Places to visit in Mysuru

• Mysuru Palace: Mysuru Palace should be the first stop on your itinerary. Located in the heart of the city, Mysuru Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace is an epitome of stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture, artisanship and old upholstery. Every corner of the palace is adorned with intricate design details, with each room elaborately curated with stained-glass windows, beautiful paintings, and vibrant colours. It is one of the largest palaces in the country, spread across three storeys, featuring marble domes and a 145 ft five-storied tower. Important highlights of the Mysuru Palace include the Durbar Hall, the Ambavilasa, the royal howdah (elephant seat made with 84kg of gold) and the Kalyana Mantapa. The palace area also houses 12 Hindu temples dating back to the 14th and 20th centuries. The palace looks impressive, especially at night on Sundays and public holidays when it is lit with 97,000 lights.ed from a mile away.
• Brindavan Gardens: Counted among the best terrace gardens across the world, Brindavan Gardens is another must-visit tourist spot in Mysuru. Known mainly for its symmetric design, inspired by Shalimar Garden in Kashmir, the garden mesmerises everyone with its grandeur, illuminated/musical fountains, a variety of plants, flowerbeds, botanical garden and fun-filled boating experience. The garden was conceptualised and modelled by Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Diwan of Mysuru state to beautify the region near the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (KRS Dam) built over the Cauvery River.
• Chamundi Hills: Chamundi Hills is known for a temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari (or Chamundi), which is located on the top of the central hill. There is a 1008 step stairway on the main hill that leads to the summit. Halfway to the summit is a massive statue of 'Nandi' bull (15 feet high and 24 feet long) – the vehicle of Lord Shiva that is carved out of a single piece of black granite. The temple features a quadrangular structure along with a statue of Mahishasura holding a sword in his right hand and a cobra in the left. It is one of the prime landmarks and a popular tourist spot of Mysuru.
• St. Philomena’s Church: St. Philomena's Church is a beautiful cathedral in medieval architectural style. It is one of the largest and oldest churches in the country and is an essential landmark in Mysuru. Built-in Neo-Gothic or the Victorian style, it is inspired by the Cologne Cathedral of Germany. The cathedral is made in the shape of a cross and features twin spires measuring 175 feet, that can be spotted from a mile away.

High-end shopping/luxury shopping/shopping malls in Mysuru

• Mall of Mysore: Mall of Mysore was the first mall in the city and is the epitome of luxury shopping and guest hospitality. The mall offers bowling and other games, a supermarket and a food court with a number of restaurants. Inox, a four-screen theatre is also located in the Mall of Mysore. Amongst the amenities is free wifi in every nook and corner of the mall, and baby care rooms.
• Forum City Mall: Forum City Mall is the largest mall in Mysore. It houses international and national brands, including H&M, American Tourister, Crocs, etc. and chains like Lifestyle. It has a supermarket, a huge food court and a six-screen theatre, PVR.
• Mysore Central Mall: Central is a fashion chain that houses premium national and international brands. Its vast expanse across India offers a wide variety of apparels, shoes, bags, and other accessories. It is known for its reasonable offers and sales, which attracts shopaholics now and then.

Street shopping in Mysuru

• Government Silk Factory: It's a popular attraction among tourists where you can watch the weavers at work, starting from a bundle to a finished saree. The silk here is truly unique in its quality as it comes straight from the loom. The prices are on the higher side as real gold is used for the sarees.
• Devaraja Market: If you want to witness Mysuru's local life, you must visit Devaraja Market. The market is bustling with various activities, and you will get everything from jewellery to clothes to perfumes.
• Sandalwood Oil Factory: Here, you can watch the process of manufacturing Sandalwood products. You can shop for different kinds of Sandalwood products such as Sandalwood oils, Agarbattis, soaps, detergents, perfumes, and cosmetics.
• Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium: If you love cultural artefacts and handicrafts, then Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium should be on your shopping list. The place is a storehouse for unique traditional pieces carved out of various materials. Some of the products that you can look for are rosewood inlay, sandalwood carvings, Mysuru paintings, traditional jewellery, and much more.
• Mysuru is synonymous with silk sarees popularly known as Mysuru Silk. It is also famous for various aromatic incense sticks (Agarbattis), Mysuru Pak, Mysuru paintings, Channapatna Dolls, Wooden Toys, Coffee Powder, Rosewood Artefacts, Khadi Cotton and sandalwood products. Shopping in Mysuru is a delightful experience, so here is a look at some of the city's best shopping spots.

