Mysore, officially Mysuru, is a beautiful city in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India, especially for its rich historical and cultural heritage. Its magnificent palaces and well-maintained gardens make it one of the most beautiful travel destinations in India.
Mysore (Mysuru) was the capital of the Mysore Kingdom. Hence, the city is brimming with stunning palaces, historical sites, and temples, showcasing its rich heritage. Our Mysore travel guide will help you explore this magnificent city that beckons tourists with its enthralling attractions, from opulent palaces to expansive gardens. However, the beauty of Mysore is not limited to its palaces, monuments, and temples. Mysore is a symbol of grandeur with its magnificent architectural marvels. Its sprawling gardens with sparkling lakes and waterfalls make it one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in India.
Our Mysore Travel Guide that covers the top attractions, an ideal Mysore tour itinerary, the best time to visit, and best travel tips will help you plan your trip. You can also count on us to craft a custom-made Mysore tour package to let you have an unforgettable tour experience.
Best Places to Visit in Mysore
Mysore is situated in the foothills of Chamundi Hills at an altitude of 770 m above sea level. This beautiful town is also known as the cultural capital of Karnataka state. With several royal palaces and opulent architecture, Mysore is the symbol of grandeur and is called the “City of Palaces”. Due to its lush green sandalwood forest and yoga centres, it is known as the “Sandalwood City’, and “City of Yoga”. Dotted with so many attractions, including architecture and nature, there are several places to visit in Mysore. Our Mysore travel guide highlights the most fascinating tourist spots and nearby attractions you must visit during your Mysore tour with family and friends.
Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace is at the top of our list of the best places to visit in Mysore. The grandeur of the city can be witnessed by exploring this marvelous palace located in the heart of the city. It is a stunning blend of royal opulence and cultural heritage. The palace is built in the Indo-Saracenic architecture style, which is a breathtaking mix of Hindu, Rajput, Muslim, and Gothic influences. The towering domes, intricate designs, and vibrant colors make the palace look both majestic and royal. You will be spellbound by the beauty of the sprawling garden that makes a perfect prelude to enter this masterpiece. From the mesmerizing exterior to the interior of the palace, every inch of the palace is awe-inspiring and speaks about the skills of the artistry of its creators.
The palace is also called the Amba Villas Palace and is among the seven palaces in Mysore. Although built in the 20th century, the palace has become the most visited palaces in India because of its beautiful architecture. Every evening, this edifice becomes a spectacle for tourists when it is lit with approximately 97000 lights.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees:
- For Adults: Rs. 120
- Children (7-18 Years): Rs. 50
- Foreigners: Rs. 1000
Brindavan Gardens
With illuminated fountains, extensive varieties of plants, and a botanical park, Brindavan Gardens is the best place to visit in Mysore. Located just 12 km from Mysore, this beautiful garden is spread over an area of 150 acres. It is one of the beautiful terrace gardens that mesmerizes everyone. This garden was built by the then Diwan of Mysore state, Sir Mirza Ismail. The garden is famous for its symmetric design and illuminating fountains. The entrance gate of this garden is inspired by the India Gate in Delhi. On both sides of the gate, there is a rose garden. The most exciting thing to enjoy here is the musical fountain show that is held every evening. Brindavan Gardens is one of its kind, hence it attracts tourists from different parts of the world. During your Mysore tour, you should not miss visiting this spectacular place. Wander through the verdant walkways and discover the magic yourself in this historical haven.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, for Evening Lighting Show, the timing is 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Entry Fees:
- For Adults: Rs. 15
- For Children (5-10 years): Rs. 5
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
For all nature and wildlife lovers, Mysore Zoo, officially known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is a must-visit place. This zoo houses a wide range of flora and fauna. Built in the year 1892, this is one of the oldest zoos in India. Even schools and educational institutions visit this place often, making it an educational trip location. If you are a nature enthusiast, you must visit this place. While tourists who visit opulent palaces, beautiful gardens, and museums in Mysore, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, will be an offbeat trip destination for natural enthusiasts. This enthralling tourist destination in Mysore will keep you engaged for the entire day.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fees:
- For Adults: Rs. 100
- Children (5-12 years): Rs. 50
- Still Camera: Rs. 100
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple is not only a sacred place to visit in Mysore, but also it caters to a 360° view of the city, since it is perched on the peak. It is one of the famous tourist attractions you will see in every Mysore tour itinerary. People visit this sacred place to seek the deity’s blessings. This temple was built during the Maharaja’s time, which has great importance. It is one of the most revered sites to visit in Mysore. The design of the temple is quite beautiful. It is adorned with intriguing pillars, and the walls are carved with sayings. If visiting Mysore with your family, you must visit this sacred place to seek the divine blessings for you and your family.
