Mysore (or Mysuru if you are up to date with the city) is one of the most magnificent cities in South India. This spellbinding city, with marvellous monuments and fascinating heritage and history, is a treat for travellers. From historical monuments to temples, there are various places to visit in Mysore.
From the World Heritage acclaimed palace to the heady spice markets, Mysore has so much to offer that is a truly unique experience. There are places to visit in Mysore for couples, families, and friends. So if you are planning to visit the city with anyone or even solo, we have rounded up the best places to visit in Mysore for you.
Quick Facts About Mysore:
- How to Reach Mysore: If you are taking the flight, the nearest airport to Mysore is Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore which is 170 km away. If you are taking the bus, there are many buses available from Kempegowda Bus Station in Majestic to Mysore. You can also drive your own car as Mysore is around 150 km from Bangalore. If you are planning to take the train, the city also has a railway station, Mysore Junction Railway Station.
- Best Time to Visit Mysore: October to February
- Ideal Duration of Stay in Mysore: 3 days
- Where to Stay: For a comfortable stay, book a Hotel in Mysore.
Check Out: 3 Fun Road Trip Routes from Bangalore to Mysore
Places to Visit in Mysore: Historical Sites and Museums
1. Mysore Palace
Nestled in the very heart of the city, Mysore Palace is one of India’s true jewels – a true feast for the eyes and soul. Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, it is full of delights. Right from the doll pavilion to the huge open-air courtyard to the Kalyana Mantapa with a five-storied tower creating a majestic dome overhead.
The property also has beautiful temples, each spanning different eras. There are battery-operated vehicles that can take you around this sprawling destination.
- Location: Sayyaji Rao Rd, Agrahara, Chamrajpura
- Timings: 10 am to 5:30 pm
- Ticket Price: Rs 90 (Adults) and Rs. 40 (Child)
Also, Read: Places to Visit in Mysore During Dussehra and Other Places
2. Jaganmohan Palace – Art Gallery & Museum
An alternate home to the Mysore royal family and host to the very first session of Legislative Council of Mysore State, Jaganmohan Palace converted to an art gallery and museum and is now home to over two thousand paintings characteristic of Mysore, Mughal and Shantiniketan styles.
The works of Raja Ravi Varma, arguably India’s finest painter are also on display. Apart from that, an array of artefacts and antiques from weapons to currency. The auditorium has many traditional dance and musical concerts during Dasara.
- Location: Jagan Mohan Palace Road, Chamrajpura
- Timings: 8:30 am – 5 pm
- Ticket Price: Rs 20 (Adults) and Rs. 10 (Child)
3. Regional Museum of Natural History
One of the more popular attractions of Mysore, the museum was established to create awareness about the environment and to encourage conservation of our natural treasures. With diverse themes like rain forests, wetlands, marine life and with lots of models, audio-visuals, and diorama, the place is bursting with entertainment.
Do not miss the panel display on Karnataka’s own Kaveri River and the walkthrough tunnel on the evolution of life on Earth.
- Location: T.N.Pura Road, Siddhartha Nagar, Mysuru, Karnataka 570011
- Timings: 10 am – 6 pm
- Ticket Price: Free
4. Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum
In a city full of exciting places to visit, the Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum still manages to stand out for its sheer uniqueness. Who would have thought just sand, water and a little glue could turn into such an enchanting place to visit.
The eco-friendly museum is based in lush greenery and spread over 13500 sq feet. With over a hundred sculptures ranging from legendary myths, wildlife to Mysore’s own heritage, religious epics and even Tom & Jerry, you will gasp in wonder and laugh in delight.
- Location: Chamundi Hill Road, KC Layout
- Timings: 8:30 am–6:30 pm
- Ticket Price: Rs 40 (Adults) and Rs. 20 (Child)
5. Mysore Railway Museum
From the Chamundi Gallery’s railway paintings and photographs to the Sri Ranga Pavilion with its two real royal coaches, this museum is very interesting. Besides this, there are also many other carriages and coaches to explore.
The Maharani’s saloon carriage dating back to 1899, the Austin Railway Car, India’s first home-built steam engine and other rare exhibits are a treat! There is even an actual section of the Old Srirangapatna railway station. There is also a mini toy-train that takes visitors all around the museum grounds.
