Mysore is called the cultural capital of Karnataka and was the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty. Mysore, or Mysuru, is located on the foothills of the Chamundi Hills. The city is a popular tourist destination and is one of the cleanest cities in India. Mysore has embraced modernization while preserving its historical roots. It has a rich history, filled with ornate palaces, temples, beautiful sarees, and sandalwood artifacts. Mysore has something for everyone, whether you are a history buff or love nature. Here are the top 14 things to do in Mysore.
Top 14 Things to do in Mysore
1. Explore the magnificent Mysore Palace
The magnificent Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the city’s showpiece and a must-see. The Mysore Palace or the Amba Vilas Palace is an incredible example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Parts of the palace are still the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore, and it is one of the largest palaces in the country. Henry Irwin designed the palace.
The architecture is a fusion of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic elements. Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi and her son Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV rebuilt the three-storied palace after the previous palace was destroyed in a fire. Jayachamarajendra Wadiya expanded Amba Villas in the 1930s.
The Mysore Dussera festival is celebrated with great pomp and joy as they illuminate the palace with 97,000 lights. They lit up the palace on Sundays and public holidays. 6 million visitors visit the Amba Vilas Palace every year. The sound and light show are enjoyable. Audio information kits are available in multiple languages.
Entry Fees: Rs 10 for students, Rs. 30 for kids, Rs. 70 for adults.
Timings:
- 10 A.M. to 5.30 P.M. for the palace tour.
- 7 PM to 7.45 PM for Light & Sound Show Monday to Saturday (Monday – Wednesday in Kannada and Thursday to Saturday in English)
Parking: Rs. 40 (Car) and Rs.20 (Two-wheeler)
Time required: 2-3 hours.
ALSO SEE – Majestic Mysore Tour Package
2. Explore paintings at the magnific of Jaganmohan Palace
The splendid Jaganmohan Palace has great cultural significance. The royal family used it when they were rebuilding the Amba Vilas Palace. It is one of the seven palaces in the city. Jaganmohan Palace is a perfect example of Hindu architecture. The king transformed it into an art gallery in 1915, and it has become a favorite destination for art lovers.
There are over 2000 paintings, including works by renowned artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Rabindranath Tagore, S.L. Haldankar, Nikolai Roerich, Aless Caddy, P.P. Ruben, and Jiladin Ville. The iconic painting ‘Lady with the Lamp’ by Haldenkar is a must-see. Dance and music programs are held at the palace auditorium.
Entry Fees: Rs. 10 for kids, Rs. 20 for adults.
Timings: 10 AM to 5.30 PM for the palace tour.
Parking: Rs. 60 (Car)
Time required: 1-2 hours.
3. Spiritual experience at Chamundeshwari temple
A trip to Mysore is incomplete without a visit to the Chamundeshwari Temple. It is located on the Chaamundeshwiri hills and is at a height of 1000 ft. The temple has a typical Dravidian architecture with a stunning seven-stage pyramidal structure at the entrance. You can admire the intricate design and carvings on the doors and pillars of the temple. You get a bird’s eye view of Mysore from the temple.
The presiding goddess of the temple is Goddess Durga also called Chamudeshwiri a fierce avatar of Shakti. Chammundeshwari temple is over 1000 years old and is one of the oldest temples in the city. The temple is an important pilgrimage and is one of the Maha Shakti Pethas.
Timing: 7.30 AM- 2.00 PM, 3.30 PM – 6.00 PM, 7.30 PM – 9.00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Attire: No dress code but modest attire is required.
4. Stroll at the Brindavan Garden
If you are looking for things to do in Mysore in the evening, you can head over to Brindavan Garden. The garden is perfect for families, couples, or even friends who want to enjoy the pleasant breeze or the view of flowers. The 60-acre Brindavan Garden is 21 km. from Mysore city. You can take your evening walk in the well-manicured garden with flowerbeds, enjoy the musical fountain show, or take a boat ride on the lake.
The musical fountain show is the main attraction of the garden. The fountains are synchronized with the music paired with laser lights.
