travel writing examples mysore

Guide to Plan your trip to Mysore

Sahana Kulur

A trip to “Cultural capital of Karnataka” Mysore is always fascinating to me. From Mysore Dasara and the Royal Palace to silk, nature, wildlife, birdlife, spirituality, art, and shopping, there is way too many things to experience in Mysore. It is one of the few Indians sleepy cities where you can peacefully enjoy without getting rushed. It’s no wonder why Indian and foreign travelers always add Mysore to their bucket list of places to visit in India.

I don’t usually claim our guide is perfect -, but I proudly say this is your ultimate guide to plan your Mysore trip. Ashrith, who studied in Mysore for four years, knows every hidden gem. Personally, I’ve visited Mysore at least 10 times!

Staying there for 4-5 days at a stretch exploring in and around Mysore Or a quick day trip – I have explored in all possible ways. This blog post is your Introduction to Mysore with which you can easily plan your trip- A bit of Mysore History, getting there and around, how to choose places to stay, best and worst time to visit. Plus some travel tips on Mysore, particularly Mysoreans.

• Why visit Mysore?
• Mysore history
• Reaching Mysore.
• Commuting in Mysore.
• How many days to spend here?
• Where to stay 
• Trave l tips

Planning a longer trip to India? Dive into our “ India Travel Guide” for some insider tips. It’s loaded with info on navigating the country, discovering both popular and offbeat spots, sorting visas, handling currency exchange, a quick food overview – Everything you need for a well-thought-out trip to India.

1. Why visit Mysore?

Most Indian cities are bustling and always busy. Perhaps Mysore is the only city that takes its sweet time to function. If you want to have a “ Chiang Mai” kind of atmosphere in one of the cleanest cities in India, you must plan a trip to Mysore. Laid-back vibe is backed with super-rich history, heritage, handicrafts, devouring food, and palaces – Mysore kind of got it all, except for any skyscrapers and little nightlife. And that’s what makes Mysore beautiful.

Despite being a famous tourist destination for both foreign and domestic tourists for over a century, Mysore hasn’t lost its charm. Don’t imagine a city where bullock carts fill the street. But Mysore has that vibe that can take you back in time.

Indian cities are notorious for traffic – But Mysore isn’t! It is very easy to get around Mysore on their wide, narrow, clean roads lined with giant trees easily. Literally, traveling in Mysore is “Stress-free.”

To top it off, Mysore is filled with heritage buildings. You can make it as expensive as possible by staying in Mysore Palace heritage hotels and dining in Maharaja style to experience the grandeur. Alternatively, you can have a super budget-friendly holiday by staying in hostels—hostel culture is pretty famous here. From backpackers to luxury travelers, Mysore suits all kinds of travellers.

What is Mysore Famous For?

Mysore is renowned for its palaces, art galleries, gardens, jasmine flowers and delicious food. And Mysore is where you’ll find the things I love the most – Mysore Silk Sarees and my favorite fragrance soap, Mysore Sandalwood Soap, are both crafted here.

Despite being an architect, I’m not really into many art galleries. However, the collection of paintings in some of Mysore’s old art galleries by artists like Raja Ravi Varma and S.L. Haldankar is something anyone would appreciate.

Another fantastic aspect of Mysore is its countryside vibe. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu’s lifeline river, Kaveri, flows through Mysore and nearby cities. The land is super fertile, with paddy and sugarcane fields surrounded by coconut trees. Just take a quick 20-minute drive outside Mysore, and you’re in this rural paradise.

You can hop on a bike, check out local life and agriculture, or wander down narrow streets with cute houses sporting sloped roofs and clay tiles. You’ll see cows ruminating, goats bleating, and life happening at the slowest pace. It’s a place where you don’t mind getting lost, drinking sugarcane juice directly from the farms.

The next best thing about Mysore is food

South India’s famous sweet “Mysore Pak” hails from Mysore. It’s a delightful treat made from ghee, besan, and jaggery, shaped into bars. Besides Mysore Pak, Mysore doesn’t boast unique cuisine. But don’t be disheartened. Mysoreans have a knack of adding twist and taste to the usual South Indian dishes. Take Masala Dosa, for instance. Though it’s common in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Mysore Masala Dosa has its own special charm. And I must say, I’m quite fond of it! The allure of Masala Dosa in Mysore is just different.

Then there’s Gobi Manchurian. Although it’s often labeled as a “Chinese dish,” many claim it originated in Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. I’ve tried Gobi Manchurian all across India, but nothing compares to what you get in certain places in Mysore, like “Amrut Gobi.” The mildly spicy cabbage and cauliflower, deep-fried in a unique sauce, tantalize your taste buds, leaving you craving more. Whenever I visit Mysore, even if it’s just for a few hours, I always make sure to plan my day around enjoying at least one plate of Amrut Gobi.

Checkout our post “ Things to do in Mysore “to know more on where to eat what. There is many more.

Lastly, Mysore is famous for the “Peta.

In the Mysore Palace Museum, there’s a painting depicting Dewans wearing a turban called “Peta.” The Mysore Peta is typically made using beige silk or any shiny fabric lined with a gold border. The royals and high officials of ancient Mysore rocked this style. Interestingly, you’ll still spot many Kannada grooms sporting this royal symbol during wedding ceremonies.

2. History of Mysore Kingdom

You might’ve noticed I’ve talked about Mysore’s royal palaces and art galleries quite a bit. The city’s grandeur and heritage have a strong history tied to them. So, before you plan a trip to Mysore, knowing a bit of its history can help you understand the city better.

Mysore is the altered version of its original name, “Mahishur or Mahishasura Ooru,” meaning the village ruled by King Mahishasura. In Hindu religion, we believe that Mahishasura was a demon killed by the goddess Chamundi to restore peace on earth near Mysore. Indeed, for us Hindus, it’s a believed real story. However, the scientifically backed history of Mysore dates back to the 14th century.

Who Founded Mysore Kingdom?

The Mysore Kingdom was founded by Yaduraya in 1399 and ruled parts of Southern India until India gained freedom in 1947. The prominent rulers were the Wadiyars, originally a feudatory house under the Vijayanagara Empire (Hampi Kings). They didn’t just expand the empire but also encouraged artists and athletes. The Mysore Wadiyars knew how to celebrate.

Narasa Raja Wodeyar-1, a big deal ruler, jazzed up Dasara with folk arts and local sports. He was also a wrestler king with some legendary stories about his strength. Like this one where he schooled a Trichy wrestler who thought it was cool to hang underwear at the village entrance. After Wadiyar’s wrestling triumph, he left a note saying, “Someone from Mysore came and beat the wrestler” instead of the underwear. So, with plenty of artists, architects, and sportsmen in their empire, they began celebrating Dasara festival at the next level. Since then, Mysore Dasara in October isn’t just the pride of Karnataka state, but of entire India.

After the Wadiyars, Hyde Ali (Nizam’s right-hand) and the British had their turn ruling Mysore. That’s why you’ll spot Persian-flavored art like Ganjifa and cool colonial buildings scattered all over Mysore.

Extent of Mysore Empire

At its peak glory, most of Karnataka, excluding places like Bijapur , was part of the Mysore Empire. Additionally, parts of Kerala like Kochi and Erode in Tamil Nadu also fell under the Mysore Empire’s rule.

3. How to Plan a Trip to Mysore?

Is it possible to travel to mysore by air.

Mysore has a domestic airport (MYQ) with just one terminal. However, it has limited connectivity to only a few cities in India. Therefore, getting to Mysore by air isn’t really the best option.

If Mysore is your first destination in India as a foreign traveler, your first stop or layover will likely be Bangalore or Chennai. It is best to explore those cities for 3-4 days and then take a train to Mysore than trying to book a flight directly to Mysore.

Reaching Mysore by train.

The best and most affordable way to get to Mysore is by train, as Mysore Junction is on many major railway routes. There are plenty of trains connecting to Mysore not only from neighboring cities but also from many North Indian cities. You won’t regret spending more on an AC coach during India’s summer (March to June).

If you are in the mood for luxury, you can reach Mysore the most expensive way using the Maharajas Express train.

The Mysore railway station is located in the centre of the city. So getting to your hotel from the railway station is easy by taking an auto-rickshaw that awaits passengers outside the railway station. Alternatively, you can even book a taxi or auto-rickshaw on Uber if you are bad at bargaining with rickshaw drivers for a better price.

Book your railway and bus tickets to Mysore on 12Go Asia effortlessly . If you can’t find the train routes you’re looking for on 12Go Asia, your only option is to book on the rather unfriendly IRCTC website

Buses to Mysore

Mysore is well connected by buses. Both private and government companies run day and night buses. Overnight buses from Hampi, Mangalore, Chikmagalur to Mysore are plenty. Plus cities outside of Karnataka such as Madurai in TN or Kochi in Kerala also have night sleeper coach buses to Mysore.

4. How to get around Mysore

It’s easy to get around Mysore by auto-rickshaws. You can either book them on Uber or flag them down while standing on the roadside. Most of the drivers speak English and know where travelers likely want to go. Make sure they turn on the meter before you start. The minimum charge is 30 Rs (for 2 km).

City buses connect different parts and are favored by locals. However, tourists might find it tricky.

Cycling in Mysore is a fun way to explore, especially early in the morning. Many hostels and star hotels rent bicycles and bikes.

A Hop-on-off open-roof double-decker bus will take visitors through major landmarks and tourist spots, costing around 250 Rs/person. This may be good for those in Mysore for a day or two.

Horse-drawn carriages are another fun way to get around Mysore’s famous tourist places such as Mysore Zoo and the Palace. Don’t consider this as the main mode of transport, but as an experience. Except during crowded Dasara time, a city chariot ride is fun for a few minutes and not for the whole day.

Walking tours are available in Mysore to take you through historical places, narrating the stories. You get to meet local artisans making pottery and sculpture in their place. Like any other Mysore business, these tour operators take a while to respond, so book them in advance.

5. How many days to spend in Mysore?

If you’re a traveler exploring different places in India and Mysore is on of them, I recommend spending at least 3 days here. You can visit famous and amazing places like Chamundi Hills, palaces, art galleries, and markets, all while devouring some delicious Mysore Masala Dosa. Spending 5 days in Mysore is ideal. Apart from seeing the city’s highlights, you can make day trips to nearby cities such as Talakadu—a temple town submerged in sand, Sri Ranga Pattana, and Melkote.

As the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga, you’ll find many yoga classes in Mysore and nature cure centers . If this is the purpose of your Mysore trip, you may need to stay more than 15 days.

Bes time to visit Mysore

Most travelers visit Mysore for Dasara, which happens in October. It’s the time when the city gets gorgeously decked up like an Indian bride. You’ll find hundreds of cultural and sports events happening during this time. Hence October is the best time to visit Mysore. But expect a huge crowd and high prices at hotels.

If you want to plan your Mysore trip on a budget and don’t mind missing Dasara, November to March is ideal. Keep in mind that hotel prices peak from the last week of December to the first week of January due to Christmas and New Year’s. Summers, from April to June, are the hottest months in Mysore. Although Mysore isn’t as dry as Hampi, it can get pretty hot in summer. Plus, waterfalls and lakes nearby would dry up between March and June.

6. Where to stay in Mysore

Mysore isn’t a big town compared to its neighbouring cities like Bangalore. Plus, the cost of living for residents and tourists is cheaper here. Hostels to Maharaja suite, there is a variety of accommodations in Mysore. So, I recommend you not stay in the outskirts to save money in Mysore. There are many affordable and good places to stay near city centre itself.

Moreover,Mysore’s morning of walking/jogging in those wide roads lined with trees and sipping filter coffee is amazing. These are the hotels I recommend based on personal experience.

Budget Friendly Hotels in Mysore

Roambay Hostel is very famous among backpackers. The best part of this is you get to stay in a heritage building for cheaper by sharing a room with other fellow travellers.

Mid Range hotels in Mysore

• Safari Quest : Small home turned hotel room for comfortable budget stay
• Emerald’s clarks inn- My most recent stay in Mysore (December 2023) – Peaceful locality, spacious rooms, good amenities.
• Hotel Pai Vista – Best to stay when with family.
• Hotel Le Ruchi The Prince : Little bit luxury with a pool.

Luxury hotels in Mysore

I have stayed in two luxury hotels in Mysore; Royal Orchid Metropole and Southern Star.

I love Royal Orchid Metropole (book Maharaja suite room for pure luxury). Almost invisible from JLB Road, this is shielded by high walls and foliage. Built in 1920 by Mysore kings to host his European guests, every corner of the building is adorned with one or the other antiques. With good dinner options and a wide variety of breakfast spreads, the yellow-tiled Verandahs are my favourite place to end the day.

Hotel Southern Star Mysore is another place where I recommend – A good modern hotel, with great food, wide garden and a nice Bistro. Remember, there is nothing “Maharaja” about it

Another place you can consider for a Maharaja stay is the “Lalit Mahal.”

Other Things to know Before you go to Mysore

• It’s best to choose one of these places as your next destination from Mysore: Chikmagalur, Coorg, or Hampi in Karnataka. They are easily reachable by bus journey.
• Mysore is one of the cleanest and safest cities for travelers. However, the city winds down by 9 PM, so don’t expect a bustling nightlife scene.
• Many day trips in and around Mysore involve nature plus temple visits. So wear modest and comfortable clothing
• You can rely on Google Maps for navigation within the city. However, it’s advisable to double-check directions with locals when venturing into the countryside. We got lost while trying to reach Nimishamba Temple because the location marked on Google Maps was incorrect.
• While digital payments are accepted in Mysore, most Indian digital wallets are not accessible to foreign tourists.

Nature of Mysore people

If you come to Mysore after visiting places like Mumbai, Delhi, and Varanasi , you may get underwhelmed with the Mysoreans’ attitude. Whether it is an expensive Mysore silk or a streetside flower vendor, sellers are super relaxed! You may even find them lethargic. Most shop owners seem undisturbed by customer presence and may not show enthusiasm to attend to you. You may find this weird on the first day, but once you are used to it, you will love how you are left to enjoy. You can’t expect things to happen quickly in Mysore, which is its beauty. This is one of the reasons why many people choose Mysore after they retire from work.

Tourist Scams in Mysore

• Mysore is famous for silk and sandalwood products. Avoid relying solely on auto-rickshaw and cab drivers for recommendations. Watch out for fake products.
• Almost every famous food joint or shopping place in places in Mysore have duplicates, like Mylari Dose spots. Be clear on which one you’re going to.There’s a popular bag shop in Mysore with similar-sounding names right next to it. Check carefully before buying.
• When visiting temples, baskets of offerings may cost around 50-60 Rs. Foreigners might be charged more as high as 200Rs, so be aware and don’t overpay.

Check out our next post “ Awesome Things to do in Mysore ” – It got detailed stories on places you must visit in Mysore and kickass local places to eat.

Found our travel guide useful to plan your Mysore trip? Let us know in the comment section below.

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3 responses to “guide to plan your trip to mysore”.

Very descriptive and beautiful pictures! Great sharing, thanks!

Mysore always holds a special place in my heart, especially the Karanji Lake and Mysore Palace. Thanks for the very details blog on Mysore.

Same here Gayathri! Thanks for reading through

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Hi, Ashrith & Sahana here.

The techie wanderer & the architectural explorer, on a mission to inspire you to globetrot with purpose while holding onto your 9-5 grind

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India: Mysore

I really wanted to like Mysore, but I didn't, not because there was anything wrong with Mysore itself, but because I was completely shattered by the nightmare bus journey from Kochi . One thing that doesn't get more pleasant with experience is the overnight journey, and the bus that I picked for the ten-hour trip to Mysore was old, crappy and noisy, and had to bounce along some of the most pothole-ridden excuses for highways that I've ever seen. I was to find out later that in India, Valium is almost irresponsibly cheap and can normally be bought over the counter from any chemist with a sympathetic ear, but ignorant of this handy tip, I unfortunately managed to stay awake for every minute of the juddering journey.

Despite the miserable attitude that this lack of sleep forced on me, Mysore's attractions were pleasant, with its huge palace, a grand hill temple and a wonderfully colourful market. Mysore Palace, a monstrosity of pomposity and the seat of the maharajas of Mysore – who still exist and, in a similar fashion to upper class inhabitants of English stately homes, still live there, albeit in a little building off the back – was quite a sight, even if I did get stung twice for baksheesh by the palace guards who insisted on pumping me with uninteresting information about the building and then demanding money in return.

I also got accosted by a man from Kerala who had whisky on his breath and a serious desire to get me to write to him from home; I found him extremely hard to shake off, despite my protestations that my favourite pastime was uninterrupted peace and quiet. Eventually the only way I could get rid of him without causing offence was to promise to write to him once I got back home, which of course I did; you should never promise to write to someone unless you actually mean it. I got my personal space back and he got his letter (though he never replied, of course; too much whisky, perhaps).

I then took a bus up Chamundi Hill to the hill temple for a view over Mysore that didn't turn out to be that special, so I quickly glided down the 1000 steps to the bottom of the hill and went exploring the fruit 'n' veg market at Devaraja. Here, at last, was the character I'd heard about from other visitors to Mysore: wonderfully friendly people, amazingly vibrant piles of tika powder in all the colours of the rainbow, mounds of incense sticks and fragrant oils, heaps of vegetables of unknown origin and use, and everywhere people busily selling, buying, haggling and living life to the full. It's worth visiting Mysore for the market alone; it almost perked me up enough to enjoy myself.

But I still found myself suffering from a downer after the bus journey, and the hotel I'd picked in my sleepy state wasn't exactly conducive to a good night's rest, so after just one day I found myself boarding the bus to Bangalore in search of, well, something else. In a country as big as India, there's an easy solution to frustration: you just keep going.

So poor Mysore, it caught me at a bad time, but at least I learned my lesson. Don't try to explore somewhere new when you can hardly keep your eyes open, or you'll have to rely on the photographs to remind you where you've been. And what's the point of that?

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Great Travel Writing Examples from World Renowned Travel Writers

Are you ready to be a better travel writer? One of the best ways to do this is to read great travel writing examples from great travel writers.

Writing about travel in a way that keeps your reader reading is not always easy. Knowing how to write an irresistible first paragraph to entice the reader to keep reading is key. Writing a lede paragraph that convinces the reader to finish the article, story or book is great travel writing.  This article features travel writing examples from award-winning travel writers, top-selling books, New York Times travel writers, and award-winning travel blogs.

Ads are how we pay our bills and keep our blog free for you to enjoy. We also use affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

The writers featured in this article are some of my personal favorite travel writers. I am lucky to have met most of them in person and even luckier to consider many friends. Many I have interviewed on my podcast and have learned writing tips from their years of travel writing, editing and wisdom.

11 Great Travel Writing Examples

Writing with feeling, tone, and point of view creates a compelling story. Below are examples of travel writing that include; first paragraphs, middle paragraphs, and final paragraphs for both travel articles as well as travel books.

I hope the below examples of travel writing inspire you to write more, study great travel writing and take your writing to a higher level.

Writing Example of a Travel Book Closing Paragraphs

Don George is the author of the award-winning anthology The Way of Wanderlust: The Best Travel Writing of Don George , and the best-selling travel writing guide in the world: How to Be a Travel Writer .

He is currently Editor at Large for National Geographic Travel, and has been Travel Editor at the San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle, Salon, and Lonely Planet.

I had the wonderful opportunity to see Don speak at Tbex and read from one of his books as well as interview him on the Break Into Travel Writing podcast. You can listen to the full podcast here .

Below is the closing of Don’s ebook: Wanderlust in the Time of Coronavirus: Dispatches from a Year of Traveling Close to Home

I continued hiking up to Lost Trail and then along Canopy View Trail. Around noon I serendipitously came upon a bench by the side of the trail, parked my backpack, and unpacked my lunch. Along with my sandwiches and carrot sticks, I feasted on the tranquility and serenity, the sequoia-swabbed purity of the air, the bird and brook sounds and sun-baked earth and pine needle smells, the sunlight slanting through the branches, the bright patch of blue sky beyond.

At one point I thought of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, the Japanese practice that has become widely popular in the U.S. This was a perfect example of shinrin-yoku, I thought: Here I am, alone in this forest, immersed in the sense and spirit of these old-growth redwoods, taking in their tranquility and timelessness, losing myself to their sheer size and age and their wild wisdom that fills the air.

I sat there for an hour, and let all the trials, tremors, and tribulations of the world I had left in the parking lot drift away. I felt grounded, calm, quiet—earth-bound, forest-embraced.

In another hour, or two, I would walk back to the main paved trail, where other pilgrims would be exclaiming in awe at the sacred sequoias, just as I had earlier that day.

But for now, I was content to root right here, on this blessed bench in the middle of nowhere, or rather, in the middle of everywhere, the wind whooshing through me, bird-chirps strung from my boughs, toes spreading under scratchy pine needles into hard-packed earth, sun-warmed canopy reaching for the sky, aging trunk textured by time, deep-pulsing, in the heart of Muir Woods.

• You can read the whole story here: Old Growth: Hiking into the Heart of Muir Woods
• Please also download Don’s free ebook here:  Wanderlust in the Time of Coronavirus
• In addition to writing and editing, Don speaks at conferences, lectures on tours around the world, and teaches travel writing workshops through www.bookpassage.com .

