10.

Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Karnataka

Mysore Zoo – The Oldest Zoo

Behind the Karanji Lake is the Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens at Mysore also known as Mysore Zoo. The Zoo is spread over 157 acre of land and houses a huge range of wildlife species not only from our country but animals from around the world. It is the oldest Zoo in India. More than 2 million tourists across the world visit this zoo every year. Mysore Zoo houses rare avian species which will delight your heart. It is the only zoo where you will see all the three species of Rhino- White, Black and Indian Rhino. It is here the pair of Orangutans, Gorillas and some Chimpanzees were brought into an Indian zoo for the first time in 1977.

Timings – 8:30am to 5:30pm and During Summers – 10:30am to 3:00pm

Also Read: Heritage Tourism in Karnataka

Nimishamba Temple – Ethereal destination

Nimishamba Temple is dedicated to Goddess Nimishamba who is an incarnation of goddess Parvati. It is believed that goddess Nimishamba is a pillar of forgiveness and those who pay a visit to the temple the goddess will remove all the troubles from this or her life. Devotees from all over the world visit this temple to seek divine grace and get spiritual wisdom. It is one of the most incredible tourist places to visit around Mysore. It was constructed in the period of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar.

Timings- 6:30 to 8:30pm

Also Read: Pilgrimage Tourism in Karnataka

Brindavan Gardens- Nature’s Joy

The Brindavan Gardens are located a level below the Krishna Raja Sagara dam. It is a major tourist attraction near Mysore and is also regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in the state of Karnataka. The most exciting experience at this garden is the musical fountain show that is scheduled in the evenings. It is one of the must visit places to enjoy in Mysore tour. Illuminated fountains, terraces, water channels, lawns, flower beds and varieties of plants and a lovely boating here will make your day. It is inspired by the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir.

Timings- 6:00to 8:00pm and Videography is prohibited here.

• Stunning Temples and Sightseeing Options in Karnataka

Lingabudi Lake – Lake of tranquillity

Spread in the area of 260 acres, Lingabudi Lake is one of the largest and oldest lakes of Mysore. It is a freshwater Lake. It is a perfect weekend getaway in Mysore if you are looking for a quiet and serene place to get away from the chaos of life. It houses more than 250 kinds of avian fauna and lush greenery and serene surroundings here will whisper bliss in your ear. It is the best place for birdwatching, more than 250 species of birds will soothe your soul with their sweet chirpings. Various flowering plants such as gulmohar, silver oaks, hibiscus, marigold are a blissful sight to behold. This is the reason why it is the best place to visit in Mysore.

Timings- 6:00am to 6:00pm

• Best Places to Visit in South India

KRS Dam- Surreal Views

Above the famous Brindavan Gardens, Krishna Raja Sagara dam is a major sightseeing place near Mysore. Almost all the tourists that make it to the palace in Mysore ensure to offer a refreshing experience. The dam is also the first irrigation dam in India and is considered to be one of the most beautiful tourist spots around Mysore. Colourful and illuminated gardens, stunning water bodies and musical fountains will make your day. The dam is also known as ‘Kannambadi Katte’. Don’t forget to seek divine blessing in Kanneshwara Temple located there.

Timings- 6:30 to 9:00pm

Also Check Out: Hill Stations in Karnataka

St. Philomena Church – Embrace Spirituality

St. Philomena is a 200-year-old Church, which is also known as St. Joseph’s Church. Built in Gothic Style, the church was established by Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. It is amongst the largest Cathedrals in India and is dedicated to St. Philomena who was a 3rd century saint from Greece. The church has a cellar where there is a statue of St. Philomena in a reclining posture and a piece of her bone and clothes are kept.

Timings- 5:00 to 6:00pm

• Popular Temples in South India

Lalitha Mahal – Exquisite Legacy of Wodeyars

Located at a short distance from Chamundi Hills is Lalitha Mahal that happens to be the second largest palace in Mysore. Of course, after Mysore Palace. The palace was built by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and its architecture is inspired by St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Therefore, we can see a good mixture of several architectural forms from Europe in this palace. Another thing that caught my eye here is the magnificent view of Chamundi hills and the city. The interior of the palace is very stunning. The crystal chandeliers, Persian carpets, exquisite cut glass lamps, and marble floors are extremely gorgeous which makes it one of the top tourist attractions to visit in Mysore.

Timings- 10:00am to 6:00pm

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Railway Museum – Have Fun with History of Railways

Railway Museum is one of the most visited tourist places in Mysore. The museum is situated close to the city’s railway station and serves as a place that exhibits ancient locomotives and carriages that are still in working condition and are being used by the Indian Railways even today. It was established in 1979 by Indian Railways.  You will get great insights on the stages in the development of Indian Railways. Don’t miss the fun toy train ride to look around the grounds of the museum.

Timings- 10:00am to 5:30pm

Also Read: Must Visit Museums in Karnataka

Tombs of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali (Gumbaz) – Meet the Tiger of Mysore

15 km away from Mysore in Srirangapatna the Tombs of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali is one of the best tourist attractions to see around Mysore. It was built in 1784 Ad by Tipu sultan for his parents but later he was also buried here. The architecture of the Gumbaz is as stunning as Golconda Tombs. It is surrounded by the drop dead gorgeous Lalbagh Garden. The pillars of the Gumbaz are made up of Black granite and the doors are decorated with ivory. The stone windows show the brilliant craftsmanship of that time.  Inside the complex there is a mosque called – Masjid-E- Aqsa.

Timings- 8:00am to 6:30pm

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GRS Fantasy Park – Have Fun with Family and Friends

GRS Fantasy Park is an amusement park that is ideal for visiting in summer. The Park offers a number of land and water rides that can surely excite kids and adults alike. It is located on the Mysore-Bangalore highway and lies sprawled in prowling 30 acres of lush greenery. Number of features like wave pool, 5D virtual rides, telecombat and pendulum slide ensure that one actually has a time of his life here! It is a must-see place around Mysore.

Timings- 10:30 to 6:00pm

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Somnathpura – Abode of Temples

Somnathpura is a town, which is about 35kms from Mysore. The place is known for its Chennakesava Temple also called Kesava Temple. It is declared as a heritage site by an archaeological survey of India. Feel the divinity at the Kesava Temple that reflects the Hoysala architecture and explore the wildlife in its surroundings. The Talakad Panchalinga Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is another religious attraction which one should not miss while enjoying Mysore Tourism. The Pataleshwar Shivlinga here changes its colour. It is red in the morning, black at noon and white in the evening.

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Srirangapatna – Beautiful Pilgrimage Destination

Srirangapatna is a majestic heritage site situated some 15kms from Mysore. It is a popular tourist attraction to visit near Mysore. The entire town is enclosed by the river Kaveri to form a river island. The town is named after the revelled Ranganathaswamy temple which dominates the town. Srirangapatna is one of the most important Vaishnavite centres of pilgrimage in South India and the temple here was built by the Ganga Dynasty in the 9th century. The temple is a mix of the Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles of architecture. Apart from it, you can also take a tour to the toy factories of Srirangapatna and witness how the toys are made.

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Shivanasamudra Falls – Sublime Scenic Setting

Situated on a river island, Shivanasamdura is where the River Cauvery falls 90m to form a waterfall. Shivanasamudra is an island town that divides River Cauvery into two falls, namely Gaganachukki Falls and Bharachukki Falls that together make Shivanasamudra Falls. It is known for being Asia’s first hydroelectric power station and is situated some 85 kms away from Mysore. It is a spectacular fall and is rated as one of the best waterfalls in India.

Timings- 8:00am to 5:00pm

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Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – Bird Paradise

Not far from Mysore, Rangantittu is a popular hub for bird lovers as it is one of the biggest bird sanctuaries in South India. Sprawling in an area of 40 acres, the sanctuary is the home to about 170 bird species. Ranganathittu is a short distance from the sacred town of Srirangapatna and is easily accessible. It is one of the top tourist destinations to visit in Karnataka. It is named after Lord Ranganatha Swamy who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Little Egret, little cormorant, open-billed stork, Spoon bills, painted stork, White Ibis, river tern, Darter, Peafowl, Pond Heron, Wild Duck, are some of the most prominent birds to spot here.

Timings- 9:00 to 6:00pm and the best time to visit is between the months of June and November.

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Talakad – Quite Peaceful

Talakad is some 45kms from Mysore and is known as a popular pilgrimage site in Karnataka. It is situated on the left bank of River Kaveri and is amidst the serene landscape. The place once had 30 temples that now lay buried under the sands, however, people still like to go and visit the ruins of these historical temples. Apart from it Talakad has also become the epicentre of horticulture and wine making. Fine wines, exotic Zero Pesticide fresh produce, artisan cheese and diverse culinary experiences are now the identifiers of this sleepy town.

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Melukote – The Land of Temples

Melukote is a home to exotic temples and is some 50kms from Mysore. It makes a great destination for a one-day-trip as one can enjoy folk dances, ethnic cuisines and several cultural activities along with temple sightseeing here. This place is also a well-known location for film making as well as it is surrounded by a lot of scenic areas. One of the famous temples here is Sri Yoganarasimha Swamy temple, which is situated at the hilltop. Catching a sunrise from here is spectacular here. If you are in Mysore, you must visit this place.

• Must Visit Historical Places & Monuments in Karnataka

Bandipur National Park- Best Wildlife Destination

Nested amidst the Western Ghats, Bandipur National Park is an ideal weekend getaway destination from Mysore. Located at the picturesque location, this national park is the home to a large number of wild animals and birds. Together with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Nagarhole National Park in the North, it creates India’s biggest biosphere reserve popularly known as the ‘Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve’. If you are a wildlife enthusiast and a nature lover, travelling to Bandipur National Park would be worth it.

