Top 10 Places to Visit in Mysore: Explore the Grand City of Palaces

Nestled like a precious gem in the heart of Karnataka, Mysore is a city that sparkles with regal charm, akin to a resplendent jewel in a royal crown. Mysore is widely known as the cultural capital of Karnataka for the festivities that take place during the period of Dasara. As you embark on a journey through the time-worn alleys of this city, you'll discover that Mysore is more than just a destination; it's a tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, and natural beauty. Mysore is widely known for its sandalwood and rosewood handicrafts, incenses sticks, stone sculptures, and the famous silk sarees and a technology hub in Karnataka. Each of the places to visit in Mysore represents a piece of its diverse heritage, waiting to be explored.

Top Places to Visit in Mysore: Feel the Grandeur of the Royal Opulence

Mysore, often referred to as the "City of Palaces," stands as a testament to the opulence of an era bygone, especially because of the antique jewel named Mysore Palace and others like Jaganmohana Palace, Rajendra Vilas, Lalitha Mahal, and Jayalakshmi Vilas. Beyond the palace, Mysore unveils Chamundeshwari Mata temple on Chamundi Hill, an ancient guardian overlooking the city like a watchful sentinel.

The other attractions in Mysore are the museums that showcase the past of the city and state. A few of them are the Regional Museum of Natural History, the Folk Lore Museum, the Railway Museum and the Oriental Research Institute. People from around the globe often come here on yoga-related health tourism.

If you want to step out of past, this city will take you close to nature with Mysore Zoo and Nagarahole National Park, Brindavan Gardens, Shukavana and an array of lakes like Karanji Lake Nature Park, Kukkarahalli lake, Lingambudhi Kere, Chunchanakatte, and Varuna Lake. In this blog, we'll explore the top places to visit in Mysore that give a treasure trove of experiences for every traveler. Here are the tourist attractions in Mysore for your visit:

Mysore Palace
Chamundeshwari Mata Temple
Brindavan Gardens
St. Philomena's Church
Mysore Zoo
Jaganmohan Palace
Karanji Lake and Park
Rail Museum
Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

1. Mysore Palace: Explore the Palace of Dreams

Step into a world where time dances with elegance and grandeur, just as the sun caresses the intricate arches of Mysore Palace. Like a jeweled crown, this opulent architectural masterpiece glimmers with history. As you wander through its ornate halls, you'll feel like royalty, enveloped in a tapestry of bygone splendor, where every step is a step back in time. Now you must have got an idea that your tour to Mysore won’t be complete without visiting this alluring palace. You must not miss the Dasara or nada Habba festival of 10 days at one of the must-visit places to visit in Mysore at night, when the palace is decorated with colorful lights and many events take place.

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm

Closed on: Sunday & Public Holidays

Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours

Charges:

Adult: Indians INR 70, Foreigners INR 70
Children below 10 Years: INR Free
Children above 10 to 18 Years: INR 50
Students: INR 10
Parking: INR 40 (Car), INR 20 (Two-wheeler)

Special Events: Sound and Light Show (Adults- INR 120, and Children below 10- INR 50)

Sound and Light Show Time: 7 pm to 7:45 pm

2. Chamundeshwari Temple: Seek Blessings at Top of the City Temple

Atop Chamundi Hill, this one of the famous temples in South India emerges as a beacon of spirituality. Chamundeshwari Temple is 13 km away from Mysore city and is a place where the world seems to pause. Like an ancient guardian, this temple stands tall, overlooking Mysore. Climb its 1,000 steps, and you'll reach the heavens, greeted by panoramic vistas. The temple itself is built in quadrangular shape and in Dravidian style. It has a main doorway, entrance, navranga hall, antharala mandapa, Sanctum Sanctorum, and Prakara. The temple stands tall with seven-tier Gopuram or pyramidal tower with a small Vimana (small tower). You will also see the seven golden Kalashas at the entrance tower “the Shikara” in one of the best places to visit in Mysore. Here, serenity envelops you, and you become one with the skies.

Darshana and Pooja Timings: 7.30 am to 2.00 pm and 3.30 pm to 6.00 pm

Abhisheka Timings: 6 a.m. to 7.30 am and 6 pm to 7.30 pm | Friday 5 am to 6.30 a.m.