Writing Example of a Travel Book Intro Paragraphs

Francis tapon.

Francis Tapon , author of Hike Your Own Hike and The Hidden Europe , also created a TV series and book called The Unseen Africa, which is based on his five-year journey across all 54 African countries.

He is a three-time TEDx speaker. His social media username is always FTapon. I interviewed Francis on the Break Into Travel Writing podcast about “How to Find An Original Point of View as a Travel Writer “. You can listen to the full podcast here .

Below is the opening of Francis’ book, The Hidden Europe:

“This would be a pretty lousy way to die,” I thought.

I was locked in an outhouse with no way out. Outhouses sometimes have two latches—one on the outside and one on the inside. The outside latch keeps the door shut to prevent rodents and other creatures who like hanging out in crap from coming in. Somehow, that outer latch accidentally closed, thereby locking me in this smelly toilet. I was wearing a thin rain jacket. The temperature was rapidly dropping.

“This stinks,” I mumbled. It was midnight, I was above the Arctic Circle, and the temperatures at night would be just above freezing. There was no one around for kilometers. If I didn’t get out, I could freeze to death in this tiny, smelly, fly-infested shithole.

My mom would kill me if I died so disgracefully. She would observe that when Elvis died next to a toilet, he was in Graceland. I, on the other hand, was in Finland, not far from Santa Claus. This Nordic country was a jump board for visiting all 25 nations in Eastern Europe.

You can find his book on Amazon: The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us

For $2 a month, you can get Francis’ book as he writes it: Patreon.com/ftapon

Intro (Lede) Paragraph Examples of Great Travel Writing Articles

Michele peterson.

Former banking executive Michele Peterson is a multi-award-winning travel and food writer who divides her time between Canada, Guatemala, and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach).

Former banking executive Michele Peterson is a multi-award-winning travel and food writer who divides her time between Canada, Guatemala, and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach). Her writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s Mexico from the Source cookbook, National Geographic Traveler, Conde Nast’s Gold List, the Globe and Mail, Fifty-five Plus and more than 100 other online and print publications.

She blogs about world cuisine and sun destinations at A Taste for Travel website. I met Michele on my first media trip that took place in Nova Scotia, Canada. I also had the pleasure of interviewing about “ Why the Odds are in Your Favor if you Want to Become a Travel Writer” . You can listen to the full podcast here .

Michele’s Lede Paragraph Travel Writing Example

I’m hiking through a forest of oak trees following a farmer who is bleating like a pied piper. Emerging from a gully is a herd of black Iberian pigs, snuffling in response. If they weren’t so focused on following the swineherd, I would run for the hills. These pigs look nothing like the pink-cheeked Babe of Hollywood fame.

These are the world’s original swine, with lineage dating back to the Paleolithic Stone Age period where the earliest humans decorated Spain’s caves with images of wild boars. Their powerful hoofs stab the earth as they devour their prized food, the Spanish bellota acorn, as fast as the farmer can shake them from the tree with his long wooden staff. My experience is part of a culinary journey exploring the secrets of producingjamón ibérico de Bellota, one of the world’s finest hams.

You can read the full article here: Hunting for Jamón in Spain

Perry Garfinkel

Perry Garfinkel has been a journalist and author for an unbelievable 40 years, except for some years of defection into media/PR communications and consulting.

He is a contributor to The New York Times since the late ’80s, writing for many sections and departments. He has been an editor for, among others, the Boston Globe, the Middlesex News, and the Martha’s Vineyard Times.

He’s the author of the national bestseller “ Buddha or Bust: In Search of the Truth, Meaning, Happiness and the Man Who Found Them All ” and “ Travel Writing for Profit and Pleasure “.

Perry has been a guest on my podcast twice. He gave a “ Master Class in Travel Writing ” you can listen to the full podcast here . He also shared “ How to Find Your Point Of View as a Travel Writer ” you can listen to the full episode here .

Perry’s Lede Travel Article Example from the New York Times

SAN FRANCISCO — A block off Grant Avenue in San Francisco’s Chinatown – beyond the well-worn path tourists take past souvenir shops, restaurants and a dive saloon called the Buddha Bar – begins a historical tour of a more spiritual nature. Duck into a nondescript doorway at 125 Waverly Place, ascend five narrow flights and step into the first and oldest Buddhist temple in the United States.

At the Tien Hau Temple, before an intricately carved gilded wooden shrine and ornate Buddha statues, under dozens of paper lanterns, Buddhists in the Chinese tradition still burn pungent incense and leave offerings to the goddess Tien Hau in return for the promise of happiness and a long life.

You can read the full article here: Taking a Buddhist pilgrimage in San Francisco

Elaine Masters

Elaine Masters apologizes for pissing off fellow travelers while tracking story ideas, cultural clues, and inspiring images but can’t resist ducking in doorways or talking with strangers.

She’s recently been spotted driving her hybrid around the North American West Coast and diving cenotes in the Yucatan. Founder of Tripwellgal.com, Elaine covers mindful travel, local food, overlooked destinations and experiences. Elaine was a guest on my podcast where we spoke about “ How to Master the CVB Relationship “. You can listen to the full podcast here .

Elaine’s Lede Example

I jiggered my luggage onto the escalator crawling up to the street. As it rose into the afternoon light, an immense shadow rose over my shoulder. Stepping onto the sidewalk, I burst into giggles, looking like a madwoman, laughing alone on the busy Barcelona boulevard.  The shadow looming overhead was the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. It had mesmerized me forty years earlier and it was the reason I’d finally returned to Spain.

You can read the full article here: Don’t Miss Going Inside Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s Beloved Cathedral

Along with his wife, photographer Mary Gabbett, Bret Love is the Co-Founder/Editor In Chief of Green Global Travel and the Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide.

He’s also an award-winning writer whose work has been featured by more than 100 publications around the world, including National Geographic, Rolling Stone, American Way, the Washington Post, and the New York Times.

Bret’s Lede Example

Congo Square is quiet now. Traffic forms a dull drone in the distance. A lone percussionist taps out ancient tribal rhythms on a two-headed drum. An air compressor from Rampart Street road construction provides perfectly syncopated whooshes of accompaniment.

Shaded park benches are surrounded by blooming azaleas, magnolias, and massive live oaks that stretch to provide relief from the blazing midday sun. It’s an oasis of solitude directly across the street from the French Quarter.

Congo Square is quiet now. But it’s here that the seeds of American culture as we know it were sown more than 200 years ago. And the scents, sounds, and sights that originated here have never been more vital to New Orleans than they are now, more than a decade after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.

You can read the full article here: Treme, New Orleans (How Congo Square Was The Birthplace Of American Culture)

Middle Paragraph Examples of Great Travel Writing Articles

Mariellen ward.

Canadian travel writer and blogger Mariellen Ward runs the award-winning travel site Breathedreamgo.com , inspired by her extensive travels in India.

She has been published in leading media outlets worldwide and offers custom tours to India through her company India for Beginners. Though Canadian by birth, Mariellen considers India to be her “soul culture” and she is passionate about encouraging mindful travel.

Mariellen’s Middle Paragraph Example

While the festival atmosphere swirled around me, I imbued my  diya with hope for personal transformation. I had come to India because a river of loss had run through my life, and I had struggled with grief, despair and depression for eight years. I felt I was clinging to the bank, but the effort was wearing me out. Deciding to leave my life and go to India was like letting go of the bank and going with the flow of the river. I had no idea where it would lead me, what I would learn or how I would change. I only knew that it was going to be big.

You can read the full article here: The River: A tale of grief and healing in India

Joe Baur is an author and filmmaker from Cleveland currently based in Berlin. His work has appeared in a variety of international publications, including BBC Travel, National Geographic, and Deutsche Welle.

He regularly reports for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and is the author of Talking Tico detailing his year of living in Costa Rica and traveling around Central America. I interviewed Joe about “ How to Find Unique Travel Stories “. You can listen to the full podcast here .

Joe Baur’s Middle Paragraph Example

I first became aware of the Harz mountains and the Brocken when reading the works of some of Germany’s great writers, like Goethe and Heinrich Heine. Legends of witches congregating with the devil being the main theme of the mountain’s mythology. I, however, was more interested in a refreshing time spent in nature rather than reveling with the devil.

The first stage from Osterode to Buntenbock was a warm-up to the more rigorous stages ahead. It began on sidewalks before sliding into the forest sporting a healthy shade of green — a gentle jaunt that made my hiking boots feel a bit like overkill given the dry, pleasant weather.

You can read the full article here: Follow the witch through the forest: 5 days hiking Germany’s Harz

Samantha Shea

Samantha is a freelance travel writer with bylines in Matador Network, GoNomad and more. She also runs the travel blog Intentional Detours which provides thorough guides and tales related to offbeat adventure travel in South Asia and beyond.

When she’s not writing she enjoys cycling, hiking, the beach, as well as language learning.

Samantha Shea’s Middle Paragraph Example

Suddenly, the spark of a match pulsed through the early-fall afternoon and my head snapped towards the men. Amir touched the flame to an unidentifiable object that seconds later made itself known by the deep earthy scent of Pakistani hashish.

Amir’s ice blue eyes focused intently on his creation: a combination of tobacco and nuggets of greenish-brown charas. He forced the mixture back into the cigarette, before bringing it to his pursed lips, flicking the match, and setting flame to his high.

I reached out from the cot to take my turn and took a deep inhale, acutely pleased. I savored the familiar burn of the drag, the rows and rows of corn and apple plants in front of me, the stuttered cacophony of animal exclamations behind me, and the generosity of the men to my left, some of whom we had just met an hour before.

You can read the full article here: Thall Tales: A Hazy Afternoon in Thall, Pakistan

Final Paragraph Example of Great Travel Writing Articles

Cassie bailey.

Cassie is a travel writer who has solo backpacked around Asia and the Balkans, and is currently based in Auckland. Alongside in-depth destination guides, her blog has a particular focus on storytelling, mental health, and neurodiversity.

Cassie’s Final Paragraphs Example

So my goal is to feel, I guess. And I don’t mean that in a dirty way (although obvz I do mean that in a dirty way too). This is why we travel, right? To taste crazy new foods and to feel the sea breeze against our skin or the burn on the back of our legs on the way down a mountain. We want to feel like shite getting off night buses at 4am and the sting of mosquito bites. We know we’re going to feel lost or frustrated or overwhelmed but we do it anyway. Because we know it’s worth it for the ecstasy of seeing a perfect view or making a new connection or finding shitty wine after a bad day.

My goal is never to become numb to all of this. To never kid myself into settling for less than everything our bodies allow us to perceive. I’m after the full human experience; every bit, every feeling.

You can read the full article here: Goals inspired by life as a solo backpacker

Lydia Carey

Lydia Carey is a freelance writer and translator based out of Mexico City who spends her time mangling the Spanish language, scouring the country for true stories and “researching” every taco stand in her neighborhood.

She is the author of “ Mexico City Streets: La Roma ,” a guide to one of Mexico City’s most eclectic neighborhoods and she chronicles her life in the city on her blog MexicoCityStreets.com .

Lydia’s Final Paragraphs Example

Guys from the barrio huddle around their motorcycles smoking weed and drinking forties. Entire families, each dressed as St. Jude, eat tacos al pastor and grilled corn on a stick. Police stand at a distance, keeping an eye on the crowd but trying not to get too involved.

After this celebration, many of the pilgrims will travel on to Puebla where they will visit some of the religious relics on display in the San Judas church there. But many more will simply go back to their trades—legal and illegal—hoping that their attendance will mean that San Judas protects them for another year, and that he has their back in this monster of a city.

You can read the full article here: San Judas de Tadeo: Mexico’s Defender of Lost Causes

I hope you enjoyed these examples of travel writing and they have inspired you to want to write more and write better! The next article that will be published is a follow-up to this and will include travel writing examples from my first travel writing teacher, Amanda Castleman. This article will include travel writing tips from Amanda and travel writing examples from her students as well as one from her own writing.

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If you liked it, please share it. Thank you!

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Alexa Meisler is the editorial director of 52 Perfect Days. Born in Paris, France she has since lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. She currently resides in San Diego with her husband and son where they enjoy exploring California and Mexico.

Travel has always been a part of her life; traveling to such places as Morocco, Tangiers and Spain as a young child as well as taking many road trips to Mexico with her grandparents as a young girl. Since then, she has traveled abroad to locations such as Russia, Taiwan and throughout Europe.

Prior to working at 52 Perfect Days she was a freelance travel writer; focusing on family and women’s adventure experiences.

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Places to Visit in Mysore in 2 Days: Complete Travel Guide

Mysore or Mysuru – City located in the foothills of Chamundi Hills in the state of Karnataka has stolen my heart. I have visited so many other cities but Mysore gave me all kinds of different vibes. It is one of the well-organized cities offering the best public transportation, amazing food, relaxed vibes, and culturally rich, making one feel at home. I visited Mysore in January and I am sharing Post with Top Places to visit in Mysore in 2 days, Places to Visit near Mysore, and Best restaurants and places to eat in Mysore.

Before coming here I only knew, Mysore being famous for Silk Sarees and Mysore Dosa but the city has more than that to offer to every kind of travelers. From the stunning architecture of Mysore Palace, silk weaving artists, local crafts to eating local delicacies; you will have everything to experience.

History of Mysore:

The name Mysore is an anglicized version of the word Mahishuru. According to Hindu mythology demon Mahishasur was residing in this region which was known as Mahishapura. Later he was killed by goddess Chamundeshwari whose temple is atop the Chamundeshwari hill. Later the name becomes Mahishuru and then Mysuru. The government of India changed it to Mysore in 2014.

The Kingdom of Mysore was ruled by the Wadiyar family from 1399 to 1950. The kingdom was expanded in south Karnataka and parts of Tamilnadu. For a brief period of time, Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali ruled the kingdom. After Tipu Sultan being killed by Britishers, they returned the Kingdom to Wadiyars and even today they retain the identity. The present King of Mysore is Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamraja Wadiyar.

I had only 2 days in Mysore and tried to visit as many places as I can, Here is my Mysore travel Guide and Best Places to visit in Mysore in 2 days.

Stunning Mysore Palace:

Mysore Palace History:

There are dearths of Places to visit in Mysore, but One of the famous places to visit in Mysore is Mysore Palace and truly deserves every reason for fame. It is also known as Amba Vilas, the official residence of Wadiyar’s and the top tourist attractions in Mysore. The Indo- Saracenic style of architecture of this sprawling palace is a replacement of the old wooden building destroyed by the fire in the late 19th century during the Dussera festival. The present structure was commissioned by King Krishnarajendra Wadiyar IV with the help of British architecture Henry Irwin.

The palace houses two Darbar halls[royal court rooms], a number of courtyards, strikingly beautiful Gardens, temples, and official residence. The palace has three gates to get entry. The Palace is visited by millions of people every year and it claims to be the second most visited place after the Taj Mahal in Agra. I reached the Gates early at 10 AM to beat the crowd.

The Mysore Palace is strikingly beautiful inside and is most attractive place I have ever been to.The rich colors of walls,intricately carved pillars,colorful paintings, wooden carved doors and everything was straight out of dream like bollywood movie.This probably says the prosperity of king Wadiyar’s. From the tinted glasses on the roofs, colorful tiles on the floor and the abundance of Gold used took my attention and I was just hooked at it.

The most famous places to visit in Mysore Palace are – The Darbar Hall, The Amba Villas, The Royal seat, The Kalyan Mantapa, the Portrait gallery, and other many items on display. As you enter, first you will see grand Kalyan Mantapa also known as Marriage hall on the ground floor. The hall is Octagonal in shape decorated with beautiful tiles, amazing colors, and beautiful chandeliers that made me speechless. As you walk through ahead, you will come across many paintings depicting the Mysore Dussera festival , king and his kingdom, etc.

On the first floor, there are two Halls where King used to address the Public. The one which is shared on the internet many times also known as Durbar Halls or Reception Hall is a very massive hall colored with pink, yellow, and turquoise with intricately carved Pillars and gold-tinted roofs which makes you feel awe. It faces the garden area and the king used it to see their people, festivals, and celebrations from the balcony.

The other is known as Amba Vilas which was used as a private hall. It is far more beautiful than the Durbar hall.It is beautifully decorated with stained glasses, wooden roofs and used more amount of Gold in walls and Pillars and adorned with beautiful chandeliers. You can say it as one of the masterpieces of the Palace. It is really royal and regal room that shows the royalty of Wadiyar kings.

The Mysore palace is truly master piece and blend of Hindu, Muslim, European and all kind of architecture.

As you step out from the Mysore Palace, you will come across Old Mysore Palace originally built as a wooden structure that caught in a fire during the Dussehra festival. A portion of the palace still remains today. I would highly recommend this touristy attraction to visit in Mysore. Definitely, Mysore Palace is one of the Top Places to visit in Mysore in 2 days.

Mysore Palace Travel Tips:

• Mysore Palace entry fee is INR 50 per person.There is a separate ticket to visit Old Palace. It is 200 INR for foreign Nationals.
• Shoes are not allowed to wear inside the Palace, you can keep it outside in the shoe racks.
• On the Sunday and holidays the Mysore Palace is lit up with 97000 bulbs at night from 7 PM to 8 PM which is certainly not to miss the sight.
• Mysore Dussera is very famous festival when many people flock in the city to witness it.The Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed in Golden howdah and taken to Chamundeshwari temple atop the hill for further procession.During those days Palace and Mysore is lit up and festival is celebrated with great zeal.
• Mobile and Camera Photography allowed inside the Palace.
• You need at least 3-4 hours to completely visit it.
• On weekends crowd would be more,if possible visit on weekdays.

Art Gallary-Jagmohan Palace:

As Mysore is known as City of Palaces; most of them now converted to hotels or as art galleries. The Jagmohan Palace is also converted to art Gallery.When original wooden Palace was caught in fire, royal family stayed at Jagmohan Palace when Amba Vilas aka Mysore Palace was under construction.The Gallery is rich with beautiful artifacts with one of the largest collection in south india. Most of the artifacts are Paintings and other exhibits are weapons of war, musical instruments, sculptures, brass ware, antique coins, and currencies.It is certainly not to miss places to visit in Mysore in your 2 days.

St. Philomena Church:

The St. Philomena’s church was originally built in 1840, during the reign of King Krishanaraja Wadiyar IV to cater to the need of European people in Mysore. But as the number of European people increased, it aroused the need of a bigger church and its construction completed in 1941 and since then it is functional. The remnants of St. Philomena’s are still preserved in this church.

The church was constructed in the Neo-Gothic style and is considered as second biggest Church in Asia. The main attraction of the church is its twin spires which can be spotted even from a mile away. The original brick mortar structure is renovated and replaced with cement and plaster building. The hall of the church has stained glass windows, displaying exquisitely drawn paintings from various stages of Christ’s life. You can visit the church every day from morning from 6 AM to 6 PM in the evening.

Chamundeshwari Temple & Chamundi Hills:

The Chamundeshwari Devi is known as the Protector of Mysore and revered goddess of the town. The chamundeshwari temple is located 13 Kms from Mysore main town and built on a hillock known as Chamundi Hills. The temple is considered as one of the Shaktipeetha among 18 Maha Shakti Peetha and hence you will see it always crowded. The goddess is known as fierce as she slayed demons Chanda, Munda and Mahishashura but the idol is pretty and calm. The temple is also equally beautiful in sight.

Also Read: Temple town Rameswaram Travel Guide

As you leave Mysore’s main town and drive uphill till the temple, the scenery will start change and it will become more greener as you reach atop. From the hill, you can have spectacular views of Mysore city. I must say, don’t miss this temple even though its outskirts of Mysore as it is one of the must-see and famous sightseeing Places to visit in Mysore in 2 days.

The temple timings are morning 7.30 AM to 2 PM and evening 3.30 PM to 9 PM.

Offer worship at Big Nandi Statue:

As you climb down the Chamundeshwari temple, you will come across the Big Nandi temple. It is considered to be more than 350 years old and the third-largest Nandi Statue in India. According to Hindu mythology Nandi is considered as the vehicle (mount) of Lord Shiva. In front of every Shiva temple, on the court facing the shrine, you can see the image of a Nandi. It is carved out of a single boulder. Don’t miss this place and offer worship here.

Also Read: Coorg weekend trip from Banglore

Government Silk Factory:

The trip to Mysore is incomplete without mentioning famous Mysore silk. Though I come from a textile city surat, I couldn’t resist myself from visiting the silk factory. If you want to know how Mysore Silk Sarees are made just from cocoon to fabric, you can witness the entire process here.

Nowadays, all the process is mostly automated in the looms with less human intervention, still, you can see step by step process of silk weaving of saree’s from thread making, dying, gold threads weaving and lastly packing. Even though this is not the famous place to visit in Mysore, but if you are a saree lover like me, give it a visit on your 2 days Mysore trip.

Related Read: Most expensive Saree- Patolas of Patan

Note: Camera and Cellphone are not allowed inside the factory. One of the factory employees will show you around and will explain the entire process. There is a showroom in the complex to buy Silk sarees, dresses, etc. I would recommend buying the authentic stuff from here instead of anywhere else for original silk products.

