Mysore Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

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Also Refered As:

Mysuru

"Home to the Mysore Maharajas"

Mysore Tourism

Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore, currently Mysuru, is one of the most important places in the country regarding ancient reigns. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in Karnataka, and its rich heritage draws millions of tourists all year round. The highlight is the majestic Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a must-visit.

Mysore was one of the three largest Princely States in the erstwhile British Empire of India. To this day, the Mysore Palace stands tall as one of the most spectacular palaces in India. A very famous tourist spot that sees thousands of visitors milling in and around it every day, the Mysore Palace is a mesmerizing example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, every inch of the palace drips with opulence and intricate details, and every room that you visit stands out in terms of its elaborate architecture, beautiful paintings, rich colours and stained-glass windows. On every Sunday, and during the Dussehra celebrations, the palace is spectacularly lit up once dusk falls.

Another popular element in Mysore is the Ashtanga School of Yoga. This draws visitors and practitioners from around the world to participate in this style of yoga that originated in Mysore. 

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Architecture of Mysore

The architectural style of structures in the Mysore kingdom experienced significant changes during British rule – a blending of European conventions with local components. The Hindu temples in the kingdom were constructed in typical South Indian Dravidian style. The city’s main place, the Mysore Palace, was designed by the English architect Henry Irwin in 1897.
Corridors in Mysore Palace (source)

The design is a combination of Hindu, Islamic, Indo-Saracenic and Moorish styles, which for the first time in India, used cast-iron columns and roof frames. One can also find architectural designs from the Renaissance period and exhibits concepts in English manor houses and Italian palazzos. These styles can be found in the architecture of the Lalitha Mahal Palace that was built in 1921 by E.W. Fritchley under the commission of Maharaja Krishnaraja IV. One can also find buildings constructed in the Greco – Roman style in the Chaluvamba Mansion and the

Mysore Pak

Mysore Pak
Mysore Pak is a delicious sweet dish that is made of roasted gram flour and butter. It is a traditional South Indian sweet dish. History states that this mouth-watering dish was first made in the kitchens of the Mysore Palace which was then ruled by Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar. The sweet delighted the royalties so much that it was declared as the ‘Royal Sweet.' However, at that time it did not have a name, so it was named as “Mysore Pak’.

The Reign Of Tipu Sultan

Tipu Sultan was the eldest of Hyder Ali, who was the Muslim ruler of Mysore. He fought the second Mysore war in February 1728 where he defeated Col. John Brathwaite. Tipu Sultan succeeded his father in December the same year. He continued his aggression against the British by recapturing Baidanur and Mangalore. In 1784, he settled peace with the British and assumed the title of Sultan of Mysore.
Tipu Sultan (Source)

Tipu introduced some administrative revolutions during his rule, including his currency, a new Mauludi lunisolar calendar and a new revenue system of land which instigated the development of the Mysore silk industry. Tipu Sultan was a capable general and administrator, and, though a Muslim, he reserved the faithfulness of his Hindu subjects. Tipu Sultan was commonly known as the Tiger of Mysore and adopted this animal as the symbol of his reign. It is said that while he was hunting in the woods with a French companion, he encountered a tiger. His weapon did not work, and his knife fell on the ground as the tiger hopped on him. He went after the blade, lifted it up, and killed the tiger with it. That earned him the name "the Tiger of Mysore."

Mysore Dasara

Dussehra or Dasara as it is known as in the southern part of India is synonymous with Mysore. It is the most extravagant festival which sees the entire city lighting up and coming alive. Also called Navaratri, this is a 10-day festival that ends with the celebration of Vijayadashami.

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Restaurants and Local Food in Mysore

The cuisine of Mysore has a distinct influence of Udipi cuisine on its dishes. One of the most famous items here is the traditional sweet, Mysore Pak. Other than this, Mysore's platter is brimming with authentic, traditional and local cuisines. These include Idli, Dosa, Shavige Bath, Pongal, Chutneys and Pickles, Vangi Baath (rice with Brinjal curry), Bisi bele bath (a spicy preparation of rice) as well as a number of sweets such as Payasam, Jalebi, Rave Unde, Ladoo and more. Indian filter coffee and Adike (Areca nut) with Betel leaf are also popular items.
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Suggested Itinerary for Mysore

Day 1- Arrive and check-in. Then visit St. Philomena Church, Brindavan Gardens and Amba Vilas.
Day 2- Begin day at the banks of Karanji Lake. Then visit Chumundi Hills Bull Statue, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple and Zoological Gardens and Srirangapatna.

