12 Best Places to Visit in Mysore for a Magical Experience

Situated in the Chamundi Hills, Mysore or Mysuru is a regal city lined up with sprawling gardens and royal palaces. Referred to as “The City of Palaces”, 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. The city also offers a rich cultural heritage, with stunning landmarks like the Mysore Palace and Chamundeshwari Temple. As you embark on a journey 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. From the peaceful Brindavan Gardens to the ancient St. Philomena's Church, Mysore is a city that blends the old with the new, leaving every visitor spellbound. In this blog, we will be talking about the top 12 places to visit in Mysore that speak volumes about this magical city. Take a look.

Top Places to Visit in Mysore to Experience Royal Opulence

Mysore stands as a testament to the opulence of an era bygone, owing to the magnificent palaces, such as Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Rajendra Vilas, Lalitha Mahal, and Jayalakshmi Vilas Palace. Beyond the stunning palaces, Mysorealso showcases the rich past of this enchanting city. Some of the famous museums of Mysore are the Regional Museum of Natural History, the Folk Lore Museum, the Railway Museum and the Oriental Research Institute. Whether you're a nature lover or an adventure enthusiast, Mysore will mesmerize you with its stunning attractions, including Nagarhole National Park, Brindavan Gardens, and more. The ideal time to visit Mysore is during the winter months, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring the city’s attractions. The Dasara Festival, held in September or October, is another fantastic time to experience the royal grandeur and vibrant celebrations of the city. 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 Temple
• Brindavan Gardens
• St. Philomena's Church
• Mysore or Mysuru
• Jaganmohan Palace
• Karanji Lake
• Mysore Railway Museum
• Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
• Lalitha Mahal Palace
• Kukkarahalli Lake

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 or Mysuru 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 one of the best places to visit in Mysore. 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.

Location: Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570004

Opening Hours:

• 10 am to 5:30 pm (Everyday)
• Closed on: Sunday & Public Holidays

Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours

Entry Fee:

• Adult: Indians INR 70, Foreigners INR 70
• Children below 10 Years: 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 8 pm

Nearby Hotels:

• Hotel Maurya Palace and Hotel Maurya Residency
• Hotel The President
• The Mysore Grand
• Hotel Roopa
• Hotel Lok Sagar

Nearby Restaurants:

• Hari Govinda’s
• Highpark Revolving Restaurant
• Ambari Restaurant
• Sepoy’s Phirangi
• The Veg Kitchen Vegetarian Restaurant

Nearby Attractions:

• Snow Palace Mysuru
• Chikka Gadiyara
• Chamundi Hill View Point
• Mysuru Railway Museum
• Mysore View Point

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

Located on top of the Chamundi Hills, Chamundeshwari Temple is one of the famous temples in South India emerges as a beacon of spirituality. Chamundeshwari Mata Temple is around 13 km away from Mysore city. 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. If you are looking for places to visit in Mysore in one day, then this temple should be on your list. Featuring a 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.

Location: Shri Chamundeshwari Temple Road, Chamundi Hill, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010

Darshana and Pooja Timings: 7.30 am to 2.00 pm and 3.30 pm to 6.00 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Abhisheka Timings: 6 am to 7.30 am and 6 pm to 7.30 pm | Friday - 5 am to 6.30 am

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

Nearby Hotels:

• Hotel Sonika Comforts
• Oriole Resort Mysore By Emerge Hotels & Resorts
• Hotel The President
• Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel
• Emerald Clarks Inn Suites

Nearby Restaurants:

• Hotel Sri Chamundeswari Krupa
• Annadhasoha Bhavana
• MysoreDine Restaurant
• Shammas Malabar Hotel
• Sri Chamundi Krupa

Nearby Attractions:

• Mysuru Railway Museum
• Mysore View Point
• Chamundibetta View Point
• Jaganmohan Palace

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3. Brindavan Gardens: Beautiful Terrace Gardens of Mysore

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. 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, making it one of the top 10 places to visit in Mysore. You can take a romantic stroll or enjoy the captivating boat ride at the beautiful Brindavan Gardens.