Nightlife/party places in Mysuru

• The Road-Pub: The Road-Pub is designed with natural stones, wood and glass, lending an organic outdoorsy feel. On the inside, The Road-Pub is decked out, continuing the road theme – cool, dim lighting and props including a vintage car and bike – an excellent ambience for auto enthusiasts.
• Infinit Lounge Bar: Infinit Lounge Bar is an ideal spot to enjoy a drink under the stars. The rooftop bar serves a wide variety of starters, along with much-loved Chinese and North Indian dishes. Vegetarians can indulge in their delicious tandoori vegetarian platter or dal makhani. They also have live food counters, serving piping hot food off the grill brought sizzling to your table.
• Opium: Opium is one of the best places to hang out if you are looking for a fun time. It’s moderately priced, has a good crowd and plays excellent classic tracks. Located in the heart of the city, Opium is easy to get to so finding transport should not be a problem.

Parks and Gardens

Mysuru boasts 180 parks and playgrounds. Almost all the residential areas have parks such as Ambedkar Park in Jayanagar, Andolan Circle Park, and many more. Locals usually prefer walking in parks located around the lakes such the Kukarahalli Kere. Another beautiful park is Lingabudhi Kere that has a footpath with bamboo forests, and it takes more than 20 minutes to go around the park once.

Mysuru Zoo

One of the most popular attractions in the city, Mysuru Zoo, houses different animals from more than 40 countries. There are several native Indian animals such as White Tigers, Royal Bengal Tigers, Himalayan Black Bear, and White Peafowl. The zoo encompasses Karanji Lake which attracts different species of migratory birds like Painted Storks, Darters and Pelicans. Other attraction in the Mysuru zoo includes a botanical garden with 85 different trees and 35 species of exotic plants.

The illuminated Mysore Palace

Ambavilas Palace, famously known as Mysore Palace, is flanked by beautiful gardens on all sides and is gorgeous both during the day and at night. Once the Wadiyar Dynasty's official residence, this palace is a spectacular show of Indian history and fine architecture.

It is a majestic structure that is illuminated on Sunday nights and holidays. Thousands of lights show off the palace's magnificence as it glows against the deep night sky.

Dancing fountain at Brindavan Gardens

Sprawled over a vast area of about 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens is widely thought to be the city's most beautiful attraction. The dancing fountain here spurts, sways and dances according to the live music played. Coloured lights and lasers flash according to the water's choreography, harmonised with the blaring music, in this enchanting and dramatic water ballet. The Brindavan Gardens is easily accessible by road from the city of Mysore.

Places to visit near Mysuru:

Madurai: With a riot of colours, several architectural marvels and intricate statues adorning the walls, Madurai is the place where the essence of Tamil Nadu resides. A quick getaway from Mysuru, Madurai is a fantastic place to stop by and embrace the culture.

Kozhikode: From serene beaches to ancient temples and churches, Kozhikode can be an attractive getaway to explore.

Goa: Goa needs no introduction as it is known as one of the top beach destination in the country. It's one such tourist spot that is on everyone's bucket list. It is also popular as a honeymoon destination across India. From beaches to shacks, beautiful churches to stunning landscapes, Goa is the most chilled out place to visit at any time.

Coimbatore: Known for its textile Industry, Coimbatore has quite a few scenic waterfalls, wildlife reserves, and exquisite temples, that makes it a must-visit in every traveller's list.

Places to visit near Mysuru

Madurai

With a riot of colours, several architectural marvels and intricate statues adorning the walls, Madurai is the place where the essence of Tamil Nadu resides. A quick getaway from Mysuru, Madurai is a fantastic place to stop by and embrace the culture.

Kozhikode

From serene beaches to ancient temples and churches, Kozhikode can be a lovely getaway to explore.

Goa

Goa needs no introduction as it is known as one of the top beach destinations in the country. It's one such tourist spot that is on everyone's bucket list. It is also popular as a honeymoon destination across India. From beaches to shacks, beautiful churches to stunning landscapes, Goa is the most chilled out place to visit at any time.

Coimbatore

Known for its textile Industry, Coimbatore has quite a few scenic waterfalls, wildlife reserves, and exquisite temples, that makes it a must-visit in every traveller's list.

Dasara

Mysuru is not only about stunning architectures, beautiful lakes, and gardens. The city is also known across the globe for its grand Dasara or Dussehra celebrations. It is not merely an essential Hindu festival; instead, it's a cultural extravaganza that lasts for ten days. Dasara celebrations in Mysuru date back to the year 1610 with King Wodeyar organising the first one. The festival's highlight is the colourful procession known as Jamboo Savari that starts from the royal palace and ends at Bannimantap. The procession is a visual treat wherein Goddess Chamundi's idol is placed on a golden platform over an elephant, along with musicians, dance troupes, folk bands, and various tableaux. The start of the procession is marked by 21-gun salute, following which the procession further moves through the city's streets. The entire town is decorated up with lights, and the illuminated Mysuru Palace is a sight to behold. Dasara in Mysuru is an experience in itself.