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Nagarhole National Park -For Enchanting Nature and Wild Vibes

Located at a short distance from the city of Mysore, Nagarahole National Park is situated in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is one of the best tourist spots to visit in Karnataka. The national park is a home to a large number of elephants and other wild animals and birds. There are jungle safari and elephant treks that one let the visitors get the best experience in this national park.

Wildlife Safari Timings – 6 AM to 8 AM and 3 PM to 5 PM

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 Jaganmohan Palace – Seat of Royalty

It is an Art Gallery located to the west of the main palace. The palace was built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in 1861 to celebrate the marriage of his daughter and the museum was officially started in 1915, and has since been expanded adding many artefacts. This Art Gallery showcases Mysore style of painting. Also, the original oil paintings of Raja Ravi Varma of Travancore on display here are on many mythological themes.

The painting of a lady holding the lamp of the Indian Artist S.G. Heldner is another piece. The other include artefacts made from Glass, Ceramic and Metal. A good collection of clocks is also displayed here along with a few engravings from China and Japan and paintings of various styles like Mughal and Rajput.

Timings – 10:00am to 5:30 pm

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Planet X- Relax and Have Fun

Located at the foothills of Chamundi, Planet X is a popular entertainment centre and a tourist attraction in Mysore. It is an ideal place for a day picnic with friends and family as this place is perfect for both kids and grown-ups. snooker, billiards, go-karting and video games are some of the best activities to do here. The complex also has a bowling alley, mini golf course, restaurant, coffee shop and even a conference room where one can spend an eventful day.

Timings- Monday to Saturday 4:00pm to 11:00pm and Sunday – 12 noon to 11:00pm

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Melody World Wax Museum – World of Music

Melody World Wax Museum is one of its kind places in Mysore. This place has been named as the Melody World as their musical instruments are showcased here along with wax statues of musicians playing the instruments. There are around 100 life-size wax models and over 300 musical instruments displayed here. There are as many as 19 galleries here that offer a collection of musical instruments and statues that have both musical relevance as well as social importance. A major highlight of this museum is the statue of Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, a ruler of Mysore. There is also a special section in this museum, where you can play some musical instruments.

Timings- 9:30am to 7:00pm

• Top 48 Monuments in India that Reflect Rich Culture and Heritage

Some Interesting Facts About Mysore

• Mysore houses the oldest libraries of India – Oriental Research Institute which has around 50,000 rare palm leaf manuscripts from South India.
• The walk-through aviary in Karanji Lake in Mysore is the biggest walk-through aviary in India.
• The first ever metal-cylinder and iron cased rocket artillery was created in Mysore by Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali.
• Wodeyars is the only Indian royal family to have ruled in India for more than 500 years.
• Mysore Zoo is the oldest zoo of India located in the summer palace of Shri Chamaraja Wodeyar.
• The name Mysore is an anglicised version. Its original name is Mahisuru. It is said that Mysore was ruled by the demon Mahishasura. He was killed by Maa Chamundeshwari. Chamundeshwari Temple atop the Chamundi hills is a popular tourist attraction in Mysore.
• The state of Karnataka was earlier known as Mysore.
• Mysore is the first state to get a university. Mysore university is the oldest and first University to have opened in Karnataka.
• Mysore is the only place which manufactures the election ink used in Indian Election.
• Mysore is marked as the cleanest city of India.

Also Check out: Complete South India Tourist Guide

Mysore is truly stunning and you have no reasons to miss out on this amazing place, unless you are stupid like me. It is a bliss of South India. If you are planning a trip to South India, Visiting Mysore would be worth your time. If you have already been to this place, we would like to hear your story. And if you think that I have missed out a place in this blog, please mention it in the comment box below.

If you are planning a trip to Mysore and don’t know how to go about it, give us a call at +91-9212777225 or drop us an email at [email protected]. Tour My India offers travel packages that are reasonable and guarantees a trip that you would always remember.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. how to reach mysore.

• By Road- It would take 3-4 hours from Bangalore to travel Mysore by Road. You can also get government owned buses from Bangalore Bus station and other states as Mysore has a very good road connectivity.
• By Train - Bangalore is the nearest place to reach Mysore. You can get Shatabdi express which connects Mysore to Madras. You can also get numerous trains from Bangalore to reach Mysore.

Q. What are some of the top tourist attractions to visit in Mysore?

Some of the top tourist attractions in Mysore are –

Q. What are some of the best places to stay in Mysore?

Mysore has plenty of places to stay. Depending on your choice and budget, you will find comfortable accommodation facilities like 5-star, 3-star, guest house or budget hotels in Mysore. Some of the best places to stay in Mysore are –

• Aishwarya Suites
• Akshaya Palace Inn
• Silent Shores Resort & Spa
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
• Ginger Hotel
• Sunflower Hotel

Q. Is there any hill station to visit near Mysore?

Yes, there are a plethora of hill stations to visit near Mysore. Some of them are -

Published: 11 Oct, 2021

About the author

Nidhi Singh

From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter , Facebook & Instagram .

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Tourist Places to Visit in Mysore

Mysore is a colourful city that boasts of a fascinating history, exuberant traditions, dazzling architectures, and perfumed spices. Every monument, building and street here is a storehouse of ancient tales waiting to be explored by the world. From renowned royal palaces, marvellous temples, fascinating museums, to attractive markets and spotless gardens, the places to visit in Mysore are nothing short of a treat. A visit to Karnataka is incomplete without a trip to all these intriguing Mysore tourist places. The best part is that while it revels in its traditions, this lovely city retains its modernity. With so many places to visit in Mysore, you are guaranteed to be enchanted by the exuberance of this magical city.

Places to visit in Mysore: Palaces

Mysuru Palace

The gorgeous Mysore Palace was built in the year 1897 to serve as the royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. Not only does the palace today act as the official residence of the descendants, but it is also a state-owned museum, which is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Mysore. Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, this magnificent structure was built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture with visible Gothic and Neo-classical influences.

Among all the popular Mysore tourist places, this palace receives the maximum number of visitors, ranging from about five to six million, annually. The palace is so popular among tourists, that it is the most-favoured historical building, second only to the Taj Mahal. An ideal time to visit the Mysore palace would be during Dussehra to witness the celebrations, when the palace is beautifully decorated with lights and flowers. Mysore palace is surrounded by an exquisite garden, indicative of the refined tastes of the palace occupants.

The palace interior is adorned with large durbar halls, spacious courtyards, kaleidoscopic ceilings, made more regal with a red and golden colour scheme. There are 12 temples inside the palace grounds. One of the most iconic places to visit in Mysore, the palace hosts a dazzling light and sound show every evening.

Jagmohan Palace

The Jagmohan Palace of Mysore acted as the royal residence to the Wadiyar royals after the old Mysore palace was burnt down during a wedding. Constructed in the year 1861, the white walls of the palace exude regal splendour. While entering, you will be greeted by the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu carved intricately.

An excellent place to visit in Mysore, the Jagmohan Palace hosts a number of cultural events each year. Today, the palace is used as an art gallery known as the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, which is easily one of the best in India. Displaying artworks by Rabindranath Tagore, Ravi Verma, P.P. Ruben and S.L. Haldankar, this gallery houses over 2000 paintings. With tons of sculptures, antique pieces and carvings, this palace is definitely one of the unmissable places to visit in Mysore if you are an art lover.

Photography inside is prohibited, so you can bid adieu to your plans of capturing images of the priceless artwork. Keeping in mind the importance of the palace, the Jagmohan Palace could use a little more maintenance to help preserve the invaluable items stored inside. Standing opposite the city bus stand, the Jagmohan Palace is easy to locate.

Places to visit in Mysore: Places of worship

Chamundeshwari Temple

The Chamundeshwari Temple in the Chamundi hills is one of the most wonderful places to visit near Mysore, situated about 12 kilometers away from the city. Located at a height of 838 feet, the Chamundeshwari Temple was built in the Dravidian style of architecture in the year 1659. One of the oldest places to visit in Mysore, this temple is the seat of Goddess Chamundeshwari, an incarnation of Durga.

The Chamundeshwari is the family deity of the Mysore kings and has been worshipped for generations. A 16 feet tall statue of Shiva’s bull is situated outside, which is one of the largest statues of Nandi to exist in India. The temple atop the hill provides a stunning view of the city of down below. There is usually a huge line of devotees, so make sure you reach early when visiting this Mysore tourist place. You may buy some fruits from the stalls outside as offerings.

Offer your prayers to the goddess Chamundeshwari in one of the most holy places to visit in Mysore.

Venugopala Swamy Temple

The Venugopala Swamy Temple was originally constructed in the 12th century in the village of Kannambadi. However, disaster struck the village in the form of Krishna Raja Sagara Dam (KRS Dam) when it overflowed and, as a result, submerged the village including the original temple. A new village was constructed, and the temple was shifted there. The idol of Krishna playing the flute as a cow herd, is worshipped here as Venugopala Swamy.

One of the enthralling places to see in Mysore, the Venugopala Swamy Temple was restored by the Khoday Foundation, and every corner of the huge temple area is perfectly maintained. A replica of the stone chariot in Hampi is also displayed here.

You can catch a wonderful image of the sun setting over the KRS dam when visiting. There are a few Mysore tourist places nearby, including Brindavan gardens and Srirangapatna. Do not miss out on the lip-smacking fish and crab dishes served around the KRS dam.