Timings: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Karanji Lake
Located at the foothills of Chamundi Hills just behind the Mysore Zoo, Karanji Lake is one of the important tourist attractions in Mysore. The lake is spread over 90 acres of area, which makes it the largest lake in Karnataka state. Because of its scenic landscapes and serenity, it is one of the most visited places in the City of Palaces. The lake houses different bird species that make your visit even more exciting and fun. Apart from the scenic beauty and peaceful walk in the natural setting, the lake offers entertaining activities to keep you engaged. There’s a particular children’s corner. Boating on the lake is quite enjoyable and lets you experience the serenity of the lake.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery and Auditorium
Jaganmohan Palace is one of the seven palaces in Mysore. This palace is counted as one of the most beautiful contributions of the Wodeyar Kings. It was once the residence of the Kings of Mysore when the Amba Villas Palace (Mysore Palace) was under renovation after a fire incident. It has now turned into a magnificent art gallery that houses some of the beautiful artworks that are displayed for the public to see. There are more than 2000 paintings denoting different styles of paintings, including Shantiniketan and Mysore.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM Daily
Entry Fees:
- Adults: Rs. 20
- Children: No fees
Chamundi Hills
One of the most fascinating attractions of Mysore is Chamundi Hills. You can have a view of the hill from anywhere in the town. It offers a panoramic view of the town, which makes it a fascinating experience for tourists. Religious tourists, adventure enthusiasts, and photographers everyone enjoy the scenic view from the peak of the mountain. There is also a temple on the summit called Chamundeshwari Temple, which is of great significance for the locals. The temple was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Shakti. Spend some time here in solace to worship the goddess and seek blessings.
Timings: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM; 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM; 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The temple remains open from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
Lalitha Mahal
Another top attraction of Mysore is Lalitha Mahal, which is the second largest palace in the town. Located near Chamundi Hills, Lalitha Mahal has been in existence since 1921. Constructed in pure white color, this palace was inspired by St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. It was contrasted as the resting place for the Viceroy of India, but now it has been converted into a heritage hotel. It is under the care of the government of Karnataka. It is an iconic landmark of the City of Palace, colored in pure white, enclosed by sprawling gardens. The palace’s balconies give a spectacular view of the Chamundi Hills and the city.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: Rs. 100 Per Person
Shivanasamudra Falls
Not only in South India, but Shivanasamudra Falls is a famous waterfall in India. It is the place where Asia’s first hydroelectric power station was built in 1902. The two waterfalls that together make Shivanasamudra are called Gaganachukki and Bharachukki. The view of the gushing waterfall will leave you spellbound. The waterfall is also surrounded by a lush green forest of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the best tourist spots near Mysore that gives you a serene time to spend with your family.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Best Time to Visit Mysore
The best time to visit Mysore is during the winter and early spring season. So, from October to March is the best time for Mysore Tours. This time, the weather remains pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. The pleasant weather makes it ideal for Mysore sightseeing. In October, the city celebrates the festival of Dussehra/Dasara with zest and zeal. The entire city is lit up beautifully with lights, which makes it look mesmerizing. It is the best time to witness Mysore’s grandeur and opulence.
Remember, from April to June, in the summer season, which is not an ideal time to visit Mysore. The temperature can make sightseeing challenging during the day. However, the evening can be breezy and cool.
How Many Days is Sufficient for Mysore Trop
One is just not enough to explore this beautiful city. The town has elegant palaces and expansive gardens, and several other tourist attractions like museums and natural wonders. So, you at least need 2 days to for Mysore sightseeing and explore the nearby attractions. The most popular Mysore tour packages are designed for 3 days and 4 days. If your schedule allows, plan your vacation for 3-4 days. This lets you explore all the major tourist attractions like Karanji Lake and Jagmohan Palace and Art Gallery, etc.
How to Reach Mysore
Mysore is very well-connected with major and minor cities in South India and is accessible through Road, Rail, and Air. You can reach here using any of the three transportation modes. Although Mysore has its own airport, it is not fully operational and connected to major cities. Hence, tourists can land at Bangalore airport, which is the nearest airport to Mysore (170 km). Even reaching Mysore by train is easy from anywhere in India. You even get regular bus services in Karnataka state to reach Mysore, and getting a seat is never a problem.
By Flight
The nearest international airport to Mysore is Bangalore Airport. You get frequent flights to Bangalore from all the major cities in India. Also, the city itself has a domestic airport that has flights from Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. Check the flight availability from your city. And if there are no flights, reach Bangalore first and then take a flight from Bangalore to Mysore.
By Train
Reaching Mysore by train is effortless, as many trains run daily from Bangalore and Chennai. You even get direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. From express trains to local trains, you get varied options to travel by train.
By Road
To travel to Mysore by bus, you will have to first reach Bangalore. Mysore is located approx. 139 km southwest of Bangalore. The road journey from Bangalore to Mysore will take around 3 hrs. And, you will enjoy the beautiful landscapes during the journey.