Government Oil Sadalwood factory:

When I was staying at a homestay in Coorg, I came across fragrant small ‘Mysore Sandalwood’ soap with a green colored box that took my attention. As I was heading to Mysore, somehow I could manage to visit this place during my short stay. The factory is located near to Silk factory with a narrow road leading to it.

The sandalwood factory was initially set up by King Krishnaraja Wadiyar in Bangalore. During the 1st World war, excessive sandalwood oil couldn’t be exported to Europe, and to make good use of excessive sandalwood, the factory was set up. Today, Only oil extraction and distillation of oil from sandalwood are done at the Mysore factory whereas the Soap factory is in Bangalore.

As you enter the complex, you will be greeted with green sandalwood trees and the fragrance of sandalwood. At the entrance gate, you have to deposit all your bags, cameras, phones, and bags and the guide will show you around. As Guide explained, Mysore sandalwood soap is the only soap in the world with 100% Pure Sandalwood oil. OMG glad to know na??

As he took a group of us further through the stacks of sandalwood, he explained that first, we identify the wood is good for the extraction or not from the Lot. Then it goes for cutting, chopping, disintegrating wood, powdering, boiling, distilling the oil, filtering, and on. He explained that only the inner part of the wood is used and the rest is used for funeral and temple use. As a curious engineer in me, I was happy to know about the entire process that goes into making soap. Again, this factory is also not so popular sightseeing place of Mysore, but I would say visit it to know some technology behind the soap.

Note: As you exit, at the entrance road, you will come across a small souvenir shop in the factory. I would recommend buying soap, oil, talcum powder, incense sticks, etc from here. You can visit the factory from 9.30 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5.30 PM.

Colorful Devraja Market :

One of the top things to do in Mysore is a visit to 100 years old colorful Devraja Market. This market runs along Sayaji Rao Road and I entered South Gate from Dhanvantri Road. There are two gates to enter- North and South[from clock tower side].

As I entered the market, first came across fruit stalls, then household stalls, vegetables, and so many Banana stalls. I was amazed seeing so many different kinds of Bananas here and they were happy to sell it to me :-). In the end, I visited the Flower section which was my favorite part as I know South Indians adorns flowers most.

The visit to the market was vibrant and colorful yet some kind of chaotic with local flavor. If you are photography enthusiastic, must visit this place. The market remains open from 8 AM to 9 PM every day. I visited in the evening and it was not much crowded at that time. This market is not visited by tourists and hence it was one of my best places to visit in Mysore.

Stay in Heritage Hotel:

You can full fill your dream of being King for a few days by staying at one of those heritage Palaces now turned into hotels. One of them is Lalitha Mahal Palace .

Lalitha Mahal Palace is one of the elegant palaces located close to Chamundi Hill Road which is second largest palace in Mysore after Mysore Palace. The corridors and the hall have lovely paintings of Mysore rulers and historical events of Mysore Kingdom. The restaurant block is the alluring part with the curved roof and the glass dome at the center follow spectacular architectural interest of the Mysore rulers.

Visit as many Museums you want:

Mysore houses many fine art galleries and Museums, you can visit few important of them like:

• Folk Lore Museum
• Mysore Railway Museum
• Sand and Sculpture Museum

Take Day trip to Srirangpatna and Brindavan Gardens:

If you are in Mysore for more than a day, you must visit Places near to Mysore like Srirangpatana and Brindavan Gardens in Mandya. You can reach here via public transport too. Alternately, If you are traveling by car, then you can visit these places on the way to Mysore from Bangalore with a stop at Chhanapatna town.

Many Bollywood movies have been shot in Brindavan Gardens and are famous for its fountains. The highlight of the Park is a musical fountain show which takes place at night. So plan it accordingly. The Park is so huge and it may take 3-4 hours to see visit it. Don’t miss Srirangapatana if you are Planning Best Places to visit near Mysore.

Read: Best Places to visit in Srirangpatana in a day

Places to Visit around Mysore:

*If you have more than 3 days, you can visit several other prominent places around Mysore like Melkote, Shivasamudra Falls, Somnathpura Temples, Talakadu, Ranganathittu Bird sanctuary, etc.

*Mysore is famous for Yoga schools and known as the capital of Ashtang Yoga Capital of India among foreigners. You can learn and get trained here

This was all about the places to visit in Mysore in 2 days and things to do in Mysore which you can experience in 2 days Mysore trip.

Where to Stay in Mysore:

Mysore has plenty of hotels from Luxury to budget and hostels for the backpacker’s budget. Lalitha Mahal and hotel Park Lane are famous among foreigners.If you want to stay in the center of the city, try to stay near the Mysore Palace area.

Places to Eat in Mysore :

Mysore trip is incomplete without testing typical Mysore Masala Dosa with filter coffee which you can get anywhere in the city and it tasted good at every place. I am a big fan of dosa and I devoured many different varieties of it like neer dosa, set dosa, etc in Mysore. Apart from it, Vinayak Mylari is a small shop, famous for its Mysore Dosa among locals and tourists. You can eat vegetable meals and Biryani at hotel RRR. If you are looking for western food with good music and ambiance head to hotel Park Lane .

When you are in Mysore, make sure to taste Mysore Pak at the famous Guru Sweet Mart near Devraja Market. The founders of this shop supposedly have served in the Palace kitchen and had come up with the dish when the king had asked to prepare a unique and special dish for him. So if you want to try Mysuru Pak from the place it was created then this is the Right Place.

Getting Around Mysore:

Mysore has very well organized transport with AC and NON AC city buses running throughout the city and in the outskirts too. You can purchase a day pass at INR 100 for a city bus and visit all the places you want in a day.All the attractions are accessible by city bus in Mysore. Another option is to travel by Auto and taxi. I also came across few-cycle stands in the city, which means you can hire it to get around Mysore city.

How to Reach Mysore:

The nearest airport to Mysore is Banglore. If you are planning a trip to Mysore from Bangalore, a good option is to take direct KSRTC VOLVO Bus to Mysore from the airport itself as you will not enter the Banglore city and can beat the major traffic jams. Also, KSRTC has a good network of Buses from Banglore and other parts of Karnataka to reach by road. Mysore is also well connected by train from major cities of India.

Happy travelling folks!!

Mayuri Patel, owner of the fernwehrahee Blog loves to travel and helping you to plan your Next Trip! She is full time Travel Blogger, dreaming about her next adventure! Join her Journeys where she takes you to destinations around the world with the pinch of history & culture!

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40 Comments

Wow, the palace looks like out of a fairy tale. Apparently, the palace is the 2nd most visited site in India and I can totally understand that. This definitely goes on my to-see list.

Wow!! Your photos are gorgeous! What a stunning place

Wow! Sounds amazing. Your photos of the palace are great and I would love to check out that silk factory. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Sounds like there’s lots to explore in Mysore. I’m intrigued with the Sandalwood Soap as well. I’d love to check it out.

Wow, to be honest I had never heard of Mysore but it looked incredible! It also seemed like it wasn’t too crowded either. I really enjoyed your pictures!

Mysore is my go to place if I can’t think of anything – no wonder it is known as the retirement city. I love all the places you have mentioned here and have loved visiting them since I was kid. The palace makes me feel beautiful every time I visit it. Lovely guide as usual Mayuri. Wishing you happy travels in 2020.

Thank you ketaki

Mysore Palace is astounding! But you got me first with the silk sarees. And then by that sandal soap!

Aah thanks you carol

There is clearly so much to see in Mysore, and you’ve captured it all beautifully. The palace is stunning, and I’d love to see those beautiful paintings in person some day. I visited India (Kerala) for the first time this year and can’t wait to go back. This looks like a destination worth keeping in mind! Thanks for sharing!

oh yess, you should plan again for India.

This is my first time hearing about this place and I can defs see why it has stolen your heart. The palaces, church, and temple all have such beautiful architectural details. I would love to see them all in person someday!

Glad you like it!

Mysore is one of the great places I have visited near Bangalore. This post brought back all the old memories of my Mysore trip. Nicely written.

Thank you Anwesha, Glad you could recall your memories.

I had visited Mysore during Dasar, and it was the worst visit of my life. the city was so crowded and everything overpriced that I simply decided to leave in a day. But I really liked Srirangpatnam. It was a beautiful place.

yeah I remember about your trip, so I avoid festivals!

yeah, Srirangpatna is beautiful.Mysore dussera is crowded festival time to visit.I avoided that duration.

I missed visiting the factories and market. Now I want to go back again. The palace is really grand, I hope it remains so. Loved the post, it was like revisiting.

Thank you so much Indrani!

Hope you can visit again to Mysore.

I like the way you write thing including the historical information. The palace look really dignified. Hope to get chance to visit this city.

I had visited Mysore once when I was quite small. I have faint memories of the place. But I really want to visit Mysore during the Dussehra and see the Mysore Palace all lighted up. I would also love to visit the soap factory. My grandma had a special liking for Mysore Sandal soaps and she would not like to use any other. It is good to know that Mysore sandal soaps use 100% pure sandalwood oil. I guess grandma knows the best!

Yeah Amrita, I too love visiting Palace and those factories.so fond memories with it.

Looks like a great place and your post is definitely doing justice to it. I have a thing for architecture and the buildings seem amazing. I would love to see them from up close.

THanks a lot you liked it!

Wow I can’t believe I have never heard of this gorgeous place! I am a sucker for unique architecture and from the buildings to the interior and doors.. it is so ornately beautiful! Can’t wait to see for myself one day!

THank you so much

Thank you so much Glad to know that you like it!

That is a complete detailed guide on Mysore. We have been thinking to visit this place from some time but never got a chance. Hopefully soon! Actually, till the day, we have seen pictures of the Durbar Hall only on the internet whereas Amba Hall too looks equally beautiful. The Jagmohan Palace too will be an amazing site to check. Apart this I would love buying some silk fabric and sandalwood products too.

Yes, My favourite is Mysore Palace.Hope you visit soon here.

this is really mind blowing blog to presents personally visit and than share good to presents and worth to read it thx to you

I had never heard of Mysore but not it is definitely on my bucket list!

You should visit South India too, there are many amazing Places in India.

really appriciate toward your blog because each and every picture clear navigate to beautiful live image and “intresting to go” really its Great sounds finally its Recomdeded to other also thanx in advances

Nice Blog!!! It is so amazing to see such itinerary and that too just for two days. In this busy world, nobody has time to have a long trip. In this situation, itineraries like these are always wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

A very beautiful caption!! its mesmerizing article and its beautiful explanation with the review. it’s quality based blog thx an amazing

Loved this Article and I recommended to my all clients to read this blog amazing experience Thx

I sincerely visited regularly from your blog and advised others also to reading this blog about new places its mesmerizing experience thx

I have been itching to visit Mysore for a while now. The interiors of Mysore palace look so beautiful and I cannot wait to see it with my own eyes and hopefully capture it 💗

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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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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 .

*Have you got your travel Visa sorted? Check if  you need one here  and retrieve a quote. It’s simple, fast and reliable.

*Don’t leave home without any  backpacker essentials  with our free printable packing list.

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.

• One month in India – Ultimate itinerary & guide
• The Best Rajasthan Itinerary for 5 Days or More
• THE ULTIMATE HAMPI ITINERARY & TRAVEL GUIDE
• TOP 5 BEACHES IN SOUTH GOA, INDIA
• 24 HOURS IN BANGALORE – THINGS TO DO
• TOP 15 INSTAGRAM SPOTS OF INDIA

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

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means that if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission,  at no extra cost to you.  And we can continue bringing you free travel tips and advice. If you found the content helpful and are kind enough to use our affiliates –  you are awesome, and we thank you! 

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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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FootLoose Dev

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Mysore Palace Travel Guide – History, Entry Fee, Other Information

The deep-rooted history of India speaks highly of a rich and royal past — of places like Mysore Palace, and of kings and sultans, and their forts and fortress.

During my media-trip with the tourism of India, and while experiencing the Golden Chariot Luxury train — that itself is a new-age palace on wheels — I happened to visit one such opulent fortresses called Mysore Palace… and boy, I was blown with its grandeur.

These opulent palaces are now a mesmerizing peek into the bygone era. And there are many such places to visit near Delhi and Bangalore and other big towns.

Speaking of Delhi alone, there are nearly 100 such historic forts in less than 500km distance.

Bangalore to Mysore Palace — My Visit

As I said above, my visit happened during an official media trip. We were a group of 15 bloggers, representing 5 continents, invited to experience luxury train travel in India . Who invited us? The ministry of tourism handling operations for Incredible India .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Footloose Dev (@footloosedev) on Mar 2, 2018 at 2:26am PST

Our trip began in Bangalore. For a period of 7 days, we explored the length and breadth of Karnataka and Goa. On day 2, the itinerary included a guided tour to the Mysore Palace. And that’s how my trip happened — but with a little distinction.

Since we were an invited group of journalists, we were given permission to carry our camera and click pictures inside the palace (for general people it isn’t allowed). Our guide was also not someone usual but the official guide working for the ministry of tourism of India. With over 30 years of experience as a guide, he was a living encyclopedia. I am sure he knew more about the Mysore Palace than the craftsmen who originally made it.

Our trip lasted for about 3 hours before we made our way to the Golden Chariot again and moved to our next destination on Day 2 — Bandipur National Park.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Footloose Dev (@footloosedev) on Feb 21, 2018 at 9:08pm PST

Mysore Palace — History and Other Information

WARNING: Under this section, I will be giving Wikipedia style information. Skip the next 500 words if Wikipedia bores you.

Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace and located at less than 150 km from the city of Bangalore, Mysore Palace is one of the most prominent palaces that is visited in India. This tourist destination attracts millions of visitors over the year and comes to light during the Dussehra festival in the month of October. As per figures given on Wikipedia , over 6 million people visit this place every year — making it one of the most popular travel destinations in India after Taj Mahal.

Mysore palace was originally built in 14th century by Yaduraya Wodeyar. But it has been reconstructed and renovated several times meanwhile.

As soon as you enter the palace, the first notable thing is the entrance gate and the arch of Mysore Palace holding the emblem with Wadiyar dynasty’s motto written in Sanskrit “न बिभॆति कदाचन” (that translates to never terrified).

Of particular highlight are the domes of the palace that are a perfect blend of Hindu, Mughal and Rajput style. Where the domes are made of marble, the rest of the structure is granite. The entire structure is supported by nearly 150-feet five-storeyed towers.

Above the central arch is the most impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi with her elephants. Those who don’t know, Gajalakshmi is the Indian goddess of wealth, prosperity and abundance. There are three major exclusive temple buildings within the Mysore palace. The kings of Mysore were devotees of Goddess Chamundi, hence the palace’s facing the Chamundi Hills.

The palace houses two durbar halls and incorporates an array of courtyards, gardens, and buildings.

There are three entrances to Mysore palace: The East Gate or the front gate (opened only during Dusshera), the South Gate (for general public access) and the West Entrance.

Mysore Palace Timing & Entry Fee

It is possible to visit any time between 10 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening. The entrance to the palace is possible from three Gates: Varaha and Amba Vilas Gate in the South and Jayarama Balarama Gate in the north.

A typical visit to Mysore Palace can take about 2 to 3 hours to see all highlights and be done with a guided tour.

The entry fee is INR 70 for adults and INR 30 for children between 10 to 18 years of age. The entry is the same for Indian and foreigners. It is possible to park your vehicle at the palace premise that cost 40 Rupees for cars and 20 Rupees for two-wheelers.

Online entrance pass can also be booked on Mysore Palace official website.

If you are visiting on a Saturday or any other special day when there are chances of more people showing up, it is recommended to buy an online pass as ticket counter can be a little crowded. It is possible to get a ticket from the counter at any time between 10 am to 5:30 pm.

Hotels Near Mysore Palace

Since it is located in Mysore city — one of the biggest towns in Karnakata, there is no dearth of hotels and guesthouses nearby. It is also possible to stay in Bangalore as the distance is less than 150km, and Mysore can be very well travelled on a day trip from Bangalore.

Alternatively, if you want to stay as close to Mysore Palace as possible, here are a few suggested hotels located in under 20 km radius.

• The Quorum. Location: 2257/1 Vinoba Road | Distance: 2.7km
• Fortune JP Palace. Location: 3, Abba Road Nazarbad | Distance: 2.5km
• Royal Orchid Metropole Hotel. Location: 5 Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Road | Distance: 2km
• Pai Vista. Location: Bangalore Nilgiri Road, Opp suburban Bus stand | Distance: 1.5km
• Hotel Sandesh The Prince. Location: Nethra Nivas Nazarbad Main Road | Distance: 1km

Mysore Palace Light and Sound Show

Other than the normal tour, the 45 minute light and sound show depicting the 400 years of history of Mysore city also worth an experience. It takes place every evening, except for Sundays and public holidays.

In Kannada, the light and sound show takes place from Monday to Wednesday between 7.00 PM to 8.00 PM, and on Saturday between 8.15 PM to 9.15 PM.

In English, the light and sound show takes place from Thursday to Saturday between 7.00 PM to 8.00 PM.

The ticket for Mysore Palace light and sound show is INR 90 for adults and INR 40 for children.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the palace is around the time of Dussehra when the entire compound is beautifully decorated and lit in a golden hue. Though the palace is lit every Sunday and on public holidays too the fact that it remains closed, makes it impossible to see it from close.

During Dusshera, the entire place is lit and you can enjoy it from up close.

Speaking of the best season, however, the best time to visit Mysore Palace and Karnataka is during winter.

Since Karnataka has coastal weather it remains pretty hot and sweaty throughout the season. Sinter months of November to February is when the temperature is at its lowest, making it easy to travel around in the open.

Mysore Palace Dussehra Celebrations

Also known as Vijay Dasmi, Dusshera celebration is the grandest in the palace. Celebrated every year in autumn for about 10 days, this is when you can enjoy parade marches by elephants and many music and dance shows.

The entire palace is moreover decorated like a bride, attracting tourists from across the world.

Members of the royal family, as well as special guests of honour also attend the ceremony.

Other Useful Information

Because I was an invited journalist, I had special permission to do photography inside Mysore palace. The general public, however, isn’t allowed to carry their DSLRs.

You will, moreover, be asked to remove your shoes. There are safe lockers though to keep the shoes and camera etc. The lockers for keeping shoes charge INR 2 per pair.

It is possible to hire a guide for around 500 Rupees, right outside the palace gate, near parking. Additionally, audio kits are available in Mysore Palace in many languages.

Looking for more tips on what to see and do in Karnakata? Read this detailed Karnakata travel guide

Photos used in this Mysore Palace blog belong to Jinson Abraham who was our official photographer for the trip. You can get in touch with him on his Instagram channel.

Its a beautiful Blog and very informative . I would like to add few more things . i would really recommend to visit Badsha Stores-The Silk Experience On Kr Cirlce for All kind of Mysore Silk Sarees In Mysore.

Wonderful blog! It’s really a informative post. The photographs are extremely amazing ! Thanks for sharing this post.

I viisited mysore palace last year with the family. It is indeed a very beautiful and a total worth visiting place.

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A Three-Day Itinerary to Mysore, India

Boasting some of the most glorious palaces that recreate the past days of grandeur before the eyes of the stunned beholder, Mysore is aptly titled the ‘Heritage City of Karnataka’. Known for sandalwood, there is a pleasing fragrance permeating the city wherever you go. The broad, clean roads paved with wide footpaths offer perfect ways to explore the city on foot, and the quiet neighbourhoods lend a calm aura to this otherwise commercial city.

The Mysore Palace complex is surrounded by several small and large restaurants which are ideal for breakfast. Mysore Masala Dosa and filter coffee will be a great option from any of these places.

Morning and Afternoon

1. Mysore Palace Complex

Building, Hindu Temple, Park

Begin your tour of Mysore by spending your first morning at the most iconic historical structure of Mysore, the Amba Vilas Palace, most famously known as the Mysore Palace. It was the royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1950. The first palace in this land was built by Yaduraya in the 14th century. When you have worked up an appetite, leave for lunch to Infinit Lounge Bar which serves some great food with good city views from the rooftop. The palace complex also houses 12 major Hindu temples of which the oldest was built in the 14th century and the last in 1953. They boast elaborately ornate gopuras and intricate carvings.

2. Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery

Art Gallery, Building

Once you have enjoyed the views within the Mysore Palace complex, head to another palace built and used by the Wadiyar royal family, Jaganmohan Palace. It has been converted into an art gallery and also serves as a auditorium for dance shows today. The Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery housed within the palace boasts more than 2,000 paintings belonging to various Indian styles of paintings. Wrap up the day with dinner in a cave-themed restaurant, Gufha, famous for their Murgh Patiala and Reshmi Kebab.

3. Regional Museum of Natural History

Botanical Garden, Museum, Natural Feature, Park

Start day two with an early morning visit to Karanji Lake which is surrounded by a natural park consisting of a butterfly park and a walk-through aviary. The aviary is the biggest of its kind in India , with an artificial waterfall and two small water bodies. The Regional Museum of Natural History is located on the banks of the Karanji Lake with the beautiful sight of Chamundi Hills in the background. It exhibits include plants, animals and geology of the southern region of India. The Botanical Garden on the museum grounds has a collection of local trees and Ayurvedic medicinal plants.

4. Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum

Art Gallery, Museum

Next on the list is Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum, a very unique attraction in India. It is the brainchild of sculptor MN Gowri who is said to be the only woman sand sculptor in India. The museum is located on the road to Chamundi Hills and depicts nearly 16 different themes. The visitors are welcomed by a 15-feet-high sculpture of Lord Ganesha .

5. Sri Chamundeshwari Temple

Hindu Temple

6. St Philomena's Cathedral

Cathedral, Church

7. Wellington Lodge

Building, Museum

A few decades back the dilapidated Wellington Lodge was repaired and converted into a museum and office of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay with the aim of preserving traditional Indian art and culture. The next point of interest is this structure which is more than 200 years old and is one of the earliest colonial structures in Mysore. The courtyard is an open museum of terracotta sculptures and folk paintings and houses the National Museum of Mankind in the ground floor

8. University Folklore Museum

Museum, University

The University Folklore Museum is housed in the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion of University of Mysore. The museum has a collection of 6,500 artefacts which were collected from across Karnataka. A section of museum is dedicated to performance arts such as Yakshagana and Kathakali, housing ornaments, headgears, and masks used in these performances. P.R. Tippeswamy, a folklorist, was the first curator of the Museum. The museum also exhibits Palaeolithic tools discovered during the excavations in Koppa district.

9. R K Narayan House

End the final day’s tour in Mysore by visiting R K Narayan House, which is a memorial dedicated to India’s beloved novelist R. K. Narayan . In 2016, Narayan’s residence was opened to the public by the government as a memorial museum dedicated to tell the story of his life and the life of his stories. He is the creator of the fictional town Malgudi and his characters resonated with Indian readers en masse. These stories were realist and narrated the daily trials and tribulations that made a villager’s life.

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once upon a day in mysore: a one day itinerary of south india’s royal city

What if I told you there is a small town in South India which will forever remain your favourite, long after you visit it. What if I told you that in this town, frangipani trees sway gently and history, heritage, art and literature sit in easy camaraderie. That people here are simpler and the sky is bluer. Would the traveller in you jump for it?

I am talking about Mysore, renamed Mysuru, its original name, in 2014.

Less than a million-population live under its green shade of aged fig trees and their sprawling branches. Its wide dusty roads weave their way through a life where nothing much has changed over time.

From 1399 to 1950 Mysore was the seat of the Wodeyar dynasty, rulers of the Kingdom of Mysore except for a brief interlude when Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan snatched the reigns. The Wodeyar family still lives in the Mysore Palace and the dynasty’s legacy permeates the entire town. From its seven palaces, of which two have been turned into museums, to its tutelary goddess perched high up on a hill, to its terraced gardens over the sacred Cauvery river.

Mysore is also where RK Narayan lived and wrote his acclaimed English novels set in the fictional town of Malgudi, a town he conceptualised in 1930, right here. His literary works made India both accessible and comprehensible to the rest of the world. To explore Mysore is to peek into Narayan’s imagination.

I was in Mysore for five days and four nights earlier this year, during which I dedicated one full day to just Mysore. Verdict. I loved it, and know I would want to go back. I would like to see it all lit up for the Dussera festivities as it has every year since 1399. I would like to stop by Narayan’s house, now a museum , and read one of his books inside.

Till then, till I make my next, deeper layer of exploration of Mysore, I would like to share with you what I did do over one day in one of my favourite cities in India. Enjoy.

[Note: Top image: Private Durbar Hall, Mysore Palace.]

Early Morning: Kick-start your day with blessings from goddess Chamundeshwari, Kingdom of Mysore’s patron goddess

Perched high up on Mysore’s Chamundi Hills is the medieval Chamundi Temple—home of Chamundeshwari or Durga, the tutelary goddess of the Mysore Maharajas since the dynasty’s inception in 1399. To date, on the 7th day of Navratri she is decorated in jewels donated by the royal family and on Dussera, her double is carried around the city in a grand affair as part of the celebrations.

To reach the temple you can drive up a road circling the 838-feet-high hill or climb up 1,008 steps. Any surprises: I chose the former. Half way up the hill, on the 700th step to be exact is a gigantic, granite, 15-feet-high monolith of nandi [Shiva’s vehicle].

Like most ancient Hindu temples, Chamundi Temple is also intertwined with a legend. And that too a rather significant one. If you are familiar with Hindu mythology you would have come across the story and depiction of Mahishasura Mardini countless times.

The story goes that many eons ago Mysore was under the clutches of the evil demon Mahishasura . After a fierce battle, Chamundeshwari managed to kill him and free the city. From then on, she became known as Mahishasura Mardini , the one who overcame Mahishasura . Mysuru, Mysore’s original name literally means village of Mahishasura .

Mid-Morning 1: Discover a young lady’s passion to breathe life into sand

Guarded and guided with Chamundeshwari’s blessings, make your way to the Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum . What makes this museum a must visit is not so much its exhibits [they are fantastic], but rather the person behind them.

Meet MN Gowri, a 30-year-old postgraduate in Fine Arts [Sculpture] from Mysore and the only woman sand artist in Karnataka who is otherwise often found on beaches breathing life into sand.

The year was 2014. With a loan of Rs. 20 lakhs and a leased one-acre plot on Chamundi Hills, Gowri decided to make her dream to showcase her sand sculptures come true. It took her eight months, working from dawn to dusk, to create the museum’s 150 sculptures on 16 themes from 115 truckloads of sieved construction sand.

Sculpture themes in the 13,500 sq. ft museum range from Mysore’s heritage and religion to wildlife and ancient civilizations. Even Disneyland makes an appearance. There are kings and lovers, the goddess Chamundeshwari and mermaids, all assembled inside, creating a microcosm of life and earth.

Travel tip: If looking for a souvenir, there are numerous gift shops inside the museum complex. The handmade jewellery by MB Mandeep is especially charming.

Mid-Morning 2: Wallow in the royal art collection at Jaganmohan Art Gallery

You don’t have to be an art buff to be bowled over by the paintings at Jaganmohan Palace Jayachamrajendra Art Gallery.

Sixteen original Raja Ravi Verma paintings include the celebrated Malabar Lady, Galaxy of Musicians, Sairandhri, Victory of Meghanatha, Lady in Moonlight, Suckling Child, and Harishchandra. Then there is SL Haldenkar’s Glow of Hope in watercolour in which a woman holds a lit lamp and the lamp’s light reflects off her. Colossal paintings of royal events before India’s independence only add that extra magic to the collection.

There are also works of local Mysore artists, a musical instruments gallery, and French clocks with cupids and miniature soldiers. All housed in an airy 1861 palace built by the Wodeyar rulers as a temporary home between the burning down of the old palace and completion of the new imposing Mysore Palace.

PS. To know more about Raja Ravi Verma and his role in the Indian scheme of art, here’s a fabulous article about him .

Travel tips: 1) There is an excellent audio guide included in the entry ticket. 2) Shoes are not allowed inside the gallery. 3) Photography is not allowed inside. 4) Open daily, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm.

Noon: Spend a few quiet moments in the neo-Gothic St. Philomena Cathedral

“A French-designed statue of a 3rd Century Greek Saint in a German-styled cathedral in the heart of South India.” That is Saint Philomena’s Cathedral for you, dedicated to Philomena [291 – 304 AD], the patron saint of babies, children, and youth.

Towering over the city with its 175-feet-tall spires in the image of Cologne Cathedral, Saint Philomena’s Cathedral is one of Asia’s tallest churches. A sombre, reflective air permeates its nave and transepts while a staircase leads down to the crypt where an effigy of the Saint lies deep in sleep.

When the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore moved back to Mysore from Srirangapatna post the 1799 siege, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III built a small church in 1843 for the British East India Company officers and soldiers. In 1933, his grandson Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV decided to make the church grander and lovelier to house a recently acquired relic of the Saint. The Frenchman Daly was commissioned to design the church, and the result is what we see now.

Travel tips: 1) Photography is not allowed inside. 2) Open daily, 5:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Lunch: A Mysore Dosa or two

Hungry by now? A good place to stop for lunch is Mahaveer Restaurant across the road for a Mysore dosa. After all, no trip to Mysore can be complete without its dosa!

Afternoon: Explore Mysore’s magnum opus, the extravagant Mysore Palace

Without a doubt, Mysore’s centrepiece is its Mysore Palace . Colossal, lavish, loud, and colourful. For this very distinction, it deserves a good few hours and a guide to point out its fascinating details which are otherwise easy to miss because of its scale.

When the Old Palace was partially burnt down [you can still visit what is left of it], the new and current Mysore Palace was built from 1897 to 1912 at a cost of US$ 30 million with British Henry Irwin as its architect. Though a museum now, the palace still serves as the official residence of the royal Wodeyar family and seat of the Kingdom of Mysore.

Indo-Saracenic in style, its highlights are its three glittering halls: the octagonal golden Kalyana Mandap or Marriage Pavilion where marriage ceremonies were held, the turquoise-blue open-sided Public Durbar Hall where the king addressed common folks like you and I on special occasions and festivals, and the chandelier-filled Private or Khas Durbar Hall where he met those who were ‘khas’ meaning special. The royal family continues to use these halls for key events.

Scattered between all this sumptuousness are 26 murals of the city’s famous Dussera festivities painted by five of Mysore’s finest artists, and oil paintings of the royal family posing handsomely.

Travel tips: 1) Guides are available at the entrance for Rs. 350 for an hour-long tour. 2) First see the palace with a guide and then go back and poke around deeper. 3) Shoes are not allowed inside the palace. 4) Open daily, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Evening: Unwind amidst Brindavan Gardens’ peppy musical fountains

The kiss of the sun for pardon, and the song of the birds for mirth, you’re nearer god’s heart in a garden, than anywhere else on earth. ~ Dorothy Frances Gurney

There are two ways to spend an evening in Mysore. Do what only tourists do and watch a sound and light show at the Mysore Palace. Or do what the locals at large do. Go to Brindavan Gardens.

Dating back to 1932, the terraced gardens are the handiwork of Mirza Ismail, Dewan of Mysore during the reign of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. The garden adjoins Krishnarajasagara Dam built over the Cauvery river.

Every evening, every half hour till the gardens close for the night [at 8:00 pm on weekdays and 9:00 pm on weekends], four peppy numbers are played to the accompaniment of a musical fountain. Around it are seated hundreds of locals. On cement benches and on the floor—cheering, clapping, laughing, their phone cameras on overdrive.

It is a fascinating spectacle. And one that epitomises the simplicity of the city and its people who find so much joy in this less than 10-minute show. A gentle reminder perhaps of the need to find happiness in the mundane. For the mundane to one is a highlight for the other. 😊

Once the display is over, may I suggest you hang around and wander through the lawns bathed in coloured light. Have some sweet corn. Watch the moon over the lake. One day in Mysore is really like no other day in one’s own life at all. ❤

With this, I come to the end of my Mysore series. I hope you enjoyed it. To read my posts on my day excursions from Mysore and other sights in Karnataka, please click here . Happy travels. ❤

Travel tips:

• Getting to Mysore: I flew into Bangalore and took the super-comfortable Flybus from Bangalore airport to Mysore and back . Rs. 750 one way.
• Getting around: I took Uber Autos for Mysore and hired a car with driver from Fox Travels for the day excursions.
• Staying there: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson via makemytrip. Large well-appointed rooms and delicious breakfasts. I stayed for 5 days and 4 nights during which I explored the city and surrounding areas.
• If you are in Mysore on a Sunday night, make sure you see the Mysore Palace all lit up with 96,000 bulbs like a fairy-tale!

[Note: This blog post is part of a series from my solo and independent travel to Mysore and its surrounds over 5 days in end-January 2020. To read more posts on Karnataka, click here .]

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14 thoughts on “ once upon a day in mysore: a one day itinerary of south india’s royal city ”

Great article, Rama. Keep exploring and be safe!😊✌

Like Liked by 1 person

Thank you, Tanya. You stay safe too.

My travels to Mysore and its surrounds were in the last week of January this year. Little did I know, less than two months down the line the world would be in a global lockdown. 😦

That’s really sad. Hope you are safe.❤

Lovely post, reminding me of my stay in Mysuru just over two years ago. Aside from the awe-inspiring palace a personal highlights was the colours, sights and smells of the Devaraja flower and fruit and vegetable market.

You were in Mysore! Am glad you enjoyed the town, Steve. And why am I not surprised about the market being a highlight. All those veggies, fruits and flowers. For a cooking wizard like you, it must have been paradise. 🙂

great post! haven’t been to this city yet

I remember you mentioned in one of your comments Nelli was from Karnataka. Mysore is magical. Am sure you both will love it. 🙂

Hi. I was just gazing through the WordPress for some Indian articles. You are a brilliant writer. I simply got engulfed by the way of your writing. Keep it up 👍

Thank you for your kind, encouraging words. Deeply appreciated. I hope you enjoy reading my other posts as well. I have visited many UNESCO World Heritage Sites both in India and globally. It is a much needed initiative to ensure our heritage is preserved and not lost under the guise of ‘development.’

I’m actually from Tamil Nadu and a post grad in TOURISM and travel mngt. Your topics on it is simply awesome. Never have I ever come across someone explaining it in such detail. It’s always pictures with a note or a paragraph. I read your Mysore and Srirangapatna places as well. Thank you for writing about our places in a very great manner. Will continue to read. 🙏

Thank you once again! Your words mean a lot to me. I loved your state and I hope to revisit it after the pandemic. Tamil Nadu is a country in itself. So rich in culture, history and natural beauty. 😊

Thanks much. 🙂

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STREETTROTTER

A Travel, Culture & Design Blogazine

A Day trip to Mysore: City Guide

N estled in the heart of the southwestern state of Karnataka, at the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, India’s City of Palaces sits quietly. Mysore, or Mysuru, is one of India’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities with a whiff of history wherever one turns to. 

With its 500-year-old history as a kingdom and a princely state, Mysore has a lot to offer to its visitors. From the most splendid palace halls to the blooming gardens, decorated art galleries, and so much more, Mysore can be the perfect retreat for anyone looking to go on a day trip.

One of the best ways to plan a trip to Mysore is to make a round trip from Bangalore. At a distance of 140 km from Bangalore, a road trip would be ideal for making certain stops and visiting the most important and beautiful places that this place has to offer. If we had to make an itinerary for a day, we recommend 4 must-see places that everyone should visit.

Jayachamarajendra Art gallery

When one plans a trip to any of India’s princely states, the one mandatory thing that is added to the To-do list is a visit to the native palace. Most of the royal residences in Mysore are now state museums. The gorgeous architecture and vibrance of these places make them a perfect stop to consider.

The Jayachamarajendra Art gallery was originally a second residence of the royal family. It was named Jaganmohan Palace and converted to an art gallery in 1915, during Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.

Boasting some of the finest art displays in India, the art gallery houses a rich collection of national and international art treasures. It has a collection of over 2000 paintings of various styles and various artists, from international masters like P.P Ruben, Nikolai Roerich, Aless Caddy, and miniature paintings of Gunoy to Indian classics such as Raja Ravi Varma and Nandalal Bose. The first floor of the gallery displays the works of artists from Mysore. It is also home to Rembrandt’s few works, one of the greatest names in European art.

One of the most popular attractions of the gallery is The Glow of Hope, popularly known as “Woman with the Lamp” by S.L. Haldankar. This beautiful painting of Modern Indian art is as stunning as it is popular among art enthusiasts. Other displays of the gallery include an exotic collection of weaponry, rare musical instruments, and artifacts that remind the grand Mysore royalty.

Logistics: The best idea is to make the gallery the first stop of the trip to spend quality time here. The gallery is open every day from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and can be reached easily via auto-rickshaws and cabs. The KSRTC Bus stand and Mysore Railway station are within walking distance.

Mysore Palace

With a history of five centuries, the Mysore Palace is the official residence of the Wodeyar dynasty. This family ruled the erstwhile kingdom of Mysore. The palace is one of India’s largest palaces and one of the most important tourist attractions in the country, not to mention the state of Karnataka.

Henry Irwin, a British architect, was the designer of the palace. It was built by Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar in 1912 on the old wooden palace site that was broken down in 1897. I t was built and rebuilt over the centuries, and the final result soon won the title of one of the most extravagant palaces of the country.

The entry to the palace is no less beautiful, lined with Indian and European ceremonial sculptures. Another gateway to the main palace is the Elephant Gate, with intricate designs bearing a double-headed eagle’s royal insignia.

As a museum, the palace is a display of royal souvenirs, jewelry, royal clothes, and artillery – all of which were the possessions of the Wodeyars. The palace is known to have the largest quantity of gold items on display.

One of the most beautiful things about this palace is its illuminated view on Sundays (between 7-8 PM) and national holidays when 97,000 lights light up its entirety. The shining facade makes it a sight to behold, and hence, these are the times that one can plan the visit.

Logistics: An additional attraction is the 45-minute light and sound show that is conducted every day. In general, the palace is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day. The easiest way to reach this place is a short car ride away from the Mysore railway station.

A short trip away via the KRS Road, located in the town of Srirangapatna, one reaches the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam.  Built on the conjunction of rivers Cauvery, Hemavati, and Lakshman Tirtha, this dam is one of the most magnificent sightseeing spots on this trip. The dam was wholly funded by the ruler of Mysore in 1932, Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, after whom it is named. It was designed by the “father of planning in India,” Sir M. Vishweshwaraiya. He used a limestone and brick powder mixture (surkhi) as the building material.

Some of the most important features of this dam are: it is India’s first irrigation dam; it is one of the significant sources of irrigation for Mandya and Mysore; and a source of drinking water for Mysore and Bangalore city. The principal purpose of this dam is to ensure power supply to the Shivanasamudra hydroelectric power station. This dam is a supreme example of architecture and engineering, with a length of 3 Km and a reservoir of 130 Sq. Km. it is one of the largest dams in India. There are 18 gates and a height of 39 meters.

Logistics: The best time to visit would be d uring and after the monsoons. The water level can go up to 124 feet. The dam gates open to let the water flow through, creating a spectacular view, often creating a sound so loud that it can drown every other sound around. The place is open to visitors from 6:30 AM to 9 PM. The town of Srirangapatna is connected via rail and road to other prominent cities.

Somnathpur temples

Towards the end of the trip, when the sun starts setting and the feet start getting tired, one can find themselves in the company of a little more history. With Mysore only 35kms away, the last stop should be Somnathpur – where one of the most beautiful pieces of the ancient Hoysala architecture style can be found.

The Prasanna Chennakesava Temple is one of the finest specimens of Hoysala architecture. Built-in 1268 by Somnath, a general of the ruling king Narasimha III. The temple sticks to the original Hoysala style – built on a raised platform, with three shrines with wonderfully carved peaks and a mandapa. The main sanctums have three exquisite idols of Keshava (now missing), Janardhana, and Venugopala. The whole temple is beautifully engraved with sculptures – every part of the walls are covered with figures of deities, gods, and goddesses from the Hindu Puranas.

Logistics: The ideal time to visit the temples is between October to March, but any time of the year is good to enjoy observing these temples. The timings are from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. This is best as the last stop for the trip as Mysore is only a car ride away and is also well-connected by trains.

Things to eat and shop

There are many things to do when one has to fill the time between this trip. The Mysore markets are a place to go to for their specialty silk, exotic sandalwood, and incense center. The city is a special place for authentic South Indian food from the many street food joints present because of its popularity as a tourist place.

Author: Sarasi Ganguly  | Cover Artwork:  Sarthak Grover |  Trip credits & Photography:  Shraddha Gupta

StreetTrotter is a Travel, Culture & Lifestyle blog, inspiring people everyday with real stories to look good and travel even better. Founded in 2012 by Shraddha Gupta, Founder & COO, this space is all about experiencing new things in life, be it a daring mountain trek, a frugal backpacking trip, a runway look made local, or simply anything that scares you enough to live a little more deeper.

Loving these gorgeous photographs. It’s making me plan a trip to Mysore. Superb!

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Mysore Palace: Your (Almost) Perfect Travel Guide

• March 29, 2022
• Karnataka , India

Here’s a shocking fact: Mysore Palace was once entirely made of wood!

Yes, the fine architecture of Mysore Palace that you see today isn’t relatively old; built between 1897 and 1912. Nonetheless, the experience is mesmerizing enough to attract millions of people from around the globe.

In this travel guide, we will take you to Mysore Palace virtually and share vital information to help enhance your experience. Further, we cover everything about Mysore Palace—from brief history, architecture to practical travel tips and accommodation options. 

So, when you plan to visit it, you will make the most of your visit.

Let’s dive in now.

Notice:  This post may contain a few links which might earn us financial support when you buy or make any reservations through them. They’re in no way affect our opinion or the information presented here.

Mysore Palace History 

Mysore Palace used to be the residence of the Wadiyar or Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled from 1399 to 1950. It was considered a stronghold for the Wadiyar dynasty.

Although the original Mysore Palace was built in the 14th century. It was a palace made of sandalwood, destroyed in 1912 in an accident. Consequently, causing significant damage to the premises.

There are many legends behind that accident. 

Some say it was a fire accident in 1897 when the marriage ceremony of the eldest sister of Rajarshi Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, Princess Jayalakshmi Amani, was taking place. Some also claim it happened during the Dussehra festivities.

But who built the Mysore Palace which you see now?