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Mysore Photos

Mysore, Karnataka
Maharajah's Palace,Mysore, Karnataka,India
Mysore Zoo
Mysore Palace

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FAQs on Mysore

What are the things to do in Mysore?

The top things to do in Mysore are Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Somanathapura Temple, Mysore Zoo, Chamundeshwari Temple, Shuka Vana. You can see all the places to visit in Mysore here

What are the places near Mysore?

The top places near to Mysore are Ooty which is 98 km from Mysore, Coorg which is located 98 km from Mysore, Kabini which is located 20 km from Mysore, Wayanad which is located 88 km from Mysore, Srirangapatna which is located 14 km from Mysore

What is the best way to reach Mysore?

Mysore is one of the more well-connected cities in Karnataka and is accessible through road, rail and air. Although Mysore has its own airport, it is not fully functional and doesn't connect to all major cities. So tourists can access Mysore through the Bangalore airport (170km). Getting on a train to the Mysore railway station is a very convenient way of travel as daily trains ply here. Bus services are also regularly running and finding a seat is never a problem.
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What is the local food in Mysore?

The cuisine of Mysore has a distinct influence of Udipi cuisine on its dishes. One of the most famous items here is the traditional sweet, Mysore Pak. Other than this, Mysore's platter is brimming with authentic, traditional and local cuisines. These include Idli, Dosa, Shavige Bath, Pongal, Chutneys and Pickles, Vangi Baath (rice with Brinjal curry), Bisi bele bath (a spicy preparation of rice) as well as a number of sweets such as Payasam, Jalebi, Rave Unde, Ladoo and more. Indian filter coffee and Adike (Areca nut) with Betel leaf are also popular items.
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What is the best time to visit Mysore?

Mysore has a tropical climate, but the best time to visit Mysore is from the Monsoons and Winter months from July to February. The months have pleasant weather as a respite from the intense heat of summer. With these months captivating the city's beauty; summers are less ideal for travelling and sightseeing.
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Who should visit Mysore?

Mysore is a beautiful city for everyone who wishes to enjoy the grandeur of a royal kingdom.

What is not so good about Mysore?

Communication with locals can be difficult.

What is famous about Mysore?

Beautiful Palaces. Rich cultural heritage.

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Popular Questions And Answers on Mysore

Q. How can we reach Mysore from Bangalore airport??? Transportation facility??

Alkansa

5 years ago
KSRTC flybus is there at the airport
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Q. Budget hotel stay up to 500/room, is available or not? If available, please show hotel names...

Holidify

5 years ago
There are hostels and dormitories available at less than INR 500 per person. You can choose from the options of Budget hotels in the following link - https://www.holidify.com/places/mysore/hotels-whe (Read More)re-to-stay.html
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Q. Would like to be guided for Mysore visit 2 days....not very expensive hotel...focus on seeing tourist places with my two small daughters.

pervez kapadia

5 years ago
Palace visit, garden visit , zoo visit and boating all within two day period of stay i.e. arriving morning night stay 2nd day whole day and night stay and day after morning departure...
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Mysore Reviews

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harshitha k p

on Mysore Palace 5 years ago
Mysore Palace - the pride of Mysore. The enticing architecture is indeed a visual treat. The majestic grandeur of Mysore Palace is like nothing else.Best time to visit Mysore Palace is during Dasara (Read More)festival. Surely a must visit place in a lifetime not only for its beauty but also for the royalty and customs. Not to forget, Jamboo Savaari is one of the major attraction during this time.

charvi chetan

3 years ago
Superb Visited zoo Palace Chamundi betta and some other place Awesome in the palace In evenings It will be fully bright in the palace and the surroundings

Vashu Pandey

4 years ago
very useful review for the knowledge Mysore was one of the three largest Princely States in the erstwhile British Empire of India. To this day, the Mysore Palace stands tall as one of the most specta (Read More)cular palaces in India "Link Hidden"
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