About Mysore
Magnificent is the word that equates with the majesty of Mysore which used to be the glorious city of the erstwhile Wodeyar kingdom. Thanks to the brilliance of these kings who as great patrons of art and culture developed Mysore as the cultural capital of Kannada kingdom. The same cultural zeal of Mysore can be experienced during the grand celebrations of 10 day Dassara festival. Today, Mysore city retains its traditional old world charm with the modern blend through its palaces, gardens, shady boulevards, sandalwood forests and sacred temples. Other tourist attractions in Mysore include its devotion towards traditional painting, silk, sandalwood and incense production and Ashtanga Yoga.
Mysore Maharaja’s Palace
Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, the majestic Maharaja palace in the heart of Mysore is an outstanding creation of the Wodeyar dynasty. Constructed on the foundations of an old palace destroyed in fire, this palace architecture features intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings with inlaid ivory work. Even the interiors of this marble palace are beautified with the extensive use of traditional marble figurines. The Kalyana Mandapam is another attraction of the palace exhibiting the life size paintings and murals of the Dasara Procession, Gombi Totti or Doll Pavilion, Durbar Hall or Royal Courtyard and the Amba Vilas are other attractions of the Maharajas Palace open for visitors almost every time. Sri Shweta Varahaswamy Temple and its glorious gateway or Gopuram on the palace grounds is another highlight of the illustrious visit to the seat of Wodeyar dynasty.
On every Sunday and during public holidays, the palace beams pride as an illuminated foundation ruling the Mysore city. The Maharajas Palace is closed only one day of the year, i.e., on the day of the Dussehra Procession.
Saint Philomena's Church
Built in the Neo-Gothic style during 1933-41, the striking structure of St. Philomena Church is one of the largest churches in India famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.
Rail Museum
A visit to the Rail Museum in Mysore is an enriching excursion allowing visitors to capture the glimpses of how Indian royals travelled in the ancient rail saloons. The wood paneled beauty of Mysore Maharani’s Saloon, belonging to 1899 era is the prized exhibit of this rail museum. There are also five steam engines that narrate the stories associated with them silently.
Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
A part of the Jaganmohan Palace houses Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery featuring the paintings of the members of the royal family, antique furniture, sculptures, musical instruments, rare glass and china ware. The added attraction in this painting gallery is the prized collection of the paintings from Raja Ravi Verma, a celebrated Indian painter.
Chamundi Hills
Overlooking the city from an outstanding height of 3,489 feet, Chamundi Hills are an important cultural and traditional element in the life of Mysore city. The hills are known for the iconic Chamundeswari Temple, Mahishasura and Nandi, the bull’s statue. The temple is known for its towering seven-storey 40 m high gopuram.
Shopping in Mysore
Mysore is known as a shopper’s paradise. Tourists can avail the opportunity of purchasing iconic Mysore silks, petta or special turban, sandalwood incense product, carved sandalwood, inlay work, wooden toys and can even take back home a special rich sweet called Mysore Pak.
By Air – Tourists need to fly to Mysore Airport to discover the endless surprises of the city.
By Road – Via road, Mysore is three hours away from Bangalore, 2.5 hrs from Sravanbelagola and five hours from Ooty.
By Railways - Three railway lines connect Mysore to the rest of the country.
Climate of Mysore – Though the city enjoys pleasant climate throughout the year, the best time as quoted by many travellers is during October to March
Ranganathittoo Bird Sanctuary
Just 19 km away from Mysore is a natural string of tiny islets, forming the perfect breeding grounds for Ranganathittoo Bird Sanctuary. It is the largest bird sanctuary of Karnataka. The sanctuary accommodates 170 bird species including Civets, Painted Stork, Common Spoonbill, Black headed Ibis, Indian Shag, Stork billed Kingfisher, herons, etc.
Srirangapatnam
Srirangapatnam, 19 km away from Mysore is an important tourist attraction of the city allowing tourists to visit the summer capital of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. The summer palace, Daria Daulat Bagh is a star attraction of this town. Set in ornamental gardens, Palace is known for its beautiful interiors including floor-to-ceiling murals depicting scenes from the courtly life under Tipu Sultan’s rule and his campaigns against the British. Also, there is a Gumbaz in the town enshrining the relics of the cenotaphs of Hyder Ali, his wife Fakr-Un-Nisa and Tipu Sultan.