Location: KINR Dam Road, Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, Mandya, Karnataka, 570005

Opening Hours:

• Garden timings: 6 AM - 8 PM (Monday-Sunday)
• Musical Fountain timings: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Monday-Friday), 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Saturday, Sunday)

Time Needed: 2-3 hours

Special Events: Musical Fountain Show

Entry Fee:

• Adult: INR 15
• Child: INR 5
• DSLR: INR 100
• Parking: INR 100
• Boating: Round Trip (From North to South): INR 30 (Before 6 PM), INR 60 (After 6 PM)

Nearby Hotels:

• Silent Shores Resort & Spa
• Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden Resort
• Ranganatha Residency
• Mysore Palace Hotel
• KSTDC Hotel Mayura River View

Nearby Restaurants:

• Mysore Mylari
• Rangoli Restaurant
• The Hungry Hummingbird
• Narayana Reddy's Hotel
• Srirangapatna Ruchi

Nearby Attractions:

• KINR Dam (Krishna Raja Sagara Dam)
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
• Mysore Palace
• St. Philomena's Church
• Chamundi Hill View Point

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

St. Philomena's Church, one of the top 10 places to visit in Mysore with family, is a masterpiece of neo-gothic architecture. This is the second tallest churches in Asia, made in honor of Catholic Saint Philomena, a Christian martyr and princess. It's a haven for spiritual seekers and architectural aficionados alike. The church’s towering spires, which rise to a height of 175 feet, are a prominent feature of the city’s skyline. The sunlight filters through stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes, offering a glimpse of heaven and making it one of the best places to visit in Mysore in one day. The church also holds a special place in Bollywood history, as several iconic scenes from the 1977 film Amar Akbar Antony, starring Amitabh Bachchan, were shot here, adding to its cultural significance. Moreover, this place of worship has same kind of significance as the many sacred places to visit in Kerala like St. Mary’s Church.

Location: Lourdes Nagar, Ashoka Rd, Lashkar Mohalla, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001

Opening Hours: 5 am to 6 pm (Monday – Sunday)

Time Needed: 30 Mins to 1 hour

Entry Fee: Free

Nearby Hotels:

• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
• The Windflower Resort & Spa
• Hotel Roopa
• Parklane Hotel
• KSTDC Hotel Mayura Hoysala

Nearby Restaurants:

• Mylari Restaurant
• RRR Restaurant
• The Olive Garden
• Vinayaka Mylari
• The Jasmine Roof

Nearby Attractions:

• Mysore Palace
• Chamundi Hill
• St. Philomena's Church
• Karanji Lake
• Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery

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5. Mysore or Mysuru Zoo: One of the Top 5 Places to Visit in Mysore

The Mysore or Mysuru Zoo, or Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is an enchanting world of biodiversity. 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. It’s truly a must-see among the places to visit in Mysore in 2 days. 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.

Location: Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Indiranagar, Mysuru, Karnataka, 500063

Opening Hours:

• 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Wednesday to Monday)
• Closed on Tuesdays

Time Needed: 2-3 hours

Entry Fee:

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

Vehicle and Camera Charges:

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

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

Mysore Zoo Safari Charges:

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

Nearby Hotels:

• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
• The Windflower Resort & Spa
• Hotel Roopa
• Ginger Hotel Mysore
• Royal Orchid Metropole

Nearby Restaurants:

• Mylari Restaurant
• RRR Restaurant
• Vinayaka Mylari
• The Olive Garden
• The Jasmine Roof

Nearby Attractions:

• Mysore Palace
• St. Philomena's Church
• Karanji Lake
• Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery
• Chamundi Hill View Point

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6. Jaganmohan Palace: One of the Top Places to Visit in Mysore

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. While you're here, don't miss the nearby places to visit in Mysore, such as the beautiful Brindavan Gardens, the peaceful Chamundi Hill, and the historic St. Philomena's Church.