St. Philomena’s Cathedral

This Roman Catholic Church was built in memory of Saint Philomena, and is famed as one of the largest churches in India. Located in the bustling streets of Ashoka Road, St. Philomena's Cathedral is a Mysore tourist place worth visiting. With a spire that seems to touch the sky, this cathedral is a brilliant example of the Neo-Gothic style of architecture. Covering a vast area with a remarkable structure and grand interior, this cathedral is one of the most captivating places to visit in Mysore.

The stain glass windows of the church narrate events from Christ’s life such as the Birth of Christ, the Last Supper, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension. Special masses are held on Sundays and special occasions. There is an orphanage attached to the cathedral as well. A wonderful view of the tall spires of the cathedral can be seen from all across the city, making it one of the most fascinating things to see and places to visit in Mysore. Thousands of people – both tourists and residents – visit the church to offer their prayers every single day, making this a chief attraction in the city.

Inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, do not forget to add this to the list of places to visit in Mysore if you wish to witness the grandeur and architectural marvel of the St. Philomena’s Cathedral.

Places to visit in Mysore: Museums

Railway Museum

Travel back in time with this historical Railway Museum in Mysore. Established in the year 1979, the museum was an initiative by the Indian Railways to inform people of the fascinating history of railways. This is one of the best places to visit in Mysore for a railway enthusiast.

The museum displays the narrow gauge and old metre railways of Mysore. Photographs of various railway coaches of the past are lined up in the walls. When here, definitely have a look at the saloons used by the Maharajas of Mysore, and get a taste of their lavish lifestyles. There is a train operating on battery, so if you happen to be at this Mysore tourist place with kids, make sure to take them for a fun ride! Celebrate your memories of nostalgic of train rides in this fantastic place to visit in Mysore.

Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion Museum Complex

This magnificent example of royal architecture is located in the University of Mysore campus atop a small hill above Kukkarahalli Lake. Constructed in the year 1905, this Mysore tourist place was originally called the First Rajkumari Mansion, and was established by Sri Chamaraja Wadiyar for his daughter.

One of the most impressive places to visit in Mysore, this heritage building has a glassed roof that stands at a height of 40 feet. The Jayalakshmi Vilas is a celebrated folk art museum, and has rightfully earned the position of being one of the best places to visit in Mysore. From wooden carvings, sculptures to leather items, rural weapons and ornaments, this museum is a treasure trove of magnificent artifacts.

Places to visit in Mysore: Zoo, Gardens and Nature Parks

There is nothing more fascinating than being able to see the animals of the wild up close. One of the absolute best places to visit in Mysore for this experience is the Chamarajendra Zoological Park, better known as the Mysore Zoo. Set up in the year 1892, the Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest zoological parks in the country. The zoo boasts of a variety of animals, including Asiatic lions, tigers, rhinoceros, zebras and giraffes among many others. There is a wide range of exotic birds and reptiles as well.

The animals roam about freely in their near-natural enclosures, are well-fed and healthy. This makes the zoo an attractive Mysore tourist place where both children and adults can enjoy a nice day. There are provisions for battery-operated cars within the zoo for the elderly, nice restaurants, and clean washrooms. With an area covering 157 acres, the enormous zoo is very well-maintained, both in terms of pleasing visitors and taking caring for animals. A no-plastic zone, the Mysore Zoo dedicates itself to the conservation of the environment, and is a fantastic place to visit in Mysore. If you wish to spend a morning in the company of nature, then is zoo is the ideal place to do that.

Brindavan Gardens

Take a walk around this delightful park close to nature, and enjoy the serenity that it brings. The Brindavan Gardens is a marvellous place to visit in Mysore, with lush greenery, chirping birds, colourful flowers, and the burbling river Cauvery by your side. Located at the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, Brindavan Gardens brings to you a terrace garden so lovely that you lose track of time strolling here.

The construction of the Brindavan Gardens, inspired by Kashmir’s Shalimar Gardens, started in 1927 and ended about five years later. The Dewan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail, who was well known for his love of gardens, founded it. Brindavan Gardens offer illuminated fountain shows, botanical parks and is especially famous as a popular Mysore tourist place for its symmetrical designs. There are three prominent parts to the Brindavan Gardens: the main gate area, North Brindavan and South Brindavan. North Brindavan is exceptionally elegant, and is primarily the reason why this garden is considered one of the best places to visit in Mysore. With enormous viridian gardens, boating facilities, luxurious flowers, and fountains brightened by vibrant lights, the Brindavan Gardens is bound to make your already glamorous holiday to Mysore, a little bit more artistic.

Karanji Lake Nature Park

After a long hectic day of sight-seeing, unwind in the laps of nature in the Karanji Lake Nature Park. Formerly part of the Mysore Zoo, Karanji Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Mysore, earning upto a revenue of Rs. 50,000 each day. The lake is lined by trees on either side, providing a pleasant shade perfect for a picnic with friends or family. The park is home to the largest aviary in the country, with 150 species of birds. It does not end at that, the Karanji Lake possesses a butterfly park with 45 different species of vibrant butterflies. You also have the option to learn more about the natural environment of South India in the Regional Museum situated here.

The Karanji lake is a perfect place to visit in Mysore if you want to go for a boat ride, stroll around the park, expand your knowledge or just admire the beauty of the magnificent birds and butterflies.

Places to visit in Mysore: Markets and Factories

Devaraja Market

Devaraja Market is the heart of the city of Mysore, and every beat resonates with the millions whose lives revolve around it. Built around the 18th century, this is a well-organised market, with thousands navigating their way through the crowd, throughout the day. Although congested, this market is extremely clean and tidy. Your trip to this city is incomplete if you haven’t been to one of the most crowded, yet the most loved places to visit in Mysore.

Also known as the Dodde Market (big market) among the residents, the Devaraja Market boasts of over 800 shops over four acres of land. The main market is divided into different sections for a variety of items. The southern side displays fresh vegetables, whereas the northern side has a wide array of fruits. Over 40 different types of bananas are sold regularly, making it a bestseller fruit. With busy mornings and evenings, this Mysore tourist place has everything you could need – from puffed rice, coconuts, jaggery to bangles, perfumes and clothes. The bustling life here is a captivating subject to photographers, who spend hours trying to capture the different shades of the market. One of the most incredible places to visit in Mysore, it is as if the market has a life of its own.

Government Sandalwood Oil Factory

It is strange how whenever we think of Mysore, the pleasant aroma of sandalwood fills the air around us. Truly though, Mysore is unthinkable without sandalwood and its products. This factory was constructed centuries ago, when Mysore was the largest producer of sandalwood.

One of the most intriguing places to visit in Mysore, a tour to this factory would educate you on the different processes involved, such as powdering wood, boiling, and distilling, in the making of several items such as the famous sandalwood soap, cosmetics, talcum powders, perfumes and incense sticks. This is a guided tour, and your tour guide will give you a detailed description of the boilers, condensers and storerooms used. Sadly, there aren’t enough sandalwood regeneration schemes to bolster the growth of sandalwood reserves in the state.

Government Silk Factory

Mysore is world-famous owing to its silk sarees, which are known to be exquisite and one of a kind. Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Ltd. is a factory-cum-showroom, which has over 150 looms imported from Switzerland. Today, the state government owns the silk weaving factory.

This is undoubtedly the best place to visit in Mysore if you wish to buy premium quality silk sarees. Not only do you get authentic Mysore silk here, but the price is remarkably less when sold at factory rates. This is a guided tour where the processes involved in silk production — right from reeling of the cocoon to the weaving of silk — are shown and explained. Take a walk through the factory and watch the men at work in this amazing place to visit in Mysore. However, photography is not allowed.

Places to visit in Mysore: Eateries

Vinayaka Mylari Restaurant

If you want to taste heavenly dosas, look no further than the Vinayaka Mylari Restaurant. Famous all over the world, their delectable dosas are served with a dollop of butter on banana leaves. This is one of the best places to visit in Mysore if you want to relish the authentic flavour of dosa. Six decades old, the small restaurant is often jam-packed with food-lovers in the form of tourists and residents, and you might have to wait for several minutes before getting a table. Due to its popularity, the Vinayaka Mylari has turned out to be a Mysore tourist attraction.

Crispy and fluffy, the dosa here is served with coconut chutney and a spicy vegetable curry with a coconut base. The dosa is so delicious that you might even be tempted to order more than one. This famous place to visit in Mysore is located in Nazarbad, so be wary of any other restaurants that you may encounter with the same name on different parts of the city.

Hanumanthu Mess

A quaint place, the Hanumanthu Mess is brimming with people waiting to have a taste of the delectable mutton pulao. It is said that once you’ve had a taste of the pulao here, there is no other place you want to go to. The non greasy, flavoursome pulao makes this small mess one of the best places to visit in Mysore.

The recipe of the pulao is a secret passed on from one generation to the other. The owner makes the pulao himself, which, due to its immense demand, is usually over by noon. Cooked in firewood and served on a dry leaf, the mutton pulao here is a must try. This Mysore tourist place has become a food lovers’ paradise because of all the lip-smacking chicken and mutton preparations found here.

Guru Sweet Mart

It is a sin to return from Mysore without trying the famous Mysore pak. A sweet so delightful that its luscious taste lingers in your mouth for days to come. Although there are shops selling Mysore pak almost everywhere, the best place to visit in Mysore for this rich, sugary treat is the Guru Sweet Mart.

