Mysore is a city in Karnataka, India, in the southern part of the state. Mysore is located at the foothills of the Chamundi Hills about 145.2 km (90 mi) southwest of Bangalore and covers an area of 155 km2 (60 sq mi). Mysore City Corporation is in charge of civic administration in the city, which also serves as the headquarters for the Mysore district and Mysore division.
From 1399 to 1956, for nearly six centuries, it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore. The Wadiyar dynasty ruled the Kingdom, for a brief interim period in the late 18th century when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were in power. The Wadiyars were cultural and artistic patrons.
Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali also made significant contributions to the city’s and state’s cultural and economic growth by planting mulberry trees, introducing silk to the region, and fighting four wars against the British. Mysore’s cultural ambiance and achievements have earned it the title of Karnataka’s Cultural Capital.
Mysore is well-known for its heritage structures and palaces, like the Mysore Palace, furthermore because of the festive occasions that occur during the Dasara festival, which attracts many thousands of tourists from everywhere on the planet. Mysore Dasara, Mysore Painting; the sweet dish Mysore Pak, Mysore Masala Dosa; brands like Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore Paints, and polish Limited; and designs and cosmetics like Mysore Peta (a traditional silk turban) and Mysore silk saris bear its name. Mysore is additionally renowned for betel leaves and a novel sort of jasmine flower called “Mysore Mallige.”
If you’re planning to visit Mysore, here’s a guide for you!
Places to visit in mysore
Mysore Palace
The Mysore Palace is a majestic structure located in Mysore, Karnataka, and is an exceptionally breathtaking example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The former palace of the royal family of Mysore, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, is still their formal residence. Mysore Palace, one of the country’s largest palaces, was constructed in 1912 for the Wodeyar Dynasty’s 24th ruler.
Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, dubbed “Rajarishi” (saintly king) by Mahatma Gandhi, oversaw the construction of the Mysore Palace. Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, his son and the final Maharaja of Mysore, developed it further. The palace’s front is a harmonic mix of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic forms, giving it a majestic appearance.
The splendor of the Mysore Palace is a lovely sight to see, with the Chamundi Hills on its eastern side. It goes without saying that, after the Taj Mahal, it is the second most visited historical landmark by both local and foreign tourists. Mysore Palace, which is currently housed within the Old Fort, is known for its light and sound extravaganza as well as lively Dussehra celebrations.
Every year in the autumn, the festival of Vijaya Dashami is observed. The celebration lasts around 10 days, with the first feature being an elephant procession march. During Dussehra, the complete neighborhood is dressed up sort of like a bride, attracting travelers from everywhere on the planet. The ceremony is attended by members of the royal line in addition to special guests of honor. On the fortuitous day of Mahanavami, the ninth day of the celebration, the royal sword, called the “Pattada Katti,” is paraded around the city.
The greatest time to travel to the palace is during Dussehra when the complete compound is gorgeously decorated and lit, and therefore the entire compound is illuminated with a golden tint.
Every Sunday and on all public holidays, the palace is illuminated.
To reach: Mysore Palace lies in the heart of the city of Mysore. The Mufassal Bus Station is only a few kilometers distant from the palace. KSRTC buses run at regular intervals from this bus stop. You could then walk from the bus station to the palace’s north or east gates. You can also take an auto-rickshaw from the bus station to the royal gate. If you arrive in Mysore by train, you can also hire an auto rickshaw outside the station to take you to the palace.
Mysore Zoo
The Mysore Zoo, also known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is one of India’s top zoological gardens. In 1892, Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar created this Zoo for the Royals. It was also given to the State Government’s Department of Parks and Gardens once the country gained independence. The Zoo’s thorough planning is what distinguishes it as a unique zoological garden. It tends to provide a natural environment for the creatures that live there. One hundred and sixty-eight species are represented in this zoo, ranging from large cats to small cats, aquatic to terrestrial birds, and primates to reptiles. The world’s first cesarean section delivery, which took place in the Mysore zoo on an elephant, brought it worldwide acclaim and notoriety.
The Zoological Garden in Mysore is 157 acres in size and is located near the palace. It is one of India’s oldest and most well-known zoos. It serves as an orphanage for the animals who have been abandoned. Various exhibitions are held on a regular basis, with an insect display taking center stage. Following then, the Zoo continues to run Youth Club events, Literary Competitions, and Summer Camp programs. Since 1976, when the Karanji Lake was placed under Zoo authority, it has been a tranquil and serene area to go boating.
