Mysore

Get a holiday expert for this place

Destination Theme
Museums & Historical Places, Cities & Urban Areas, Culinary Centers,
Best Suited For
Families with kids, Couples, Tourists and Travellers.
Recommended Duration
Two to Four days.

Quick Info

Mysore is the third most populous city in the state of Karnataka. It is situated at the base of Chamundi Hills about 150 kilometres southwest of Bangalore. The city used to be the capital of The Kingdom of Mysore until 1947. The place is famous for its magnificent palaces like the Mysore Palace and unique traditional festivals during Dusshera. Mysore has a domestic airport of its own.

Rankings & Ratings

One of the most princely cities in India having some pleasant parks and gardens.

Editor's Rankings

#12 in 33 Destinations in & around Kerala

Editor's Review

The city of Mysore has some very beautiful and elegantly-built palaces. The gardens and parks in the city are quite large and better maintained compared to other cities in South India. Mysore doesn't have a lot to offer for the adventurous kind of people, but the place is a good tourist destination for families. 

PROS

  • Plenty of parks and gardens for good walks.
  • The palaces in Mysore are very grand.
  • All the tourist attractions are quite close to each other.
  • Ideal for families.

CONS

  • The place is mostly connected only through Bangalore.
  • Auto drivers tend to charge more for tourists.
  • Adventure activities are not available.
  • The city is crowded sometimes.

Itinerary Tips

  • Always go to the prepaid auto service at the railway station. 
  • You can book tourist cabs to move around the place. 
  • Mysore palace is a must-visit for everyone who goes to Mysore.
  • You can watch amazing light shows at Brindavan Gardens.
  • The Mysore zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. The place is quite popular. It is closed on Tuesdays.
  • The Museums in Mysore take very less time to browse through. The famous ones are Sand Museum, Rail Museum. Museum of Natural History, Folk art Museum and Melody World.
  • You can trek up the Chamundi Hills.
  • Karanji Lake is a nice romantic place. You can take a boat ride and also visit the butterfly park.
  • You can take a walking tour through Mysore.
  • You can buy good silk saris and sandalwood carvings.

Detailed Info

The city of Mysore served as the capital of Mysore Kingdom for six centuries until 1947. The Kingdom of Mysore reached its height of fame and doiminion during the reign of Tipu Sultan. Over the years, Mysore has evolved becoming one of the most peaceful cities and a major tourist attraction in the state of Karnataka. The city is located 150 kilometres away from Karnataka's capital, Bangalore. The traditional industries in Mysore are famous for weaving, sandalwood carving and bronze work.

The city attracts a lot of tourists during the 10-day Dusshera festival. The Mysore Palace is one of the most visited monuments in India and is the centre for the Dusshera festivities. The Mysore zoo was established more than a century ago. The Karanji and Kukkarahalli lakes are also favoured recreational destinations in Mysore. Brindavan Garden near the Krishnasagar Dam is also a popular tourist site. Among the other tourist attractions in Mysore are the Jaganmohana Palace, the Sand Sculpture Museum, Lalitha Mahal, Regional Museum of Natural History and the Folk Lore Museum.

 

Altitude

The city of Mysore is at an altitude of 770 metres( 2500 ft) above mean sea level.

Weather

The weather is mildy pleasant most of the time but it gets humid during the rainy season.

Best Time to Visit?

Between the pleasant and festive months of October and February.

How to Get There?

By Air

Mysore has a domestic airport of its own that connects to Bangalore. The nearest international airport to Mysore is Kempegowda International Airport, at a distance of about 170 kilometres. From the airport, you can book a cab to reach Mysore.

By Train

Mysore Junction is the main railway station in Mysore. It is connected to some cities in South India like Bangalore and Chennai. From the station, you can take an auto or taxi to reach your hotel.

By Road                                                                                              

Buses to Mysore bus station are frequently available from Bangalore.

 

Local Cuisines

Bisibele Baath(rice dish), Raagi and Akki Rotis(tortilla), Raagi Mudde are popular local dishes in Mysore. South Indian breakfast meals like Idly, Vada, Masala Dosa and Masala Poori are very tasty in Mysore. A sweet called Mysore Pak is famous in the city.