Owned by the descendants of the original royal cook, Kakasura Madappa, this shop carries on the legacy responsibly. When Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV wanted the royal cook to create a sweet fit to represent Mysore, the cook came up with this item. Made of sugar syrup, gram flour and ghee, Mysore pak melts in your mouth and leaves you craving for more. Add this to your places to visit in Mysore if you want a true taste of this glorious city.

Written by Baishali Dutta, an in-house Tripoto writer. Frequent searches leading to this page:- places to visit in mysore, mysore tourist places, places to visit near mysore, places to see in mysore, mysore tourist destinations, explore mysore, mysore tourist attractions, places near mysore, mysore sightseeing places, tourist places from mysore, best places to visit in mysore, places to visit in mysore at night, nearby places to visit in mysore, places to visit in and around mysore, best places to visit in mysore for couples, haunted places to visit in mysore, unseen tourist places in mysore city

The Best Things to do in Mysore: the heart of Karnataka

This post is a travel guide with the best things to do in Mysore. A city in the state of Karnataka in Southern India,

When I did my internship in BR hills , Mysore quickly became my favourite weekend getaway. It was in Mysore that I could have a change of scenery, indulge in South Indian street food and explore Karnataka’s history. Every time I discovered new things to do in Mysore and it was the first Indian city that I instantly liked.

Why visit Mysore

Indian cities can be crowded and chaotic. Whenever I plan a trip to India I am trying to spend the least time in them. India’s incredible nature and rural life are simply more appealing to me. Other cities that I now love, such as Delhi and Jaipur , took their time to grow on me.

Mysore, however, was love at first sight. The city with its royal heritage and old colonial architecture has a lot of character that is easy to like. Add in great food and a lively bazaar and you have plenty of reasons to go to Mysore.

What to do in Mysore

When I started to write about Mysore I realized that there aren’t even that much things to do in Mysore itself. It is the relaxed atmosphere, the friendly people, the delicious food and some great opportunities for exciting day trips that made sightseeing in Mysore a rewarding experience.

Mysore has a rich history and was the capital of the Kingdom of the Wodeyars for almost six centuries till 1956. It’s still a city of palaces, heritage homes and mansions and is also referred to as the cultural capital of Karnataka.

The best things to do in Mysore

1. mysore palace.

One of the best things to do in Mysore is a visit to the Mysore palace. It was once the seat of power and residence of Mysore’s royal family. Now it is open to the public and the interior is just as colourful and beautiful as what you see outside. Each room has new surprises such as detailed wood carved doors and fine paintings.

Look closely and you see that outside the palace is decorated with light bulbs. In fact, there are more than 96,000 of them. Every sunday evening at 7 pm the palace is illuminated. My first day in Mysore started and ended with the palace in all its glory.

Visitor tips: The palace can get crowded, especially in weekends. Try to be there early when the palace opens at 10 AM. Entrance fee is 50 rupees.

2. Jagan Mohan Palace

The Mysore palace is not the only palace in Mysore. It is not even the oldest, because it was destroyed in a fire and the current building is from 1912. The oldest palace is the Jagan Mohan palace that now houses an Art Gallery.

Most people only include the Mysore palace in their Mysore sightseeing itinerary, but the other palaces are also worth a visit.

3. Lalith Mahal Palace

Mysore is all about palaces and the best thing to do in Mysore to feel like a king is to eat at the Lalith Mahal Palace Hotel. In this former royal palace you can treat yourself on a lunch buffet in one of the most spectacular settings.

Honestly, it will be a bit above the average backpackers budget and you pay for the location, not the quality of the food.

4. Chamundi hill

An extremely popular thing to do in Mysore among the locals is to climb the stairs of the Chamundeshwari temple . There is no other place as important for Mysureans as Chamundi hill. Some have included the walk in their weekly exercise regime, others come to seek their blessings at the temple.

It was Chamundeshwari, the fierce form of the goddess Durga, that killed a demon that was once ruling Mysore. Pilgrims come in their best and most colourful clothes to get a glimpse of the goddess. It was too crowded for my liking and I had a good time outside where several rituals were going on at a special area for breaking coconuts that will be offered.

Even though I skipped my chance to be blessed by the goddess, an Indian lady at my hostel told me that Chamundi will appreciate my visit anyways. All you need to do is take off your shoes and stand near the temple and she will recharge your battery.

Visitor tips: If you don’t want to climb the stairs you can take a tuk tuk or bus. From Mysore Palace bus 201 or 201V goes to Chamundi Hill (this bus also stops at Mysore Zoo). The temple is free of charge, but if you want to skip the long que you can pay for the more quiet VIP entrance. Also, watch out for the monkeys that are looking for any opportunity to grab your food.

5. Devaraja market

Devaraja market is the heart of the city and is one of the best things to do in Mysore to feel its unique atmosphere. This vibrant bazaar is full of life and Indian chaos.

Even though it is the perfect place to make pictures they can never catch the sounds and smells that come to you from all directions. Flower garlands, spices, coloured powders and fresh fruits and vegetables create an explosion of fragrances and colours

Another reason to add Devaraja market to your Mysore sightseeing itinerary is that you can buy some of the best Souvenirs such as sandalwood soap, incense and silk sarees.

6. Mysore’s scenic neighbourhoods

One of my favourite things to do in Mysore was simply walking around. When you are away from the centre and tourist attractions you will find peaceful and quiet colourful alleys.

Sometimes it feels more like a village then a city. Cows are relaxing in the sun, men are drinking tea in front of their homes and women are hanging up the laundry.

7. Mysore’s Rail museum

The rail museum is the best thing to do in Mysore for train lovers. If you are near the station, you can pay a visit to the open air museum with a small exhibition of vintage locomotives.

8. Gokulam’s Yoga schools

Mysore is now the yoga capital of the world with some excellent yoga teachers that offer a range of professional courses. Most require a one month commitment, but there are some walk in options as well.

The best place to visit in Mysore for yoga is Gokulam. A nice neighbourhood with some of the best yoga schools, vegetarian restaurants and yoga friendly accomodation options.

Do your homework, because among the yoga professional are some that try to profit from its popularity. The random tuk tuk driver that claims he is an ayurvedic doctor and yoga teacher, all in one, might not be the best choice.

9. Mysore zoo

The zoo is often not one of my favourite things to do in a city, but for many locals Mysore zoo is the reason they come to this city in the first place. If you are willing to get into the crowds you get to see one of the oldest zoos in India.

10. The government Sandalwood factory

Mysore is known for its sandalwood and when you walk through town you will often smell its unique scent in the streets. The government sandalwood factory runs tours to show you the process of how to make soaps and incense. It will be a fun visit full of fragrances.

11. Government Silk factory

Mysore is also famous for its silk sarees. They are very beautiful, but not a cheap souvenir. A good quality saree can be 4000 or 5000 rupees. There is a government silk factory at Manadawadi road where you can see how they are made.

The best things to do near Mysore

Mysore is just the start of everything there is to do in the area. The south of Karnataka is full of hill stations, nature reserves and some of the oldest and finest temples from the ancient Hoysala kingdom.

I can really recommend you add some of the exciting daytrips to your Mysore sightseeing itinerary.

12. Srirangapatna

The small town of Srirangapatna is of huge historical and religious importance for Mysore. Its fort was built to protect Mysore, but Srirangapatna managed to become the capital of the Mysore kingdom itself for a short period of time.

Nowadays its a pilgrimage town for Hindus that come for the holy Ranganathaswamy temple. This temple might be the most important one, but Sri rangapatna is full with old temples and it is worth to explore further.

It’s scenic location on an island in the Kaveri river makes this a great place to wander around and there are some interesting things to do in Srirangapatna . Besides temples you can visit the old mosque, the summer palace of Tipu Sultan and Tipu Sultans mausoleum.

How to get there: From Mysore city bus stand bus 313A leaves frequently to Srirangapatna. Srirangapatna also has a train station and most trains between Mysore and Bangalore stop in Srirangapatna.

13. Ranganathittu bird sanctuary

Ranganathittu bird sanctuary in the Kaveri river is among the top things to do near Mysore, especially if you love nature. It is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in Karnataka with more than 170 bird species. If you come early in the morning you will see and hear hundreds of storks, pelicans, egrets and herons.

Ranganathittu bird sanctuary organizes boat trips on the Kaveri river to take a closer look. The shared trips are rather short, but you will spot plenty of birds and crocodiles. If you are lucky you can maybe even see otters or bats.

How to get there : Ranganathittu is an easy daytrip from Mysore and because it is close to Srirangapatna you can combine both. Bus 307 departs from Laxmi talkies near the Mysore palace city bus stand to the entrance of the park. It is a short walk through scenic rice paddies to the actual sanctuary.

14. Somnathpur

Somnathpur is a small village 35 kilometers from Mysore and home to the ancient Somnathpur temple , or Chennakeshava temple, built by a Hoysala king in 1268. You might have seen plenty of temples already in India, but this one will not fail to impress you. The incredibly detailed carvings have thousands of stories to tell.

If you feel like seeing more Hoysala temple art I can recommend the Belur and Halebid temples . They are further away from Mysore, but still possible as a long day trip.

How to get there : There is no direct bus from Mysore to Somnathpur, but  you can take a public bus to Bannur (platform number 9, 30 rupees, 45 minutes) and from Bannur you can take a shared tuk tuk to Somnathpur village (10 rupees, 10 minutes)

15. Bylakuppe

Most tourists wanting to see a bit of Tibetan culture head to famous Dharamsala in North India. Few people know that South India has its own little Tibet full of Tibetan monasteries, only 85 kilometers from Mysore. It is a long day trip from Mysore, but one that is totally worth it. The highlight of Bylakuppe is the Namdroling monastery that makes you feel you are in Nepal or Tibet rather than India.

