Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Mysore

Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be unfair to say Mysore is one of the country’s most flamboyant spots. It’s full of its beautiful royal heritage background, exquisite architecture, famous silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, just to name a few.

Located at the foot of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in Karnataka state and its rich cultural heritage attracts millions of tourists throughout the year.

Table of Contents

1. Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace was once the residence of rulers of the Wodeyar dynasty who ruled Mysore for seven centuries among the most famous places to visit in Mysore. Of more than 2.7 million visitors per year, the palace is considered one of the largest in India.

The brilliant architecture and exquisite craftsmanship make it an amazing masterpiece. The doorways and corridors allow you to fly back through time to past stories. One of the most appealing things to do in Mysore visits the palace, particularly for all the history buffs out there.

It is the second most visited historical monument, after the Taj Mahal, visited by local and foreign tourists. Currently, inside the Old Fort, Mysore Palace is renowned for its light & sound display and vibrant Dussehra celebrations.

2. Philomena Church

Mysore is all about great architecture! Next on the list of best places to see in Mysore is the Church of St Philomena, one of the largest cathedrals in South Asia. Designed in Gothic style, the church’s building plan was very thoughtfully carried out.

The basement of the Church has catacombs underneath the central altar. The floor plan is laid out over its ends in the form of the Holy Cross with a Congregation Hall, Choir, and Transepts. The stained-glass windows show depictions of prominent Christ-age events.

3. Chamundi Hills and Chamundeshwari Temple

The hills of Chamundi are situated 13 km from Mysore and there is a beautifully sculptured temple of Chamundeshwari atop the hills. To enter the temple, one must take a flight of 1000 steps.

The temple architecture is peculiar, with 7-tier gopuram and 7 golden Kalash at the top to catch the eye. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, handcrafted with excellence, and portrays her with 8 hands (also known as Ashta Bhujas). A trip to the hills and temple in Mysore is ideal for a sightseeing day. This is one of Mysore’s best-known places to visit with family.

4. Brindavan Gardens

The 60-acre Brindavan Gardens lies at a distance of 21 km from Mysore. It took about five years to complete the project, constructed across India’s prominent river, Cauvery. Some of the top experiences of Brindavan Garden include the well-synchronized showing of a fountain with music, boating, and well-manicured flowerbed grass.

Built by Mysore’s Diwan Sir Mirza Ismail in 1932, Brindavan Garden is visited annually by millions of tourists. The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, which links the two parts with a walkway bridge, is divided into two parts, north, and south.

5. Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens was founded in 1892 and is popularly known as the Mysore Zoo. The zoo is among the best places to see in Mysore, especially with children. Today it is spreading over a 78-acre field. Aside from the animals found in our country, this zoo also has some exotic animals purchased from outside zoos.

If you’re here for a long weekend, then the zoo is certainly one of the places to visit within 3 days in Mysore. Also, if you’re visiting with kids, this is one spot on your itinerary that should be.

6. GRS Fantasy Park

GRS Fantasy Park is a Mysore amusement park and aqua park. It’s a great place for families to visit, especially children. The fantasy park has many attractions to be enjoyed by one.

Family rides, children’s rides, and exciting trips. The place is a total amusement and entertainment package. If you’re visiting Mysore in summer, then you shouldn’t miss this one spot. Now add that to your tour!

7. KRS Dam

Your Mysore sightseeing without paying a visit to KRS Dam is not complete. Constructed over the Kaveri River, Mysore is another interesting place to visit. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the dam by car from the city and so it is easy to explore if you are looking for places to visit in Mysore within 1 day.

Each evening the garden at the dam is lit and one can relax or walk there. The musical fountain contributes to local aesthetics. You should find this for a one-day trip out of Mysore.

8. Chunchanakatte Falls

You might be surprised to know that Mysore also has very few numbers of waterfalls that are a true delight to the eyes and soul, although not very common. One of them is the Chunchanakatte Falls situated over the Kaveri River in Mysore’s village of Chunchanakatte.

Pristine and peaceful, this river falls from a whopping 20-meter-high separated into two different waterfalls, before continuing as a single river at the base.

9. Jaganmohan Palace

One of the best places to visit today in Mysore, Jaganmohan Palace was originally built to be used as a royal family residence but was later converted into an art gallery.

The gallery houses many important South Indian artifacts and artworks. Here are also kept the famous works of Indian artists such as the oil paintings by Raja Ravi Verma and the “Lady with the Lamp” by S.G.Heldnkr. The art gallery also includes antiques and some exquisite masterpieces.

10. Philomena’s Cathedral

St. Philomena’s Cathedral, which has been standing tall for almost 200 years now, is one of the holiest places to visit in Mysore. This cathedral is one of the most important and prominent cathedrals amid all the other places of worship that cover not only Mysore’s floors but Karnataka’s entire state. This cathedral was once a small church restored by Maharaja Krishna Raja Wodeyar.

This cathedral is one of the most beautiful places for visitors to see Mysore’s architecture and design. It also happens that St. Philomena’s Cathedral is among the largest cathedrals in all of South Asia.

How to Reach Mysore:

By Air

The nearest airport to Mysore is the Mysore Airport (MYQ), also known as Mandakalli Airport. It is located about 10 kilometers from the city center. However, it primarily caters to domestic flights from select Indian cities. For international travelers and those coming from other parts of India, the Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore is the most viable option. Bangalore is approximately 170 kilometers from Mysore, and from there, one can opt for bus, train, or taxi services to reach Mysore.

By Rail

Mysore is well-linked to the rest of India via an extensive railway network. The Mysore Junction Railway Station is a major station that welcomes trains from across the country, including direct connections from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, and Kolkata. Traveling to Mysore by train is not only convenient but also allows passengers to enjoy the scenic beauty of Karnataka’s countryside.

By Road

Traveling to Mysore by road is a delightful experience, with well-maintained highways and scenic routes. The city is accessible via National Highway NH-275, which connects Mysore to Bangalore. Several state-run and private buses operate between Mysore and major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Hyderabad. For those who prefer a more personal travel experience, renting a car or driving to Mysore offers the flexibility to explore the lush landscapes at one’s own pace.

Tips for Travelers

Book in Advance: Especially during peak tourist seasons or festivals like Dasara, it’s wise to book your flights, trains, or buses well in advance.
From Bangalore to Mysore: Consider the scenic train journey or the comfortable bus ride from Bangalore for a hassle-free trip.
Explore Locally: Once in Mysore, take advantage of the city’s efficient public transport or hire a taxi/auto-rickshaw to explore the local attractions.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the weather and any travel advisories, especially during the monsoon season.

Check More Details on Karnataka:

Top 10 Places to Visit in Mysore, Karnataka