That year the young Emperor of Mysore, the Maharani, and her mother, Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhana, handed over the construction of a new palace to the British architect Lord Henry Irwin.

Lord Irwin has designed most of the buildings in South India. The palace’s construction was completed in 1912 at the cost of ~ INR 42 lakh. 

Further, it was expanded in 1940 during Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar’s reign, the last Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore.

Mysore Palace Architecture

As you walk onto the premises of Mysore Palace, after getting the admission tickets, you will see a beautiful Dravidian-style temple on the left side.

The Mysore Palace is a three-story palace made of fine gray granite. It is covered with dark pink marble stones. The size of the palace is 245 feet by 156 feet. The domes depict Indo-Saracenic architecture, implemented by British architects in the late 19th century.

The Mysore Palace incorporates elements of Indian, Indo-Islamic, Neo-Classical, and Gothic styles. Three gates of the complex lead to the palace – the front gate (especially the eastern gate) is open for VVIPs and otherwise during the Dussehra; The South Gate is designated for the general public, and the west gate opens during the Dussehra.

There are many secret tunnels in the palace’s basement that lead to hidden areas and other places like the city of Srirangapatna. Several fancy arches adorn the front of the building.

An idol of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of good fortune, prosperity, and wealth, also features elephants perched atop the central arch. 

Situated in front of Chamundi Hills, the palace reflects the devotion of the Maharajas of Mysore to Goddess Chamundi. 

You can also see a large, beautiful, well-maintained garden around the palace which adds to its beauty.

Inside Mysore Palace: The Grandeur of Magnificence

The three foremost attractions of the Mysore Palace are Durbar Hall, Amba Vilas, and Kalyan Mandap. 

Durbar Hall

Maharaj used to address the public from Durbar Hall. It is similar to Amba Vilas Hall but is more prominent in appearance. You can see the main gate from here. Maharaja used this balcony to talk to his people and for festivals and celebrations.

The hall is completely decorated with paintings in pink, yellow, and turquoise colors with painted pillars.

Amba Vilas Hall

This room is even more spectacular than the Durbar Hall because of the use of gold plating on the stones. The glass ceiling, a masterpiece, gives it an exquisite look. Since this is the main attraction, it is permanently crowded.

Beautifully carved rosewood gates are ornately decorated with ivory. The hall decorated with glass ceilings, golden pillars, captivating chandeliers with floral motifs, and mosaic floors makes this part one of the palace’s most beautiful rooms.

Kalyan Mandapa

Kalyan Mandapa is also known as Marriage Hall. It will leave you speechless.

The hall is octagonal, notable with its vaulted ceiling and gilded pillars. It will be a delight to watch the glass ceiling with peacock motifs, which are reflected on the floor as well.

Apart from these three prominent attractions, there are some other parts mentioned below.

Dolls Pavilion or Gombe Thoti

It is a unique place that displays an exquisite collection of dolls from the 19th and 20th centuries. These are traditional dolls. 

The mandapa houses a wide array of sculptures, both Indian and European, and ceremonial objects. 

One such item is the wooden elephant which has been embellished with about 84 kilograms of gold.

Portrait Gallery

Another place in the Mysore Palace for art lovers is the Portrait Gallery, which houses various paintings of the royal Wadiyar family. 

Situated on the southern side of the Kalyan Mandap, this gallery displays a range of paintings and photographs of the royal family, such as the Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV portrait and black and white images. 

It also shows pictures from Jayacharamajra Wadiyar’s marriage to the Princess of Jaipur and the famous royal artist Raja Ravi, works of Verma, and more.

Best Time to Visit Mysore Palace

The best time to visit Mysore Palace is the festival of Dussehra, as this festival is celebrated with great pomp here. If we talk about the months, the weather is suitable for visiting is from October to March. You can visit the palace from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. 

The Mysore Palace entry fee is as follows:

• INR 70 per person for Indian and foreign adults.
• INR 200 per person for foreign tourists (audio kit included).
• INR 30 for children of 10 to 18 years.

The natural beauty of the palace comes when it is illuminated during the evening. Many tourists come to see this beautiful sight. 

If you are interested in catching a glimpse of the illuminated palace, please note Mysore Palace timings :

• Illuminated Mysore Palace Timings: 07.00- 7:45 pm (Only Sundays, National Holidays, and State Festivals).
• Daily Sound and Light Show Timings: 7.00 pm (8 pm during weekends).
• This light and sound show is called 45 Minutes Sound and Light Show.
• There is no charge to see the lighting of Mysore Palace.

How to Reach Mysore Palace?

Mysore Railway Station is well connected to Bangalore, Chennai, and other major cities. You can reach Mysore from Bangalore in 3 hours (~140 km).

Roadways 

Mysore to Bangalore distance is 140 km. KSRTC and private buses operate regularly from Karnataka and all significant parts of the country nearby the state.

Mysore Airport is located at a distance of 10 km, and Bangalore airport at a distance of 140 km. KSRTC operates Flybus airport service from Bangalore airport to Mysore.

Where to Stay in Mysore?

From affordable hostels to luxurious hotels, many options are available in Mysore. 

You can choose the hotel according to your convenience and budget. For hotel booking information in Mysore, view our partner website.

Some Key Points

• Shoes and slippers are deposited at the counter before entering the palace.
• Another highlight of the palace is the light show, which usually occurs from 7:00 pm from Monday to Saturday.
• You can take the camera inside the premises.
• If you want to travel well, you must give at least 3-4 hours.
• On the occasion of Dussehra, the palace is well decorated, and grand celebrations are organized.

FAQs About Mysore Palace

What is famous in mysore palace.

Mysore Palace is famous for its grand architecture and pavilions. It includes Durbar hall, Kalyan Mandapa, 85 kg elephant seat of the king, dolls pavilion, and portrait gallery.

Who built Mysore Palace?

After the loss of the initial wooden palace, the Emperor of Mysore then handed over the construction of a new palace to the British architect Lord Henry Irwin. It was built in Indo-Saracenic style between 1897-1912.

Did Tipu Sultan live in Mysore Palace?

No, Tipu Sultan never lived in the Mysore Palace. Although his sword placed here is a great attraction.

When was Mysore Palace burnt?

Mysore Palace was burnt in 1897 in a fire accident when the marriage ceremony of Princess Jayalakshmi Amani was taking place. Moreover, some people also say that it happened during the Dussehra festivities.

Is photography allowed inside the Mysore Palace?

Photography is allowed inside the Mysore Palace. 

Why is Mysore called the City of Palaces?

Mysore is called the ‘City of Palaces’ because it beholds seven palaces. They are Amba Vilas Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Rajendra Vilas Palace, Cheluvamba Mansion, Karanji Mansion, and Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion.

What time does Mysore Palace light up?

The Mysore Palace lighting timings are 7 pm to 7:45 pm on all days except Sundays and public holidays.

Final Thoughts

So this was a short travel guide to Mysore Palace. We have covered brief history, practical travel tips, tickets, timing, and many other aspects that will help you explore this place.

We hope you will like the article. Further, if you have any opinions, suggestions, or questions related to Mysore Palace, please let us know in the comment box below. We will try our best to assist you.

For a more immersive experience, check out our virtual tour of Mysore Palace .

An appeal:   Please do not throw litter around. Use a dustbin and if you can’t find one, take the trash with you and throw it when you find one. Your small steps like this one can make the world clean and green.

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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 

Want more India travel tips and stories?

Sign up to the FREE newsletter and discover Incredible India with me!

The Ultimate Backpacking India Itinerary & Travel Route

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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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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 Tourism and Travel Guide

Tripoto recommends: mysore.

Top Attractions In Mysore

Travel Articles And Blogs For Mysore

Places To Visit Near Mysore

Best Time To Visit Mysore

We have all heard of holiday plans getting ruined because the timing wasn’t right and at the same time, the weather has been a saving grace for so many vacations. What we are trying to say is that before you plan your trip to explore Mysore tourism, it’s best to check the weather forecast. 

As is with the southern part of India, summers are extremely hot while winters are pleasant. This holds partially true for Mysore as well. Mysore summers are not extremely harsh but we can assure you that all your sightseeing tours will have to be reserved for evenings. On the other hand, winters are extremely pleasant in Mysore. October to February is undoubtedly the best time to explore Mysore tourism owing to the wonderful weather as well as the 10-day Dussehra festival. One of the biggest drawcards of Mysore tourism is the Dussehra festival. It is celebrated with much vigour in the city in September or October and is a must-attend.

Summer in Mysore is typically between March and June whereas winter starts at the beginning of November. If you are planning to explore Mysore tourism on a budget, we’d suggest planning a trip between July and September.

Mysore Palace

A cursory search on the internet will tell you that Mysore Palace is the second most visited tourist attraction in India, after the Taj Mahal! The beautiful palace is designed in Indo-Saracenic architecture and is a blend of Rajput, Hindu and Gothic styles. The official residence of the Mysore royal family, the palace was reconstructed after a deadly fire in 1897 ruined the magnificent structure.

The palace that you see today was completed in 1912. Mysore Palace boasts carved wooden doors, mosaic floors, stained glass in vibrant colours and wooden doors embellished with intricate carvings. The cost of constructing the palace was a whopping 4.5 million but you will agree that it was worth the effort. 

If you are not an architectural buff, the many sculptures, paintings and artefacts will certainly have your attention. The armoury has more than 700 weapons and is quite popular with history buffs. The gardens surrounding the palace are also a must-visit and the only spot where you can take pictures. It is best to schedule a guided tour during your visit since the palace is vast and there is a wealth of information in every room.

If your Mysore tourism itinerary is flexible, we recommend heading to Mysore palace on Sunday evening. The palace is illuminated with lights in the evening and it is a sight to behold. A light show in English takes place on Thursday and Saturday, between 7 pm and 8 pm and shouldn’t be missed. We suggest reading the guidelines on the Mysore tourism site before you include this gorgeous palace in your Mysore tourism itinerary.

Brindavan Gardens

If you thought that Mysore tourism doesn’t offer nature lovers too many options, we’d urge you to reconsider. The Brindavan Gardens are a great addition to your Mysore tourism itinerary, especially if you are travelling with children. 

The gardens are located 21 km from the city so you may have to plan ahead. The gardens are spread across River Cauvery and took approximately five years to complete. The planned tourist attraction was constructed decades ago and offers a plethora of activities to travellers. You can enjoy the lovely music and fountain show, indulge in a luxurious boating session or enjoy a culinary spread in the garden. 

The primary attraction at the garden is undoubtedly the music and light show that takes place at the water fountains. Complete with laser lights and soothing music, the light and sound show is a delight for little ones. On weekdays, the show takes place between 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm while on weekends, the timings are 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Since the gardens are far from the city, you may have to book a cab for the entire duration of your trip.

Another attraction that should be on your Mysore tourism itinerary is Shuka Vana. This tourist attraction is especially recommended for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With more than 2000 birds, 450 varied species and a 50m high aviary, the site holds a Guinness Book of World Records for the most bird species in an aviary.

Exploring Shuka Vana might take you a couple of hours so it’s best to keep aside sufficient time in your Mysore tourism itinerary. The park is often referred to as Parrot Park and is part of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham. The park is also a rehabilitation centre for abused and abandoned birds and is a great way to introduce little ones to animal care.

Since parrots are among the most abused species of birds, you will have the opportunity to interact with these gentle, curious creatures. You will notice that the parrots are divided into various sections and you can witness a few associated with different zodiacs and months of the year. This attraction is also highly recommended if you are exploring Mysore tourism to little ones. It’s best to keep aside an hour in your Mysore tourism itinerary when exploring Shuka Vana.

Chamundeshwari Temple

Temples are an interesting way to learn more about the local culture of any city. When you are exploring Mysore tourism, there are numerous temples that will make it to your itinerary and one among them is the highly revered Chamundeshwari Temple.

A Hindu temple, Chamundeshvari is situated at a height of 1000 ft on Chamundi Hills. The temple offers majestic views of the hills and admiring the sunset from the top is an experience that you will remember. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Durga and you will also find statues of Nandi and Mahishasura. One of the oldest temples in Mysore, Chamundeshvari is a Shakti Peetha and one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.

It’s important to remember that there are two ways to reach the temple. You can either choose to walk and admire the stunning landscape or drive through the long, winding valley roads. If you are travelling with the elderly or little ones, we would highly recommend the latter. The views from the temple are spellbinding and besides Chamundi hills, you can catch a glimpse of the Lalitha Mahal Palace. 

The temple is a strictly no plastic zone and you have to be extremely cautious about littering. As a traveller exploring Mysore tourism, we urge you to maintain cleanliness and respect the local culture. It will take approximately an hour to explore Chamundeshvari Temple and we suggest heading here late afternoon or in the morning hours depending on your itinerary.

Activities And Things To Do In Mysore

Picnic, learn and enjoy at Karanji Lake

Mysore tourism is a delight to explore when you are travelling with little ones. Besides a fascinating introduction to history, culture and art, the city offers a plethora of gardens where you can relax and rejuvenate. The lake is a popular picnic spot and is filled with tourists and locals in the evenings and on weekends. 

We suggest including the site in your Mysore tourism itinerary if you’d like to take in the surreal views and revel in nature. It’s best to carry a picnic basket or if you’d like, there is a well-stocked coffee shop that offers a wide variety of beverages and appetizers. Owing to the incredible variety of more than 147 bird species, the park is a favourite with bird lovers as well. One can expect to spot the Asian openbill storks, cormorant, grey pelican and more. The lake is home to the largest aviary in the country. 

If you want your little ones to learn more about the natural environment of South India and how one can preserve it, we suggest taking a tour of the Regional Museum of Natural History. The museum is located on the banks of the lake and offers an exciting tour of the area. The lake is home to a waterfall, an aviary and a butterfly park and packs in a bundle of experiences for travellers visiting for the first time. 

Spend an afternoon shopping for Mysore silks

If shopping is among the top ten activities in your Mysore tourism itinerary, you can expect a memorable experience. The city is full of surprises and shopping enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice. Whether you want to take back souvenirs for friends and family or want to add to your personal collection, there is just so much to choose from. Of course, Mysore Pak and Mysore silk are on top of the list but we also recommend the coffee that Mysore offers. 

The city’s oldest markets and age-old shops are a great place to pick up your goodies. If your list extends beyond the usual souvenirs, we’d recommend incense sticks, sandalwood products, khadi apparel and wooden toys, popularly known as Channapatna toys.

Considering that shopping is a big part of Mysore tourism, we suggest keeping aside a couple of days for shopping. It would also be advisable to spread out your shopping schedule over a few days and mix it with a few sightseeing spots as well. For those who want to try something different, we recommend visiting a silk factory where you can learn how silks are made. This not only allows you to learn more about the local culture but gives you an experience of what it means to shop local.

Some of the popular shops and markets in Mysore are Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium, Devaraja Market, Government Silk Factory, Government Sandalwood Oil Factory, and Ashoka Road.

Rejuvenate with a yoga retreat

Mysore tourism has grown leaps and bounds in the last decade. A huge contributor to this growth is yoga and wellness retreats. While yoga in Mysore was earlier popular only with Indian tourists, gradually travellers from across the world have discovered the huge potential in this beautiful city. Gradually Mysore has become a centre for yoga training as well. 

If you are exploring Mysore tourism and have a flexible itinerary, you can book a yoga retreat. Typically the retreats are for seven days or more but there are a few courses for beginners that one can take a look at. Besides yoga, one can learn Thai yoga massage, ayurvedic deep tissue massages, more about Tibetan culture, chakra healing and pranic healing. Mysore tourism is acclaimed for its gurus and deep understanding of alternative healing techniques. 

If you are interested in exploring the spiritual side of Mysore tourism, we recommend conducting thorough research of the many institutes and ashrams in Mysore and choosing one that fits your philosophy and budget. 

Explore Bandipur National Park

Even though Bandipur National Park is situated 91 km from Mysore, it is among the most popular places to see in Mysore for wildlife enthusiasts exploring Mysore tourism. If you want to include this site on your trip, we recommend keeping aside a couple of days in your Mysore tourism itinerary. The national park was the erstwhile hunting ground for the Maharaja of Mysore and was established as a reserve in 1974 under Project Tiger.

Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts should definitely plan a visit here owing to the wide variety of fauna and flora. Located amidst the Nilgiris, the park is the first Biosphere Reserve in India. One can expect to spot elephants, deers, sloth bears, panthers and hornbills during the jungle safari. But if you are unable to spot your favourites, the gorgeous view will more than make up for it. The best time to visit the park is between October and February before the monsoon season. We also recommend planning your safari in advance. There are numerous options to choose from such as a gipsy safari, a boat safari and an elephant safari. The safaris are priced differently and offer dramatically different experiences. 

We highly recommend the two-hour boat safari that takes you along the Kabini river and offers you spellbinding views of the surreal beauty. If you are exploring Mysore tourism on a budget, we suggest the boat safari or the bus safari.

Where To Stay In Mysore

Owing to its popularity, Mysore tourism is equipped to cater to all kinds of travellers and works well with all budgets. Earlier, it was difficult to find budget hotels in the city but owing to the increase in popularity of Mysore tourism, the city is far friendlier to those on a budget. On the other hand, for those on a luxury trip to explore Mysore tourism, there is nothing that the city doesn't offer. From sprawling resorts, boutique hotels to five-star properties, Mysore is a haven luxury travellers must explore. 

To ensure you have a hassle-free experience while exploring Mysore tourism, it's best to make your bookings in advance and prepare an itinerary that covers all popular attractions. Let's take a look at some of the best hotels that are part of Mysore tourism.

Luxury hotels in Mysore

Spacious rooms reflecting the grandeur of Mysore, well-manicured lawns and a plethora of activities. Luxury hotels that are part of Mysore tourism are some of the best in the country. A few of these hotels are located in the outskirts and you have the opportunity of experiencing the countryside with lush greenery and picturesque sunsets. Below are some of the best luxury resorts that are part of Mysore tourism

• Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden Palace & Spa
• Fortune JP Palace
• The Windflower Resorts and Spa
• Silent Shores Resort & Spa
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
• Hotel Sandesh The Prince

Mid-budget hotels in Mysore

Mid-budget hotels in Mysore are known for their warm service, a wealth of information and delicious local cuisine. Most hotels and homestays that are part of Mysore tourism offer experiences that are beyond stay. The best way to save money on accommodation of your choice is by booking your hotel well in advance, especially if you are planning your trip during the peak season. Here are a few best mid-budget hotels that are part of Mysore tourism. 

• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
• Regenta Central Herald By Royal Orchid Hotels
• Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel
• Royal Orchid Metropole
• Hotel Kings Kourt

Hotel Pai Vista

Budget hotels in Mysore

Earlier, Mysore tourism didn’t offer a plethora of options for budget travellers. However, today the case is different. Owing to the popularity of Mysore tourism, several hotels are designed to cater to backpackers and solo travellers. Spacious, comfortable and welcoming, these hotels are a delight for budget travellers. Another great addition to Mysore tourism is a large number of hostels for backpackers. Let’s take a look at some of the best hotels and hostels in Mysore.

• The Quorum Hotel
• The Grand Inn
• Corner Bunker
• Hotel Samudra

Cuisine And Best Places To Eat

One of the most unique features of food in India is that each state’s cuisine is a reflection of its geographical location. The local crops and herbs are primary ingredients in all dishes and that’s exactly what intrigues food lovers. 

It’s a common misconception that Mysore tourism offers only Mysore Pak and the extremely spicy Mysore dosa. But you’d be surprised at the vast variety of dishes available in the city. From local stalls to high-end restaurants, you will have a memorable culinary experience everywhere. 

Another thing to be noted about Mysore’s local cuisine is the hearty dose of masalas . From fresh coriander, tamarind, gunpowder to chutneys and a hearty helping of vegetables – the local dishes inspired by Udupi cuisine always offer a balanced diet. Some of the dishes that you must try are idlis, bonda , khara bath , kesari bath , uttapam , ragi muddae , vangibath , gojju, chitranna and the very delicious set dosa.

Almost all local streets are filled with small restaurants that offer you a variety of local and international cuisines. Some of the best restaurants you should include in your Mysore tourism itinerary are Oyster Bay, Mahesh Prasad, Anima Madhva Bhavan, Tiger Trail, Green Leaf, Hakka, By The Way, and Spring.

How To Travel In Mysore

Travelling within a city can dramatically impact your travel budget and that’s why it’s best to plan ahead. If you are exploring Mysore tourism, there are numerous transport options. Besides local public transport such as buses, the city has privately-run taxis and auto-rickshaws. If you are exploring the local markets, you can easily explore on foot. 

A few popular sightseeing spots that are part of Mysore tourism are situated a little further from the city and you may have to hire a cab. The city also hosts walking tours for a few heritage sites and if you are a historical buff, these are a great option to add to your Mysore tourism itinerary. 

At the same time, local buses are a great way to commute for budget travellers. Not only are they extremely comfortable but run on schedule. If you are a luxury traveller and don’t want to spend too much time planning your transportation, we highly recommend booking a private cab for the entire duration of your trip.

Typical Costs In Mysore

Budget is one of the primary factors to consider when one is planning a trip. Your estimated budget helps you plan your itinerary, transport and the activities that you want to try. If you are planning a trip to explore Mysore tourism, you can plan a luxury trip as well as a budget trip depending on the activities, the accommodation you choose and your transport. Let’s take a look at the estimated costs for exploring Mysore tourism.