How to get there : The nearest town from Bylakuppe is Kushalnagar. From Mysore you can take a bus to Madikeri that will stop in Kushalnagar (2 hours). In fact, you can ask the driver to let you out at Kuppam village square. From there you can arrange a rickshaw for the last 15 minute drive to the Namdrolng monastery in Bylakuppe.

The best food in Mysore

Mysore is a great city for food lovers and trying different dishes is one of the best things to do in Mysore. South Indian cuisine is delicious and some recipies are unique to the area of Mysore.

1. Mysore Masala dosa

Dosa’s are rice pancakes that have a history of more than 2000 years in South India. Mysore is believed to have some of the best dosa’s in the country.

Any Mysore sightseeing is incomplete without trying at least one Mysore Masala dosa. Luckily they are never far away. Crusty on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I must admit that Mysore was indeed doing a pretty good job.

A plain dosa comes with 2 chutney dips. One red tomato based curry and one white coconut based chutney. The masala dosa comes with the same, but has a tasty potato filling inside as well. A paper dosa is a very long and thin crusty variant of the dosa.

More difficult to find, but very healthy and nutritious is the Ragi Dosa made out of local finger millet. It’s on the breakfast menu of Mansion 1907 and worth trying.

2. Ragi mudde

If you want to try something very local you can try ragi mudde or ragi ball. It is made of finger millet and many people in this region eat ragi instead of rice or chapati. It will not be on the average tourist menu, but if you visit a local restaurant serving Indian thali’s it might be available.

I of course ate it in the completely wrong way. I took out little pieces from the ragi ball and mixed it throughout my rice. However, you are supposed to take a part of the ragi ball, dip it in your curry and swallow it.

3. South Indian thali

The best and cheapest way to eat in an Indian restaurant is to order a thali. It is a set menu of rice that comes with different types of curries. The South Indian variant is originally served on a banana leaf and you are supposed to eat with your hand. Curries differ per season, but sambhar (lentil based vegetable stew) and/or rasam (a tamarind based soup) are always included.

4. Mysore Pak

Mysore’s famous sweet made out of gram flour, sugar and ghee butter is a must try. At Guru’s sweet mart in Devaraja market you can try them when they are still hot, straight off the stove. Check this video to learn more about its history and how it is made.

I was lucky. It was mango season when I was in Mysore and there was even a Mango fair with over 40 different varieties. The season starts from the end of April till July and the mango’s are juicy and fresh at this time.

6. Jackfruits

Mango season is also the jackfruit season. You will smell the jackfruit before you even see the men selling it on carts in the street. I was personally not a fan of them, but locals love them.

The best budget restaurants in Mysore

1. gokulam’s vegan and organic restaurants.

The neighbourhood of Gokulam is the centre of yoga in Mysore. It is also full of organic and vegan cafes and restaurants with creative and original menus that makes you want to try everything. The fruit smoothies, fresh salads, sandwiches and soups are a welcome change from the regular Indian food. Some recommended restaurants are Rasa Dhatu and Depth N Green .

2. Hotel Mylari

Will the real Mylari please stand up? Mylari has a long history of serving the best dosa’s in Mysore. The Mylari dosa comes with butter and a delicious filling of onions and potatoes. The place became so famous that multiple other restaurants opened up with a similar name. I am almost sure I visited the right one.

3. Anima Mhadvan Bhavan

Anima Mhadvan Bhavan is the place to go for a South Indian thali. Still served on the traditional banana leaf with a variety of curries and chutneys it is among the top things to do in Mysore.

4. Di Lemon restaurant

Di lemon restaurants serves great North Indian food and has some of the best meat options in Mysore. I can recommend the chicken butter masala with fresh naan bread.

5. Old House

The best Italian food in Mysore is at the Old House with wood fired oven pizza’s that have a thin crust and an original menu of different toppings.

The best hostels in Mysore

Mansion 1907 became my home in Mysore. Most of all because of its great location in walking distance from the bus station, Mysore palace and Devaraja market.

This hostel has friendly owners, a great breakfast menu and female only dorms. During the tourist season they have free yoga classes in the morning and you can rent bicycles to explore Mysore and its surroundings.

There are other hostels in Mysore as well such as Zostel and Roambay hostel.

Mysore travel tips

The best time to visit mysore.

The best time to visit Mysore is from September till March when the climate is pleasant. In april and may it starts to get very hot and in June it is the start of the monsoon season when rain becomes more frequent.

In October India celebrates the Dassara festival. Dassara has big celebrations in Mysore. The festival is all about the victory of good over evil. It is one of the most extravagant celebrations in the city where people believe Chamundeshwari killed the demon Mahishasuran.

The palace is illuminated daily and the goddess is taken in a procession on an elephant through the city accompanied with dance groups and music bands. Visiting Mysore during Dassara will be a memorable experience.

Language in Mysore

Mysore is in Karnataka and the main language is Kannada using its own Kannada alphabet. Kannada is a Dravidian language that is related to tamil, telugu and malayalam and is actually quite different from Hindi.

It is possible to get by with english, although not everyone speaks it very well.

Safety in Mysore

I thought Mysore was a very safe city where common sense applies. It felt much more easygoing than other Indian cities and I had no problems. I am sure that things like petty theft do occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Simply keep your valuables in a safe place like you would in any big city.

As a solo female traveller I felt comfortable in Mysore. I experienced much less hassle than I did in other cities like Delhi or Jaipur. Again, the more easygoing atmosphere makes it a great destination for woman travelling alone in India. That said, it helps to dress modestly.

Women traveling alone or in small groups may want to be cautious at night. Avoid walking alone in isolated or poorly lit areas and try to use well-lit, populated routes.

The best ways to get around in Mysore

Uber and Ola : Uber is a good way to get around in Mysore, but India has its own similar business called Ola cabs that is even more popular. The good thing about both Ola and Uber is that it is cheaper than a tuk tuk and you do not need to negotiate the price or explain where you need to go. Both offer a pool option in which you share your ride with others that makes it even more affordable.

Ola also has a tuk tuk option that is one of the best and most affordable way to travel for shorter distances. I never had to wait long for a Ola or Uber to come and most of the time when I ordered the pool option I had no other passengers.

There is of course always the option of stopping a tuk tuk on the road, but be prepared to negotiate about the price. At the bus and train station there is a prepaid booth with fixed prices.

Public transport : The public transport system works pretty well in Mysore and with the help of Google maps I used the bus pretty often. If you check the route you want to take Google maps will tell you which bus number to take.

How to get to Mysore

From Bangalore there are frequent trains and buses to Mysore. Buses take around 4 hours. The daily shatabdi express takes only 2 hours while other trains take longer (3-4 hours). For Chennai you can take the daily shatabdi express at 14:15 that takes 7 hours to reach Chennai.

Other nearby connections are with Mangalore (7 hours), Coimbatoire (6 hours), Ooty (6 hours), Kozhikode (6 hours) and Fort Kochi (10 hours).

You can check the train time tables and book your tickets online directly through the  Indian railways  (IRCTC). Unfortunately this is not always a straightforward process. For a small extra fee you can use  12goAsia  or  Makemytrip . 

Mysore is at the heart of Karnataka . A state that gets relatively few visitors, despite its ancient temples like the temples in Hampi and its beautiful nature. Also, Karnataka has a long coast with sandy beaches. Personally, I preferred the cute little beach town of Gokarna much more than popular Goa . 

Sustainable Travel in Mysore

Mysore is a very green and clean city compared to other Indian cities. Tourism is growing though and has both positive and negative impacts. Traveling sustainably in Mysore, involves conscious choices that minimize your environmental impact and support the local community.

Support the local community:  You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors, artisans, markets and restaurants. It is better to try South Indian cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods. South Indian food is very vegetarian friendly and it is easy to follow a vegan diet.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels.

Where possible, I can recommend staying in a homestay for an authentic cultural experience. You might want to bring a small book with pictures of your family to break the ice.

You can also try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Use public transport : Mysore has a well-developed public transportation system. Opt for public transport, whenever possible, instead of private cars to reduce carbon emissions.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to respect the culture. Mysore is the cultural capital of Karnataka with a Hindu majority. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Learning a few basic phrases in Kannada, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer : This post about the best things to do in Mysore contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

17 thoughts on “The Best Things to do in Mysore: the heart of Karnataka”

Mysore indeed has a lot of charm to it. I loved mysore museum with all gold and grandeur. This is a great guide of important places to be covered.

Nice! I’ve been considering a trip to India to do a yoga retreat and had heard good things about Mysore, definitely one to keep on the watch list. I enjoyed your extra ‘visitor’s tips’ – super helpful

Really enjoyed Mysore too – this post brings back fond memories 🙂

Never heard of Mysore before and you certainly have made me want to visit. The palace is beautiful.

You know that’s true love, right? 🙂 When you like a place, but can’t quite say why that is so, even when you know you’ve been to places that had more of this or better that…

Thanks for this detailed guide. I’m headed to Mysore in a couple weeks for a wedding and all this info helps so much 🙂 I can’t wait to do all the eating!

Hi Thanks for sharing the information about the things to do in mysore

Enjoyed this blog! Thank you for sharing your insights about this beautiful city.

Please note, the phrase “Kannada is a Dravidian language” needs to be understood as a language spoken in a land where 3 seas meet (Dra-vit) and not be mistaken for a myth called Aryan vs Dravidian theory.

Thanks again!

Good Post! Thank you so much for sharing this pretty post, it was so good to read and useful, all pictures are very beautiful.

