Fun Places to Visit in Mysore: A Simple Travel Guide

Mysore (now called Mysuru) is a beautiful city in Karnataka, South India. Known for its grand palace, lovely gardens, and rich culture, it’s a great place for tourists. The city mixes old-world charm with modern comforts, making it perfect for all types of travelers.

Popular Tourist Spots

1. Mysore Palace

The city’s main attraction and India’s second most visited sight after the Taj Mahal. The palace has:

• Beautiful design with domes and pillars
• Colorful glass windows
• Special lighting on Sundays with 100,000 bulbs
• Evening light show with stories
• Museum with royal items

2. Chamundi Hills

A holy hill that offers:

• Great city views
• Old temple of Goddess Chamundi
• Famous 1000 steps climb
• Big Nandi (bull) statue
• Pretty sunset views

3. Brindavan Gardens

These beautiful Brindavan gardens have:

• Water fountain shows with music
• Neat flower beds
• Boat rides
• Dam views
• Pretty lights at night

Old Buildings and Monuments

1. St. Philomena’s Church

• Tall and beautiful church
• Two high towers
• Pretty glass windows
• Old religious items

2. Jaganmohan Palace

• Art showing room
• Old music tools
• Royal family photos
• Place for cultural shows

3. Railway Museum

• Old trains
• King’s special train car
• Train items from past
• Fun learning displays

Parks and Gardens

1. Karanji Lake Park

• Place to see birds
• Park with butterflies
• Walking paths
• Boat rides
• Tower to view everything

2. Natural History Museum

• Learning displays
• Fun activities
• Nature programs
• Garden with healing plants

Shopping Places

1. Devaraja Market

• Old-style shopping place
• Fresh flowers and fruits
• Spices and incense sticks
• Hand-made items

2. Government Silk Factory

• Real Mysore silk sarees
• See how silk is made
• Buy directly
• Watch weaving

Food and Eating

1. Local Foods to Try

• Mysore Masala Dosa (crispy pancake)
• Mysore Pak (sweet)
• Fresh coffee
• Ragi Mudde (finger millet ball)
• South Indian meals

2. Good Places to Eat

• Hotel RRR
• Vinayaka Mylari
• Hotel Mahesh Prasad
• The Old House
• Hotel Siddharta

Main Places at a Glance

Place	When to Go	Time Needed	Cost	Best For
Mysore Palace	10 AM – 5:30 PM	2-3 hrs	₹70	History
Chamundi Hills	6 AM – 8 PM	3-4 hrs	Free	Temple
Brindavan Gardens	6:30 AM – 8 PM	2 hrs	₹40	Gardens
St. Philomena’s Church	5 AM – 6 PM	1 hr	Free	Building
Karanji Lake	8:30 AM – 5:30 PM	2 hrs	₹50	Nature

When to Visit

Best Time (October to February)

• Nice weather
• Dasara festival
• Cultural events
• Good for walking around

Off Time (March to September)

• Less people
• Cheaper hotels
• Hot weather
• Some rain

Helpful Tips

1. Getting Around
   • Take autos for short trips
   • Taxis for full day
   • City buses are cheap
   • Walk to nearby places
2. Where to Stay
   • Hotels near palace
   • Cheap stays in Gokulam
   • Nice resorts outside city
   • Old-style royal hotels
3. Good Manners
   • Wear proper clothes at temples
   • Take off shoes at temples
   • Ask before taking photos
   • Follow local ways
4. Money Planning
   • Entry tickets: ₹500-1000
   • Travel in city: ₹300-500 daily
   • Food: ₹500-1000 daily
   • Shopping: Your choice

Common Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long should I stay in Mysore?

A: Stay 2-3 days to see main places. 4-5 days if you want to see everything slowly and visit nearby places too.

Q2: When should I visit the palace?

A: Morning (10 AM – 12 PM) is best. Come on Sunday night to see all the lights. Visit during Dasara for special decorations.

Q3: Is Mysore safe?

A: Yes, Mysore is very safe, even for people traveling alone. The city is peaceful and people are friendly. But always be careful like in any new place.

Q4: What’s special about Mysore Dasara?

A: It’s a 10-day festival with:

• Lit-up palace
• Dance and music shows
• Parade with decorated elephants
• Special shows
• Festival markets

Q5: What should I buy in Mysore?

A: Good things to buy:

• Mysore Silk sarees
• Mysore Sandal soap
• Mysore Pak sweet
• Sandal items
• Local paintings

Q6: How to reach Mysore?

A: You can come by:

• Plane to Mysore airport
• Train from big cities
• Good roads
• Bus from Bangalore

Q7: Do I need guides at the palace?

A: Not must, but guides help you learn more about history. Find them at palace gate.

Q8: Can I take photos?

A: Rules for photos:

• Yes outside palace
• No inside palace
• OK in gardens
• Not in some temples

End Note

Mysore is great for everyone – history fans, nature lovers, shoppers, or food lovers. Plan your trip based on what you like and when you want to come. Try local food, buy some special things, and enjoy the city’s friendly feel.

Take time to enjoy each place, follow local customs, and make your own pace. Mysore’s mix of royal history and friendly people will make you want to come back again.