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’.
Whether it’s exploring historical palaces or purchasing souvenirs that have originated from the royal Kingdom of Mysore, sightseeing in this quaint city in Karnataka gives you insight into one of the state’s most loved cities.
Here are some of the top sightseeing places in Mysore you should add to your itinerary so that you can experience the city in all its regal glory.
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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It’s no surprise that Brindavan Gardens is on our list of sightseeing 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 well...
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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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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
It’s no surprise that Brindavan Gardens is on our list of sightseeing 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 well...
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
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
Immersing ourselves into wildlife can show us a different side of nature, one that is undomesticated by man and roams freely amidst lush beauty, away from the noise and pollution of urban settlements. To spot an animal in the wild requires a lot of patience and can be meditative in its own way, sharpening your sense of focus as you wait eagerly for a creature to saunter into view. Often when we go wildlife watching, we might not catch sight of any of the forest wildlife and this is part of the magic, motivating you to go back again and again.
You might think wildlife tours in Mysore is limited to the magnificent Sri. Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, but there’s plenty to explore in and around the city that will keep your love for wildlife buzzing. It’s no surprise that wildlife is best found away from the city, in the quiet havens of towering trees, shrubs and open blue skies, so hop into your car and head to the beautiful Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary filled with vibrantly coloured species of birds or Nagarhole National Park where you can find different types of deer and the glorious Indian Tiger.
Wildlife tours in Mysore aren’t complete without a stop at Sri. Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens which is one of the oldest zoos in India. Mysore’s iconic zoo is home to a variety of indigenous and exotic amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. The zoo was created from the King’s private menagerie and has completed over a 100 years of existence so dropping by its spectacular enclosures is a must.
Whether you go on a short drive around the city or walk through its zoo, the wildlife tours in Mysore will give you a satisfying glimpse into the bounty of Karnataka’s wildlife.