Thanks for amazing information waiting for your next article

Nice Information! You described all things about Mysore very nicely, all the places are fabulous. Also the photos are awesome.

This is the best blog on Mysore I came across.Infact the best blog for backpackers ever. 🙂 Thank you so much. Lots of love and best wishes to you.

Your blog is nicely written. It provides detailed information about Mysore along with the popular places, activities to indulge in, delicious local delicacies, places to eat, and other details as well. I am pretty impressed with the way of writing as it is easily understandable and renders comprehensive knowledge about this beautiful city.

Thanks for the in-depth wonderful article you turned out here Very Informative Loved It Thankyou Soo Much For Sharing It.

Thanks for sharing about these Best Things to do in Mysore, I was actually looking for same.

Nice Blog and Great Content

Your are articles are great

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Mysore travel guide: best places to visit, stay & eat.

Mysore Travel Guide

Why visit mysore.

Mysore is one of the most flamboyant places in South India, bustling with the history of its glittering royal heritage and famous for exquisite silk saris, elaborate architecture, sandlewood and yoga amongst many other things. The Lonely Planet claims that “ if you haven’t been to Mysore, you just haven’t been to South India” Carry on reading   my Mysore travel guide for the best things to do in Mysore, places to stay and eat and more tips.

Mysore is most famous for the majestic Mysore Palace, undoubtedly one of India’s most spectacular royal buildings. But don’t just visit the palace – there is much more to explore in Mysore. Mysore is especially vibrant during the grand spectacle of the Dussehra Festival , but even if you visit after this time Mysore is still an essential stop on any South Indian itinerary. Allow 2 – 3 days to explore.

Daily Budget for Mysore: 1,000 – 2,000 Indian Rupees per day (US$15 – 30)

See more on the typical costs for traveling in India here

Top Things to do in Mysore

Visit mysore palace.

Most visitors understandably make a beeline for the unbelievably opulent Mysore Palace, the seat of the Wodeyar maharajahs who ruled the kingdom from 1399 to 1950. The palace you see today was actually built in 1912 after a fire destroyed the first palace and it is a beautiful example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, a fusion of styles that creates a really spectacular sight.

Inside the palace really drips with extravagant opulence and fine details, each new room you discover seems to surpass the last in terms of rich colours, fine paintings, elaborate architecture, fine wood carved doors, mosaic floors and stained glassed windows.

On Sundays, public holidays and during the Dussehra festival the palace it spectacularly illuminated at 7pm however,  especially at the weekends, don’t expect to have this palace to yourself as it gets really crowded. The entrance costs 200 rupees for foreigners and an audio guide is included in the foreigners ticket price which helps to bring this spectacular building to life and highlights details that you might otherwise miss.

Climb Chaumandi Hill

Learn more about the ancient myths and legends of Mysore by climbing up Chaumandi Hill. Once Mysore (Mysuru) was known as Mahishur which means  “the town where the demon buffalo was slain.” Mysore was ruled by a demon called Mahishasura who was killed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari ( Chaumandi or known as Durga in North India) This is what gave Mysore its name and the legend is still celebrated enthusiastically during the Dussehra (Dasara) celebrations.

On the top of Chaumandi Hill is the Sri Chamundeswari Temple , visit in the morning and enjoy the colour and buzz around the temples as devotees dressed in the finest, most colourful saris buy coconuts and other offerings for the revered goddess and also check out the statue of the demon Mahishasura.

If you are feeling energetic you can climb the over 1000 steps along with the pilgrims, some of whom painstakingly bless every single step. Or you can take a bus or auto rickshaw all the way up the hill or to just over half way to the big Nandi statue and walk the rest of the way from there. Also make sure to take some time to just enjoy views the cool air and views over Mysore and beyond.

Explore  Devaraja Market

Another essential sight in Mysore is the vibrant and atmospheric   Devaraja Market.   This market is over 1oo years old and still vibrantly bustles with life, colour, noise and a good dose of chaos. Devaraja Market really is aan essential Indian experience and a photographer’s paradise.

Wander the stalls and see stacks of colourful fruits, vegetables and spices, garlands of fragrant flowers, heaps of colourful dyes and rows of sparkling bangles. The sights, sounds and smells of the market are truly a feast for the senses but be prepared to haggle if you intend on making any purchases.

See more: Reasons to visit Devaraja Market: A Photo Essay

Yoga and Ayurveda Courses in Mysore

Mysore is a worldwide famous centre for ayurveda , the ancient science of Indian herbal medicine and holistic healing, as well as Mysore style Ashtanga yoga and many people come from all over the world to study and practice Yoga here or to train to be a yoga teacher.

The Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute  is the most famous guru and yoga school in Mysore and it can be difficult to get a place here, Mystic Yoga School  is also a popular and well respected choice. Most yoga schools take their practice very seriously and require a one-month commitment.

If you don’t have time for a full course, visit the Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre,  a hotel set in lush gardens where the full board package includes a yoga class, a relaxing ayurveda massage and a beauty treatment.

Art Galleries and Museums in Mysore

Mysore has a great range of museums and art galleries . The   Art Gallery , housed in the old Jaganmohan Palace, it features some beautiful paintings and kitschy collections that give you insight into how the Wodeyar dynasty lived. The National Museum of Mankind contains some excellent exhibitions on rural Indian life and crafts. The Jayalakshmi Vilas Complex Museum on the university campus showcases folklore and some really ancient artefacts and for a bit of fun – check out the open-air Rail Museum .

Day Tours of Mysore

I took a Mysore day tour with goMowgli which gave me such a deeper insight into the rich and glittering history of this fascinating town. The morning started with the stories of the myths and legends of Chaumandi Hill before a local dosa breakfast . I felt really lucky to visit the Mysore Silk Factory to see how these famous sarees are made and to the sandalwood oil factory , another of Mysore’s famous and highly popular exports.

Visiting the elaborate Mysore Palace was of course a highlight and goMowgli also showed me some off the beaten track museums , I met some talented stone sculptors and wooden inlay artisans who can do magic with pieces of rocks and wood. We found time to enjoy a fabulous   traditional  meal on a banana leaf for lunch while I probed the goMowgli team for all their local tips for eating and drinking in Mysore and topped off the day with a guided tour through the amazing Devaraja Market and some sweet street food treats! Highly recommended!

Facts about Mysore

Mysore is actually home to 7 palaces and much of the architecture in this flamboyant city looks European. Take time to admire Mysore’s unique fusion of architecture at the Government House, the Rangacharlu Memorial Hall, the glittering clock towers and statues in the roundabouts and St Philomena’s Cathedral.

The Mysore maharajas were very popular and well loved and they were really quite advanced for their times. It is said that Mysore Palace had electricity even before London’s lights were switched on. The maharahjas were also responsible for many public works that benefited the economy and local people.

Mysore is also famous for its production of fine silk, sandalwood and other local products and is the best place to shop for sandalwood oil , incense and exquisite (but expensive)  silk saris and other handicrafts. I found visiting the silk factory on the goMowgli tour really fascinating and it’s something not many tourists see.

Where to Stay in Mysore

Mysore is a popular destination, especially for Indian tourists, and there is a good range of accommodation available.

Save: The recently opened Sonder Hostel is a great option for backpacker’s looking to meet other travellers and stay on a budget. You can also find plenty of budget accommodation options in guesthouses. Hotel Dasprakash  and Hotel Galaxy Comforts are good options. You can also find apartments near the Gokulan Road area of town which is popular with Yogis – try  Urban Oasis Compact  if you want to book in advance.

Splurge: For something a bit more stylish try the popular  Park Lane Hotel  with comfortable rooms, a good location and a nice beer terrace. Or if you fancy living it up like royalty you can even stay in a former palace built my the same Wodeyar Maharajahs at the Royal Orchid Metropole Hotel. 

Where to Eat and Drink in Mysore

Mysore has plenty of places to eat for all budgets. Near Gandhi Circle Hotel RRR  has great veg meals on a banana leaf and biryanis but it can be hard to get a table as it is so popular.   Aramane Cafe, near the Palace, is a good place to get a coffee or vegetarian lunch, Madhava Bhavan is another good pure veg restaurant.

If you want something different try Mezzulluna for good Western and Chinese food (try the steak or kebabs) along with Indian favourites. In Gokulam you can get an amazing vegan thali served on a banana leaf or if it’s a beer you are craving the Pelican Pub is popular and The Park Lane Hotel’s beer terrace is a great place to hang out, eat and drink.

How to Get to Mysore

Mysore is most easily reached on an approx 3 hours train or bus journey from Bangalore. The nearest airport is in Bangalore and there is also a ‘ Fly bus’ that goes straight from Bangalore airport to Mysore.

Day Trips from Mysore

Karnataka is a fascinating but still under rated and off the beaten track destination. Within a day trip from Mysore you can see authentic, rural Indian life, marvel at the detailed carvings on the Hoysala temples at  Somanathapura ,  enjoy the refreshing waterfalls at Shivanasamudra falls  and see the temples being excavated from the sand of the cursed city of Talakadu   See more here 

Or you could climb a rock to gaze up at the huge Jain statue at Shravanabelagola and admire to detailed carvings of the Hoysala temples at  Belur and Halebid . See more here.

Where Next after Mysore?

• Experience modern India and enjoy the pub scene in India’s silicon city –  Bangalore
• The ancient temples, bewitching myths and surreal, boulder strewn landscapes make Hampi   a must see
• Explore more of the underrated state of Karnataka and enjoy the nature and coffee plantations in  Coorg

Read More India travel guides:

• Devaraja Market Photo Essay
• 3 Off Beat Temples in Karnataka 
• goMowgli Mysore City Tour 

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Places to eat: should’ve been on the list. Vinayaka Mylari – a small shop with the most delicious masala dosa made from a slightly different better.

