Overview
About Mysore
Mysore, officially Mysuru, was for centuries the capital of the Wodeyar kings, and it remains Karnataka's most graceful city. Wide avenues, grand palaces, colonial-era public buildings and leafy circles give it a calm, dignified air that feels very different from the bustle of nearby Bengaluru.
The city's crowning glory is the Mysore Palace, an Indo-Saracenic masterpiece of domes, arches and stained glass that is lit with thousands of bulbs on special evenings. It is the focal point of Mysore Dasara, the city's grand festival held over ten days in autumn, when the palace is illuminated and a royal procession of decorated elephants winds through the streets.
Mysore is equally known for its crafts and flavours: fine silk saris, sandalwood soaps and oils, incense, traditional paintings and the rich sweet called Mysore pak. Chamundi Hills rises just outside the city, and nearby Srirangapatna, the Brindavan Gardens and the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary make easy excursions, so two to three days here is time well spent.
- Mysore Palace
- Dasara festival
- Mysore silk
- Sandalwood
- Mysore pak
- Chamundi Hills
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Mysore
Palaces & Heritage
Mysore Palace
The magnificent former royal residence of the Wodeyars, with ornate durbar halls, carved doors and stained-glass ceilings. It is spectacularly illuminated on selected evenings and throughout Dasara.
Jaganmohan Palace
An older royal palace that now houses an art gallery with paintings, including works by Raja Ravi Varma, and royal artefacts.
St Philomena's Cathedral
A striking neo-Gothic church with tall twin spires and stained-glass windows, one of the largest churches in India.
Srirangapatna
A historic island town on the Kaveri about 15 km from Mysore, once Tipu Sultan's capital, with the Ranganathaswamy temple, Daria Daulat Bagh and the ruins of his fort.
Temples
Chamundeshwari Temple
A hilltop temple on Chamundi Hills dedicated to the city's patron goddess, offering sweeping views over Mysore.
Nandi Statue
A giant monolithic Nandi carved from a single rock, located along the steps that climb Chamundi Hills.
Somanathapura Temple
A beautifully carved Hoysala temple in a village about 35 km from Mysore, known for its star-shaped plan and detailed sculpture.
Gardens & Nature
Brindavan Gardens
Terraced gardens below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam, famous for their evening musical fountain show and illuminated lawns.
Mysore Zoo
Officially the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, one of the oldest and best-maintained zoos in India, with spacious enclosures.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
A cluster of islets on the Kaveri near Srirangapatna where boats take visitors past nesting storks, herons and crocodiles basking on the rocks.
Markets
Devaraja Market
A bustling old market full of flowers, fruits, spices, kumkum powders and incense, one of the most colourful places in the city.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Mysore
- 1
See the palace lit up
Plan an evening at the Mysore Palace when it is illuminated, a breathtaking sight from the palace grounds.
- 2
Experience Dasara
Visit during the Dasara festival in autumn to see the elephant procession, cultural programmes and the illuminated city.
- 3
Climb Chamundi Hills
Walk up the thousand-odd steps to the temple at dawn, passing the giant Nandi on the way, or drive to the top.
- 4
Shop for silk and sandalwood
Buy genuine Mysore silk saris and sandalwood products from government-run emporiums and reputed showrooms.
- 5
Day trip to Srirangapatna
Combine Tipu Sultan's former capital with the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and Brindavan Gardens in a single day.
- 6
Explore the market at dawn
Wander through Devaraja Market early in the day to see flower sellers and the city waking up.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Mysore
The best time to visit Mysore is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to May
20°C to 35°C
Warm and dry, with hot afternoons. Sightseeing is comfortable in the mornings and evenings.
Monsoon
June to September
19°C to 28°C
Moderate rainfall cools the city and turns the countryside green. Light showers rarely disrupt sightseeing.
Winter
October to February
15°C to 29°C
The best season, with pleasant weather. Dasara usually falls in late September or October, making it the busiest time of year.
Getting there
How to Reach Mysore
By Air
Mysore Airport, a short distance from the city, has only limited flights. Most travellers fly into Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, roughly 170 km away, and continue by taxi, bus or train.
By Rail
Mysuru Junction, close to the city centre, has frequent trains to Bengaluru, including fast intercity services, as well as connections to Chennai, Hyderabad and other cities.
By Road
Mysore is about 145 km from Bengaluru via the Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway, and is also connected to Ooty and Coorg by road. Karnataka state buses run frequently from Bengaluru and other cities.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Mysore
Mysore pak
A rich sweet made from gram flour, ghee and sugar that was created in the royal kitchens of Mysore.
Mysore masala dosa
A crisp dosa spread with spicy red chutney and filled with potato, served with coconut chutney.
Bisi bele bath
A hearty, spiced dish of rice, lentils and vegetables flavoured with tamarind and ghee.
Ragi mudde
Finger-millet balls eaten with a spicy saaru or curry, a traditional Karnataka staple.
Filter coffee
Strong, frothy south Indian coffee served in a steel tumbler and dabarah.
What to Buy in Mysore
- Mysore silk saris
- Sandalwood soaps, oils and carvings
- Incense sticks (agarbatti)
- Traditional Mysore paintings
- Rosewood inlay work
Travel Tips for Mysore
- Footwear must be removed before entering the Mysore Palace; there is a counter outside.
- Book stays well in advance if you plan to visit during Dasara.
- Buy silk and sandalwood from government emporiums to avoid fakes.
- Visit the Brindavan Gardens in the evening for the fountain show, checking timings locally.
FAQs
Mysore Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Mysore?
October to March is the best time to visit Mysore for pleasant weather, and the Dasara festival in autumn is the most spectacular time to be in the city.
How many days are enough for Mysore?
Two to three days is enough to see the palace, Chamundi Hills, the zoo and markets, plus a day trip to Srirangapatna and Brindavan Gardens.
What is Mysore famous for?
Mysore is famous for the Mysore Palace, its Dasara celebrations, silk, sandalwood, Mysore pak and its royal heritage.
Are Mysore and Mysuru the same?
Yes. Mysuru is the official name of the city, though Mysore is still widely used.
When is the Mysore Palace illuminated?
The palace is illuminated on selected evenings, including Sundays and public holidays, and every night during Dasara. Check the current schedule before you visit.
How far is Mysore from Bengaluru?
Mysore is about 145 km from Bengaluru and is well connected by expressway, frequent buses and trains.