Brindavan Gardens & Krishnarajasagar Dam
Brindavan Gardens is a beautifully manicured garden laid out on the side of Krishnarajasagar Dam. Located 19 km northwest of Mysore; this royal orchid garden below the River Cauvery Dam has everything in it to recreate a surreal ambience for the visitors.
Cauvery Fishing Camp
Rapid joys of River Cauvery amidst mountainous jungle and lush scenery also bring to the tourists rare pleasures of fishing. The camp location is 82 km away from Mysore city, allowing tourists many opportunities to enjoy prized catch from angling.
Somnathpuram
Somnathpuram, 35 km east of Mysore is famous for its Chennakeshava Temple, a great representation belonging to Hoysala dynasty. Built in 1268, this star shaped temple is known for its superb stone sculptures presenting various scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita, and the life and times of the Hoysala kings.
Kokkrebellur Bird Sanctuary
Situated 44 km from Mysore, Kokrebellur Bird Sanctuary is a delightful refuge for many birds and birdwatchers alike. Tourists can spot the rare bird species including Painted Storks and Pelicans, on which the sanctuary is named in colloquial Kannada language.
Shivasamudram Falls
About 60km southeast of Mysore, tourists can enjoy getting close to nature at the twin waterfalls of Barachukki and Gaganachukki. Popularly known as Shivasamudram Falls, these are known for numerous trekking options.
Bandipur National Park
80 km away from Mysore is Bandipur National Park, a project tiger reserve. This picturesque national park in the Nilgiris used to be the hunting grounds for Mysore Maharaja. Now, tourists can enjoy observing wildlife and photographing them in close proximity.
Sravanabelagola
Around 93 km close to Mysore, tourists can pay a visit to one of the important Jain shrines at Sravanabelagola. This destination rose to prominence for the Statue of Gomateshwara Bahubali, which is one of the largest monolithic statues in the world.
Biligiriranga Hills
Biligiriranga or White hills, 120 km from Mysore city feature thick teak forests, sandalwood, hone matti trees and grass featuring perfect grounds for thriving wildlife.
Bangalore
140 km away from Mysore is Bangalore, the gateway destination to the many worlds of Karnataka. This metropolitan hi-tech city is known more for its pleasant ambience, well laid out gardens and refined culture. Being the capital of the state, this city forms the center of the state’s tourism circuit.
Wayanad
The least populous destination in Kerala, Wayanad 118 km away from Mysore is famed for its spices, wildlife, waterfalls and numerous other spots. A part of northern Malabar region, Wayanad is known for its lofty peaks, gurgling streams, languid forests and enchanting aura.
Coorg
The coffee of Coorg made it a world famous destination. Besides this, the identity of Coorg is prominently portrayed as a hill station in the Nilgiri region of Karnataka. One can pay a visit to Coorg, only 121 km away from the city of sandalwood, to be a part of nature’s sheer blessing. Keen tourists who want to experience the wishful waterfalls of Coorg can visit Irruppu, Abbey and Mallalli Falls. Also, they can discover the wildlife in the natural surroundings at Nagarahole, which is a national park and wildlife resort in the tucks and folds of this hills station.
Fortune JP Palace | Golden Landmark Resort | Hotel Sandesh The Prince |
Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden | The Viceroy | The Windflower Spa and Resorts |
Hotel Palace Plaza | Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel | Hotel Regaalis |
Hotel Roopa | Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre | Kings Court Hotel |
Pai Vista Hotel | Royal Orchid Metropole | Hotel Adhi Manor |
Hotel Siddharta | Amblee Holiday Resort | Chitravana Resorts |
Cauvery Fishing Camp | Gitanjali Home Stay | Ginger Hotel |
Hotel Parklane | Jade Garden | Kabini River Lodge |
Water Woods - Home Stay | The Green Hotel | The Quorum |
Kyathadevara Gudi Wilderness Camp |