Timings:
Garden:
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Weekdays)
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Weekends)
Musical Fountain Show:
- 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Weekdays)
- 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Weekends)
Time Required : 3-4 hours
Entry Fee : Adult: INR 15, Child: INR 5
Boating:
- Round Trip (From North Garden to South Part of Garden): INR 30 (Before 6 PM), INR 60 (After 6 PM)
- One side after 6 PM: INR 30
Parking: INR 100 (Inclusive of Toll)
5. Take a Tonga Ride
Tonga Ride is a fun way to travel back in time. Mysore is one of the few cities in India, you can enjoy a tonga ride, and it is now mainly a tourist attraction and one of the popular things to do in Mysore. Tonga or horse-drawn carriage was once the chief source of transportation before automobiles replaced them. You can still see tongas near the Mysore Palace. You can hire a tonga ride for an hour for a tour around tourist landmarks in Mysore, like the opulent Mysore Palace and clock tower. Tonga rides are a unique way to explore the city.
Location: Mysore Central Bus Station
Fees: Rs. 3000, but you can get attractive discounts if you pre-book.
Timings: After 6.30 pm
6. Wildlife spotting at Mysore Zoo
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, also known as the Mysore Zoo has been ranked as one of the best zoos in India. Maharaja Chamaraja built the zoo in 1892, and it was carefully planned to keep animals in their natural habitat. The zoo houses over one hundred and sixty-eight species ranging from large cats to bears, aquatic to land birds, primates, and reptiles. The zoo is home to several abandoned animals. Children and wildlife enthusiasts are sure to be enchanted.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Closed on Tuesdays.
Time Required: 3 hours
Entry Fee:
- Adult: INR 50 (Weekdays), INR 60 (Weekends),
- Child (5-12 yr): INR 20 (Weekdays), INR 30 (Weekends)
ALSO SEE – Trivandrum Zoo-Tickets, Timings, Entry Fee and Photos
7. Visit the captivating Shivanasamudra Waterfalls
Shivanasamudra waterfall is 68 km from Mysore and is the second-largest waterfall in India. Visiting the falls is worth it, especially during the monsoon, for their sheer beauty. Shivasamudra waterfall is on river Cauvery and, two waterfalls emerge from it – Gaganachukki and Bharachukki fall. The waterfalls are just a kilometer from one another.
If you are a photography enthusiast, it is one of the must-do things to do in Mysore. There is a well-maintained deck that is perfect for capturing the waterfalls and the surrounding waterfalls or admiring the magnificent scenery. There are no restaurants nearby you need to bring your water and food.
Location: 68 km from Mysore. On the Bangalore Mysore Highway via the Kanakapura main road
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open all day, but advisable to go in the early hours of the day.
ALSO SEE- Bangalore to Coorg – The Best Way to Travel
8. Watch the mesmerizing Chunchakatte Falls
Chanchakatte Falls is just 55 km from Mysore and is on the Cauvery River. The picturesque waterfall is surrounded by forest. Water cascades down at a height of 20 meters and is 91 meters wide. Chunchakatte Falls was named after Chuncha and Chunchi, a tribal couple from a local tribe in the area. According to legend, Lord Rama spent time here while living in the forests at the couple’s request.
The waterfall’s color still resembles turmeric and other holy powders used for pooja, and there is a myth that Goddess Sita bathed here. You can take some fantastic photographs of the majestic waterfalls and picturesque landscapes. You can also visit the Lord Kondana Rama temple nearby.
Location: 68 km. from Mysore on the Mysore-Hassan Highway.
Timings: Open all day, but it is advisable to go in the early hours of the day.
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
9. Enjoy yourself at the GRS Fantasy Park
You must visit the GRS Fantasy Park if you want a well-rounded trip. The park is 8.3 km from Mysore on the Mysore-Bangalore highway. It is the perfect place for friends and family to unwind and bond. GRS Fantasy Park has some exciting rides catering to all age groups. There are many rides to choose from slides, carrousel, playground, and water slides. The park features amenities like locker rooms, restrooms, eateries, a gift shop, an amphitheater, and restaurants.
Timings :
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM,
- Monday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Time Required: 3-5 hours
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: INR 700
Children: INR 600
Senior Citizens (above 65 years): INR 450
10. Walk the city streets at night
If you want a unique experience, you can book night walks that are organized in the evenings. The walks begin at seven o’clock in the evening and take you past some of Mysore’s most famous markets, temples, hidden places, and landmarks. It is a great way to learn more about Mysore’s culture and history.
The walks are conducted at a leisurely pace and are not strenuous. You can take a break to try regional street food to enhance the experience. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes since you will be walking in the evening.
