Best Places to Visit in Mysore

Mysore Maharaja Palace

As you travel wide and far, you come across places that win your heart with sheer natural beauty – verdant landscapes, crystal-clear streams, snow-capped mountains, sandy beaches, lush green hill stations and the like. And then there are places that lure you with an undeniable old-world charm and pay tribute to history through their very existence. Mysore, or Mysuru as it is called officially today, belongs to the second category, and rightly so. From palaces that talk about the glories of the bygone era and places of worship with rich cultural heritage to magnificent monuments and museums, the places to visit in Mysore have a compelling story to tell. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life or looking to tour South India, visiting the city will definitely be a surreal experience for the history buff in you. So, let’s take a look at some of Mysore places to visit in one day for a quick glimpse into its storied past.

List of Best Places to Visit in Mysore

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1. Mysore Palace, India: ✔History, Architecture, Timing, Entry Fee

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Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace and Mysore Aramane, is one of the most magnificent and largest palaces in India. Situated in the southern state of Karnataka, it used to be the offici...
13-May-2024
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2. Jaganmohan Palace, Mysore

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Jaganmohan Palace has a unique place in the list of Mysore tourist places and is one of the seven palaces of this royal city. This 19th-century Hindu-style palace was built when a fire broke out an...
10-May-2024
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3. Jayalakshmi Vilas, Mysore

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All parents give gifts to their children, yet some kingly gifts go down in the annals of history. Believe it or not, Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion was one such gift! This stunning palace was built for ...
10-May-2024
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4. Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore

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More often than not, places of worship form an integral part of any city’s past and this goes true for the Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore as well. Located atop Chamundi Hills, this is one of the m...
10-May-2024
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5. St. Philomena’s Cathedral, Mysore

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Among the top 10 places to visit in Mysore, perhaps the only British structure in the city, is St. Philomena’s Cathedral. The church, which is one of the tallest in Asia, was erected to honour St. ...
10-May-2024
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6. Rail Museum, Mysore

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Has the history of locomotives ever kindled your imagination? Have you ever wondered what train travel was like during the time of the Maharajas and Maharanis? Well, the rail museum in the city wil...
10-May-2024
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7. Oriental Research Institute, Mysore

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How about spending some time looking at rare manuscripts? Head to the Oriental Research Institute, an offbeat historical attraction in the city of Mysore! Established in the year 1891, the institut...
10-May-2024
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8. Srirangapatna, Mysore

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If you are planning an itinerary of two or more days, you can also incorporate some of the tourist places near Mysore within 150 km. One such must-visit attraction is Srirangapatna, which is known ...
10-May-2024
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9. Somnathpur, Mysore

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Fancy visiting a temple that dates back to the 13th century? Include Somnathpur in your itinerary which is definitely one of the top 10 places to visit in Mysore. Located about 40 km away from the ...
10-May-2024
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10. Brindavan Gardens, Mysore

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Brindavan Gardens is among the most popular and grand terraced gardens in the world. Built in the KRS Dam complex area of Mysore, the garden area is spread across a massive 60 acres of land. The co...
10-May-2024
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11. Mysore Zoo

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Mysore Zoo is indubitably one of the best places to visit in Mysore. Located just 2 km from the Mysore Palace, the zoo was established by Chamarajendra Wadiyar Bahadur in 1892. It is one of the old...
10-May-2024
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12. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Mysore

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Are you an avid bird watcher? If yes, this bird sanctuary has to be on the top of your Mysore sightseeing list. The largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka, the facility comprises six small islands sit...
13-May-2024
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13. Trinesvaraswamy Temple, Mysore

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The Trinesvaraswamy Temple is situated within the Mysore Palace Complex facing the Mysore Fort. The beautiful temple showcases spectacular Dravidian-style architecture. It is dedicated to Trinesvar...
13-May-2024
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14. Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden, Mysore

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If you are looking to spend time relaxing and unwinding your senses, a visit to the Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden is a great idea. Established by Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, this garde...
13-May-2024
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15. GRS Fantasy Park, Mysore

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GRS Fantasy Park is a water and amusement park located at a distance of 15 km from Mysore. Lots of city residents plan a quick getaway to this fantasy park for a fun-filled time with friends and fa...
13-May-2024
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16. Lalitha Mahal, Mysore

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Among Mysore’s tourist places, Lalitha Mahal is one place that history buffs shouldn’t miss. It is located at the foothills of the Chamundi Hills and is the second-largest palace in Mysore. The gra...
13-May-2024
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17. Melody World Wax Museum, Mysore

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The Melody World Wax Museum is the third-largest museum in the country. Located at an approximate distance of 3 km from the Mysore Palace, the museum is housed within a heritage building and is pop...
13-May-2024
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18. Karanji Lake, Mysore

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Karanji Lake in Mysore is the place to visit if you are in the mood for a picnic. Visitors are allowed to carry food items and enjoy them by the lakeside. The lake area is home to as many as 147 di...
13-May-2024
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19. Folklore Museum, Mysore

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Another important place to visit in Mysore is the Folklore Museum established in 1968. The museum houses an exquisite collection of the folk art and craft of Karnataka. There are over 6,500 archive...
13-May-2024
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20. Sand Museum, Mysore

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The Sand Museum in Mysore is a magical place where art meets nature. The museum has towering sculptures crafted entirely out of sand with intricate details and lifelike creations. Various interesti...
13-May-2024

Best Time To Visit Mysore

  • Peak Season (October to March): The weather is pleasantly cool with an average temperature varying between 15-27 degrees Celsius. Diwali (November) and Dussehra (October) are the major celebrations in the city during this time.
  • Moderate Season (July to September): The surroundings turn lush green, and the average temperature ranges between 20-25 degrees Celsius.
  • Off-Season (April to June): The high temperature can make the exploration challenging during this time.