Yes, I went there on the goMowgli tour but didn’t want to give all their secret places away haha!

Mysore is the best place to visit and appreciate amid occasions. My companions say mysore is the place to appreciate the occasion. one should visit Brindavan Garden at night to appreciate the lighting impacts, There is GRS dream stop to invest some great fun energy with family and companions and I discovered this very fascinating, I practically had a craving for going in the city while understanding it. Awesome Mysore Travel Guide here! I wish I had it when I was in Mysore!

Very informative post! A well explained post on where to stay , what to see, what to eat at Mysore, i have ever read till now. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Wonderful post! Such a very useful article. Really I appreciate the effort you made to share the knowledge. Very interesting to read this article. I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. We are providing taxi services in Bangalore as the name of Bharat Taxi.

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Top Things to Do in Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka

Places to visit in mysuru (mysore).

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Mysuru Palace

2. Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens

3. Somnathpur Temple

4. Namdroling Monastery

5. Sri Chamundeshwari Temple

6. Lokaranjan Aqua World Underwater Zoo

8. Himada Gopalswamy Temple

9. Devaraja Market

10. Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum

11. Venugopala Swamy Temple

12. Avadhoota Datta Peetham

13. Karanji Lake

14. St. Philomena's Church

15. Railway Museum Mysore

16. Srikanteshwara Temple

17. GRS Fantasy Park

18. Mysore Palace

19. Sri Nandi Temple

20. Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery And Auditorium

21. Kukkarahalli Lake

22. Sea Shell Museum

23. Forum Centre City Mall

24. Lakshmi Venkataramanaswamy temple

25. Kabini Dam

26. R K Narayan House

27. Trinesvaraswamy Temple

28. Shuka Vana

29. Dasara Exhibition Ground

30. Regional Museum of Natural History

What travellers are saying.

• Travel Info
• Stay Review
• Travel Deals

Mysore Travel Guide 2022 | Explore The Best Of Mysore Before You Travel

Mysore Travel Guide – Mysore, a city in southern Karnataka, was formerly known as the Kingdom of Mysore and is well-known for being the “ City of Palaces .”

A city in which every structure tells the story of it’s glorious history filled with bravery and victory.

You guys must have already heard of the beauty of Mysore palace, the grand architectural icon of St. Philomena’s cathedral but besides all these famous places, let’s talk about what more Mysore has.

Why Must You Explore Mysore?

Mysore is known for the exceptional quality of Mysore silk and is well-known throughout India for its Dasara festival.

This city receives hundreds of thousands of tourists every year from around the world especially during the Dasara festival which is the city’s busiest season. Mysore Dasara, Mysore Painting, Mysore Pak, Mysore Peta, and Mysore Silk Saris are only a few examples of the many arts and cultures that bear its name.

Before talking about each of them, let me tell you what is the ideal season to visit Mysore.

Best Time T o Explore Mysore?

Like every other place with a tropical climate, Mysore also needs pleasant weather to visit only if you don’t want to be covered with sweat the whole day.

So, October to February is considered one of the best season to visit Mysore because the city is mostly surrounded by lush greenery.

It is recommended to travel during the monsoon season if you want to experience the spirit of the city.

How to Reach Mysore?

Travelling to a city which is already a well renowned place can never be a difficult task, you can easily make your choices. Mysore being the Cultural Capital of Karnataka is well connected with all the means of transportation making it easily accessible for tourists.

The nearest international airport to Mysore is Bengaluru International Airport which is 170 km from Mysore.

Mandakalli or Mysuru Airport is the domestic airport of Mysore which is only 10 km far from the city centre.

All the major cities of the country are well connected to Mysore via railways.

The Mysore Railway Station is located at a distance of 2 km from the heart of the city.

Other nearby railway stations include Shrirangapatna, Pandavapura, Krishnarajnagar, Mandya, Mandagere and Maddur.

Mysore has a well-developed road network both within and outside the city. There are numerous number of private as well as state owned buses that can take you to Mysore.

If you are living in some of the nearest cities such as Bangalore, Coorg, Ooty, Wayanad etc. I would recommend you to travel to Mysore by road and witness the picturesque views you will encounter on the way.

A trip to a destination would be incomplete without tasting the local delicacies and signature dishes. Some cities are known for their specialty foods, while others are known for their unique recipes.

Mysore being one of the oldest cities is home to some best and authentic dishes.

Regardless of how much of a foodie you are, these are some of the restaurants which you should visit once while on your trip to Mysore.

Recommended Place to Eat In Mysore

The original vinayaka mylari hotel, mysore.

When you see this small restaurant in the middle of Mysore’s crowded streets, don’t rush to judge.

Instead wait for its traditional masala dosa to tickle your taste buds.

The USP of this restaurant is neither fancy décor nor impressive ambiance but the authenticity which it offers.

This 80 year old hotel is quite famous in Mysore and offers only idli, dosa and masala dosa on it’s menu.

If you are a lover of spicy Andhra style Mutton Biryani, then this is a paradise for you.

This decades old restaurant may appear crowded and congested but if you judge by the taste of it’s dishes, you won’t be able to resist by giving it a 5 star.

Chicken Biryani, Mutton Biryani, chicken pepper and the unlimited veg thali are quite popular here.

Guru Sweet Mart

The famous Mysore Pak is something which is associated with Mysore. If you live in South then you know you can get this sweet anywhere but the true and authentic taste you get to experience only at this location.

WHY? Because there is a century old story behind it.

Over 100 years ago, a chef in the royal kitchens created a sweet made out of sugar, besan and ghee and served it to the royal family of Wadiyar. The king was highly impressed and asked the chef what is it called, he said “MYSORE PAK” .

Today, after so many years the descendants of that cook Kakasura Madappa still make Mysore Pak using the same recipe and sell it here.

Don’t forget to take a bite of it; it’s more than worth it.

Souvenirs to Buy From Mysore?

If you ask me what distinguishes one place from others, I’d say it’s the culture. And souvenirs are more than just items you buy; they are the cultural heritage of a place that you bring back with you.

There is a list of items which you can buy from Mysore as a souvenir but I have picked out the top 4.

Mysore Silk Saree

It is said that every South Indian household has at least one of these sarees.

The intricate Zari work done with golden thread and the royal appearance of it are what makes it India’s most popular handloom product.

The boom of Mysore silk sarees goes back to Tipu Sultan’s reign and in today’s era, these sarees are considered the best for weddings and other ceremonies specially because of it’s elegant look.

Mysore is known for Mysore pak and Mysore pak is known because of Mysore, this famous sweet which has marked it’s first appearance in the royal courts is now the pride of Mysore.

You can find a lot of recipes for this on the internet but to get a real taste, don’t miss this on your trip.

Mysore Paintings

I am not sure how many of us are fond of paintings but I’d like to introduce you to the traditional Mysore paintings.

The origin of these paintings dates back to centuries ago.

But what makes it unique is the hard work put up by the artists.

From making brushes using camel hair or goat hair to using vegetables for making organic paints.

If you are in Mysore, take a look over these paintings, who knows that you might end up buying one of the best souvenirs of Mysore.

SandalWood Products

Mysore offers a diverse range of sandalwood products that will fragnance your heart and home.

Both Sandalwood products and silk sarees of Mysore are considered the best souvenirs of the state.

Products like cosmetics, perfumes, incense sticks, essential oils, and powered talc offer the finest quality of Mysore sandalwood.

What Should You Not Miss In Your Mysore Trip?

There are always few things on the itinerary which are the must – do or must – see. Some views which are meant to be seen, some experiences which are meant to be felt. Views can be easily seen through pictures by simple sitting at home but these are the experiences which makes a trip different.

Let’s talk about them.

Mysore palace exploration

Mysore palace is the gem of Mysore located in the heart of the city since the 14 th century; reconstructed several times is now one of the most beautiful palaces of India and visited by millions of tourists every year.

Aside from its magnificent architecture, the palace’s entire interior is stunning and might leave you speechless.

I can go on speaking about it’s beauty without a pause, you can imagine how much beautiful this palace would be.

Mysore Dussehra festival

A 10 day long festival usually held in the month of September or October is the biggest festival of Karnataka. The festival is held to celebrate the day when goddess Chamundeshwari killed the demon king Mahishasura after a fierce battle. The city has been celebrating this festival for 400 years.

A grand procession is held on the streets of Mysore city starting from Mysore palace where one can witness the traditional dance forms of Karnataka, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels.

Numerous dance and music performances are held across the city, and musicians and dancers are invited to participate from all over India.

Do you know the fact that

Mysore palace is lighted daily with 100,000 bulbs on all days of the festival.

Night show at Brindavan gardens

Brindavan gardens is the best place to spend a chill out evening at Mysore or to soak the beauty of nature. Every night from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, an evening lighting show with musical fountain takes place at Brindavan Gardens.

On weekends you will find little bit of rush over there, but try to visit it once if you are a person who feels good being surrounded by nature.

Mesmerizing views from the Chamundi hill top and outstanding artwork of artisans at Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum are some of the other things which you can experience on your trip.

Conclusion & Way Forward

Mysore is a land of history, culture and heritage. This cultural capital of state has a huge role in state tourism. Every year millions of tourists visit mysore.

It is home to the weaving industry, bronzework, arts and handicrafts made of sandalwood, and salt and lime production has skyrocketed in the city, opening the path for industrialisation and economic prosperity.