Luxury travellers exploring Mysore tourism can expect to spend Rs 10,000 and Rs 12,000 per day. This cost includes stay, food, transport as well as activities. If you would like to include a yoga retreat in your Mysore tourism itinerary, this cost might increase by a small amount. 

Mid budget travellers have a plethora of options when exploring Mysore tourism. From choosing a budget hotel with spacious rooms and great service to visiting popular Mysore tourist places, mid-budget travellers can expect to spend between Rs 5000 and Rs 8000.

Budget travellers are quite flexible regarding itineraries, activities and transport. If you are a budget traveller exploring Mysore tourism, you can expect to spend between Rs 1000 and Rs 3000 per day. The cost is on the higher side since it includes transport costs for destinations away from the city.

How many days do I need to explore Mysore tourism?

If this is your first trip to the city, we would recommend a duration of three to four days. This will ensure that you cover some of the most visited tourist attractions that are part of Mysore tourism as well as a few lesser-known sites. We also recommend planning your itinerary in advance so you don’t miss out on important sightseeing sites.

What are the things I should pack for a trip to Mysore?

Owing to Mysore’s location, summers in the city can be slightly harsh and this is the only season for which you need to be prepared. Besides the usual checklist which includes prescription medicines, sunscreen, extra cash and a good pair of walking shoes, we recommend packing a few scarves. If you are visiting religious places, this will be essential considering the local cultural norms.

Suggest three tips for planning a trip to Mysore.

Travel tips are a great way to ensure that you have a hassle-free trip. We also recommend speaking to travellers who have visited the place before or posing your questions in a travel community forum. If you are exploring Mysore tourism for the first time, here are a few tips that might come in handy.

• Be respectful of the local culture when visiting cultural and religious sites.
• Communicate clearly with local vendors and drivers to ensure there is no miscommunication with respect to location.
• Always plan ahead, even if those plans don’t work out later. This holds for any destination and is a great tip when exploring Mysore tourism. Plan your itinerary so you can save unexpected costs.

Which are the lesser-known places to visit in Mysore tourism?

Mysore is known for its rich, cultural heritage and tourist attractions that go back centuries. However, there are a few activities and tourist attractions in Mysore that are not only offbeat but offer travellers an unforgettable experience. Some of the lesser-known spots that are part of Mysore tourism are Meenakshipuram backwaters, Ranganathittu bird sanctuary, Melody World Wax Museum, a government-run silk factory where you can learn the process of how the popular Mysore silk is made. Besides this, J Shaped Kukkaraahalli Lake, Shivana Samudra falls and Mahadevapura are two places you can include in your itinerary as well.

Which are the best places to visit near Mysore?

If you have the time and budget, there are numerous places near Mysore that should find a place in your itinerary. While some of these places are popular, others are lesser-known and stand out for the memorable experiences they offer. Kabini, Coorg, Bangalore, Bheemeshwari, Ooty, Nagarhole, Wayanad and Savandurga Hills are places that you should explore when you are in Mysore. 

Which are the best restaurants in Mysore?

Mysore tourism offers an exceptional culinary experience. There are numerous restaurants in the city and most of them are part of a well planned Mysore tourism itinerary. Here are a few restaurants that stand out for their ambience, cuisine and service. 

• Vinayaka Mylari
• Anima Madhva Bhavan
• Hotel Hanumanthu 
• Mahesh Prasad Restaurant
• Tiger Trail

Which are the popular hill stations near Mysore?

Mysore is strategically located near tourist attractions that offer a variety of experiences for travellers. If you are looking for hill stations near Mysore, some of the popular ones are Coorg, Ooty, Madikeri, Sakleshpur, Kalpetta and Chikmagalur.

Written by Kirat Sodhi. She is a proud mom of three cats and lives for lemon tea, a good book and spontaneous travel plans.

Mysore Trip Itinerary – Happy Days At The Heritage City

Looking for a quick yet memorable getaway in India ? The city of Mysore in the state of Karnataka is truly a blissful place to roam around. The Garden city of South India is waiting to show off its grandeur and impress you in all ways. With many mansions, glorious palaces and busy urban districts, Mysore is truly a blissful place to roam about. Here is an exclusive 3-day Mysore trip itinerary crafted by Pickyourtrail that covers almost every touristy spot of the beautiful city.

Also Read: Places to Visit within 100 Km near Bangalore – the trip of a lifetime

• First day: Mysore palace and Jagmohan palace.
• Second day: Regional Museum of Natural History, Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum, Sri Chamundeeshwari Temple
• Third day: St Philomena’s Cathedral, Wellington lodge, University folklore museum

Day 1 – Mysore palace and Jagmohan palace

Begin your Mysore trip with a bang. Step into the most iconic historic structure of the heritage city. Fondly known as the Amba Vilas Palace, the palace of Mysore was initially the royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. Housing several Hindu temples with magnificent gopurams, the palace is the best place you will visit during your Mysore trip itinerary. Once you’re done with the palace, head to the Infinite Lounge Bar and have a good lunch while enjoying the city view from the rooftop.

Head to yet another man-made marvel built and used by the Wadiyar royal family. If you’re an art lover, you are surely going to fall in love with this place. Visit Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery that houses more than 2000 spectacular paintings by ancient Indian artists. Also, head to the auditorium that hosts various dance and music shows. End your day with lip-smacking Murgh Patiala and Reshmi Kebab at the cave-themed restaurant in Guha.

Also Read: Top adventurous things to do in Karnataka

Day 2 – Regional Museum of Natural History, Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum, Sri Chamundeeshwari Temple

Are you ready for a Nature cum culture trip? Visit the Karanji Lake surrounded by a beautiful butterfly park and an aviary. Get amazed at the artificial waterfalls and the two water bodies. Then make way to the Regional Museum of Natural History which is located on the banks of the Karanji Lake. As you get closer, you will get a jaw-dropping view of Chamundi Hills in the background.

Visit Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum next. The beautiful sand sculptures will attract visitors with all its grace. Capture Insta worthy pictures near the 15-feet-high sculpture of Lord Ganesha and cherish it for a lifetime. In the evening, get the blessings of goddess Chamundeshwari on the top of Chamundi Hills. Explore the intricate architecture and appreciate the work of the Mysore artisans.

Day 3: St Philomena’s Cathedral, Wellington lodge, University folklore museum

Its time to kick start your time travel machine and go back in time on your second day of Mysore trip itinerary. Visit the St Philomena’s Cathedral. Constructed in 1936, this Neo-Gothic style church is one of the tallest churches in Asia. Then in the noon, head to the Wellington Lodge which is also a museum. The terracotta sculptures and ancient paintings will truly captivate your eyes and heart. 

Finally, visit the University Folklore Museum, housed in the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion. Boasting a collection of 6,500 artefacts collected from across the state, the place has a lot to keep you engaged. Enjoy the Yakshagana and Kathakali shows while exploring the ornaments, headgears, and masks used in these performances. 

Stop waiting for the perfect time to come. Pack your bags to explore the most beautiful city of South India. Lose your heart for the aroma of sandalwood wherever you go. Get packing and indulge in the calm aura of the Mysore city while walking through the broad, clean roads paved with wide footpaths. Head to the Pickyourtrail website and start planning your trip to Pickyourtrail right away! Now, You can connect with us directly via Whatsapp and beautifully craft your dream trip at ease with our assistance.

Amirthavarshini

186 posts published., related itineraries.

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6 examples of gorgeous travel writing

Inspiration to help your next travel blog, guidebook, or article stand out from the crowd.

We live on a wondrous, ever-changing planet— from alpine lakes and cloud forests to ancient cobblestoned cities.

The best travel writers can transport readers to these far-flung destinations, and to introduce them to new cultures and experiences. When done well, travel writing can be an insightful, thought-provoking and even life-changing genre of writing.

And with interactive content platforms, it’s possible for travel writers to create truly immersive reading experiences online. In this guide, we introduce six ideas — and examples of travel writing — to help you create beautiful, interactive travel stories.

Whether you're a beginner travel writer, a publisher, destination marketer, or freelance travel blogger, we've got plenty of inspiration to get you started.

What do the BBC, Tripadvisor, and Penguin have in common? They craft stunning, interactive web content with Shorthand. And so can you! Publish your first story for free — no code or web design skills required. Sign up now.

The features of great travel writing

The best travel writing is unique, but there are still some general guidelines you’ll want to follow to make your travel writing stand out from the pack. Here are some travel writing tips to help you compete with the best examples of the genre.

• Have a point of view. Great travel writers — from the travel books of Bill Bryson and John Steinbeck to the documentaries of Paul Theroux — all have very specific points of view that are difficult to copy. Find your voice, and your travel articles will truly sing.
• Take great photos. The best travel writing is visually immersive, using high resolution images and video to engage the reader’s senses. Even if you’re not creating a photo essay , modern travel writing relies of great visual assets.
• Use multimedia content where you can. If you can, create audio and video assets, too, and consider building out your story with a digital storytelling platform to use interactive features. Embed podcasts and clips to keep the reader engaged.
• Learn from the best. Keep track of longform feature stories in the New York Times and the Washington Post, and steal their techniques. (Good travel writers borrow, great travel writers steal, to butcher TS Eliot.)
• Create a beautiful web presence. We love the print Lonely Planet travel guides, but these days you need to produce stunningly engaging content on the web. Standards are high, but you’d be amazed what you can do with modern interactive content platforms.
• Provide a sense of adventure — even if you’re not strictly doing ‘adventure travel’. Whether you’re writing a first person travel memoir or writing about your backpacker’s trip through the Amazon, you want to keep your reader engaged with your travel experiences.
• Make it educational. Teach the reader something new about the world they’re exploring.
• Edit your work. The best travel writers kill their darlings and pay attention to details — hello, commas — knowing that this is how the best work is created.

Want to improve the efficiency of your writing process? Check out our list of the best writing tools .

Inspire readers and move them to action by exploring a location's unique history and culture. By focusing on just one place, your readers get the chance to experience it deeply through your words and imagery.

Intrepid Travel's Shorthand story 'Welcome to Olkola Country' is simple, yet effective. The highlight of the story is its elegant writing — a blend of reporting and personal narrative that explores the history, culture, and ecology of an ancestral land of the Olkola people in Australia. The story is elevated with thoughtful photos and videos, and ends with a call to action for the newly-inspired reader.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our roundup of ten stunning photo essay examples .

The right images can make a story feel polished and inspired.

2 . Time travel

Taking readers back through historical moments is a great way to achieve more depth in your stories.

In the story The Museum of Atari, Mario and Electronic Childhood Dreams , Channel News Asia uses Shorthand to create a stunning visual story about a little-known museum of retro video games in Singapore. The highlight of the story is an interactive scrollytelling timeline about the history of video games, which is created using the Shorthand Reveal feature and animates a pixel character as the reader scrolls.

Our Reveal section allows animations like this to be controlled by the reader's scrolling.

3 . Immerse your reader

When words and photos simply aren't enough to convey the complexity of a travel story, add another layer of reader engagement using various forms of media.

The Sydney Opera House story  A Guide to Dance Rites uses multimedia to bring indigenous culture to life. With elements like animation, slideshows, and embedded audio clips, readers can feel fully immersed in one of Australia's most traditional dance competitions.

Embed your own code to add further customisation to your story.

With Shorthand, remember that you always have the option to add custom HTML to add further customisations to your stories. See a list of our recommended third party tools in this support document .

4 . Just the highlights

Not every trip allows for the luxury of time. In order to get the point across, sometimes a quick and to-the-point listicle is all that's necessary to deliver a clear and time-efficient message.

Mansion Global's story 6 Cities, 6 Continents takes a quick jaunt around the world to some of the best cities to buy a dream vacation home. The destinations are all tied together by an interactive map that tracks a route between the cities — a creative use of the Shorthand Reveal section .

Interactive maps can help connect different locations in your story.

5 . Keep it practical

Travel stories don't always need to inspire wanderlust or transport readers to far-flung destinations. Some of the most effective and important travel stories simply provide practical advice — whether that's how to exchange currency, say "thank you" in a foreign language, or avoid danger.

Travel Weekly's story Traveling While Female explores how female travellers can stay safe, and uses data to stress the importance of improving women's safety abroad. By displaying the data as interactive graphics, Travel Weekly draws extra emphasis to key statistics.

Make your data memorable by giving it special emphasis.

6. Zoom out

When you've written a couple of beautiful travel stories, what's next?

Tie together your creative vision by consolidating your stories into a single landing page. You can use Shorthand to create a home for all of your stories, whether that's by using our Collection section or by including links in other section types.

For example, Luxury Travel nests all of their feature content within a Shorthand story. The page takes advantage of our media-rich sections to create a scrolling archive of their beautiful travel stories.

Consolidate your features in a single Shorthand story.

There are myriad ways to turn a Shorthand story into a landing page. Here's another example from Perth Now, which takes a simple, colourful approach.

There are many ways to customise a Shorthand story to serve as a landing page.

Creating a unique online travel story can seem like a daunting task, but Shorthand's many easy-to-use features exist to help make your stories exceptional. There are thousands of destinations waiting to be written about, and we can't wait to see where your stories take us next.

Publish your first story free with Shorthand

Craft sumptuous content at speed. No code required.

Mysore Itinerary For 1 Day: Explore The Best Of Mysore In A Day

Ready to embark on a whirlwind adventure through the royal city of Mysore? Your Mysore one-day tour will take you through a wondrous journey packed with historical splendor, natural beauty, and cultural marvels. Imagine the sun rising over the majestic Chamundi Hills , a perfect start as you gear up to witness the grandeur of the iconic Mysore Palace , an edifice that beautifully narrates the tales of the Wadiyar dynasty.

Your exploration doesn’t stop there! Dive into the bustling biodiversity at the Mysore Zoo , one of the oldest and most popular zoological parks in India. As you traverse this historic city, every corner offers an opportunity for awe-inspiring Mysore sightseeing , with each landmark more impressive than the last. It’s a day trip designed with you in mind, striking the perfect balance between the artistry of human creation and the silent whispers of nature’s tranquility.

Table of Contents

Embarking on Your Mysore Itinerary For 1 Day

Your Mysore day trip unveils a realm where cultural splendor and historical narratives blend to create an extraordinary experience. The journey begins with the divine ambiance of the Chamundeshwari Temple , with its towering gopuram gracing Chamundi Hills. As you soak in the spiritual vibes, the intricate Dravidian architecture speaks volumes of Mysore’s artistic heritage. The towering deity inside and the majestic surroundings make this spot unforgettable.

With spirits uplifted, next on your itinerary is the iconic Mysore Palace . Wrapped in history, this monumental edifice stands proudly, showcasing India’s royal past through its captivating blend of architectural styles. You’ll find each hall and chamber telling a story, each mural and sculpture whispering legends of erstie dignity and grandeur. Surrounded by manicured gardens, the palace is an epitome of Mysore historical architecture.

Take a moment to appreciate the panoramic views from Chamundi Hills , where the city unfolds before you in a delightful tapestry. Your eyes will be drawn to landmarks like the white-washed Lalitha Mahal Palace, standing in stark contrast to the verdant foliage, and the serene expanse of Karanji Lake. These vistas are a testament to the city’s marriage of man-made marvels and natural grandeur.

• Visit Jaganmohan Palace, a treasure trove of art and a testament to princely Mysore’s culture.
• Behold Lalitha Mahal Palace, a beacon of opulence and one of the most elegant Mysore cultural landmarks.
• Explore the city’s vibrant markets and bazaars, pulsating with life and brimming with local arts and crafts.

Embracing each site on this route enriches you with a narrative that’s distinctly Mysore—an intertwining of magnificence, tradition, and nature’s beauty. By the end of the day, you’ll not just carry memories of scenic views, but a sense of connection with the cultural heartbeat of this historical city.

Midday Retreat: Finding Serenity in Mysore’s Natural Beauty

As you transition into the afternoon of your Mysore one-day tour, it’s time for a soothing interlude amidst the city’s verdant splendor. Your quest for tranquility can find its destination at the Brindavan Gardens, a breathtaking expanse that echoes the grandeur of the Shalimar Gardens. Here, symmetry and precision artfully converge within the terraced lawns, looking even more spectacular alongside the gardens’ pride—the Musical Fountain. This synchronized water ballet, set to the tunes of harmonious music, adds a rhythmic pulse to the naturally calming environment, making your Brindavan Gardens visit a highlight of Mysore tranquility.

A short jaunt from this formal grandiosity leads you to the placid shores of Karanji Lake. As part of your Mysore sightseeing, a nature walk around this lake becomes a wholly different experience—one that sings the praises of simplicity and the beauty of the natural world. Stroll under the canopy of trees and discover why it emerges as one of the most serene spots in Mysore. The lake serves as a sanctuary, not just for the myriad bird species that flutter and float over its waters, but also for visitors seeking a reprieve from the bustle of the city.

Whether you’re pausing on a bench beside elegant boulevards of flowers, or observing an egret glide gracefully towards the water, Karanji Lake nature walks are an ideal, unhurried counterpoint to the morning’s architectural pursuits. Both the garden and the lake afford peaceful discoveries and are inimitable facets of Mysore’s diverse mosaic of experiences—each offering you a space to reflect, rejuvenate, and bask in the natural splendor that Mysore so generously unfolds.

Source Links

• https://www.mysoretourism.org.in/one-day-mysore-top-places-to-visit
• https://www.thrillophilia.com/places-to-visit-in-mysore-in-one-day
• https://foxtravels.in/product/mysore-one-day-tour-package/

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Posted on Jun 21, 2017

12 Types of Travel Writing Every Writer Should Know

So, you want to be a travel writer?

There are plenty of reality doses out there already, so we’re going to focus on the positives, and what you can do to maximize your chances of travel writing professionally. One of the first steps: you should absolutely know your markets, and what types of travel writing are popular in them. In today’s competitive market, this knowledge can both help you structure your article  and target the right audience.

In this post, we break down modern travel writing into three distinct categories: freelance journalism , blogging, and book-writing. Then we identify the prevalent types of travel writing each category is known for, to give you an initial sort of compass in the industry.

Freelance Travel Journalism

The truth is this: the travel sections in major publications (New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal) are slimmer now, so competition will be tall. But there are other outlets. Local newspapers are sometimes open to travel pitches from freelancers. Certain websites pay for travel articles, while magazines can be great for targeting niche audiences.

So what are the common types of freelance travel journalism?

Destination articles

Here, the game’s in the name: destination articles tell readers about a place to which they might want to travel one day. One of the most standard type of travel stories, these pieces act as the armchair reader’s bird-eye view of a place. Useful or interesting facts pepper the writing. History, points of interest, natural scenery, trendy spots: a destination article can touch upon them all within the framework of a broad narrative.

Where the average article gives readers a sense of the destination, the best of the best convinces readers that this is a destination they want, nay, need to visit. As such, though some destination articles are written in first person, the focus is rarely on the writer. Instead, the destination is the star of the show.

For examples of destination articles, check out:

• Besalú, the most interesting Spanish village you probably don’t know (LA Times)
• In Indonesia (Washington Post)
• 36 Hours In The Finger Lakes Region of New York (New York Times)

Special-interest articles

Special-interest articles are offshoots of destination articles. Instead of taking the reader on a tour of an entire country or city, these pieces cover one particular aspect of the destination. This kind of writing can cover anything from art in Colombia, ghost towns in the U.S., trekking in Patagonia, alpaca farms in Australia, motorbiking in Brazil, railroads in France, volunteering in Tanzania — you get the gist.

Since special-interest articles are narrower in topic, many writers tailor them for niche magazines or websites. Before you start pitching, we recommend flipping through the Writer’s Handbook , one of the most useful guides to the freelance publishing market, to see which publications fit your target audience.

For a taste of some special-interest articles, see:

• Exploring Portugal — From Pork To Port (epicurious.com)
• This Unsung Corner of Spain is Home to Fabulous Food (Washington Post)
• Karsts of China's Getu River region attract rock climbers, other travelers (CNN Travel)

Holiday and special events

Holiday and special events travel articles ask writers to write about a destination before the event takes place. The biggest global events are magnets for this type of travel writing, such as the World Cup, the Olympics, the World Expo, fashion weeks, and film festivals. Depending on the publication, regional events work just as well.

Want to see what special events pieces look like? Have a read through these:

• This summer’s solar eclipse is southern Illinois’ chance to shine (Chicago Tribune)
• How To Plan A Trip To The 2016 Rio Olympics (Travel & Leisure)

You’ll recognize a round-up article when you see one, as it’ll go, “40 best beaches in West Europe,” or, perhaps, “20 of the greatest walks in the world!” It’s a classic tool in any magazine or newspaper writer’s toolbox, taking a bunch of destinations and grouping them all under one common thread.

Ultimately, a clear motif makes this type of article a breeze to read, as they’re a play on the ubiquitous List Format. But, OK, before you jump at this excuse to sacrifice your belly at 99 food trucks in New York City, remember that your premise should be original, not to mention practical. What’s tough is coming up with X ways to do Y in the first place, as that demands you put in the travel and research to produce a thorough write-up.

