Mysore is located in Karnataka and is one of the top tourist destinations in India. The city was the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947. It now houses several palaces and tombs of the royal families who resided in Mysore. Mysore has a rich history and an equally rich culture which draws millions of tourists to this destination. From lakes to palaces, you will find everything in Mysore.
Here is how you can reach Mysore:
By air: The nearest major airport to Mysore city is the Bangalore International Airport which is connected by both domestic and international flights. The airport is located about 170 kilometres away and takes about three hours by road to reach Mysore. You will find plenty of flights travelling to Bangalore Airport from any part of India.
By rail: Mysore railway station is a small station located in the city. Many tourists opt to travel to Mysore by train as it’s both budget-friendly and comfortable. You can easily reach Mysore from major railway stations like Chennai and Bangalore. In case direct trains are not available, you can travel to these cities and then take connecting trains.
By road: Mysore is just 3 hours away from Bangalore and accessible via Mysore Road. Tourists can also reach Mysore from Chennai via NH 48 highway. Alternatively, people travelling from Cochin can take the NH544 highway to travel to the city or Mysore.
If you have never been to Mysore, you can take a look at this list of places to visit in Mysore. Or if you’re a resident and want to explore the places in Mysore, this list will give you a rough idea about the must-visit places in and near the city.
15 best places to visit in Mysore
Mysore palace
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The Mysore Palace or the Amba Vilas Palace used to be a royal residence for the Wadiyar dynasty. Located in the heart of Mysore city, the palace sits close to Chamundi Hills in the east of the city. The palace was built in the 19th century, and the construction was fully completed in 1912. The palace is a true exemplar of Indian architecture and displays the grandeur of the royal lifestyle. The beautifully painted and carved palace draws millions of tourists worldwide. The palace has seen a mix of the Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic styles which make it unique in itself. You can take a tour of the palace and its premises by purchasing a ticket. On Sundays and public holidays, the Mysore palace is lit up with yellow lights, making the palace glitter from the outside. This sight must not be missed when finding places to visit in Mysore.
Timings:
Everyday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Entry fees:
Indian nationals: INR 70 for adults, INR 30 for kids above 7 years and below 12 years and free for kids below 7 years.
Foreign tourists: INR 200 per person.
Tipu Sultan Summer Palace or Daria Daulat Bagh
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Tipu Sultan Summer Palace is one of the famous palaces in Mysore. This Palace is completely made of teakwood and is located in Srirangapatna. Not to be confused with the summer palace of Bangalore, this palace was constructed in the late 18th century. Tipu Sultan, the then ruler of Mysore had built this palace as a summer retreat. The beautiful Indo-Islamic styles of the palace combined with a variety of colourful frescos is truly a sight to behold. Parts of the palace are still under renovation and not accessible to tourists. However, the museum located in the Daria Daulat complex will tell you about the history of the palace and the life of Tipu Sultan. Some historical artefacts are also present and will draw the attention of history enthusiasts.
Timings:
Everyday from 9am to 5pm.
Entry Fee:
Indian nationals: INR 15/- per person
Foreign tourists: INR 200/- per person. Photography: No extra charges.
Brindavan Gardens
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Brindavan Gardens in Mysore is a popular tourist spot and is visited by tourists all around the year. Located close to the famous Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, this artificially constructed garden is a retreat for visitors after touring on a hot day in Mysore. The garden is spread over 60 acres and was constructed in 1932. The garden was constructed on the commission of Sir Mirza Ismail, who also built an elaborate irrigation system for the city. The Brindavan gardens have a variety of flora, including Euphorbia, bougainvillea, Ficus, Celosia, etc. There are plenty of seating arrangements and gazebos for tourists to rest and enjoy the beauty of the gardens. The elaborate water fountains are a special attraction for travellers who want to spend some quiet time with their family and friends.
Timings:
Everyday from 3pm to 9pm.
Entry Fees:
Indian nationals:- INR 50 per person for adults and INR 10 per person for children between 5 to 10 years of age.
Foreign tourists: INR 50 per person.
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
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Mysore zoo or Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens are close to the Mysore palace premises. This zoo is spread over 150 acres and houses over 160 species of animals and birds. Opened in the 19th century, the zoo is arguably one of the oldest zoos in the country and was started by Maharaja Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar. The zoo has now become the home of about 1300 animals. You will find a variety of animals here like tigers, lions, giraffes, rhinoceros, baboons, monkeys, tortoises, reptiles, zebras, etc. Additionally, the birds found at the Mysore zoo include flamingos, macaws, peacocks, etc. This old zoo is a must-visit among the places to visit in Mysore. A small tour of the zoo will be ideal for children and even wildlife enthusiasts.