Flora and Fauna of Mysore Zoo:
The Mysore Zoo is India’s only zoo with a gorilla. Chimpanzees and Orangutans are also housed at the zoo. Giraffes, Zebras, White Deer, African Elephants, Bears, Porcupines, Rhinoceros, Tapir, Otters, and more exotic creatures may be found in Mysore Zoo.
Birds such as White and Blue Peacocks, Silver and Gold Peasants, HornBill, the flightless Emu and Ostrich, SpoonBill, Painted Stork, vividly colored Flamingos, India’s largest bird, Sarus Cranes, Love Birds, numerous varieties of Parrots, Vultures, Eagles, and others can be observed.
It also provides a safe haven for reptiles such as cobras, King Cobras, Pythons, crocodiles, alligators, and even star-studded turtles.
This isn’t the end of the list. In its womb, the Zoo has the rarest of creatures. Red kangaroos, lemurs, sun bears, female chimps, binturong, Indian rhinoceros, Hanuman langurs, white peafowl, Indian lions, zebra, Rhea, red ibis, and baboons are among the animals listed.
All of this in one place! Can you imagine the excitement?
Flora The Zoo is home to 35 exotic ornamental plant species and 85 tree species from India and throughout the world.
Zoo Tickets:
Ticket prices differ on weekdays and weekends. Mysore Zoo’s website offers an online booking system.
- Adults are charged Rs 50 per head on weekdays.
- Children (5-12 years) are charged Rs 20 per head.
Weekends and public holidays
- Adults are charged Rs 60 per person.
- Children (5-12 years) are charged Rs 30 per head.
Vehicles must be paid for separately from other items. Remember that if the duration exceeds four hours, you will be charged an extra price.
- The cost of a cycle is Rs 5, while a scooter or motorcycle costs Rs 10.
- The cost of a car, jeep or auto is Rs 30.
- The cost of a minibus or tempo is Rs 50, and the cost of a bus is Rs 70.
- Finally, possessing a video camera costs Rs 150, while carrying a still camera costs Rs 20.
The zoo is best visited early in the morning or late in the evening, as birds are most active in the morning and mammals are most active in the evening. Visitors to the zoo throughout the day may not see any animals because they prefer to relax during the day due to the extreme heat. The Mysore Zoo is located 3 kilometers from the Mysore Bus Station and 2 kilometers from the Mysore Palace. Between the palace and the zoo, horse carts run. Local buses and auto-rickshaws are also easily accessible. If you’re coming by car, there’s a parking lot immediately across the street from the zoo’s entrance.
Chamundeshwari Temple
The Chamundeshwari Temple is a historic Hindu temple atop the Chamundi hills, on the eastern outskirts of Mysore, at a height of 1000 feet. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is named after her. It also features statues of Nandi and Mahishasura, the demon. The temple is a must-see site for visitors to Mysore, as it is one of the city’s oldest temples. The Chamundeshwari Temple is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and is called a Shakti Peetha.
Visitors can access the Chamundeshwari temple in one of two ways: on foot or by driving through the interlaced valley road. The temple depicts Shakti in her furious aspect, a tutelary deity revered for generations by the Maharajas of Mysore, and hence derives its name from the goddess Durga. Every day, the goddess Durga’s idol is embellished and adored by a large number of priests. To express respect and reverence, the deity is presented with a variety of fruits, coconuts, and flowers.
The temple, which is located above the Chamundi hills, is normally not very busy. The Chamundeshwari temple also contains statues of the demon Mahishasura, which are visible from the road leading up to the shrine. The temple also houses a Nandi statue, which depicts a cow and is revered in Hindu mythology. The vista from the temple is breathtaking, with several important city monuments visible, including the Lalitha Mahal Palace. The temple has also been designated as a No Plastic Zone, making a significant contribution to environmental conservation by reducing the usage of plastics and the disposal of hazardous items.
During the months of September and October, Chamundi Hills provides the best panoramic view of Mysore city. Although the weather is beautiful throughout the year, the temple attracts a large number of visitors during the holidays of Dussehra and Diwali in September and October. The temple can be visited at any time of day or night.
To reach: The Mysore junction train station is 13 kilometers away from the Chamundeshwari temple. The auto-rickshaws are inexpensive. The Chamundi Hills are about a 30-minute drive from the station. KSRTC bus services are also available every 20 minutes from the Mysore city bus terminal to Sri Chamundeshwari Temple to provide convenience and comfort to visitors.
