Also known as the Cultural Capital of Karnataka, the historical city of Mysore is full of stories and traditions that have been passed on from generations long past. The city served as the seat of power for the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1956 and is still the official residence of the royal family, the Wadiyar dynasty.
Heritage tours in Mysore allow you to dip deep beneath the surface of this glorious city with its long lasting cultural impact. Stroll through the iconic Mysore Palace, the second most visited monument in India after the Taj Mahal and admire the pillars decorated with artwork and delicate filigree, spacious courtyards and lush gardens. At night, the palace is a sight to behold, coming to life with a thousand lights that shed a regal sheen around the city. Mysore is also home to a variety of other palaces and these architectural masterpieces give you a glimpse of how royalty in India lived in the past.
As you embark on one of the heritage tours in Mysore, you’ll discover the global sensation of the Mysore silk sari and sandalwood products that this region is known for. Got a sweet tooth? The heritage tours in Mysore takes you into the origins of Mysore Pak, a delicious gold sweet made with ghee and sugar that originated in the kitchen of the King and has since graced the table of celebration feasts! Art enthusiasts who are passionate about the different types of painting styles will find something unique here, as you feast your eyes on Mysore paintings, inlaid with gesso work (Use of gold leaf in the paintings) that has captivated the hearts of art lovers around the world.
Walk through the quiet streets of this urban hub and step into the pages of the history of India.
History is stamped into the very foundation of Mysore, from its old bungalows that have been passed down to its younger generations to the palaces that once housed Indian royalty. Mysore is even home to a glorious zoo which is one of the oldest in the country and encompasses exotic animals sourced from around the world.
Here are some of the top historical sites in Mysore that are a must visit!
Situated within the Old Fort, Mysore Palace is the official, royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore. One of the most famous tourist attractions in India, after the Taj Mahal, Mysore Palace is a must see for visitors. If you’re interested in architecture,...
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One of the oldest and most loved Zoos, Mysore Zoo was originally called Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in 1909 and was created from the Maharaja’s personal menagerie. For animal lovers, you can watch the pages of your wildlife books come to life as you walk through avian sanctuaries, reptile enclosures and...
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It’s no surprise that Brindavan Gardens is on our list of heritage places to visit in Mysore. Located 12 kms from the city of Mysore, the Garden spreads across 60 acres and is laid out in 3 terraces with water fountains that are highlighted with sparkling lights. Brindavan Gardens is...
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A Hindu temple situated on the top of the Chamundi Hills, this religious place of worship was named after the deity Chamundeshwari or Shakti that was revered by the Maharaja of Mysore for centuries. The main shrine was built in the 12th century by the rulers of the Hoysala Dynasty...
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Situated within the Old Fort, Mysore Palace is the official, royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore. One of the most famous tourist attractions in India, after the Taj Mahal, Mysore Palace is a must see for visitors. If you’re interested in architecture,...
Read more
One of the oldest and most loved Zoos, Mysore Zoo was originally called Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in 1909 and was created from the Maharaja’s personal menagerie. For animal lovers, you can watch the pages of your wildlife books come to life as you walk through avian sanctuaries, reptile enclosures and...
Read more
It’s no surprise that Brindavan Gardens is on our list of heritage places to visit in Mysore. Located 12 kms from the city of Mysore, the Garden spreads across 60 acres and is laid out in 3 terraces with water fountains that are highlighted with sparkling lights. Brindavan Gardens is...
Read more
A Hindu temple situated on the top of the Chamundi Hills, this religious place of worship was named after the deity Chamundeshwari or Shakti that was revered by the Maharaja of Mysore for centuries. The main shrine was built in the 12th century by the rulers of the Hoysala Dynasty...
Read more
The winding roads of Mysore are lined with sprawling trees and these cobbled paths are perfect for exploring this cultural hub, taking you to heritage sites and shopping centres filled with exquisitely crafted handicrafts that hail from centuries past.
Sightseeing in Mysore begins with a visit to its iconic Mysore Palace that is still the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. As you walk through the great halls and rooms, it feels as though you have opened the door to the past with delicate paintings and filigree on the walls. Other palaces in the city that are sure to delight your love for history include the Jaganmohan Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Jayalakshmi Villa and Cheluvamba Mansion. If you also want to hear the fascinating stories behind these lovely architectural masterpieces, you can embark on a heritage tour while you’re sightseeing in Mysore, and listen to the tales that will bring these monuments to life.
Walking through the city as you gaze at its popular hotspots can make your tummy rumble. For food lovers, sightseeing isn’t complete without a quick snack at the many eateries that dot Mysore. Give your taste-buds a bite of delicious South Indian flavours with crispy vadas, bondas, fluffy idlis, Bisibelebath and Poori Saagu. Afterwards, don’t forget to buy a box of the rich, sweet Mysore Pak, that originated decades ago in the kitchen of the King of Mysore and has since become a beloved sweetmeat throughout the country.
Drop by the shopping centres as you’re sightseeing in Mysore to purchase the fragrant sandalwood items the city is known for, silk saris, gorgeous Mysore paintings with gesso work (gold foil is used in these unique paintings) and traditional toys.
Sightseeing in Mysore is an experience that stays with you and for good reason, as this enchanting city is known as the ‘Cultural Capital of Karnataka’.
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What are the top heritage sites in Mysore?
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Which are the most famous food dishes in Mysore?