Chennakeshava Temple
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Chennakeshava Temple or Keshava Temple is a Hindu temple situated near the banks of River Kaveri at Somanathapura. This ancient temple was established in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, who belonged to the empire of the Hoysala King Narasimha III. The temple displays elaborate sculptures and artisanal earnings from the ancient Indian empires. Located a few kilometres away from Mysore, the temple covers a large area with many shrines and mandapas. The Temple was dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, and devotees from the Vaishnava sect flock to the temple to pay respects. You can take a short ride to the temple and witness its beauty firsthand.
Timings:
Everyday, except Tuesday, from 8:30am–5:30pm.
Entry Fees:
- Adults INR 100/-
- Child ( 5-12 Years of age): INR 50/-
- Child( below 5 years): Free
Parking Fees:
- Cycle: INR 10/-
- Two Wheeler: INR 30/-
- Car / Jeep / Auto: INR 50/-
- Mini Bus / Tempo: INR 100/-
- Bus: INR 150/-
Camera Charges:
- Video Camera ₹ 200/-
- Still Camera ₹ 100/-
Battery Operated Vehicle Fee:
- Adults: INR 200/-
- Child ( 5-12 Years of age): INR 150/-
- Senior Citizen: INR 150/-
Chamundeshwari Temple
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Chamundeshwari Temple is located on the slopes of Chamundi Hills in Mysore. The temple is dedicated to Maa Chamundi who is a form of the Goddess Shakti. A spiritually powerful Hindu temple, the site is among the top places to visit in Mysore. The temple is situated at an elevation of 3300 ft above sea level. It is one of the Shakti Peethas in India and a must-visit for all Hindu devotees. The beautiful temple is also an example of south Indian architecture, complete with elaborate earnings and sculptures of Gods. Government-arranged tours will take you to the temple, or you can arrange a ride for yourself. The temple also offers some spectacular views of the Mysore city from atop.
Jaganmohan Palace
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Jaganmohan Palace is also one of the top places to visit in Mysore. Formerly the house of royals, the palace is now a museum that holds many ancient artefacts and famous paintings. The palace was used by the royal family before the Mysore palace was created. It was constructed in the 19th century, and HH Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar later opened it to the public. Today, the palace is like an art gallery with many precious belongings of the royal family which were donated by HH Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar. Additionally, the gallery houses many paintings from South India which have mesmerised painters and drawn their appreciation. You can visit the gallery during opening hours and catch a glimpse of these precious artefacts in person.
Timings:
Everyday, except Monday, from 9am–5:30pm
Entry Fees:
Indian nationals: INR 70 for adults, INR 30 for kids above 7 years and below 12 years, and free for kids below 7 years.
Foreign tourists: INR 175 per head
Bonsai Garden
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Mysore Bonsai Garden or Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden is a unique attraction in the list of places to visit in Mysore. The Bonsai Garden of Mysore has over 100 different varieties of Bonsai trees and forms a part of the Avadoota Datta Peetham of the Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Ashrama. The garden has been internationally recognised and praised for its great beauty. The landscaping of the garden has been done to include fountains, streams, and miniature idols to make it aesthetically pleasing and soothing to the eyes. If you are a nature lover, a short visit to the Bonsai garden will be worth it.
Timings:
Everyday, except Wednesday, from 9:30am–12:30pm and 3:30–5:30pm.
Entry Fees:
Indian Adult: INR 25
Foreign tourists: INR 25
Children: Free entry
Mobile Camera and Still Camera: No extra charges
Rail Museum
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Rail Museum in Mysore is another tourist attraction in the city. The Museum was established in 1979 by the Indian railways to showcase the various railway wagons and engines used throughout the years. At this museum, you will also find a huge collection of photographs and an elaborate display of locomotives. The museum also hosts a Victorian salon wagon complete with dining, wagon, and bathrooms. These royal coaches belonged to the Maharaja of Mysore and date back to 1899. You can take a short stroll through the museum and spend some quiet time in its garden. It is located close to the Mysore railway station and can be easily reached by public transportation.
Timing:
Everyday, except Tuesday, from 10am–5:30pm.
Entry Fees:
Adults- INR 15/-
Children- INR 10/-
Toy Train ride- INR 10/-
Video Camera- INR 30/-
Karanji Lake
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Karanji Lake, or the fountain lake, is yet another place to visit in Mysore. This popular tourist place is actually a prominent picnic spot for both locals and travellers. This beautiful and tranquil lake is an amazing place to explore especially on a warm summer evening. The various birds which find their homes here can be photographed by nature photographers. The lake itself measures 20m in length and 50 m in breadth. A butterfly Park is located nearby and can be visited by tourists as well. You can have a small picnic here and even bring your own food to the premises. Other activities here include boating on the lake, which comes at a minimal price.