Brindavan Gardens
Brindavan Gardens is a 60-acre botanical garden located 21 kilometers from Mysore. It took almost five years to finish the project, which was built across India’s famous Cauvery River. Brindavan Gardens’ primary attractions include a well-synchronized fountain show with music, boats, and well-kept grass with flower beds.
Brindavan Garden was built in 1932 by Sir Mirza Ismail, the Diwan of Mysore, and is frequented by millions of tourists each year. The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation provides a watercraft facility that connects the two sides, as well as a walking bridge, which is divided into two portions, north and south.
During the nighttime hours, the splendor of Brindavan Garden reaches new heights. The walkways are illuminated by colorful lights. Yellow lamps shine brightly beneath the trees, enhancing the beauty of the entire area. Also available are bangles in a variety of vivid colors that illuminate in the dark. The gathering grows as people flock to see the much-anticipated fountain performance. While some individuals enjoy an evening stroll, others become lost in nostalgia as they gaze up at the stars.
The best time to visit Brindavan Garden is between October and February when the weather is mild. The temperature is hovering at about 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Summers are scorching hot, and monsoons bring rain, making the trip unpleasant. Summer temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius.
Evenings are unquestionably the ideal time of day to appreciate and reflect on the natural beauty all around. In the evening, you can also see the vivid musical fountain display. The breathtaking sunset view will undoubtedly take your breath away.
- Garden hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Weekdays)
- 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Weekends)
- 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Musical Fountain Show (Weekdays)
- 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Weekends)
Time commitment: 3–4 hours
- Adults pay INR 50, children pay INR 10.
- INR 100 for a DSLR
- Boating: INR 30 (before 6 p.m.), INR 60 (after 6 p.m.) for a round trip (from North Garden to South Garden) (After 6 PM)
- After 6 p.m., one side costs INR 30.
- Parking costs INR 100. (Inclusive of Toll)
To reach: Brindavan Park is situated near Mandya on the KRS Dam Road. The distance between Mysore and Brindavan Garden is approximately 21 kilometers. Regular state-run buses run between the city’s bus station and the garden. By bus, it takes about 15 minutes. You can, however, take an autorickshaw or a taxi.
Rail Museum
The National Railways Museum in Delhi is the first of its sort in India, while the Mysore Rail Museum is the second. It was created by the Indian Railways in 1979 and has served as a safe haven for railway collectibles ever since. The museum primarily illustrates the history and development of Indian railways through an extensive collection of images and other artifacts.
Mysore Rail Museum is especially enjoyable for children under the age of ten since it provides a wealth of information and insight into the mechanics of the railway engine. The majority of the exhibits were previously housed at the Mysore Palace before being relocated here. The first steam engine, as well as the first signaling, are on display here. The Old Srirangapatna railway station’s wooden pillars and doors can also be found. A variety of lights, tickets, ticketing machines, clocks, signal signs, and a hand-operated steam water pump are among the other noteworthy exhibits here. A battery-operated miniature toy train transports visitors through the museum’s grounds.
The following is a breakdown of the Mysore Railway Museum admission fee:
- Adults are charged INR 15 per person.
- INR 10 per person for children
- INR 20 for a still camera
- INR 30 for a video camera
- Toy INR 10 per person for a train ride
To reach: The Rail Museum is conveniently positioned near the Mysore railway station, making it accessible by a variety of ways of transportation. It is around 3 kilometers from the city center. You can hire an autorickshaw, cab, or bus from many locations throughout the city.
Jagmohan Palace
The Jaganmohan Palace, located in the royal city of Mysore, is a magnificent structure with a long and storied history. The Wodeyars of Mysore utilized it when their main house, Amba Vilas Palace, was being renovated following a fire. It is one of the city’s seven palaces and is considered one of the most beautiful contributions made by the city’s Wodeyar Kings during their rule. The Jaganmohan Palace was transformed into a spectacular art gallery, which now displays some of the most stunning works of art to the public.
For a long time, Jaganmohan Palace played an essential role in Mysore’s administrative and legislative affairs. This facade has seen it all, from hosting the first convocations of Mysore University to hosting the first session of the Legislative Council of Mysore. Finally, in 1915, the palace was approved as an art gallery, and it now has over 2000 artworks from various art periods, including Mysore, Mughal, and Shantiniketan.
