Mysore / Mysuru is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southern India. This place is packed with Palaces, Temples, Architecture, Nature and what not! There are so many places to visit in Mysore which I have mentioned below.

PLACES TO VISIT IN MYSORE

1. MYSORE PALACE

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore is Mysore Palace. Also known as Amba Vilas Palace, this palace was built between 1897-1912. This palace is a three storied structure and reflects the Indo-Sarcenic style of architecture and has been the former palace of the royal family of Mysore and is still their official residence.

The facade of the palace is a beautiful blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles of architecture which imparts it a regal quality. The Palace has four entrances. The main entrance is called “Jaya Maarthaanda” to the east, “Jayarama” to the North, ”Balarama” to the South and “Varaha” to the west. Mysore Palace is famous for its light and sound show and vibrant Dussehra celebrations.

Best Time To Visit Mysore Palace:

The best time to visit Mysore Palace is around the time of Dussehra/Vijaya Dashami in October when the entire palace and its compound is decked up beautifully with lights. The Dusshera festival is celebrated for about ten days and during this time, the entire palace is decorated and lit with lights. The main attraction of the festival is a parade march by the elephants. At this time, the ceremony is attended by the Members of the royal family, as well as special guests of honour.  The royal sword or the “Pattada Katti” is taken on a procession around the city on the auspicious day of Mahanavami, the ninth day of the festival.

IMPORTANT BITS

Open Timings of Palace : 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Time Required to explore : 3 hours

Entry Fees :

Adults ( Indian & Foreigners) : INR 70
Children (between 10 and 18 years): INR 30
Students (Study Tour): INR 10

Parking fees for car is INR 40 and for two wheelers is INR 20

Please note: 

1. Light and sound show takes place at the Mysore Palace every day between 7:00 p.m to 7:45 p.m. in the evening except for Sundays and public holiday. So, you can plan your visit accordingly.
2. Before entering the palace you will be asked to remove your shoes and put it in the lockers for which a minimal amount is charged.
3. Audio information kits are available in 7-8 languages for interested people.
4. They have proper parking space for vehicles on chargeable basis
5. The palace is lit every Sunday and on all public holidays.
6. Photography is prohibited inside the palace. However you can take photos of the palace and its campus area from the outside. What it means is you can take your camera inside the palace compound, but not into the palace building.

2. CHAMUNDESHWARI TEMPLE

Located atop the Chamundi hills, the Chamundeshwari Temple is a traditional Hindu temple dedicated to and named after Goddess Durga. The temple also has statues of Nandi and Mahishasura, the demon. It is located on the eastern edge of Mysore at the height of 1000ft on the Chamundi hills. This is one of the oldest temples in the palace city of Mysore. The Chamundeshwari Temple is considered as a Shakti Peetha and is one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. It is known as Krouncha Pitha as the region was known in Puranic times as Krouncha Puri. It is said that the hair of Sati fell here.

Timings of Darshan :

From Monday till Saturday: 7.30 AM till 2 PM / 3.30 PM till 6 PM / 7.30 PM till 9 PM

Sundays timing : 7.30 AM till 6 PM / 7.30 PM till 9 PM.

Entry Tickets :

Special entry darshan tickets cost 30 INR per person.VIP darshan ticket costs 100 INR per person.

Important Tips:

1. Paid Parking is available
2. Dress Code : Please dress modestly and wear covered dress.

3. MYSORE ZOO

Another one of the most important places to visit in Mysore and you just can’t afford to skip this one. Mysore Zoo, also known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is indeed one of the best zoological gardens in India. This zoo was established by Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar in the year 1892 for the Royals. Later on, it was handed over to the Department of Parks and Gardens of the State Govt.

Spread across 157 acres, this zoo is located at a distance of just 5 minutes from the Mysore Palace. It is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in India.

Mysore zoo is a home to abundant flora and fauna. There are about 1,450 species of animals and 168 species of birds belonging to more than 25 countries in this zoo. Some popular animals in the zoo are Big cats like Tigers (including white tiger), Jaguars, Leopards, Lions, Zebra, Giraffe, Elephants, Hippopotamus, Rhinos and great variety of birds, aquatic animals, reptile and primates.

Mysore Zoo Timings

Open on all days except for Tuesdays from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Tuesday is a weekly holiday here.

Important Tips:

• If you want to see all the animals, then go to the zoo before 11 AM or after 3 PM. Animals sleep and rest between 11 AM till 3 PM, so better avoid this timing.
• The zoo is very huge and it will take around 4-5 hours to complete the walk around the zoo. I am sure you would not have seen such a big zoo in India anywhere else.
• There is electrical car available for those who don’t feel like walking.
• This Zoo is very well maintained and neat and clean too.

Mysore Zoo Tickets

The website of Mysore Zoo has an online booking portal.

Adults : INR 100

Kids (5-12 years ) : INR 50

Child below 5 years : Free

Lastly, carrying a video camera requires you to pay a sum of Rs 150 each and a still camera Rs 20 each.

PLACES TO VISIT IN MYSORE

4. BRINDAVAN GARDENS

The Brindavan Gardens, spread over 60 acres, is located at a distance of 21 km away from Mysore. Built across the notable river of India, Cauvery, it took around five years to complete the project. The well-synchronised fountain show with music, boating and well-manicured grass with flowerbeds are some of the top experiences of Brindavan Garden.

Constructed in 1932 by the Diwan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail, Brindavan Garden is visited by millions of tourists every year. Divided into two parts, north and south, boating facility offered by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation which connects the two parts along with a walkway bridge.

Timings: 

It remains open every day of the year from 6:30 AM till 9:00 PM.

Parking Charges :

• Four-Wheelers : INR 60
• Two-Wheelers : INR 30

Important Tips:

1. Try to visit before sunset hours around 4 to 5 PM, explore the gardens in daylight, and after that witness the musical fountain after sunset.
2. Musical fountain in Brindavana garden is the most attractive spot.
3. The fountain show lasts about 30 minutes, and the water dances to the music, creating a wonderful sight.
4. Huge parking space is available on chargeable basis.
5. You need to walk a lot to cover the whole garden.

5. Rail Museum, Mysore

The Mysore Rail Museum was built in the year 1979 by the Indian Railways and showcase the history of Mysore and Indian railways. The museum depicts the journey and development of the Indian railways through a collection of photographs and various other items. It will be an amazing experience to check out the trains which were in use 100 years back. There are 6-8  retired steam engines in the grounds of the museum alongside some other rail artefacts. You can even go inside these train cabins to click pictures. There is a toy train also that does laps of the museum grounds. Overall, Mysore Rail museum is a great place for kids.

Timings : 

10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Closed on Mondays.

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Much Love,

Neha

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