Mysore, known as the City of Palaces, is jam-packed with beautiful sightseeing spots and tourist attractions. Its enviable weather, lovely gardens, majestic palaces, and lively cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination. This charming city is a treasure trove of history, heritage, and natural beauty and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to South India. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to unwind in a beautiful setting, there’s something for everyone in Mysore. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the top places to visit in Mysore.
Explore the Beautiful Mysore
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Chamundi Hills
Chamundi Hills, 1062 metres above sea level, gives you a panoramic view of the city and surroundings. The Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to Parvati’s incarnation, stands atop the hill. The temple is one of 18 Shakti Peethas. The temple boasts a silver entryway, a seven-story tower, and a gold goddess idol. During Navratri and Dussehra, hundreds of worshippers and visitors visit the shrine. But Chamundi Hills is not just a place of worship. It is also a place of adventure and fun. You can enjoy various activities such as trekking, cycling, horse riding, paragliding, and mountain camping.
How to Reach: Mysore city buses run routes that go to Chamundi Hills. You can check bus schedules and take the appropriate bus to the base of the hill. You can also trek to the hilltop if you are feeling adventurous.
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Rail Museum, Mysore
The Mysore Rail Museum is the perfect place to visit in Mysore with friends. Enter the sprawling campus, and you’re immediately transported back in time. Established in 1979 by Indian Railways, this was the second such museum after the National Rail Museum in Delhi. You’ll see meticulously restored locomotives, carriages and wagons dating back to the late 19th century. You can feel the power and significance of these giant machines while you are here at the museum.
Way to Reach: To reach the museum from the Mysore City Urban Bus Stand, board a bus heading to KRS Road and get down at the museum stop. Alternatively, you can opt for a shared travel option like a tempo or a minibus.
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Edmuri Falls
Edmuri Falls offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The charming 10-foot waterfall cascades over a granite cliff formed by the Cauvery River, just 3 kilometres from Mysore city. A visit to Edmuri Falls provides the perfect respite from the stress and noise of everyday life. You can swim in the refreshing waters below the falls, floating peacefully as fish swim around them. Those seeking a more relaxed experience can sit on the large rocks bordering the river, simply listening to the soothing music of splashing water and tumbling rapids.
Way to Reach: Start your journey from the bustling Mysore City Urban Bus Stand towards KRS Road and reach Belagola village. Upon arrival, take a refreshing stroll along a picturesque path for approximately 1 km to reach the majestic Edmuri Falls.
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Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace is the city’s most famous attraction. With exquisite sculptures, domes, arches, and turrets, the palace is an Indo-Saracenic masterpiece. The palace’s halls, rooms, galleries, and temples showcase Mysore’s history and culture. The palace’s paintings, sculptures, weaponry, jewellery, and other royal-era artefacts are stunning. You can also witness the spectacular light and sound show every evening.
Way to Reach: From the Mysore bus stand, Mysore Palace is just a few minutes away, and you can take an auto-rickshaw for the short journey.
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Mysore Zoo
Mysore Zoo, also known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is a popular tourist destination in Mysore. Spread over 157 acres; this zoo offers a majestic feeling of wildlife. The zoo is home to various animals, including tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, and many more. You can also enjoy a bird park, a butterfly park, and a reptile house. Apart from admiring the animals, you can also take a toy train ride around the zoo, explore the botanical garden, and enjoy a picnic on the lush lawns.
Way to Reach: Mysore Zoo is located at a distance of 3 km from the Mysore bus stand and just 2 km from the Mysore Palace. Many city buses run to Mysore Zoo. Apart from that, you can ride a horse cart or an auto-rickshaw as well.
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St. Philomena Church
One of Mysore’s architectural gems is the beautiful St. Philomena’s Cathedral. The striking Gothic-style structure rises majestically from the city’s heart, its towering spires visible afar.
Upon entering the cavernous nave, you are immediately struck by the grandeur and solemnity of the space. Soaring arches and columns support a vaulted ceiling, while stained glass windows bathe the interior in colourful light. The church’s intricate stonework, woodcarvings, and artifacts spanning nearly 150 years tell the story of Mysore’s Catholic community. Its various nooks and corners invite quiet contemplation, while the soaring architecture raises the eyes and soul to heaven.
Way to Reach: The easiest way to visit the church is by Bus to St Philomena Church bus stop, about a 2-minute walk away. You are just a short 2-minute walk away from the church.
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Karanji Lake
Karanji Lake is a picturesque oasis near Chamundi Hills in Mysore. Covering over 90 acres, this tranquil lake is the perfect place for couples. Sprawling walk-through aviary, Karanji Lake houses over 70 species of exotic and native birds. You can stroll along the winding pathways as colorful kingfishers, mynas, parakeets, and more about in the trees above. The aviary comes alive with the calls and songs of the resident and migratory birds. You can enjoy paddle boat riding across the serene waters.
Way to Reach: To reach Karanji Lake, head towards the Race Course (Mysore Race Club) and turn left at the junction into Lalitha Mahal Road. Cross the next junction, and you’ll see the entrance to Karanji Lake on your left.
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Shuka Vana
Located in the outskirts of Mysore is a serene oasis home to hundreds of exotic birds – Shuka Vana, an aviary zoo spread over 14 acres and it lives up to its name with over 700 parrots and 20 varieties of parakeets nestled within its lush, green confines. You will also find mynahs, peafowl, flamingos, swans, and ducks sharing this avian abode. Strolling on the landscaped pathways and feeding grounds of Shuka Vana will amaze you. You can feed the parrots and parakeets dangling from the feeders lining the walkways. The picturesque setting amidst lush trees and lawns makes it an ideal day trip from Mysore.
Way to Reach: To get to Shuka Vana, board any bus ending in 17, 37, and 67 headed for the ashram on Ooty Road, which is in Datta Nagar. The nearest bus stop is the Dattanagar Bus Stop, located approximately 0.3 km from the ashram. Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Shuka Vana from any area in the city.
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Brindavan Gardens
Brindavan Gardens is a botanical marvel nestled at the foothills of the iconic Krishna Raja Sagar dam. The beautifully manicured gardens, spread over 60 hectares, feature extensive fountains, lawns, floral displays, and tree-lined walks – making it a major tourist attraction in Mysore. The highlight of Brindavan Gardens is the spectacular musical fountain show held every evening. You can stroll along the pathways, admire the floral displays, and enjoy the soothing sound of water.
Way to Reach: To reach Brindavan Gardens by bus, you can take any routes: 10A, 10C, 117, 119F, 120S, 307, 307R, and V-116 AIRCON, with the nearest stop being KRS Dam. Then hire a cab or auto-rickshaw to the gardens.