This city is making a way to industrialization, but not at the expense of losing its cultural heritage. Mysore is still a perfect example of the cultural heritage of India and hopefully will remain.

In a hurry? Check out our exclusive 2-day Mysore things to do guide.

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A nice detailed description. Thanks a lot.

ur welcome :)

Such a wonderful way of explaining i really like specialy the connection between history n travel

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Top Things to Do in Mysore – A Travel Guide

The city of Mysore has always been an important part of India’s history and heritage. Also called the City of Palaces, it is steeped in stories of power, prestige, and grandeur, which still reflects in its edifices and culture. Home to ancient royal families and historical legends, the city invites all kinds of visitors to discover its legacy and make their travel experience a class apart. If you’re visiting Mysore and want to see everything the city has to offer, book a car rental in Mysore with an experienced local driver who can take you to all the hidden jewels, including buzzing tech parks and lovely parks and gardens.

Table of Contents

Places to visit in mysore.

• Places to visit nearby
• Places to eat
• How to reach
• Best time to visit
• Places to stay

Things to do in Mysore

Besides visiting all the famous places in Mysore, you can also engage in different activities to get the real flavour of the city.

• Explore the local wildlife at the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, 16KM outside Mysore. Bordered by the Cauvery River, the bird sanctuary is lined with dense mangroves and form the home to one of the largest bird sanctuaries of the state. You can visit for birding tours in the winter months and spot painted storks, pelicans, terns, ibis, swallows, egrets, kingfishers, herons, and other migratory species from Siberia, South America, and the Himalayas.

• Walk the Mysore Food Trail. The city’s multicultural history has led to the evolution of speciality foods and various cuisines , which you can explore across different parts of the city. Organized by professional tour groups, the food trail starts in the morning and ends late evening , covering all four meals at different iconic eateries . You can also plan your food trail and visit some of the legendary places like Poojaari’s Fish Land, Vinayak Mylari, Anima Madhva Bhavan, and Guru Sweets.
• Tour the silk industry. Besides sandalwood and sweets, silk production is Mysore’s biggest feature. And you can’t go back without shopping for quality silk fabrics. Visit the Government Silk Weaving Factory to see the production process of various types of silk and shop for sarees and other textiles at reasonable prices.
• Celebrate Dussehra at the Mysore Palace. The palace ground hosts the largest Dasara festival and it makes for an unforgettable sight. With gorgeous lighting, fairs, and parades, it is an extravagant affair that you can’t miss. The celebrations are free for everyone and bring the city to life.

[Also Read: How I Celebrated Dussehra in Mysore ]

A treasure trove of history, art, architecture, and culture, there are endless options for sightseeing. For any tourist, these are some of the best places to visit.

• Mysore Palace –  The official residence of the Wadiyars , this UNESCO World Heritage site is a work of marvel. The history of Mysore Palace dates back to 1912. An overwhelming blend of Indo-Saracenic, neoclassical, Indo-Islamic and Gothic architecture , the palace boasts delicate works of mirrors, stained glass, mosaic and more. Visit on Sundays to see the dazzling light play of 100000 bulbs covering the façade and premise . The palace is also famous for hosting the grandest Dasara festival . You can learn more about the Mysore Palace from the gallery on the premise.
• Lalitha Palace  – Another heritage building, the two-storied Lalitha Mahal sits on a ridge at the foothills of the Chamundi Hills. The palace was transformed into a luxury hotel and offers stay options .
• Jaganmohan Palace  – Another prominent establishment, this palace showcases stunning architecture with intricate work . Since 1915, it has been the royal art gallery, housing paintings of the royal family, art by Raja Ravi Varma, and other rare and antique musical instruments.
• The Folklore Museum –  One of the most visited in the city, this museum exhibits folk art and crafts from all over the state of Karnataka and houses more than 6500 artefacts including toys, models, and figurines.
• Railway Museum-  An outdoor exhibit of vintage locomotives, the Railway Museum showcases archaic steam engines, the Maharani’s saloon, and other railway souvenirs. You can also visit the gallery of photographs and paintings depicting the history of Indian railways. Don’t miss the battery-operated mini-train ride on the premise.
• Crawford Hall-  Built-in 1947 , this is a must-visit historic structure in Mysore. The royal hall is now known as the Mysore University but still renders a rich heritage to its ambience.
• Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum  – Opened in 2014, it is the first sand sculpture museum in India. It houses more than 150 sand sculptures showcasing Mysore’s cultural heritage, wildlife and religion.
• Varuna Lake – Varuna Lake in Mysore is a captivating destination that offers a plethora of exciting activities for adventure enthusiasts. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, the lake provides an idyllic setting to indulge in various water-based adventures. With activities like kayaking, speedboating, sofa rides, bumper rides, banana rides, and pedal boating, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Places to visit near Mysore

Apart from the popular tourist places, you can also visit other scenic locales nearby. On your trip, explore these tourist places near Mysore –

• Srirangapatna, 18KM – The ancient town of Seringapattinam , was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore under Tipu Sultan. It sits on the Cauvery River surrounded by abundant nature, making it a scenic locale. Visit the historical monuments like Tipu Sultan Gumbaz (mausoleum), and the Daria Daulat Bagh (emperor’s summer palace), or the Ranganathaswamy Temple, a major pilgrimage destination.
• Bandipur National Park, 80KM – Spreading across 874 sq. km, Bandipur is one of the most famous national parks and an important tiger reserve of India. Bandipur houses some of the rarest species of wildlife, including 70 tigers and over 3000 Asian elephants , as well as other animals like leopards, dhole, gaur, sloth bears, and a variety of avifauna .
• Shravanabelagola, 85KM – A sacred and popular pilgrimage Jain site, Shravanabelagola is famous for the 57 feet high Bahubali statue. Ranked as the first of the ‘ Seven Wonders of India ’, this idol is worshipped every 12 years for 12 days , by pilgrims and devotees , commemorating the enlightenment and s piritual liberation of Bahubali. 

Best Places to eat in Mysore

You’ll find everything from local diners and street food to upscale dining and artsy cafes . Here are some of the best restaurants to try on your trip –

• By The Way Restaurant
• Mezzaluna Indian & Continental Restaurant
• Mahesh Prasad
• Gufha Restaurant
• Poojari’s Fish Land
• Tiger Trail 

Mysore is not only steeped in history and heritage, but it also has some of the most majestic monuments, palaces, and iconic structures, which makes the City of Palaces one of the crown jewels of Karnataka. Home to the legendary royal families, emperors, and sultans; Mysore is certainly a treasure trove of art, culture, and grandeur in the truest sense of the term. 

Located at 145 km southwest of the state capital, Bangalore, the city sits at an altitude of 2526 ft. at the foothills of the Chamundi Hills and spreads across an area of 155 sq. km. It is the southernmost major city of Karnataka and serves as the administrative headquarters of Mysore District and Mysore Division. It is bordered by Kerala and Tamil Nadu on the south and surrounded by Mercara, Mandya, and Chamarajanagar.

Mysore produces the exclusive Mysore Silk variant and is the largest silk contributor for the state.

[Also Read: Experience Mysore like a local ]

The name of the city is an anglicized version of the Sanskrit name Mahisuru, a derivation of the mythological demon – Mahisasura, who was defeated and killed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari, whose temple sits atop the hill overlooking the city.

The history of Mysore is long-standing which is showcased in the majestic monuments, iconic structures, gorgeous palaces, and other historical places. The city served as the capital for the Kingdom of Mysore for six centuries, between the 1300s until 1956. This period saw the kingdom change many hands of rulers and kings, from the Wadiyar Dynasty, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. During the reigns of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali, the first mulberry trees were planted in here, thus introducing silk production which added to the region’s industrial growth. Even to this day, the city’s silk quality is recognized as the finest, at both home and abroad.

How to Plan a Trip to Mysore

How to reach mysore.

Mysore railway station has three lines that connect the city to Bangalore, Mangalore, and Chamarajanagar, among other towns and cities in Karnataka. There are frequent trains from these terminals to Mysore. 

Mysore is well-connected to the rest of the state and neighbouring states by road. Conveniently located on the southern edge of Karnataka, the city is easily accessible by highways NH212, SH17, and Mysore Road. There are several state-run and private buses that ply between Mysore and other neighbouring cities and towns lik e Bangalore , Hosur, Chamarajanagar, Ooty, Kannur etc. The best way to reach Mysore is to book a cab or rent a private car from any of these places and drive. You can also directly book a cab from Bangalore to Mysore to reach your destination.

[Also Read: Bangalore to Mysore – Useful Travel Information ]

The nearest airport in Mysore is the domestic Mysore Airport (MYQ) at Mandakalli , 10KM from the city centre. There are regular flights from all metros and other major cities across India like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai.

The nearest international airport is at Kannur International Airport, 168KM from Mysore.

Best time to Visit Mysore 

Mysore experiences a tropical wet and dry climate , which makes it warm and humid for most parts of the year. The winters are dry and cooler. The monsoon period is also pleasant with ample showers. So, the best time to visit is either in the winter, between December and February, when the weather is comfortable enough to explore, or right after the monsoon between September to November , when the temperature is much lesser than the previous months. 

Best hotels and resorts in Mysore 

Check out some of the best places to stay on your trip – 

• Lalitha Mahal Palace
• Sepoy Grande Hotel
• Laika Heritage Stay
• The Windflower Resort & Spa
• Indus Valley Ayurvedic Center
• Fortune JP Palace

Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Swati Deol

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