Want even more examples of round-up articles? Here you go:

• 12 new art exhibits to see this summer (Smithsonian)
• 21 ways to see America for cheap (Huffington Post)
• 41 places to go in 2011 (New York Times)

Personal essays

Publishers are experiencing something of a personal essay fatigue , so the market for more might be scarce these days. However, quality trumps all, and a good personal travel essay is just plain good writing in disguise: something that possesses a strong voice while showing insight, growth, and backstory.

Just don’t make it a diary entry. In an interview with The Atlantic , travel writer Paul Theroux said: “The main shortcut is to leave out boring things. People write about getting sick, they write about tummy trouble. They write about waiting. They write three pages about how long it took them to get a visa. I’m not interested in the boring parts. Everyone has tummy trouble. Everyone waits in line. I don’t want to hear about it.”

Here’s a jumping-off point for personal travel essays:

• Taking the Great American Roadtrip (Smithsonian)

Have a burning opinion to share? Sometimes publications end up giving op-eds to staff, but there are always open calls for opinion pieces.

Travel op-eds are much rarer than political opinion pieces, but there’s a pattern to the ones that make the cut: good persuasive writing. If you can come at a topic from a unique angle (and argue your case clearly) then you may be able to publish your opinion.

If you’re in the mood for travel op-ed articles, see:

• The West Coast Is The Best Coast For Food In America (Food & Wine)
• Why Climate Change Is Actually Relevant To Travel (Conde Nast)

Travel Blogging

When typing “travel blog” into Google returns 295 million results, we can guess it’s a fairly competitive market.

Here’s the plus side: bloggers get to write what they want and go where they please. When it comes to blog posts, there are no editors, no gatekeepers. Only you and the “PUBLISH” button.

We won’t go revisit the types of travel writing we covered earlier (such as the roundup format). Instead, we’ll explore some of the other formats bloggers use to tell their travel stories. Since the rules of travel blogging are next to non-existent, our tally below is by no means definitive. And, again, our best advice is to note what your favorite bloggers do on their blogs.

Already running a successful travel blog? You might consider turning that blog into a book !

How-To articles are already fairly popular in magazines, but they’re positively omnipresent in the travel blogging world. Blogs provide a direct communication platform, allowing trust to build up quicker with the readers. As a result, for the search query, “How to travel Europe on a budget,” six out of the top ten results are posts from trusted independent blogs.

A How-To article is the most standard form of advice column a travel blogger can produce. It’s intrinsically useful, promising that it’ll teach something by article’s end. A blogger’s challenge is delivering fully on that promise.

How to read more How-To articles? We got you covered:

• How To Start A Travel Blog (Nomadic Matt)
• How To Travel Solo To A Party Destination (Adventurous Kate)
• How to Visit Penang’s Kek Lok Si Temple (Migrationology)

Itineraries

Itineraries reveal the schedule that the writer took at a given destination, city-by-city or sight-by-sight. They’re meant for the traveler who’s embarking on a similar trip and needs a template. Typically, you’ll find that an itinerary post is an easy place for you to slip in recommendations, anything from the accommodation you used or the restaurants you tried.

You can use itinerary posts to reinforce your blog’s brand. For instance, an itinerary posted on a blog focused around budget travel will probably maximize cost-saving chances.

For more itineraries, see:

• My Trip To Japan (A Complete Japan Itinerary)
• Backpacking Vietnam on a budget: 2-3 Weeks Itinerary + Tips

Longform posts

Longform travel blogging tells a travel story through extended narrative content, as it takes a week’s worth of adventure and shapes it into a story. Longform blog posts about travel often end up being creative nonfiction : a way to present nonfiction — factually accurate prose about real people and events — in a compelling, vivid, dramatic manner.

Photography can add another dimension to the form, as Emmanuel Nataf (our co-founder!) shows on his travel blog . And Reedsy's very own Arielle provides a glimpse into why she prefers longform travel writing on her blog, Steps, a Travel Journal :

My favourite kinds of stories are the ones that give you a real sense of place. That’s why I enjoy longform travel blogging: I get to describe the character of a place through the experiences I encountered there.

If you want to dip your toe into the sea of longform posts, you can also read:

• The Cow Head Taco Philosopher King of Oaxaca (Legal Nomads)
• The Best Worst Museum In The World

When it comes to writing a book, you can take all the challenges about travel writing from above and magnify it times 2,000. If you’re asking readers to commit to you for more than 100 pages, you’d best make sure that your book is worth their while.

As far as examples go, travel writing’s boomed in the mainstream book market recently. But there’s much more to it than Eat, Pray, Love and its descendants.

Travelogues

In travelogues, authors record their adventures in a way that illustrates or sheds insight upon the place itself. Travelogues possess a storied past, from Lady Mary Wortley Montagu’s Turkish Embassy Letters in 1763 to Mark Twain’s 1867 The Innocents Abroad , which paved the way for the sort of comic travelogues that Bill Bryson’s perfected today.

Up for some travelogues? Check out:

• Notes From A Small Island , by Bill Bryson
• In Patagonia , by Bruce Chatwin
• Travels with Charley In Search of America , by John Steinbeck

Travel memoirs

Nowadays, travel memoirs are practically synonymous with Elizabeth Gilbert’s wildly popular Eat, Pray, Love and Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling Wild , which were both recently adapted into Hollywood blockbusters.

That said, be aware that you’ll need a pretty exceptional personal story for your memoir to compete in today’s market . If you’re still set on writing or self-publishing a travel memoir, it’s tricky to balance personal backstory and travel for 400 pages, so think about taking on a professional for a second pair of eyes.

Did you know? You can find Nicki Richesin , a top Bloomsbury editor who’s edited for Cheryl Strayed, on our marketplace.

In addition to Eat, Pray, Love and Wild , you can read:

• Under the Tuscan Sun , by Frances Mayes
• Coasting , by Jonathan Raban
• Wind, Sand, and Stars , by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

As Oscar Wilde said, “I never travel without my diary. One should always keep something sensational to read in the train.” But these days, people are replacing diaries with travel guides — the ubiquitous Lonely Planet becoming one of the more common sights on transit.

Travel writing in guidebooks is straightforward, informative, and fact-filled. In addition, there’s a certain amount of responsibility that comes with the job. Lonely Planet alone is read by millions of travelers worldwide.

General Tips and Guidelines

As we mentioned before, the trick to producing great travel writing is ultimately simply writing well . To that extent, you should make sure to follow all the guidelines of good writing — not least, spell-checking your article before submitting or publishing it anywhere. You don’t want an editor or reader to see it while it stilll reads lik edis.

Also, keep in mind the tone, style, and vibe of the publication and platform (and by extension, your audience). A story about a moon-rock could go into a kid's magazine or it could go into Scientific America .

Finally, some category-specific tips:

• If you’re freelance writing, always check submission guidelines. Publications may accept only pitches or they may welcome articles “on spec” (pre-written articles). Some sources only take travel articles that were written within 6 months of the trip.
• If you’re blogging, brand your website (same advice if you’re an author who’s building an author website ).
• If you’re writing a book, get a professional editor! An unedited book is an unwieldy thing, and professional eyes provide direction, continuity, and assonance. ( Layout designers can be important if you’re publishing a travel photography book, in the meanwhile.)

Travel writing isn't a cinch. In fact, it's a long and often hard grind. But by figuring out what type of travel writing you want to try your hand at, you're taking the crucial first step.

Have you tried travel writing before? Want to show us the cool travel blog that you're keeping? We're always in the mood for great travel writing + pretty pictures. Leave us a note in the comments and we'll be sure to check it out! 

7 responses

Amanda Turner says:

20/03/2018 – 16:20

Thank you, this was very helpful. Here's one of mine: http://vagabondingwithkids.com/every-mothers-guide-to-piranha-fishing-in-the-amazon/

Travalerie says:

24/05/2018 – 18:42

I landed on this page Googling for one thing and coming up with another. Haha! But what I found instead was helpful as I'm devouring as much as I can on travel writing. A few months ago, I started a new travel business, revamped my website including a new blog, and am in the process of writing, writing, writing. I took 2 trips this year so far and wrote what seemed like a mini-novella. Burning out in the process. I know I can do better. But I had no idea what I was writing could be re-worked to fit a certain category of travel writing -- which is what I found helpful in this post above. Thanks https://www.travalerie.com/blog

Surya Thakur says:

04/03/2019 – 12:39

Very good information. Lucky me I discovered your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve saved as a favorite for later! KuLLuHuLLs

David Bishop says:

08/05/2019 – 12:28

Thanks for this good article. I'm in my third year on the road and recently started my senior solo adventure travel website. I think my site has some pretty good stuff, of course. Take a look and tell me what you think. www.davidhunterbishop.com

Iris C. Permuy says:

23/05/2019 – 18:03

Thank you very much for all of these useful pieces of advice. I will make sure to implement them all on my travel blog, which is a combination of travel and gastronomy and uses the memoir and itinerary types, apart from recipes. Come check it out if you feel like it! I am more than open, eager for some professional feedback :)

Serissa says:

26/10/2019 – 14:53

This post is the perfect diving board for aspiring travel writers. I plan to link to this page from my travel blog if that is alright! ?? The link on my website will appear as "[title of this post] by Reedsy Blog". I assume this is alright, but if not, please email me directly to let me know! Thanks so much!

↪️ Martin Cavannagh replied:

29/10/2019 – 10:11

We'd be absolutely delighted if you shared this article on your blog :)

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PHOTO TRAVELOGUES | Chapter 1: Mysore - A temple, a palace and monsoon

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“ I always thought good photos were like good jokes. If you have to explain it, it just isn’t that good. –   Anonymous

and hence, a travelogue around Chammundeshwari temple, the Mysore Palace and a shift of seasons caught between rapid shutter speeds.

A certain Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore

Which was hard to get over anything before 50 clicks

Just everyday scenery in South

Mysore Palace in a wrangle with the sky

Of panoramic fails

Find more getaways for your camera at Holidify ! 

And we are back to the temple

Violet skies

En Route #2

Mysore Travel Guide   Book Your Trip

And you thought you have to be in an airplane to see that – try Mysore !

Green And Blue

and Canon like object

Bad Weather|Good Weather

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Mysore Travel Guide Book Your Trip

Finding escapes from summer heat, this May? Read on to find out the Best place for May in India 

This post was published by Arushi Sablania

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Chronicles of a World Traveller

Smart Holiday Itineraries, Perfect Vacation Planner,Budget Travel Plans, Off-Beat Destinations in the World ! Top Travel Blog India & Travel Website

A Road trip from Bangalore to Mysore

While talking to a good friend of mine, based out of Bangalore , he happened to share his recent interesting journey of a Mysore road trip and asked if I can blog about it. I was quite to happy to do so on his behalf. Here’s him recounting the experience.. ” I always jump at the prospect of taking a solo road trip. There is something about being alone on the road with your thoughts. However, if I have too much on my mind, then I avoid driving solo. Last September, I had to travel to Mysore from Bangalore to attend a friend’s wedding. While I would have loved to drive, there were too many thoughts weighing on my mind. Therefore, I decided to avail a licensed Bangalore to Mysore car rental with a driver.

The distance between Bangalore and Mysore is 140-160 km – a 3-4 hour drive. I started comfortably at 7 in the morning – the reception was not until 9 at night. I thought of spending the day traveling and unwinding before attending the reception.

Bird Watching at Ramanagara

After a small discussion with the driver, we decided to take the Bangalore-Bidadi-Channapatna-Mandya-Mysore route. I took this route specifically because I wanted to visit the Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary at Ramanagara. The drive was smooth and relaxing and within around 90 minutes we reached the vulture sanctuary. After spending some time there and failing to spot any vultures, I decide to move on.

Shop Stop at Channapatna

My next halt in my Mysore road trip was at Channapatna – the town of wooden handicrafts. I have two kids, my next-door neighbor has one, my boss has two, and my colleagues have a total of 6 kids. Hence, this stop was mandatory as I needed to buy wooden toys for all the kids (the pre-condition for approving my leave!). Next, I visited the summer palace of Tipu Sultan. The palace is a great reminder of the Indo-Islamic architecture and was the summer residence of Tipu Sultan – majestic to say the least.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

After driving further, we reached the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary at Srirangapatna, barely 15 km from Mysore. The photographer in me suddenly woke up and I took my DSLR and headed in asking the driver to have a bite and rest since I was planning to be here for a while. The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is beautiful with six islets on the bank of the river Kaveri. The flora and fauna are a photographer’s dream come true. I went crazy clicking flowers and birds and landscapes and nature. I was probably here for 2-3 hours and would have stayed longer if the driver wouldn’t have called me to check if I was fine.

Food Stop at Srirangapatna

We then headed to the Thotada Mane restaurant in Srirangapatna for one of the most delicious vegetarian meals I had eaten in years. With my stomach full and mind relaxed, I asked the driver to finally take me to Mysore. Within 30 minutes, I was in the City of Palaces – Mysore. I thanked the driver and checked in to my hotel marking an end to the Mysore road trip.

During this entire road trip, the driver was extremely accommodating and helpful.”

One thing’s for sure. The next time I don’t feel like driving and want to book a dependable cab in Bangalore , I know who to call!

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That was an amazing road trip experience! I really liked the pictures of the birds at The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary .

Hire outstation and local AC cab with reasonable price, clean & sedan ,suv cars, well mannered and professional drivers . Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

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How to Write a Travelogue: 8 Tips To Write Better Travel Stories

As I wrote in a previous article , a travelogue is a truthful account of an individual’s experiences traveling, usually told in the past tense and in the first person. In that article, I focused on how travelogues compared to modern travel books. In this article, I will offer tips on how to write a captivating travelogue. You will learn how to avoid writing a traditional (and boring) “Dear Diary” travelogue and craft a modern and compelling travel story. 

What does a travelogue contain?

A travelogue contains vivid descriptions of the place you’re traveling in, descriptions of the subjective experiences of visiting a place (your thoughts, blunders, fears), informed commentary about a place (its history and culture), and accounts of your interactions with local people. Above all, a travelogue must tell a story.

A travelogue is not academic writing, so you need not make a formal argument and present evidence—keep formal language at bay. A travelogue is not a write-up for a tourism board or a marketing agency, so don’t try to “sell” the destination to your readers. A travelogue is not a guidebook or a blog post, so you need not be helpful, list “the top 10 best restaurants,” or offer practical travel tips or suggestions.

Rather, a travelogue is a creative narrative of your experiences traveling. 

Tell one specific story

Traditionally, travelogues were mundane accounts of what a person saw, did, and ate while traveling. But try to avoid giving a “Dear Diary” account of your travels. You will bore your readers if you write a step-by-step report of what you did, ate, and saw.

Instead, a travelogue will be more effective if it focuses on one interesting story from your travels. A destination is not a story. Neither is simply traveling from point A to point B.

Now that you’ve returned from your travels and want to write an essay or an article about your trip, review your notes and reflect on your experiences. Does a particular story stand out? Is there an experience that you can’t stop telling people about? Did you have a haunting, transformative, or enlightening experience? Did something bad or unexpected happen? If so, it might be a good candidate to write about.

Be descriptive

Now that you have your travel story in mind, think about the setting. 

Details and descriptions are essential in travel writing. They will make your writing and story more vivid. What sounds, scents, tastes, and textures did you experience? 

Give your readers a sense of what it is like to be there. Transport your reader to that specific time and place.

Be forthcoming

A travelogue is special because it gives us a glimpse of a foreign place, but it does so through the lens of the writer. We want to know your specific take on things. 

We are all human. We all think, have opinions, and get scared. What did you feel? Did your experience stir up old memories? Were you frightened? Did you embarrass yourself? Was there a misunderstanding? What did you learn?

Be honest with your own flaws, biases, and assumptions. Give your reader subjective and emotional insight.

Be engaging

We travel (and read travel stories) to engage with and learn about other cultures. And our best travel stories almost always involve interactions with local people you’ve met.

So, while it is good that your reader gets a glimpse into the subjective world of the author, we will want to hear other voices in your story too. 

What conversations did you have with the locals? Did anyone tell you something interesting, alarming, or enlightening? Who did you meet? Who were they? What did they look like? Did they have a particular manner of speaking? A distinctive feature?

Be informed

The point of a travelogue is to entertain, but sometimes it is good to inform. Sprinkle relevant information into your story.

Is there historical or cultural details that will help your reader understand why something is so? Did a local person reveal something interesting about the politics or history of a place?

How do you start a travelogue?

If a travelogue is a narrative account of your travels, then consider starting the travelogue with an inciting incident. Begin your travel story with something that will draw your reader in. Highlight a problem, conflict, struggle, or tension that will propel your story along. 

As Seth Kugel says, the best travels stories are when things go wrong.

For example, you can begin your travelogue by stating your quest or mission, and then complicating that with an obstacle that gets in the way. Or, you can start with an intrigue, curious statement, declaration, or observation. You can start  in media res , and then fill in the story later. 

The trick is to hook your reader.

How do you end a travelogue?

Like any story, a memorable travelogue will offer a resolution. Consider ending your story with a transformation or a resolution, a return to the beginning, a moral, a message, or a revelation. 

You want to give your reader a sense of closure, that the specific story has ended.

Tips to write a better travelogue

• Tell a specific story
• Describe the outer world using vivid descriptions
• Reveal the inner world (your thoughts, mistakes, missteps, blunders, excitements, etc.)
• Provide informed commentary (historical, political, cultural, etc.)
• Talk to locals and describe your interactions with them
• Use a conversational tone and avoid fancy/big words, marketing jargon, and guidebook speak
• Begin with an intrigue, something going wrong, or a compelling or captivating moment
• End with a resolution, a moral, a message, or a revelation

Do you have any other tips on how to write a better travelogue?

Last Updated on 29 November 2020 by Travel Writing World

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Travel Writing World

With an emphasis on travel books and long-form travel literature, host Jeremy Bassetti talks with the world’s most inspiring travel writers about their work and about the business and craft of travel writing in this award-winning podcast and website. In addition to the podcast, the site also features travel writer profiles, book reviews, and articles.

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What I want to know is how to write your thoughts? In Italics so the readers knows that’s your thoughts or constantly writing “I remember thinking…” “I thought to myself”. I prefer just writing my thoughts as italics but is this the accepted way? Will an editor hate it and want me to rewrite is what I’m asking.

You’re talking about “internal dialog.” Do a google search to see what others think, but here is my take. Italics and quotes are both accepted forms. There is also a third way: don’t use italics, quotes, or thought/dialog tags at all. While this depends on the point of view of the work, I’m assuming that that you’re writing in the first-person present or past if you’re writing a travelogue. Why not use italics, quotation marks, or tags if you’re writing in the first-person? It will be implied that the narrator who says “I” or “me” is the one doing the thinking. So, instead of writing Why did the man steal my purse , I thought… You could simply write: Why did the man steal my purse? as it will be implied that the narrator is the one having the thought.

Just finished my travelogue book

Great. What is it about?

Just starting up and very much enjoyed this article.

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My Sore in Mysore!

Wondered what’s my sore in Mysore? It was a holiday and most of the tourist spots were closed!

Mysore, known as the city of palace  is the cultural capital of the state of Karnataka and was previously known as the Kingdom of Mysore ruled by the Wodiyar family. This place is famous for arts and culture because the Mysore kings were arts enthusiasts and their legacy continues to influence the new generation.

We reached Mysore past midnight from Calicut yet not tired. That was one of the longest road trip I had yet the funniest by far. The next day we started to uncover the city.

Our first stop is the St. Philomena’s Church. Inspired by the architecture of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany and manifested by pointed arches and vaulted ceilings, this Neo Gothic styled Catholic church  was built and fortified in 1956.  The twin fleche of the church is 175 feet  in height, making it a distinctive landmark around the city. The church’ floor plan resembles a cross. Its windows are stained glass illustrating the birth of Christ, the last supper, the crucifixion, the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Below the main altar is a catacomb preserving the relics of the saint. The underground has two exits, both have walls which have a lot of prayers written on it by different people. When we get there, writing on that wall is no longer allowed. Taking the exit, you will go out and see this grotto on your right. By the way, taking photos is not allowed inside the church.

After the church, our guide took us to one of the shops which are selling souvenirs. Though not much interested, we make a way for our guide and agreed to be there because the shop will be giving him 1 liter of petrol or so.  As I observed, this is common in the state of Karnataka.

Then, we proceed to the famous Mysore Palace, the official residence of the Wodiyar’s, the Maharajas of Mysore (the royal family of Mysore).  Before we brought ourselves inside, we still wandered outside and checked as to what every stall has for us. Refreshment is  also available so we took one 🙂

We lined ourselves to the full packed entrance of the Palace and was saddened to know that cameras are not allowed 🙁

The façade of the three storied granite building has seven expansive arches with two small arches on the side of the central arch. Above the stone structure are the beautiful deep pink marble domes flanking on the edges of the palace and the central arch. Historically, this palace was previously made of wood but was destroyed by a fire. Using the same foundation, they rebuild the palace ensuring that it’s fireproof since then.

Every part of the palace’ interior is an eye-catcher that can glue your eyes on, an attention-grabber that holds your interest, a mind-blower that is capable of taking you to another world and an amazement-maker that  could stop anyone in track. This is a lavish house of art work. The walls, colorful palace columns and ceilings are not merely painted, every detail of it is exquisitely and meticulously carved to perfection by many skilled and gifted hands.