- Location: KRS Road, Opp. CFTRI, Medar Block, Yadavagiri
- Timings: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Ticket Price: Rs. 15 per person
- Where to Stay : Hotels near Railway Museum Mysore
6. Folklore Museum
The museum has an abundance of artefacts, sculpture, paintings in traditional and tribal styles. There is a marvellous and massive collection of traditional farming, hunting and trapping equipment and tools.
If you ever wondered about the daily business of eating there is old-fashioned kitchen implements and there’s even physical fitness equipment that is both funny and interesting. Do not miss the leather puppets and the costumes used in traditional theatre.
- Location: Manasa Gangothiri
- Timings: 10:15am–1:15pm and 2:30–5pm
- Ticket Price: Rs. 15 per person
- Where to Stay : Hotels near Folklore Museum Mysore
7. Melody World Wax Museum
Melody World Wax Museum started in 2010 in a heritage building. The museum has a large collection of Karnataka’s musical instruments in addition to pieces from all over India.
Expect to find instruments from various eras and genres, from classical to indigenous, Punjabi bhangra to jazz, Hindustani to hip-hop; all music has a home here, and all with life-size wax statues playing them.
- Location: 1, Vihara Marga, Siddhartha Layout
- Timings: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm
- Ticket Price: Rs. 30 per person
8. Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon
Built by Tipu Sultan to hold his British prisoners, the dungeon is named after Colonel Bailey who died in miserable captivity there in 1780. The 30 by 12-meter wide structure still has the prison hooks in the wall to which prisoners were tied.
The dungeons as you would imagine are dark, damp and frightening. The atmosphere still holds the sense of suffering and you rarely hear laughing even from the jolliest tourist. It is an interesting place to visit especially for war history aficionados.
- Location: Srirangapatna
- Timings: 9 am – 5 pm
- Ticket Price: Free
Also, Read: The List of Important Museums in India
Places to Visit in Mysore: Gardens, Dams, and Sanctuary
1. Krishna Raja Sagar Dam
Close to confluence of the Kaveri, Hemavathi and Lakshmana Tirtha Rivers stands the mighty KRS Dam, built-in 1932 the sheer magnitude of the structure is mind-blowing. It stands at 130 feet and has over a hundred sluice gates. Historically India’s first irrigation dam and one of the main water sources for Mandya and Mysore.
The magical illuminated gardens, musical fountains and more make the dam a popular location not just for tourists but also Bollywood movies.
- Location: KRS Dam Road
- Timings: 6:30 am – 9 pm
- Ticket Price: Rs. 15 (Adults) Rs. 5 (Child)
Also, Read: Top 10 Beautiful Cities in India
2. Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
Spread over a generous hundred and fifty-seven acres of land and well maintained, it is one of India’s most popular and oldest zoos, being open to the public for over a hundred years. The zoo is home to a wide variety of species and has an artificial island created especially for bird’s sanctuary.
While there is a toy train and electric buggies to take you around, the zoo is easy to navigate and a lovely place to walk through with sandalwood trees scenting the air as you look at the elephants, giraffes, tigers and company.
- Location: Zoo Main Road, Indira Nagar
- Timings: 8:30am–5:30pm
- Ticket Price: Rs. 80 (Adults) Rs. 40 (Child)
3. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
On the banks of the Kaveri River and just outside Mysore is the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Made up of six small islands, the place was declared bird’s sanctuary in the year 1940.
Walking through, there are plenty of signs with information on the birds that can be spotted: Ibis, Spoon Bills, Painted Stork, Plovers, etc. There is always a chance to run into animals too. The area is home to mongoose, flying fox, palm civets, otters, bonnet macaque and even crocodile.
- Location: Ranganathittu Road, District Mandya, Srirangapatna
- Timings: 9am–6pm
- Ticket Price: Rs. 50 (Indian) and Rs. 300 (Foreigners)
4. Brindavan Gardens
Spread out over sixty acres, the gardens terraces are three-tier and ends in a lucky horseshoe. Built with the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir Mughal grandeur as its inspiration, there are fountains, terraces, parterres, laws and glorious flower beds, ornamental trees and lush green lawns.
If that isn’t enough, there are boat rides on the river and light shows at night that transform the majestic gardens into magical.
