Mysuru, known as the 'City of Palaces,' is a picturesque city in southern India steeped in rich history. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Mysuru for over two centuries, it boasts magnificent structures like Somanathapura Temple and several beautiful parks and lakes. Its exquisite palaces, including those built under Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV's reign, are a testament to the city's architectural and artistic heritage. Mysuru tourism involves palaces and is a hub of industry and spirituality. It is known for its high-tech stone manufacturing for jewellery, carvings, and architectural ornamentation. Here is your detailed Mysuru travel guide.
How to reach Mysuru
- By air: Mysuru Airport (MYQ), the Mandakalli Airport, is a domestic airport serving Mysuru in Karnataka. It is 12 km from the city centre and has one terminal for domestic flights. The airport connects the cities to major Indian cities, such as Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Goa, with regular flights to Mysuru.
- By train: Mysuru Junction is the city's primary railway station on the Mysuru-Bangalore railway line. It offers short and long-distance train services to cities like Chennai, Delhi, and Mangalore.
- By bus: Mysuru is easily accessible by road, with well-maintained expressways and highways connecting it to various parts of South India. Roads like NH 275, NH 766, and NH 150A pass through the city. The main bus stand, Mysuru City Bus Stand, is the primary entry point for travellers arriving by bus.
- Getting around/local transport in Mysuru: Some of the most accessible travelling options within Mysuru are auto rickshaws, buses, and private taxis.
Places to visit
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Mysuru Palace
A stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture featuring intricately designed domes, arches, and a grand facade.
Experience Time: 2-3 hours
Somanathapura Temple
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Brindavan Garden
Exploration time: 3-4 hours
Rail Museum
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Jaganmohan Palace
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
Jayalakshmi Vilas
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursView All 6 places
Places to eat
Mysuru boasts several historic restaurants that have delighted food enthusiasts for many years. Here, we highlight some of the city's most iconic dining establishments to explore.
Vinayaka Mylari
Vinayaka Mylari is a famous restaurant in Mysuru known for its delicious and authentic Karnataka cuisine. Here, you can savour some soulful food. They serve delicious dosas on banana leaves.
Popular dishes: Mysuru masala dosa, benne dosa, and coffee.
Green Leaf
Enjoy flavours of North Indian delicacies and authentic South Indian dishes from this popular eatery. It also serves Jain dishes.
Popular dishes: Paper dosa, masala dosa, and paneer tikka.
Oyster Bay
Oyster Bay provides various dishes from different cuisines with authentic flavours. Guests can also dine outdoors, enjoying their meal in the evening breeze.
Popular dishes: Kung pao lamb, seafood island soup, clay pot rice, tandoori prawns, and pasta arrabbiata.
Mahesh Prasad
This is a favourite joint among locals for its several vegetarian dishes from South India. The restaurant ensures every meal has fresh and delightful flavours to tantalise your taste buds.
Popular dishes: Onion dosa, rava idli, khara bath, and filter coffee.
SPR Veg Restaurant
Relax in the bright, airy dining area surrounded by lush greenery and indulge in various dishes from their extensive menu. From South Indian delicacies to tandoori items, they have it all.
Popular dishes: Joladda rotti oota, mushroom fried rice, and paneer manchurian.
Hotel RRR
This restaurant has made a quite impression with its Andhra-style meaty delights. They have an extensive menu, and the taste and flavours tend to draw visitors.
Popular dishes: Chicken biryani, mutton biryani, chilli chicken, and chicken fry.
Things To Do
Here's a flexible list of activities to enjoy in Mysuru, tailored to your daily preferences.
Heritage excursions
Historical sites
Architectural tours
Cultural tour
Shopping trips
Local cuisine
Nature walk
Museum visits
Temple visits
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Mysuru is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing.
Most commonly spoken languages
In Mysuru, the most commonly spoken language is Kannada, the official and predominant language, followed by Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
Shopping
Explore Mysuru's diverse offerings of silk, sandalwood, and sweets. Our curated list will help you discover the city's top shopping spots.
- Devaraja Market: Devaraja Market is a vibrant hub of activity. You can find various items here, from jewellery to perfumes, clothes, fruits, vegetables, and delectable sweets. It offers a glimpse into local life and is a must-visit for tourists. Don't miss the chance to pick up unique gifts, such as the adorable Channapatna Dolls.
- KR Market (Krishna Rajendra Market): KR Market, also known as Krishna Rajendra Market, is one of the oldest and largest markets in Mysuru. It is known for its lively atmosphere and wide selection of merchandise. Here, shoppers can find everything from fruits, vegetables, and flowers to clothing, accessories, and household items.
- Gandhi Square Market: Gandhi Square Market is a vibrant marketplace where visitors can explore a variety of goods. From street food vendors serving delicious local delicacies to shops selling clothing, electronics, and household items, Gandhi Square Market caters to diverse shopping needs.
- Chamundi Hill Market: Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Chamundi Hill, this market offers a unique shopping experience with a backdrop of scenic beauty. Visitors can browse traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and religious items while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Festivals
Visiting Mysuru during the festivals can be a truly memorable experience. Here are the festivals you should experience in Mysuru.
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Dasara Festival
Dasara, celebrated in September or October, is one of Mysuru's grandest festivals, lasting 10 days. It honours Devi Chamundeshwari's victory over the demon Mahishashura. The city buzzes with activity, with the royal family's puja at Amba Vilas Palace as a highlight. On the 10th day, a spectacular procession features decorated elephants and a statue of Chamundeshwari.
Ugadi Festival
Ugadi, the Kannada New Year, falls in March or April and symbolises new beginnings and good fortune. Celebrated with enthusiasm in Mysuru and across Karnataka, it includes decorating homes with rangolis and torana made of mango leaves. Families perform rituals like an oil bath, wearing new clothes, and lighting lamps for prosperity. The day ends with a feast featuring dishes like obbattu and payasa.
Varamahalakshmi
The Varamahalakshmi festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mysuru. It is a special day dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi. The festival is marked by decorating homes, preparing unique dishes, and offering prayers to the goddess.
Ganesh Chaturthi
The festival usually lasts 10 days, and Lord Ganesha's idols are installed in homes and public places. The idols are worshipped with prayers, offerings, and devotional songs. On the last day, the idols are taken out in a colourful procession accompanied by music and dance and immersed in water, symbolising Lord Ganesha's departure.
More reasons to visit
Here are some of the more reasons for visiting Mysuru:
- Mysuru Zoo: The zoo houses various animals and birds from over 40 countries, making it an excellent destination for animal lovers and families. There's plenty to see with 168 species, including terrestrial birds, felines, primates, and reptiles.
- Chamundeshwari Temple: Perched atop Chamundi Hills, this temple is a renowned South Indian landmark. Constructed by the Wodeyar family to honour their deity, Chamundeshwari, the temple showcases stunning Dravidian architecture. Accessible by a drive or a climb up 1,000 steps, it is one among the 18 Shakti Peetha (Shrines for Goddesses in Hinduism).
- Talakad: Talakadu, located near Mysuru, is a historic site on the banks of the River Kaveri. It is known for its vast dunes and the Panchalinga Darshana, a pilgrimage to five Shiva temples. Talakadu is famous for its legends, temples, and unique sand-covered landscape.