The palace has a total of five gates. It is surrounded with a wide garden adorned with different colorful flowers. Except Sundays, the palace is illuminated from 19:00 to 19:45 yet we were not able to see it.

The roads in Mysore are green-filled and shaded with tree leaves and twigs. You will also see many wild cows freely roaming the streets while some have ornaments on their body used by residents for begging.

Since many spots were closed that day, we in line ourselves to the ticketing counter  to get a ticket to Bangalore but strangely, after approaching one of the counter staff, he suddenly disappears from his chair. We approached the other one with a poker face and told us that the system is down and no further question was entertained. I cannot understand if they were just unwilling to speak, not willing to accommodate, rude or we were just having a language barrier.  Good thing, the man standing behind us told us that we can get a ticket from the bus.

So we decided to take our lunch before we sadly part ways. We headed Bangalore by a local bus while the three monkeys went back to Calicut.

These guys truly enrich our experience in India. Apart from all the spots, the people that we met here matters the most. As Anthony Bourdain says, You leave marks when you travel and in return, life and travel leaves mark on you. Most of the time, those marks are on your body or on your heart. Saddened to bid goodbye to the funniest game-changers of Calicut 🙁

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” Aldous Huxley

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Mysore, the city of palaces, is a true gem of South India. From its rich history and culture to its breathtaking architecture, this city has something to offer for every traveler. Whether you're visiting the magnificent Mysore Palace, exploring the charming streets of Devaraja Market, or admiring the beauty of St. Philomena's Church, you're sure to be enchanted by this city's charm.

Mysore Quotes And Captions For Instagram:

• "Mysore: A fusion of history, culture, and architectural wonders."
• "Discovering the regal charm of Mysore, where time stands still."
• "Mysore – the city where palaces and gardens create a magical ambiance."
• "In Mysore, the past and the present intertwine to create a captivating story."
• "The majestic allure of Mysore – a treasure trove of Indian heritage."
• "Mysore, where the echoes of royalty resound through the city streets."
• "A journey through Mysore's rich history, one breathtaking sight at a time."
• "Mysore – a city that tells a tale of beauty, culture, and splendor."
• "In the heart of Mysore, tradition and modernity embrace."
• "Mysore – an enchanting blend of history and vibrant city life."

Also Read -   Vacations Quotes and Captions for Instagram

Mysore Quotes:

• "Mysore – a city that celebrates the beauty of Indian heritage."
• "In the streets of Mysore, the legacy of the past comes to life."
• "The magic of Mysore lies in its rich history and vibrant atmosphere."
• "Mysore, where the spirit of royalty is etched in every corner."
• "The timeless charm of Mysore leaves a lasting impression on the heart."
• "In Mysore, the whispers of a bygone era resonate with every step."
• "Mysore – a city that wears its heritage with pride and elegance."
• "A journey through Mysore's history is a journey through the soul of India."
• "The beauty of Mysore lies in its ability to preserve its past while embracing the future."
• "Mysore – a testament to the glory and grandeur of Indian culture."

Also Read -  Happy Journey Wishes for Loved Ones

Mysore Captions:

• "Mysore – where the past comes alive in a breathtaking display of beauty."
• "Exploring the regal charm of Mysore, one enchanting sight at a time."
• "Mysore – a city that celebrates its rich history with grace and splendor."
• "In Mysore, the spirit of royalty is forever etched in its architectural wonders."
• "Mysore – a city that blends history, culture, and modernity in perfect harmony."
• "Embracing the timeless charm and grandeur of Mysore."
• "A journey through Mysore – a city that tells a story of beauty and heritage."
• "Mysore – where history, culture, and architecture come together in a stunning display."
• "Discovering the heart and soul of Mysore, one captivating sight at a time."
• "In the embrace of Mysore's beauty, the spirit of India comes alive."

Also Read -  Train Journey Quotes and Captions for Instagram

Best Mysore Captions For Instagram:

• "Mysore – a city that captivates the heart with its regal charm and timeless beauty."
• "The magic of Mysore: where history, culture, and architectural wonders collide."
• "Embracing the enchanting allure of Mysore – a city steeped in tradition and elegance."
• "Mysore – where the past whispers its stories through the streets and palaces."
• "Discovering the heart of Mysore, a city that wears its heritage with pride."
• "In the regal embrace of Mysore, every sight tells a story of grandeur."
• "Mysore – where the spirit of India shines in its vibrant history and culture."
• "A journey through Mysore's majestic wonders and captivating heritage."
• "Mysore, a city that embodies the essence of India's rich past and present."
• "Exploring Mysore – the perfect blend of history, culture, and unforgettable sights."

Also Read -  Safe Flight Wishes

Mysore Sightseeing Quotes For Instagram:

• "Mysore – a treasure trove of architectural marvels and cultural delights."
• "In the heart of Mysore's captivating sights, the spirit of India comes alive."
• "Discovering the wonders of Mysore, one breathtaking sight at a time."
• "Mysore's enchanting landmarks – a testament to the beauty of Indian heritage."
• "A journey through Mysore's captivating sights – where history meets artistry."
• "Mysore, a city that weaves a tapestry of history, culture, and stunning sights."
• "In the embrace of Mysore's landmarks, the soul of India resonates."
• "Exploring Mysore's captivating wonders – a feast for the eyes and the soul."
• "Mysore – where every sight tells a story of grandeur and splendor."
• "Unveiling the enchanting beauty of Mysore's landmarks – a journey through time."

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Caption For Mysore Photos:

• "Mysore – a city that tells its story through its captivating sights."
• "Capturing the essence of Mysore's beauty, one photo at a time."
• "Mysore – where the camera lens unveils the splendor of India's rich heritage."
• "Through the lens: Mysore's timeless charm and regal allure."
• "Mysore – a city that leaves a lasting impression on the heart and the camera."
• "In the frame: Mysore's captivating beauty and cultural wonders."
• "Mysore – where every photo captures a story of history, culture, and elegance."
• "Snapping the heart of Mysore – a city that wears its heritage with pride."
• "Capturing Mysore's essence – a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking sights."
• "Mysore through the lens – a city that tells a tale of beauty and grandeur."

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Mysore Palace Quotes:

• "Mysore Palace – a mesmerizing fusion of history, grandeur, and architectural mastery."
• "In the regal embrace of Mysore Palace, the legacy of India's royal past comes alive."
• "Mysore Palace, where the whispers of royalty echo through its majestic halls."
• "A journey through Mysore Palace – a splendid testament to India's glorious past."
• "The captivating beauty of Mysore Palace, a symbol of India's rich heritage."
• "Mysore Palace – where the past and present unite in a breathtaking display of elegance."
• "In the heart of Mysore Palace, the spirit of India's royal history resonates."
• "Mysore Palace, an architectural wonder that stands tall as a beacon of India's regal past."
• "The timeless allure of Mysore Palace, a celebration of India's magnificent heritage."
• "Mysore Palace – a stunning ode to the grandeur and splendor of India's royalty."

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Mysore Vibes Quotes:

• "Mysore – a city that embraces its history with a vibrant and captivating energy."
• "In the streets of Mysore, the spirit of India's rich heritage comes alive."
• "Mysore vibes – where the essence of India's past mingles with the present."
• "Mysore – a city that radiates the warmth of its culture and the charm of its history."
• "Discovering the vibrant energy of Mysore, a city that celebrates its unique heritage."
• "Mysore vibes – the perfect blend of ancient charm and modern allure."
• "In Mysore, the heart and soul of India's rich history and culture shine through."
• "Mysore – where every corner hums with the energy of its captivating past."
• "Embracing the unique and inspiring spirit of Mysore – a city that tells a story."
• "Mysore – a city that captures the heart with its vibrant energy and timeless charm."

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Mysore Best Hill Station Quotes:

• "Mysore – a hill station that offers a perfect escape to the realm of beauty and serenity."
• "In the hills of Mysore, the soul of India's rich culture and heritage comes alive."
• "Mysore – a hill station that captivates the heart with its picturesque landscapes and vibrant energy."
• "Discovering the charm of Mysore, a hill station that weaves a tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty."
• "Mysore – a hill station that embodies the essence of India's rich past and breathtaking landscapes."
• "In the embrace of Mysore's hills, the spirit of India's vibrant history and culture resonates."
• "Mysore – a hill station that offers a journey through time, beauty, and captivating heritage."
• "The enchanting allure of Mysore, a hill station that celebrates the splendor of India's natural wonders."
• "Mysore – a hill station where the charm of India's past and the beauty of its landscapes merge."
• "In the hills of Mysore, the soul of India finds its expression in breathtaking vistas and cultural richness."

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Mysore Mountain Captions For Instagram:

• "In the shadow of Mysore's mountains, the essence of India's rich history unfolds."
• "Embracing the serene beauty of Mysore's mountains – a journey through nature's marvels."
• "Mysore – where the mountains stand guard, protecting the city's timeless charm."
• "Scaling the heights of Mysore's mountains, a breathtaking experience of nature and history."
• "Among Mysore's mountains, the echoes of India's captivating past resound."
• "Mysore's mountains – a testament to the beauty and power of India's natural wonders."
• "In the embrace of Mysore's mountains, the spirit of India's rich heritage soars."
• "Mysore – where the mountains and history blend in a breathtaking panorama."
• "Discovering Mysore's mountains, a perfect backdrop for a city steeped in culture and history."
• "Mysore's mountains – the silent witnesses to the city's enchanting past."

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Beautiful Captions About Mysore:

• "Mysore – a city that paints a picture of history, culture, and captivating beauty."
• "In the heart of Mysore, the charm of India's rich heritage blooms."
• "Mysore – a celebration of architectural marvels, vibrant culture, and timeless allure."
• "Unveiling the captivating beauty of Mysore, a city that tells a story of elegance and heritage."
• "Mysore – where the past and present intertwine, creating a tapestry of stunning beauty."
• "Discovering Mysore – a city that weaves a tale of history, culture, and enchanting charm."
• "The alluring beauty of Mysore, where every corner whispers the tales of a bygone era."
• "Mysore – a city that captures the heart with its regal charm and vibrant energy."
• "Embracing the enchanting allure of Mysore – a city steeped in history and cultural richness."
• "Mysore – where the echoes of a vibrant past resonate through its majestic palaces and streets."

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Mysore Captions for Instagram:

• "Mysore – a city that embraces its history with a warm and captivating energy."
• "A journey through Mysore's captivating past, one unforgettable sight at a time."
• "Mysore – where the spirit of India's rich heritage shines through its vibrant streets."
• "In the heart of Mysore, the soul of India's captivating past comes alive."
• "Discovering the essence of Mysore, a city that celebrates its unique history and culture."
• "Mysore – a city that wears its heritage with pride, captivating the hearts of all who visit."
• "The enchanting charm of Mysore, where history and beauty intertwine."
• "Mysore – a celebration of architectural splendor, vibrant culture, and timeless elegance."
• "Capturing the heart and soul of Mysore, a city that tells a story of beauty and heritage."
• "Mysore – where every sight whispers the tales of India's rich history and cultural legacy."

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Mysore Famous Quotes: 

• "Mysore, known for its stunning architecture and rich history, enchants the hearts of all who visit."
• "In Mysore, the spirit of India's captivating past comes to life through its majestic palaces and vibrant culture."
• "Mysore – renowned for its architectural marvels and cultural heritage, a city that tells a fascinating story."
• "The charm of Mysore, famous for its history and architectural beauty, is simply unforgettable."
• "Mysore, a city celebrated for its stunning landmarks and rich heritage, showcases the heart and soul of India."
• "In the regal embrace of Mysore, the echoes of India's captivating past resonate."
• "Mysore – where the grandeur of its palaces and the charm of its heritage create a lasting impression."
• "The allure of Mysore, renowned for its rich history and architectural splendor, is simply captivating."
• "Mysore, a city celebrated for its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty."
• "In the heart of Mysore, the spirit of India's rich past flourishes."

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Best Mysore Skydiving Quotes:

• "Skydiving in Mysore – a thrilling adventure above a city steeped in history and beauty."
• "Soaring through Mysore's skies – an exhilarating experience that defies gravity and ignites the soul."
• "Mysore skydiving – where the thrill of flight meets the enchantment of India's rich heritage."
• "Embracing the skies above Mysore, a breathtaking journey that sets the spirit free."
• "In the skies of Mysore, the spirit of adventure and the charm of history unite."
• "Skydiving in Mysore – a unique and thrilling way to experience the city's captivating beauty."
• "Mysore's skies – a canvas for adrenaline-fueled adventures and unforgettable memories."
• "Soaring above Mysore, where history and excitement blend in a breathtaking panorama."
• "Skydiving in Mysore – the perfect combination of adrenaline, history, and natural beauty."
• "In Mysore, the sky is not the limit – it's just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure."

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Mysore Trip Captions With Friend:

• "Exploring the wonders of Mysore, hand in hand with friends and memories that will last a lifetime."
• "Mysore adventures – where the spirit of friendship meets the charm of history."
• "Discovering Mysore's beauty with friends, creating moments we'll cherish forever."
• "In Mysore, the spirit of friendship and the magic of history unite in a captivating journey."
• "Mysore memories – where the bonds of friendship grow stronger in the embrace of a rich heritage."
• "Friends and Mysore – a combination that makes for an unforgettable adventure."
• "In the streets of Mysore, friends and history come together in a celebration of life and legacy."
• "Mysore – where friendships flourish in the heart of a city steeped in history and charm."
• "Sharing the enchanting beauty of Mysore with friends, creating memories that will last a lifetime."
• "With friends by my side, Mysore's captivating allure takes on a whole new meaning."

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Mysore Trip Captions With Family:

• "Mysore – a city that brings families together in a journey through history, culture, and love."
• "In the heart of Mysore, the bonds of family grow stronger amidst a rich heritage."
• "Creating cherished family memories in the enchanting city of Mysore."
• "Discovering Mysore's captivating beauty with family by our side, making memories to last a lifetime."
• "Mysore – where the magic of family and the charm of history unite in a breathtaking journey."
• "In Mysore, the spirit of family and the echoes of a rich past come together in perfect harmony."
• "Mysore memories – where family bonds are strengthened in the embrace of India's captivating heritage."
• "Exploring the wonders of Mysore, hand in hand with family and unforgettable moments."
• "Family and Mysore – a combination that makes for an enchanting and memorable adventure."
• "With family by our side, Mysore's captivating allure takes on a whole new meaning."

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Mysore Trip Captions With Husband:

• "Mysore – where love blossoms in the embrace of a city steeped in history and beauty."
• "Exploring the enchanting city of Mysore, hand in hand with my love."
• "In Mysore, the spirit of romance and the charm of history unite in a breathtaking journey."
• "Creating unforgettable memories with my husband in the magical city of Mysore."
• "Mysore – where love and history come together, creating a tapestry of romance and adventure."
• "Discovering the wonders of Mysore with my husband, a journey that will forever be etched in our hearts."
• "In the streets of Mysore, the love between us grows stronger amidst the echoes of a rich past."
• "With my husband by my side, the captivating allure of Mysore takes on a whole new meaning."
• "Mysore – a city that strengthens the bonds of love and inspires a lifetime of memories."
• "Love blooms in Mysore, where history and romance intertwine in a captivating dance."

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Mysore Trip Captions With Wife:

• "Mysore – a city that celebrates love and history, making for an unforgettable journey with my wife."
• "Walking hand in hand through Mysore's enchanting streets, creating memories that will last a lifetime."
• "In Mysore, love and history come together to create a romantic adventure like no other."
• "Discovering the wonders of Mysore with my wife, cherishing each moment in this enchanting city."
• "Mysore – where the spirit of romance flourishes amidst a rich and captivating heritage."
• "Exploring the beauty of Mysore, hand in hand with my wife and a lifetime of memories."
• "The love between us grows stronger in the heart of Mysore, a city steeped in history and charm."
• "With my wife by my side, Mysore's captivating allure becomes even more enchanting."
• "Mysore – a city that inspires love and celebrates the bond between two hearts."
• "In Mysore, the dance of romance and history creates a memorable experience for a lifetime."

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• "Mysore – where love blossoms amidst the echoes of history and the whispers of timeless beauty."
• "Hand in hand with my husband, exploring the enchanting streets of Mysore."
• "In Mysore, the spirit of romance and the charm of history unite, creating memories to cherish forever."
• "Creating unforgettable moments with my husband in the magical city of Mysore."
• "Mysore – where love and history come together, weaving a tapestry of romance and adventure."
• "In the streets of Mysore, our love grows stronger amidst the echoes of a rich past."

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• "Mysore – a city that celebrates love and history, creating an unforgettable journey with my wife."
• "Walking hand in hand through Mysore's enchanting streets, cherishing each moment together."
• "Discovering the wonders of Mysore with my wife, creating memories that will last a lifetime."
• "Our love grows stronger in the heart of Mysore, a city steeped in history and charm."

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Mysore Trip Captions With Best Friends:

• "Discovering Mysore's captivating beauty with best friends, creating moments we'll cherish forever."
• "In Mysore, friendships flourish in the heart of a city steeped in history and charm."
• "Mysore – where the magic of friendship and the allure of history unite in a breathtaking journey."
• "Exploring the wonders of Mysore with best friends, hand in hand and memories that will last a lifetime."
• "In Mysore, the spirit of friendship and the echoes of a rich past come together in perfect harmony."
• "Mysore memories – where the bonds of friendship grow stronger in the embrace of a captivating heritage."
• "Sharing the enchanting beauty of Mysore with best friends, creating memories that will last a lifetime."

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Mysore Trip Captions for Solo Trip: 

• "Embracing the magic of Mysore on a solo journey, discovering myself amidst its rich history."
• "Exploring the captivating beauty of Mysore, where the echoes of the past meet the whispers of self-discovery."
• "Mysore – a solo adventure that brings together the charm of history and the spirit of personal growth."
• "Wandering the enchanting streets of Mysore, seeking adventure and creating unforgettable memories."
• "In Mysore, the spirit of self-discovery flourishes amidst a rich and captivating heritage."
• "A solo journey through Mysore – where history, adventure, and self-reflection intertwine."
• "Mysore – where the magic of history meets the soul of the solo traveler."
• "In the heart of Mysore, finding myself and uncovering the city's captivating beauty."
• "A solo adventure in Mysore – the perfect blend of history, culture, and self-discovery."
• "Exploring the wonders of Mysore, a solo journey that brings together the past and the present in a captivating dance."

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Mysore Trip Captions for Romantic Couple:

• "Mysore – a city that celebrates love and history, creating unforgettable memories for romantic couples."
• "Walking hand in hand through Mysore's enchanting streets, our love blossoming amidst the echoes of the past."
• "Discovering the wonders of Mysore as a romantic couple, creating memories that will last a lifetime."
• "Exploring the beauty of Mysore, hand in hand with my love, cherishing each moment together."
• "With my love by my side, Mysore's captivating allure takes on a whole new meaning."

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Mysore Love Quotes:

• "In the enchanting city of Mysore, love and history dance together in a timeless embrace."
• "Mysore – where the whispers of history and the echoes of love unite, creating a beautiful symphony."
• "Love blossoms amidst the captivating charm of Mysore, a city steeped in history and romance."
• "In Mysore, the spirit of love flourishes alongside the echoes of a rich and captivating past."
• "Mysore – a city where love and history intertwine, weaving a tapestry of romance and adventure."
• "The enchanting beauty of Mysore sets the stage for love to bloom and hearts to connect."
• "In the heart of Mysore, love finds a home amidst the captivating allure of history and culture."
• "Mysore – where the magic of history and the power of love create a captivating journey."
• "Love thrives in the enchanting city of Mysore, where history and romance come together in perfect harmony."
• "In Mysore, the spirit of romance and the charm of history unite, creating an unforgettable love story."

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Mysore Trip Captions for Newly Married Couple:

• "Mysore – where the magic of love and history unite, creating an enchanting honeymoon destination for newlyweds."
• "Starting our journey as a married couple in the captivating city of Mysore, where love and history intertwine."
• "Creating unforgettable memories as newlyweds in the enchanting streets of Mysore."
• "In Mysore, our love grows stronger amidst the echoes of a rich past and the charm of a captivating heritage."
• "Mysore – a city that celebrates the bond between two hearts and the beauty of history."
• "Exploring the wonders of Mysore, hand in hand as newlyweds, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime."
• "In the heart of Mysore, our love blossoms as we embark on a new chapter in our lives."
• "With my love by my side, the captivating allure of Mysore takes on a whole new meaning as newlyweds."
• "Mysore – a city that inspires love and celebrates the beginning of a beautiful journey together."
• "In Mysore, the dance of romance and history creates a memorable experience for newly married couples to treasure."

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And as your trip comes to an end, you'll be left with memories that will last a lifetime. From the delicious food and warm hospitality to the breathtaking natural beauty, Mysore has captured your heart. So don't forget to take a moment to reflect on your travels and share your experiences with the world by using these quotes and captions on your Instagram photos. Whether you're looking for inspiration or just want to share your love for this incredible city, these quotes will help you do just that. So go ahead, capture those memories and share your love for Mysore with the world! 

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