Location: Opp City Bus Stand, Jagan Mohan Palace Road, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka, 570024

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Entry Fee:

• Adults: INR 20 per person
• Kids: INR 10 per person

Nearby Hotels:

• The Mysore Grand
• The Gallery View
• Hotel Lok Sagar
• Ginger Hotel Mysore
• Mahalakshmi Comforts

Nearby Restaurants:

• Ashirvaad Grand Pure Veg Restaurant
• Sattvik - Rooftop Cafe
• Northern Flavors
• The Indian Curry House
• The Old House

Nearby Attractions:

• Mysuru Railway Museum
• Chikka Gadiyara
• Mysore Palace
• Snow Palace Mysuru
• Chamundi Hill View Point

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7. Karanji Lake: Enjoy a Picnic with Your Loved Ones

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 water beckons you to take a leisurely boat ride.

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. It’s one of the top places to visit in Mysore for couples, offering a serene and romantic atmosphere perfect for a peaceful getaway. If this is not enough for you, you can drive around 150 km more and explore the other picturesque places to visit in Coorg, known as the Scotland of India.

Location: Chamundi Hills, Adjacent to the Mysuru Zoo, Mysuru, Karnataka, 570001

Opening Hours:

• 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (Wednesday to Monday)
• Closed on Tuesday

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Entry Fee:

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

Nearby Hotels:

• Villa Park Mysuru
• Hotel Grand Serene
• Oriole Resort Mysore by Emerge Hotels & Resorts
• Ginger Hotel Mysore
• Hillside Hotel

Nearby Restaurants:

• Hotel Anand Bhavan
• Le Olive Garden Mysore
• Lemon Three Restaurant
• Gufha Restaurant
• Bannur Biryani Cafe

Nearby Attractions:

• Folklore Museum
• Guinness World Record Sea Shell Art Museum
• Lokaranjan Aqua World Underwater Zoo
• Chamundibetta Sunset Point
• Sand Museum Mysuru

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8. Mysore Railway Museum: Time Travel Through Evolution of Railways

Among one of the top 10 places to visit in Mysore, the Mysore Railway 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. 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, making it a must-see spot for anyone looking to explore the industrial past of the nation. Don’t miss this nostalgic trip as one of the best fun places to visit in Mysore!

Location: Krishnaraja Sagar Road, Near Mysore Railway Station, Mysuru, Karnataka, 570001

Opening Hours:

• 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (Wednesday to Monday)
• Closed on Tuesday

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Entry Fee:

• Adults: INR 50 per person
• Children: INR 20 per person
• Still Camera: INR 20
• Video Camera: INR 30
• Toy Train Ride: INR 10

Nearby Hotels:

• The Quorum Hotel
• Maya’s Kings Court
• Hotel Mayura Hoysala Mysuru
• Royal Orchid Metropole Mysore
• Treebo Hotel Komfort Suites

Nearby Restaurants:

• Kudla Fish Land
• Tiger Trail
• Frosting - Italian Restaurant
• ZEST by Southernstar Mysore
• The Cafe

Nearby Attractions:

• Mysore View Point
• Melody World Wax Museum
• Cheluvamba Park
• GRS Fantasy Park
• Mysuru Zoo

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

The Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum is a realm of ephemeral artistry, where grains of sand transform into intricate masterpieces. 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 divine 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 (Monday to Sunday)

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Entry Fee:

• Adults: INR 40 per person
• Children: INR 20 per person

Nearby Hotels:

• Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel
• Hillside Hotel
• Hotel Le Grandeur
• Hotel Mayura Hoysala Mysuru
• Ivaana Resorts - Nature Resort in Mysuru

Nearby Restaurants:

• Hill Down Cafe
• Nandi Delicious Restaurant
• Madhu Nivas
• Greeco Pizzeria and Boulangerie
• The Sapphire

Nearby Attractions:

• Chamundi Hill View Point
• Melody World Wax Museum
• Regional Museum of Natural History
• Snow Palace Mysuru
• Mysuru Railway Museum

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10. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: One of the Unique Places to Visit in Mysore

Located around 19 km from Mysore, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is  the home to several exquisite birds. As you embark on a boat ride through this serene sanctuary, you'll be serenaded by the melodious tales of winged performers. Considered as one of the best places to visit in Mysore with family, this sanctuary is 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 the top of them are places to visit in Coonoor, which is located amidst the hills of the Nilgiris.

