Are you a history beast and want to enjoy a rich Indian culture with preserved heritage? Or do you want to explore historical palaces in their utmost state of glory and honor? Don’t wait anymore; pack your luggage, lace up your shoes, and start an exciting journey toward Mysore. Read our thorough guide to learn more about the majestic beauty of this aesthetic city and the top 5 places to visit in Mysore.
What is the best time to visit Mysore?
Mysore is in India’s Karnataka state, known for its magnificent historic buildings. The city has also earned the title of “the city of palaces’’ because of the grandeur of its palaces and monuments. The best time to visit Mysore is between October and March. In these seasonal months, you can get a chance to enjoy the local festivals and the performances of locals through their arts and crafts.
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How can I plan my visit to Mysore?
To make your visit a success, you should make a budget for the trip and add the compulsory expenditures. Either you manage the trip route yourself or hire a trusted travel agency.
On arriving in Mysore, I suggest hiring a local tour guide as well. They can help you set your schedule and reserve the best lodging according to your budget. Typically, a 2-day trip is sufficient to explore the most famous points of Mysore.
The city is well connected with multiple Indian locations and is also accessible by road or by air. An airport is also developed in Mysore but operates only domestic flights. For international tourists, the nearest international airport is in Bangalore.
What is the most famous thing about Mysore?
Besides its historical monuments and cultural attractions, Mysore is famous for its artifacts, which are entirely prepared with sandalwood and rosewood.
Mysore silk sarees are famous all over India. This city is the most populated and cleanest in Karnataka state. For its rich exports of software, the city ranks second in the whole state.
For its unique artifacts, Mysore is a gem for traditional souvenirs. Most of the visitors turn their vehicles toward this destination for only a shopping experience, as the markets are brimming with items to offer for buying, like spices, paintings, handicrafts, and clothes.
Which is the most visited place in Mysore?
No single visiting attraction can be tagged as the most visited place in Mysore, as each tourist attraction has its own specifications, uniqueness, and beauty and aligns with the hobbies, needs, and preferences of the different categories of people. But, out of all the famous attractions, we have enlisted the top 5 places to visit in Mysore. Learn about these top 5 places and plan your itinerary sequentially.
1. Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace, or the Taj Mahal of Karnataka, is a most alluring and unique architectural marvel of Mysore, built in the 20th century. This palace is a living fusion example of various architectural styles in one building, as the palace is a splendid beauty of Gothic, sarcastic, and Rajput styles.
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The monument has four massive gates for entry that open in the verdant green garden of the palace. Its charm and beauty are enhanced at night by the thousands of sparking lights, decorated in place to make it more impressive.
This jewel is located in the city’s center and draws visitors’ attention with its abundant three-story structure. To get information about the past and the royal family’s lifestyle, the museum has a magnificent collection of items to see.
Visiting Hours: Entry into the palace is allowed from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
2. Brindavan Gardens
This garden was built in 1927 on the premises of Krishnaraja Sagar Dam by Sir Mirza Ismail. His inspiration behind the development of this garden was Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir and Lalbagh Botanical Gardens in Bangalore. The garden is fully decorated and maintained by the management.
Located 19 km from the central city of Mysore, the garden is a hub for nature lovers; the drawing factor is its musical fountains and vibrant lights.
In the evening, this spot is fantastic to see when the pavements are lit up with colorful lights and yellow lamps on these tracks, giving an aesthetic look to stroll in the space.
Visiting Hours:
You can visit this lush, green, and charming garden from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The fountain show and opulent waves of fountain dance with musical rhythms are also organized every evening.
3. St. Philomena’s Church
A significant historical place in Mysore to witness the Gothic style of architecture. This church is only 3 km from Mysore city on Ashoka Road. Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the king of Mysore, built this architectural marvel in 1843 to pay tribute to St. Philomena. St. Philomena was a Grecian princess and was known as a saint for her acts of greatness.
This church is Asia’s second-largest church because of its large premises. The lofty towers of the church can be seen from far away.
Visiting Hours:
Visit this church between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m.; the evening time is more suitable, as you can also participate in prayers.
4. Karanji Lake
Karanji Lake is perched on the Chamundi Hills, about 2km from Mysore city. You can also hire a cab from the city railway station. This lake is a haven for bird watching and to see the butterflies of charming colors. Stretched over about 90 hectares, this lake offers a variety of activities for visitors.
As nature parks surround this water body, taking a leisurely walk in a peaceful environment is a top priority for tourists.
You can also spend a lovely evening enjoying the boat ride in the lake or visiting the nearby zoo. To experience the rare species of birds, the lake has a watchtower, from which you can extend your visit to the butterfly park.
Visiting Hours:
The visiting hours of Karanji Lake are 8:30 to 5:30. Entry tickets are INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children. You can also avail a combo ticket for the zoo and the lake.
5. Mysore Zoo
It is a great place to visit with family, especially for children to interact with wild creatures. This zoo is the oldest in Karnataka and is close to Mysore Palace. The wildlife in this zoo consists of 145 species of animals and 168 species of birds, all of whom are not Indian but imported from different countries. This zoo was established in 1892 but is still well maintained and is like an orphanage for most migrated animals.
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The safari tour is an enjoyable activity, and it is also a considerable option for elders to explore the whole zoo conveniently. Battery-operated vehicles will take you to each zoo corner while you pay specific charges.
Visiting Hours:
The hours of this zoo are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. As an adult, you have to pay INR 100 to enter the zoo, and the charges are INR 50 for children. You can avail of a concession in entry charges on weekend days.
What food is Mysore famous for?
Mysore is well known for its aromatic spices. These spices are also used in Mysore’s cuisine to make them mouthwatering and delicious.
You can taste traditional Indian food; Mysore’s most famous culinary items are Kharjoor Halwa, Ragi Mudde, Kosambari, and Mysore Pak.
Final Analysis
Mysore is a destination with preserved heritage and historical monuments. A weekend trip to Mysore will give you ample knowledge about history, and the top 5 places to visit in Mysore, along with the city’s recreational activities, are also remarkable. Respect the local culture, and don’t litter in public areas during your visit. Plan your tour toward this historical hamlet of Karnataka and buy this city’s unique handicrafts; the perfection of art will surprise you.
Stay tuned for more adventure guides from Salam Travellers.