His Highness Krishnaraja Wodeyar III constructed the Jaganmohan Palace in 1861 as a royal family retreat. The original home of the royal family, Mysore Palace, was destroyed in a fire in 1897, and construction of a new palace began in its place. In the interim, the royals made their home at Jaganmohan Palace.
King Rajarshhi Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar was put on the throne in 1902, and the ceremony took place on the grounds of the Jaganmohan Palace. During the festival season, the palace was also used as a special Dasara Darbar by the king, before being reborn as an art gallery in 1915.
To reach: The City Bus Stand is direct across the street from Jaganmohan Palace, thus you can simply get there by bus. Aside from that, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or take a cab.
Karanji Lake
The fountain lake, also known as Karanji Lake, is a popular picnic destination. Visitors are welcome to bring their own meals, and there is also a coffee shop. The lake has 147 species of birds, including herons, Asian openbill storks, cormorants, grey pelicans, and others, making it a lovely site to learn about them. The Karanji Lake is reported to have the country’s largest aviary. Its construction cost about 3.8 million dollars, and it is 20 meters long, 50 meters wide, and 60 meters tall.
There’s also a waterfall with two bodies of water nearby. A butterfly park is also located on the lake, which is home to around 45 different species of lovely butterflies that flutter their wings and fly around in dazzling colors. The park has been landscaped with nectar and host plants to assist the butterfly’s survival. On the banks of the captivating lake is a Regional Museum of Natural History, which provides knowledge on South India’s natural environment and how to protect it.
The captivating lake was once part of the Mysore Zoo and is now managed by the Mysore Zoo Authority. The Karanji Lake is roughly 90 hectares in size (55 hectares of water and 35 hectares of coastline) and generates about INR 50,000 per day in revenue due to its popularity. It was built as a percolation tank by the King of Mysore and became the property of the Mysore Zoo Authority in 1976. The location is surrounded by beautiful foliage and a diverse array of animals, making it a popular tourist destination.
The park’s boating point is less than halfway around the park. You can hire a pedal boat or a boat with a boatman who will row for you. The boat will take you on a circular journey around the Karanji lake’s woody islets. You can buy a boating ticket at the counter near the boating point’s entrance. For a 20-minute journey, the ticket costs roughly INR 25 per person. Boating is a fun and invigorating activity.
Except on Tuesdays, Karanji Lake is open to guests from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day of the week. People can enjoy the quiet and tranquillity of this lovely lake for very little money. The cost of admission is INR 10 per person. If you’re here for some photos, they’ll charge you a little more. INR 25 is charged for video cameras, whereas INR 10 is charged for still cameras.
The Mysore Palace is 2 kilometers away from Karanji Lake. It is only around 5 kilometers from Mysore’s railway station, and visitors may easily book an auto-rickshaw or a cab from the nearby bus station or railway station.
It is situated at the foot of the picturesque Chamundi Hills, which house the famed Chamundeshwari Temple. The lake is located in the heart of the city, close to the bus station, making it quite accessible.
Shuka Vana
The Shuka Vana in Mysore is a must-see for ornithophilic and wildlife lovers, with over 2000 birds. With over 450 distinct bird species, this incredible 50m high aviary enclosing an area of 1 acre already has the Guinness Book of World Records as the most bird species in an aviary. This unique park, also known as parrot park, is part of the Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Ashram’s Avadhoota Datta Peetham and acts as a rehabilitation center for abused, damaged, and abandoned birds. Many uncommon parrot species can be found flying about this lovely habitat.
Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Swamiji, the ashram’s famous seer, feels that birds are essential to the survival of other species and that their decline in recent years has been a reason for concern and action. He hopes that by taking this action, he will be able to educate, sensitize, and grow a sense of respect and friendliness toward bird species among the general population.
The zodiac signs of the parrots have been assigned, and one can discover a parrot that reflects their birth date and planet according to Indian astrology. Parrots are sometimes used to represent the days and months of the year. Seeing such a big number of these wonderful animals, which are regarded vessels to invisible beings, is truly astounding.
The timings are Thursday – Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
It remains closed on Wednesday. And you can visit it via bus given are the following busses which lead you to the Shuka Vana.Buses 12S, 203, 203A, 204, 204A, 204B, 204UK, 205, 205A which stops at Ganapathi Sachidananda Ashrama.
Hope you found the guide helpful!!
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