Mysore or Mysuru is one of my favourite cities in India. Beautiful, green & slow-paced! The moment you step into the city, all you can feel & witness is the grandeur of the bygone era. Beautiful architecture, streets lined with massive trees and No traffic (that’s a relief if you live in Bangalore or any other Metro)
Worldwide, Mysuru is known for its spectacular Dusshera celebrations. Every year, tourists from all over the world visit Mysuru to witness these celebrations. However apart from one-of-a-kind Dusshera, the city of the palace has much more to offer to the visitors.
Also known as the City of Palaces, Mysuru offers a beautiful blend of history, culture, and nature. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, this city has something for everyone. Here are my top things to do when you’re visiting this royal city
Explore the Best of Mysuru: Top 12 Activities
1. Soak in the grandeur of Mysore Palace
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹70 for adults, ₹30 for children, free for children under 10
Illumination Timing: Sundays & Public Holidays, 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Weekdays (Monday to Saturday): 07.40 pm – 07.45 pm
The first thing that comes to mind about Mysuru is the Mysore Palace. No trip to Mysuru is complete without visiting this iconic Mysore Palace. This architectural marvel, with its breathtaking facade, ornate pillars, vibrant colours and impressive paintings, is a sight to behold. The palace also showcases a collection of Royal items like clothing, jewellery, tools etc that exude the grandeur of the Wadiyar Dynasty and us back in time. Also known as Amba Vilas Palace, Mysore Palace is the official residence of the Wadiyar & the Royal seat of the kingdom of Mysore. The walled palace has four entrances, a museum, temples and shrines. Don’t miss the palace’s evening illumination.
2. Visit Chamundi Hills & Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
Darshana and Pooja Timings: 7.30 AM to 2.00 PM and 3.30 PM to 6.00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
A scenic hill situated 13 km away from Mysuru, gets its name from the divine Sri Chamundeswari Temple situated at the hilltop. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the patron deity of the Royal family of Mysore. According to the legends The Goddess defeated Demon Mahishasura on this hill. The temple is an important pilgrimage site and often gets crowded with devotees. It’s important to have ample time while planning a visit to the temple.
You can drive to the hilltop or climb up (if you’re up for it!) to reward yourself with the panoramic views of the city. You can also visit the giant statue of Nandi along the way.
3. Explore Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysore Zoo)
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: INR100 for adults, INR 50 for children (Age 5 to12 years)
Battery-operated vehicle: INR 200 for adults, INR 150 for children and senior citizen
One of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos in India, the Mysore Zoo is a treat for both kids & adults. Spread across a vast area, the zoo is home to various animals, including Elephants, Tigers, Giraffes, Rhinoceros, Exotic birds etc. Mysore Zoo is the perfect place for a relaxed & fun outing with family & friends.
If you are visiting with young kids or senior citizens or if you have less time in hand, it’s advisable to book battery-operated vehicles. There is an option to book a shared vehicle or book the entire vehicle for yourself. However, there is wait time for the battery-operated vehicle. For us, it was around half an hour.
4. Take a Walk Around Brindavan Gardens
Timings: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR15 for adults, INR5 for children
Fountain Show Timings: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Brindavan Garden is another iconic landmark in Mysuru !! Located near the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam (KRS), this sprawling, one-of-a-kind garden is known for its landscaped gardens, musical fountains & picturesque surroundings. Constructed in 1932, Brindavan Gardens is spread across a vast area of 60 acres and is the perfect place for leisure walks amidst lush greenery and colourful blooms. Brindavan Gardens are visited by millions of tourists every year. On weekends it gets overcrowded, especially during the musical fountain show. Do plan a visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.
5. Birdwatching at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR70 for adults, INR20 for children,
Boat Ride: INR 100 for Adults, INR 35 for children If you love birdwatching, then Ranganathittu
Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit. Located just a short drive from the city, this sanctuary is home to various migratory birds. Ranganathittu is the largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka and attracts around 170 different species of Birds. You can enjoy the boat ride and observe the exotic species up close. One can also spot a variety of migratory birds and crocodiles. Boats operate only when the water in the river is optimal. During our visit, the operations were suspended due to the release of excess water from the KRS dam.