Location: The guided tour starts from Town Hall
Entry Fees: Rs. 1000
Timings: 7 to 9 pm.
11. Shopping in Mysore
Shopping is one of the must-do things to do in Mysore. It has so much to offer if you enjoy shopping its famous sarees, rosewood artifacts, sandalwood products, and coffee. You will have a wonderful shopping experience, whether you want to indulge in the fabled Mysore Pak or want to bring rock sculptures home as gifts for friends and family.
Some of the things Mysore is famous for include –
- Silk Saree – Mysore has a vibrant silk industry. The city is famous for its sarees with intricate zari work.
- Mysore Pak – Mysore Pak is synonymous with the city and is made from flour, sugar, and ghee.
- Sandalwood products – Sandalwood has such a distinct aroma. Mysore offers several sandalwood products that will fill your home with a musky smell. The king of Mysore established the Sandalwood oil factory in 1917. Sandalwood products like soap, oils, and perfumes are widely available. You can shop for these products or visit the factory to learn how they extract sandalwood oil.
- Coffee – Mysore is close to the coffee belt of India. It has a large network of wholesalers and retailers.
- Mysore Paintings – Mysore artwork has been influenced by different regions. Mysore paintings date back to the seventh century BC and contain intricate detailing of legendary events and figures.
- Rosewood artifacts – Mysore is known for expertly carved rosewood artifacts. These are crafted with perfection and embedded with items like sandalwood, mother of pearl, and horn. Rosewood is terminate-resistant and the beautiful designs make a great souvenir.
- Stone sculptures– A talented sculptor called K. Venakatappa started sculpting beautiful figurines from soapstone. You require patience and skill to carve soapstone. Soapstone or Krishna Shila is available in several colors,
- Wooden toys – A small village close to Mysore called Channapatna is home to skilled artists who have perfected the art of building beautiful wooden toys. These vibrant, reasonably priced, and distinctive wooden works of art make wonderful mementos.
12. Visit the unique Shakuna Vana
One of the Orthophiles and wildlife enthusiasts must visit Shakuna Vana, which is home to 2000 birds. The impressive 50-meter-high, 1-acre aviary presently holds the Guinness World Record for having the most bird species in an aviary with over 450 different species. The unusual park is also called “parrot park” and acts as a rehabilitation facility for abused, hurt, and abandoned birds. In this stunning cage, numerous rare species of parrots may be seen soaring around.
Timings:
- Thursday – Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Closed on Wednesday
Time Required: 2 – 3 hrs
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
13. Have a picnic at the Karanji Lake
Karanji Lake or fountain lake is a popular picnic spot. You can either have coffee at the coffee shop or bring your food. The lake is home to over 147 bird species, including herons, Asian openbill storks, cormorants, grey pelicans, etc., it is a lovely site to learn about the many bird species. The lake is adjacent to the Mysore Zoo.
Karanji lake in mysore is home to over 147 bird speciesKaranji Lake is said to be the largest aviary in the country and measures 20 meters long, 50 meters wide, and 60 meters tall. You can enjoy boating at the lake or walk around soaking in the beauty of the place. You will enjoy the tranquility in the middle of a busy city.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Time Required: 1-2 hrs
Entry Fee :
- Adults: INR 10,
- Children (5-15 years): INR 5,
- Senior Citizens: INR 5,
- Video Camera: INR 25
14. Savor the delicious cuisine of Mysore
Udipi Cuisine has influenced Mysore cuisine. The traditional sweet Mysore Pak is popular all over the country. You can try regional, authentic, and traditional dishes in Mysore. These include Idli, Dosa, Shavige Bath, Pongal, Chutneys & Pickles, Vangi Baath (rice with Brinjal Curry), Bisi Bele bath (a spicy preparation of rice), as well as a variety of sweets including Payasam, Jalebi, Rave Unde, Ladoo, and more. Other well-liked foods include Adike (Areca nut) with Betel leaf and Indian filter coffee.
When is the best time to Visit Mysore?
Mysore’s Dasara celebration dates back to 1610 and it is the best time to visit Mysore. Mysore palace lights up with 97,000 bulbs during Dasara which usually is in October and this is a unique visual spectacle. All the heritage building in Mysore are also lit up during Dasara Celebrations.
If you have been to Mysore and we have missed out any of the things to do in Mysore that you enjoyed, please comment below
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