Places to Visit in Mysore with Family & Friends

  • Mysore Palace: This majestic palace used to be the royal residence of the Wodiyar dynasty and is known for its Indo-Saracenic architectural design.
  • Chamundeshwari Temple: The temple was constructed by the Wodeyar family as a dedication to their family deity, Goddess Durga.
  • Mysore Zoo: It is one of the oldest zoological parks in the country.
  • Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden: Established by Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, this garden houses over 450 different varieties of bonsai trees.

Best Places in Mysore for Couples

  • Karanji Lake: The lake area is home to as many as 147 different bird species, including grey pelicans, Asian openbill storks, and herons.
  • Brindavan Gardens: The complex comprises three terraced gardens that stun visitors in the evenings with their superb lighting.
  • Jaganmohan Palace: This palace consists of an art gallery and an auditorium for traditional dances and other program.
  • Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary is home to nearly 170 bird species, and some have been brought from Australia, Siberia, and North America.

Best Places to Visit near Mysore

  • Somnathpur: This place is best known for the Chennakesava Temple on the banks of River Kaveri.
  • Srirangapatna: Known for its historical relevance and has seen the rise and fall of kings.
  • GRS Fantasy Park: It is set amidst a verdant landscape and offers several thrilling rides and activities.
  • Folklore Museum: The museum houses an exquisite collection of folk art and crafts in Karnataka.

Check Out: Budget Hotels in Mysore, 3 Star Hotels in Mysore

Frequently Asked Questions About Mysore:

Q: Is there an airport in Mysore?

A: Yes; however, Mysore Airport has limited connectivity with flights to Chennai, Bangalore, Goa, Hyderabad and Kochi only. A major airport close to Mysore is Bangalore's Kempegowda International Airport (185 km).

Q: Which are the popular waterfalls near Mysore that are a must-visit?

A: Mysore has many waterfalls around it, the best of all being Chunchanakatte Falls (55 km) and Shivanasamudra Falls (74.5 km). Iruppu Falls and Abbey Falls in Coorg can also be reached from Mysore in just a couple of hours.

Q: List the heritage sites in Mysore that are worth visiting.

A: The list of historical places to visit in Mysore is quite long, but a few that you must include in your itinerary are Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Jayalakshmi Vilas, Chamundeshwari Temple, Philomena’s Cathedral, Srirangapatna and Somnathpur.

Q: Where can I try authentic food of Mysore?

A: Head to top restaurants in Mysore such as Vinayaka Mylari, Mahesh Prasad, Anima Madhva Bhavan, Green Leaf, Hotel RRR and Tiger Trail for a taste of authentic fare. There are many good restaurant options near the places to visit in Mysore.

Q: Where to go in Mysore for a fun night out?

A: For a glimpse of the nightlife in Mysore, visit pubs like Pelican Pub, Gusto, The Road, Purple Haze, Opium, Infinit Lounge Bar and Khedda Bar.

Q: What are the timings and entry fees of Mysore Palace?

A: Mysore Palace remains open from 10 am to 5.30 pm every day. The entry fee is INR 70 for adults, INR 30 for kids above 7 years and below 12 years and free for kids below 7 years.

Q: What is Mysore most famous for?

A: The city is most famous for Mysore Dasara (Dussehra), which is celebrated with immense grandeur and is a visual treat that can rarely be witnessed in any other part of the world.

Q: What to shop for in Mysore and from where?

A: Markets in Mysore such as Ashoka Road, Sayyaji Rao Road and Devaraj Urs Road are known for Mysore silk sarees, sandalwood carvings and incense sticks.

Q: Which are the main gateways in Mysore besides the airport?

A: Mysore Junction is the main railway station in the city and is well connected with the popular places to visit in Mysore. Moreover, there are two major bus stands in Mysore including the Central Bus Stand and the City Bus Stand. The main road gateways to the city are NH 275, NH 766 and NH 150A.

Q: Suggest some weekend getaways from Mysore.

A: Popular places to visit near Mysore are Bangalore, Ooty, Kabini, Bandipur and Nagarhole national parks, Coorg, Wayanad and Bylakuppe.

This post was last modified on 30-May-2024

Shweta Chauhan: Meet Shweta, a wanderer with a heart full of stories and a camera capturing every moment. Exploring the world with curiosity and wonder, Shweta shares adventures and tips in plain language, inviting you to join the journey. From bustling streets to tranquil landscapes, discover the beauty of travel through Shweta's eyes and let the wanderlust ignite your soul.
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