6. Fun Day at GRS Fantasy Park
Timings: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Weekdays)/ 7:00 PM (Weekends)
GRS Snow Park/ GRS Up Down Museum: 11 am to 7 pm (weekdays)/ 8 pm (weekends)
Entry Fee: GRS Fantasy Park: INR1099 for adults, INR999 for children (3-4.5 years)
GRS Snow Park: INR 499 for adults, INR 399 for Children
GRS Up Down Museum: INR 349 for adults, INR 249 for Children
For a fun-filled family day outing, head to GRS Fantasy Park, Mysuru’s popular amusement park. With water slides, thrilling rides, and plenty of entertainment, this park is a great way to beat the heat and enjoy a day of adventure. The GRS fantasy park also has a snow park and a quirky Up down museum to keep you occupied throughout the day. You can opt for a combined ticket for all the 3 parks or a separate ticket for the ones you want to visit.
If you plan to visit all 3, start early in the morning.
7. Ride the Tracks at Mysore Railway Museum
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: INR 50 for adults, INR20 for children, ₹10 for Toy Train Ride
This place should be on your list if you are travelling with kids. Here, not only you can explore vintage trains, engines and their history but also enjoy a joyride in the toy train. One can also grab snacks and tea in the train café. With an open area surrounded by greenery and a collection of unique locomotives, the railway museum offers both fun and learning at the same time. It’s a nostalgic experience, especially for railway enthusiasts.
8. Indulge at Sapa Bakery
Timings: 12 Noon – 9 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fee: Free (Pay for your order)
After sightseeing, treat yourself to some mouth-watering desserts, pasta and sandwiches (much more) at Sapa Bakery. It is one of the most happening places in Mysuru. Whether freshly baked artisanal breads specially sour dough breaks, classic pastries, decadent cakes, or a hearty meal, this cosy spot is a perfect pit stop to refuel yourself or spend a laid-back afternoon.
Being a popular hangout, this beautiful bungalow-turned-restaurant is always crowded and many of the fresh bakes get over soon!
9. Visit RK Narayan’s House – Museum of India
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
Entry Fee: Free
Many of us millennials grew up watching Malgudi Days, the iconic show that chronicles the lives of people living in the fictitious town of Malgudi. If you also cherished the show, you can’t miss an opportunity to visit legendary writer and cartoonist RK Narayan’s house in Mysuru.
Now converted into a museum, this tranquil Bungalow, situated in a peaceful residential area, gives you a close peek into the life of the man behind the Malgudi days. A collection of his memorabilia including clothing, awards, photographs etc tells a story about the acclaimed Author.
10. Enjoy Water Sports at Varuna Lake
Timings: 9.30 AM – 6.30 PM
Entry Fee: Based on the adventure activity chosen
If you are an adventure enthusiast, Varuna Lake is a perfect destination to enjoy exciting watersports. Managed by Outback Adventures, this spot offers a variety of water sports including kayaking, jet skiing, bumpy rides, speed boats etc. One can also spot a variety of birds by the lakeside. This place is my personal favourite !! With a wooden boardwalk, tall trees and clear blue water, this place feels exotic. It’s a perfect day outing spot too.
The entry fee depends on the activity you choose. For speed boat rides we paid INR 250 per person.
11. Shop at Devaraja Market
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Entry Fee: Free (Pay for your purchases)
I love visiting local markets!! If you love to explore them too, don’t miss Devaraja Market. Constructed in 1886, this historical market is named after Dodda Devaraja Wadeyar. The market is a hub for vibrant flowers, spices, sweets, antique perfume stalls, Mysore silk sarees etc. Explore this bustling market and pick up some souvenirs too.
12. Relish Mylari Dosa, Mysore Pak & shop for Mysore silk saree
No trip to Mysore is complete without shopping for Mysore silk sarees and relishing local delicacies like Mysore Pak & Mylari Dosa! Visit the Original Vinayaka Mylari Hotel (this one is the most popular for authentic and original Mylari dosa) for soft and buttery Mylari dosa, a popular local delicacy. Some popular shops serving authentic Mysore Pak are Guru Sweet Mart & Mahalakshmi sweets. For Mysore silk sarees, head to KSIC Mysore silk.
Conclusion
Mysuru, with its Royal history and continued traditions like grand festive celebrations during Dusherra, holds a prominent spot on the world map. City is a Crown Jewel of Karnataka. The list hared here only covers the most popular spots to explore, especially when visiting the city for the first time. However, this is not an exhaustive list, there are many other places to explore in the City of Palaces. That’s for another blog.
Let me know if you have been to any of the above places and which is your favourite.
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Fabulous architecture