About Mysore Travel Guide

Destination Overview – Mysore (Mysuru), Karnataka

Mysore, officially known as Mysuru, is a city of royalty, rich heritage, classical art, and sandalwood. Once the capital of the Wodeyar Kingdom, Mysore offers majestic palaces, sprawling gardens, vibrant festivals like Dussehra, and traditional South Indian charm.

It’s a perfect destination for heritage lovers, art enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and family travelers.

Top Attractions & Places to Visit

• Mysore Palace – Iconic Indo-Saracenic royal palace, illuminated at night

• Chamundi Hill & Temple – Sacred hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari

• Brindavan Gardens – Symmetrically designed gardens with evening musical fountains

• St. Philomena’s Church – One of India’s largest churches with Gothic architecture

• Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens) – Among India’s best-maintained zoos

• Railway Museum – Vintage locomotives and carriages

• Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery – Classic Indian paintings and royal collections

• Lalitha Mahal Palace – Now a heritage hotel offering a glimpse of colonial opulence

• Karanji Lake – Scenic lake with a butterfly park and bird sanctuary

• Devaraja Market – Bustling local market with flowers, spices, and silk

Best Time to Visit

• October to March – Pleasant weather; perfect for sightseeing and Dussehra Festival

• April to June – Warm but manageable for morning visits

• July to September – Lush greenery post monsoon; occasional rains

How to Reach

• By Air: Mysore Airport (domestic); nearest international airport is in Bangalore (~170 km)

• By Train: Mysuru Junction – connected to major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi

• By Road: Well-connected by KSRTC buses and cabs from Bangalore, Coorg, Ooty, and more

Accessibility for Differently-Abled Travelers

Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, and major city attractions have wheelchair access and ramps. Accommodations and parks also cater to differently-abled visitors with basic facilities.

Things to Do & Experiences

• Watch Mysore Palace light show on Sundays and public holidays

• Attend the grand Dussehra Festival Procession in October

• Enjoy boating at Karanji Lake

• Explore sandalwood oil factories and silk weaving units

• Shop for Mysore silk sarees and rosewood inlay work

• Take a heritage walking tour around the old city

• Try an authentic Ayurvedic massage

Accommodation Options

Luxury:

• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel

• Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel

• Fortune JP Palace

Mid-Range:

• Royal Orchid Metropole

• Sandesh The Prince

• Hotel President Mysore

Budget:

• Treebo Akshaya Mahal

• Parklane Hotel

• Backpacker Panda Stay

Local Cuisine & Dining

Must Try:

• Mysore Masala Dosa

• Bisi Bele Bath

• Vangi Bath (Brinjal Rice)

• Mysore Pak (dessert)

• Filter coffee

Top Restaurants:

• Mylari Dosa (for authentic dosas)

• RRR Restaurant (traditional Karnataka meals)

• Gufha Restaurant (themed dining)

• La Uppu (luxury dining in Radisson Blu)

Travel Tips & Safety

• Avoid long queues at the palace by visiting early

• Dussehra period sees huge crowds – book in advance

• Use government-approved guides only

• Dress modestly in temples

• Drink bottled water and carry sunscreen

Weather & Packing Suggestions

Summer (Mar–Jun): Light cottons, sunglasses, water bottle
Winter (Oct–Feb): Light woolens for evenings
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Umbrella, waterproof shoes, mosquito repellent

Currency & Connectivity

• All digital payments and UPI are accepted widely

• ATMs and currency exchange available throughout the city

• Excellent mobile network & internet connectivity across all providers

Suggested Itinerary

2N/3D Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive → Mysore Palace → Devaraja Market → St. Philomena’s Church
Day 2: Chamundi Hill → Zoo → Jaganmohan Palace → Brindavan Gardens (evening light show)
Day 3: Karanji Lake → Railway Museum → Shopping for Mysore silk → Departure

Shopping & Souvenirs

• Mysore Silk Sarees

• Sandalwood soaps and oil

• Inlay wood handicrafts

• Perfumes and incense sticks (Agarbatti)

• Mysore Pak sweet boxes

Best Markets:

• Devaraja Market

• Cauvery Emporium

• Government Silk Weaving Factory Outlet

Cultural & Historical Background

Mysore was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysuru, ruled by the Wodeyars for over 500 years. The city is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, classical dance, music, and Ayurveda.

Its architectural blend of Indo-Saracenic and Gothic styles reflects its royal past and colonial influences.

Local Transport Options

• Auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and cabs available

• KSRTC city buses connect all major attractions

• Ola and Uber services available

• Rental bikes and heritage walk tours are popular

Nearest Railway Station

• Mysuru Junction (MYS) – centrally located, with regular trains from Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad

FAQs About Mysore Tour

Is 2 days enough for Mysore?
Yes, 2–3 days are ideal to cover all major sights at a comfortable pace.

Is Mysore a good family destination?
Absolutely! It’s safe, clean, and packed with attractions for all age groups.

Is there nightlife in Mysore?
Mysore is more cultural and traditional – nightlife is limited to restaurants and hotel lounges.

Which language is spoken?
Kannada is widely spoken, but most locals understand English and Hindi.

Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

• Avoid plastic near lakes and gardens

• Support local artisans by buying handmade crafts

• Choose eco-friendly stays and walking tours

• Respect temple customs and dress appropriately

• Use public transport or shared tours to reduce carbon footprint