- Location: KRS Dam Road
- Timings: 8 am–8 pm
- Ticket Price: Rs. 15 (Adults) Rs. 5 (Child)
Also, Read: Places to Visit in Mysore in Evening
Places to Visit in Mysore: Religious Sites
1. St. Philomena’s Church
Established in 1840, historically designed by French artist Daly and drawing heavily on Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, St. Philomena’s Church is one of India’s largest built to hold close to eight hundred people.
The buildings are built to form a cross. Points of interest are the twin spires that soar to a height of a hundred and seventy-five feet, the carved altar and the beautiful statue of St. Philomena brought all the way from France.
- Location: Lourdes Nagar, Ashoka Road, Lashkar Mohalla
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Where to Stay : Hotels near St Philomenas Church Mysore
2. Chamundeshwari Temple
The temple is built in the intricate and beautiful style of Dravidian architecture. The seven-tier ‘Gopura’ or pyramid tower rises up to the sky, while below are silver-plated doorways, sanctums, seven golden ‘kalashas’ and so much more to see.
For devotees and tourists alike the Nandi is a huge pulling point, huge because at sixteen feet tall and carved out of black granite, this beloved Nandi of Mysore is the third-largest in the whole of India.
- Location: Chamundi Hill Steps, Chamundi Hill
- Timings: 7:30am–2pm, 3:30–6pm and 7:30–9pm
- Where to Stay : Hotels near Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore
Places to Visit in Mysore: Food and Shopping
1. Hotel Vinayaka Mylari
While there are plenty of lovely restaurants in Mysore you must not miss out on the local cuisine. This place is not much to look at but taste the food mindblowing. Go here for their incredible dosas and be prepared to wait for your table as it gets crowded often.
- Location: Nazarbad Main Road, Doora
- Cost for Two: Rs. 300
2. Gayatri Tiffin Room
Gayatri Tiffin Room is another place you must go to for authentic local food. Serving authentic Mysore fare, try the butter masala dosa, filter coffee and vada.
- Location: Chamundipuram Main Road, Narayan Shasthri Rd, Chamundipuram, Ramachandra Agrahara
- Cost for Two: Rs. 500
3. Shree Mahalaxmi Sweets
You cannot leave Mysore without sampling on its most famous sweet the Mysore Pak. Melt in the mouth or hard, buttery and crunchy you can find this and many more delicious and unique sweets in many sweet shops. But the locals swear by Shree Mahalaxmi Sweets as it has five different types of Mysore Pak plus many other delicious sweets.
- Location: Dodda Gadiyara, Opp Tower Complex, Ashoka Rd
Also Read: 12 Must-try Street Food in Mysore
4. Cauvery Govt Emporium
Mysore is also famous for its fragrant sandalwood. Besides soaps and oils, visit Cauvery Emporium for authentic sandalwood and artefacts. This is the only Karnataka Government approved outlet and is full of sweet-smelling souvenirs.
- Location: Sayyaji Rao Road, Mandi Mohalla
5. Devaraja Market
Another not to be missed true local flavour is the Devaraja Market where you will find spices and spice mixes, flowers, vegetables and a rumoured forty different types of banana to taste. It is a truly authentic experience with lots to sample and buy to take back home.
- Location: Sayyaji Rao Rd, Devaraja Mohalla, Shivarampet
Also, Read: 10 Best Shopping Places in Mysore
On your next visit to Mysore, don’t forget to check out these fabulous places to fully experience your trip to Mysore. Let us know in the comments below, your favourite places to visit in Mysore.
Book pleasant stays with hotels in Mysore.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mysore:
What are the places to visit in Mysore near railway station?
Check out Mysore Palace, Sir Chamarajendra Zoological Garden, Somnathpur Temple, Devraja Marlet and Namdrolling Monastery near Mysore City Junction Railway Station.
What are the best places to visit in Mysore with family?
You can visit Mysore Palace, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, Brindavan Gardens, Jaganmohan Palace, Melody World Wax Museum and Railway Museum with your family in Mysore.
What are the list of places to visit in Mysore in one day?
In a day, you can visit Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundi Hills, Sand Museum, and Wax Museum in Mysore.
What are the top 10 best places to visit in Mysore?
Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Chemundeshwari Temple, Brindavan Gardens, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Regional Museum of Natual History, Railway Museum, Melody World Wax Museum and Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum.
What are the places to visit in Mysore during Dussehra?
You can visit Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Zoo and Brindavan gardens, and Chamundeshwari Temple during Dussehra.