Location: Near Brindavan gardens, Krishnarajasagar Dam Road, Mandya, Karnataka, 571401

Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Time Needed: 3-4 hours

Entry Charges:

• Indians: Adults - INR 75, Children - INR 25
• Foreigners: Adult - INR 500, Children – INR 250

Boating Charges:

• Indians: Adults - INR 100, Children - INR 35
• Foreigners: Adults – INR 500, Children – INR 250

Parking Fees:

• Bus / Truck: INR 150
• LCV / Van: INR 125
• Car: INR 60
• Auto Rickshaw: INR 20
• Motorcycle: INR 15
• Bicycle: INR 5

Camera Charges:

• Digital SLR - Below 200 mm Lense: INR 150
• Above 500 mm Lense: INR 600

Nearby Hotels:

• Golden Palace Residency
• Jaladare Resort
• Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden Palace & Spa
• Clarks Inn Express, KRS Road, Mysore
• Young Island Resort

Nearby Restaurants:

• Waterfall Restaurant
• Dakshin Ruchi Veg Restaurant
• Balmuri Restaurant
• Baba Ramdev Rajasthani Dhaba
• Pooja Restaurant

Nearby Attractions:

• Mysore Palace
• Brindavan Gardens
• Jaganmohan Palace
• GRS Fantasy Park
• Yedumari Falls

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11. Lalitha Mahal Palace: Experience Royalty, Embrace Elegance

Overlooking the Chamundi Hills, Lalitha Mahal Palace is among the famous places to visit in Mysore. Located around 15 km from Mysore Airport, this palace is the second largest palace in Mysore. Built in 1921 by Mysore Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, this stunning palace was converted into a premium heritage hotel in 1974, alluring visitors with its intricately designed architecture and magnificent beauty. Maintained by ITDC – India Tourism Development Corporation, this popular attraction offers a glimpse of royal living and opulent style. Some of the finest details of this palace includes Belgian crystal chandeliers, marble floor, exquisitely designed glass lamps, Persian carpets and royal interior.

Location: Lalitha Mahal Nagar, Mysore – 570 028, Karnataka

Opening Hours: 10 am to 6:30 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Contact Number: 0821-2526100, 0821-2470222, 0821-2470333, 0821-2470444

Time Needed: 1–2 Hours

Entry Fee: INR 100 per person

Nearby Hotels:

• Hotel Le Grandeur
• Royal Orchid Metropole Mysore
• The Windflower Resorts and Spa Mysuru
• Fortune JP Palace, Mysore
• Hotel Heritage Inn

Nearby Restaurants:

• Kapoor’s Cafe Mysuru
• The Old House
• Green Heritage
• Hari Govinda’s
• Highpark Revolving Restaurant

Nearby Attractions:

• Mysore Palace
• Folklore Museum
• Snow Palace Mysuru
• Regional Museum of Natural History Mysuru
• Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden

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12. Kukkarahalli Lake: Serenity by the Water

Kukkarahalli Lake, a stunning 58-hectare water lake, is one of the good places to visit in Mysore for nature enthusiasts. Constructed in 1864 under the visionary leadership of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, this picturesque J-shaped lake offers a serene retreat surrounded by lush greenery and the majestic Chamundi Hills in the backdrop. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape amidst nature or a spot to indulge in birdwatching, Kukkarahalli Lake is the perfect destination. Home to over 180 species of birds, including migratory visitors from Siberia, this beautiful lake is a haven for both artists and nature lovers alike. When planning your trip to Mysore, this tranquil location should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Mysore in 3 days.

Location: Saraswathipuram, Mysore, Karnataka, 570011

Opening Hours: 6 am to 6 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Time Needed: 1 Hour

Entry Fee: N/A

Nearby Hotels:

• Southern Star Mysore
• The Quorum Hotel
• Zostel Mysore
• Treebo Sanmaya Retreat, Mysore
• Hotel Rio Meridian

Nearby Restaurants:

• Iconic Resto Pub
• Turmeric Kitchen
• Annavilasam Restaurant
• Cafe Mysuru
• The Indian Curry House

Nearby Attractions:

• Javaregowda Park
• Freedom Fighter's Park
• Brindavan Gardens
• Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion
• Cheluvamba Park

With this amazing list of best places to visit in Mysore, you must have virtually explored the timeless jewel that sparkles with royal opulence, and panoramic vistas. There are 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.

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