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Charges: No Charges, Special Darshan and Arti are chargeable

Dress Code: Not Specified but dress decently

Special Events: Dashahara and Diwali

3. Brindavan Gardens: Beautiful Terrace Gardens of Mysore

The Brindavan Gardens, a poetic symphony in green, with its cascading fountains, is a visual sonnet to nature's beauty built across the notable river of India, Cauvery is among the places to visit in Mysore for couples. Lit up like stars at night, it transforms into a dreamscape. Stroll through the three terraced gardens, and you'll believe you've stepped onto a painter's canvas, where nature and art harmoniously collide. The most hypnotic part of the garden is the light and dance show of the musical fountains in the night. You can take a romantic stroll or enjoy the captivating boat ride during this time.

Opening Hours:

Garden timings: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Weekdays)
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Weekends)

Time Needed: 2-3 hours

Charges:

Adult: INR 50
Child: INR 10
DSLR: INR 100
One side after 6 PM: INR 30
Parking: INR 100
Boating: Round Trip (From North to South): INR 30 (Before 6 PM), INR 60 (After 6 PM)

Special Events: Musical Fountain Show

Timings of Musical Show:

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Weekdays)
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM (Weekends)

4. St. Philomena's Church: Explore the Majestic Neo Gothic Work of Art

St. Philomena's Church, a masterpiece of neo-gothic architecture, reaches skyward like an artist's brushstroke on a divine canvas. This is the second tallest churches in Asia, made in honor of Catholic saint Philomena. It's a haven for spiritual seekers and architectural aficionados alike. Inside, the sunlight filters through stained glass windows, painting the floors with vibrant hues, offering a glimpse of heaven and making it one of the best places to visit in Mysore in one day. This place of worship has same kind of significance as the many worship places to visit in Kerala like St. Mary’s Church.

Opening Hours: 5 am to 6 pm

Mass Timings: 5 am to 9 am and 6 pm to 6:30 pm

Time Needed: 30 Mins to 1 hour

Charges: Free

5. Mysore Zoo: One of the Oldest Zoos in the World

The Mysore Zoo, or Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens an enchanting world of biodiversity, is like an ever-rotating globe where each enclosure offers a glimpse into a different corner of the Earth. As you explore this living encyclopedia, you'll encounter the call of the wild in all its glorious diversity as it has more than hundreds of species brought from many countries across the world. From majestic big cats to colorful avian wonders, each inhabitant has a story to tell you during your tour of one of the nearby places to visit in Mysore. It's a journey through ecosystems and a delightful encounter with our planet's incredible fauna. The experience of exploring the land of first caesarean of an elephant in the world will surely leave you with a profound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Closed on: Tuesdays

Time Needed: 2-3 hours

Charges:

Adult: INR 50 (Weekdays), INR 60 (Weekend)
Child (5-12 yrs.): INR 20 (Weekdays), INR 30 (Weekend)

Vehicle and Camera Charges:

Cycle: Rs 5
Scooter / Motorcycle: Rs 10
Car / Jeep / Auto: Rs 30
Minibus / Tempo: Rs 50
Bus: Rs 70
Video Camera: Rs 150
Still Camera- Rs 20

Note: Need to pay extra if exceeds 4 hours in the zoo

Mysore Zoo Safari Charges:

Adults - Rs 125
Children (5-12 years) - Rs 75
Senior Citizens - Rs 75

6. Jaganmohan Palace: A Treasure Hunt Location for History Buffs

The Jaganmohan Palace, one of the best places to visit in India for time-travelers, where history and art are embraced in regal splendor. It's as if the walls themselves have absorbed the tales of Mysore's royal legacy. The palace also consists of the famous Jaya Chamarajendra Art Gallery that boasts collections of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich. One can see the beautiful wooden artifacts, clocks, traditional Mysuru gold leaf paintings, ivory and sandalwood figurines, and musical instruments at one of the top places to visit in Mysore. Each artifact and painting hold a fragment of time and lets you journey through art, a glimpse into the lives of kings and queens, and an ode to the city's rich heritage. The palace stands as a testament to the confluence of culture and heritage, inviting you to step into the world of Mysore's bygone era.

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Charges:

Adults: INR 20
Kids: INR 10

7. Karanji Lake and Park: Let’s Picnic at the Fountain Lake

Karanji Lake is a serene retreat where nature's beauty is a reflection of tranquility. It's as if the sky and water are locked in a loving embrace making it one of the best places in Mysore to visit. The lake's tranquil waters beckon you to take a leisurely boat ride, offering an intimate connection with the avian life that calls it home. As you paddle along, the symphony of birdsong serenades your journey. The picturesque surroundings make it a place where time stands still, and you become a part of a living landscape, where the harmony of nature is a soothing melody for the soul. If this is not enough for you, you can drive around 150km more and explore the other picturesque places to visit in Coorg, known as the Scotland of India.

Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Closed on: Tuesday

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Charges:

Adults: INR 10
Children (5-15 years): INR 5
Senior Citizens: INR 5
Video Camera: INR 25

8. Rail Museum: Time Travel Through Evolution of Railways

Among one of the top 10 places to visit in Mysore, the Rail Museum is a living history book, where you can flip through the pages of India's railway heritage. It's a treasure trove, where retired locomotives rest like retired war heroes. Each vintage engine has its own story, transporting you to a different era. Climb aboard, and you'll feel the iron pulse of a bygone era. It's a journey through the evolution of transportation, where the wheels of time have been lovingly preserved. The museum showcases the heart and soul of India's railways, so take a nostalgic trip into the nation's industrial past which is surely among the best things to do in Mysore.

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm

Closed on: Monday

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Charges:

Adults: INR 15
Children: INR 10

9. Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum: India’s First Sand Sculpture Museum

The Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum is a realm of ephemeral artistry, where grains of sand transform into intricate masterpieces. Like whispers in the desert, these sculptures convey stories with astonishing detail. As you wander through this unique gallery, you'll be captivated by the transient yet profound nature of sand art. Each sculpture at one of the most amazing places to visit in Mysore is a testament to the artist's skill and imagination. It's a place where the impermanence of beauty is celebrated, and you'll find yourself marveling at the exquisite creations sculpted from the most delicate of mediums.

Location: Chamundi Hill Rd, KC Layout, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010

Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Charges:

Adults: INR 40
Children: INR 20

10. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Meet the Arial Creatures in Pakshi Kashi of Karnataka

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a natural theater where birds take center stage, and the water becomes their grand canvas. Like characters in an avian opera, birds of diverse species perform their aerial and aquatic ballet. As you embark on a boat ride through this serene sanctuary, you'll be serenaded by the melodious tales of winged performers. It's a front-row seat to nature's avian symphony, where migratory and resident birds come together to create a stunning wildlife spectacle. This sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness the harmonious relationship between birds and their aquatic habitat. There are a few other nearby places to visit in Mysore which are rich in natural beauty and top of them are places to visit in Coonoor, which is located amidst the hills of the Nilgiris.

Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm

Time Needed: 3-4 hours

All Charges:

Entry Charges:

Indians: Adults INR 50 & Children: INR 25
Foreigners: Adult: INR 300

Boating Charges:

Indians: Adults INR 50, Children: INR 25
Foreigners: Adult: INR 300

Parking Fees:

Bus: INR 125
Car: INR 30
Motorcycle: INR 15

Camera Charges: INR 500 for Large Camera

In the heart of Karnataka, Mysore unveils a tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that leaves every traveler enchanted. With this amazing list of best places to visit in Mysore, I am sure you have virtually explored the timeless jewel that sparkles with royal opulence, to the tranquil Chamundi Hill, where spirituality and panoramic vistas harmonize. There is a plethora of places to visit in Mysore to mingle with the symphony of your heart and mind. Whether you like to listen to the tales of wildlife and art or to delve into history and timeless beauties, Mysore is the place you should visit. The city invites all to partake in its rich tapestry of experiences so don’t wait any longer and dive into the charm of Mysore with one of our best India tour packages.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best time to visit Mysore?

The best time to visit Mysore is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant.

Q2. Are there any entry fees for Mysore Palace?

Yes, there is an entry fee for Mysore Palace. For updated pricing, check with the palace authorities.

Q3. Can I take photographs inside Mysore Palace?

Photography is not allowed inside the palace. However, you can capture its stunning exterior and the palace grounds.

Q4. How can I reach Chamundi Hill from the city center?

You can take a taxi or use local transportation to reach the base of Chamundi Hill. From there, you can climb the 1,000 steps or take a vehicle to the temple.

Q5. What are the best things to do at Brindavan Gardens?

Enjoy the musical fountain show, take a leisurely stroll in the gardens, and capture the beautifully landscaped surroundings.

Q6. Is there a specific day the museums and attractions in Mysore are closed?

Some attractions in Mysore, like the Mysore Palace and museums, may be closed on Sundays and certain public holidays. It's best to check in advance.

Q7. What is the best time for birdwatching at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary?

Early mornings and evenings are the best times for birdwatching when the avian residents are most active.

Q8. Are there guided tours available for tourists in Mysore?

Yes, you can find guided tours that offer insights into the history and culture of Mysore, enhancing your travel experience.