Timing:
Open everyday from 08.30 am to 05.30 pm, except on Tuesdays.
Entry Fees:
Adults: INR 50
Children: INR 25
St. Philomena’s Cathedral
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St Philomena Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church in Mysore. This church is definitely among the best places to visit in Mysore due to its impressive architecture. The church is clearly inspired by the Gothic revival movement and is actually known for being one of the tallest churches in Asia. Sources say that the cathedral was built after being inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Constructed in the mid-20th century, the church honours its patron saint, the martyr St. Philomena from Rome. The beautiful architectural beauty of the cathedral has drawn countless tourists who come here to marvel at it. Christian devotees also consider the cathedral as a pilgrimage spot and arrive on auspicious occasions.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
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A short ride of 18 km away from Mysore lies the Ranganathittu bird sanctuary. Located in the Mandya District, the sanctuary is the largest bird sanctuary in the state. It covers over 40 acres and includes six islets on the banks of the Kaveri river. Travellers have to take a ride to Srirangapatna to visit this bird sanctuary. The sanctuary houses a huge variety of bird species and even some reptiles. Wildlife photographers will have a blast visiting this place. You can also enjoy some quiet time in the lap of nature and sight some rare bird species here. Ranger-guided boat tours will help you explore the area and have a great time among the chirping birds. You can reach the park via NH-150A highway by hiring local cabs and buses.
Timings:
Open on all days from 8:30am–5:30pm.
Entry Fees:
Indian nationals:
- Adult: Rs.75/-
- Child: Rs.25/-
Foreign tourists:
- Adult: Rs.500/-
- Child: Rs.250/-
Battery Operated Vehicle:
Adult: Rs.75/-
Child: Rs.35/-
Photography Fee:
Digital SLR – Below 200mm Lens: Rs.150/-
Above 500mm Lens: Rs.600/-
Boating Charges:
Indians:
- Adult: Rs.100/-
- Child: Rs.35/-
Foreigners:
- Adult: Rs.500/-
- Child: Rs.250/-
Special Boating Charges:
Indians: Rs.2000 per trip
Foreigners: Rs.3500 per trip
Edmuri Falls
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Edmuri or Balmuri Falls is located on the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Marg, just 3 km from Mysore city. The Edmuri Falls is a small and quaint waterfall that originates from the River Kaveri. The falls are a popular tourist destination for people who want to escape the hot weather. You can go swimming here or have fun water games with your friends and family members. The serene environment combined with the lush green fields will elevate your mood and make you feel rejuvenated. After a long tour of Mysore city, this place is ideal for unwinding and taking a rest. You can place this tourist at the end of the itinerary to end the day with some quality time with family.
Krishna Raja Sagar Dam
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Krishna Raja Sagar Dam is located just beside the Brindavan gardens. The site is generally coupled with Brindavan garden due to its close proximity. The dam was built in 1911-37 on the Kaveri river. With a height of 39.8 m (131 ft) and a length of 2,620 m (8,600 ft), the dam provides spectacular views for tourists who come to visit the place. A light and sound fountain dance is also conducted beside the dam in the evening and is another great tourist attraction of the place. You can hang out here after visiting the Brindavan gardens and relax by the bridge located over its water.
Gumbaz-e-Shahi
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Gumbaz-e-Shahi is a Muslim mausoleum that is the resting place of the famous king Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali, and his mother, Fakhr-Un-Nisa. The place was actually built by Tippu Sultan to contain the graves of his parents. However, after he was killed during the Siege of Srirangapatna in 1799, he was buried there. The monument was built by Tipu Sultan in 1782-84 at Srirangapatna. Now, the mausoleum is home to the graves of many royals and people from Tipu Sultan’s regime. The original doors of the mausoleum had been removed and shifted to London, and the new door now in place was gifted to India by the British. You can take a short ride via NH-150A to the place and honour the king who fought against colonial rule.
Timing:
Everyday from 8am to 6:30 pm.
FAQs
Is Mysore worth visiting?
Mysore is a beautiful city with many monuments and museums which highlight life in pre-colonial India. The city has a lot of tourist attractions and is definitely worth visiting.
What are the best places in Mysore?
The best places to visit in Mysore include Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Chamundeshwari Temple, and Vrindavan Gardens.
Are two days enough for Mysore?
Two days will be more or less enough to explore Mysore. However, we recommend having an extra day at hand in case you are unable to explore all places in two days.
