Mysore, Karnataka City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Mysore, Karnataka City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.

Mysore, Karnataka – The City of Palaces

Mysore (Mysuru), known as the Cultural Capital of Karnataka, is a city rich in heritage, royal history, and architectural marvels. Famous for its grand Mysore Palace, silk sarees, sandalwood, and the world-famous Dasara festival, it offers a mix of history, tradition, and scenic beauty.

📍 Key Highlights of Mysore

✅ Known as the “City of Palaces” 🏰
✅ Famous for Mysore Silk, Sandalwood & Mysore Pak 🧵🌳🍬
✅ Home to the magnificent Mysore Palace & Chamundi Hills 🏛️
✅ World-renowned Mysore Dasara Festival 🎊
✅ A hub for yoga, art, and traditional crafts 🧘‍♂️🎨

🏛️ Top Attractions & Best Places to Visit in Mysore

1️⃣ Mysore Palace – The Royal Wonder 🏰

📍 Location: Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysore
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of India’s most stunning palaces
✅ A blend of Indo-Saracenic, Rajput & Gothic architecture
✅ Illuminated with 100,000+ lights every Sunday & during Dasara

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹100 (Adults), ₹50 (Children)
🕰️ Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

2️⃣ Chamundi Hills & Chamundeshwari Temple 🏞️

📍 Location: 13 km from Mysore City
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Panoramic view of Mysore city
✅ Sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari
✅ Famous for the 1,000-step climb & giant Nandi statue

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🕰️ Timings: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM

3️⃣ Brindavan Gardens – A Romantic Retreat 🌸

📍 Location: 24 km from Mysore (near Krishnaraja Sagar Dam)
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Beautiful terraced gardens with fountains & light shows
✅ Musical fountain show in the evening
✅ Boating option available

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹20 (Adults), ₹10 (Children)
🕰️ Timings: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM

4️⃣ St. Philomena’s Cathedral – A Gothic Marvel ⛪

📍 Location: Ashoka Road, Mysore
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of the tallest churches in Asia
✅ Inspired by Germany’s Cologne Cathedral
✅ Beautiful stained-glass windows & Neo-Gothic architecture

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🕰️ Timings: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM

5️⃣ Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens) 🦁

📍 Location: Near Mysore Palace
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of India’s oldest & best-maintained zoos
✅ Home to rare animals like white tigers, giraffes & African elephants
✅ Great for families & nature lovers

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹80 (Adults), ₹40 (Children)
🕰️ Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

6️⃣ Karanji Lake – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise 🦜

📍 Location: Near Mysore Zoo
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Serene lake with a butterfly park & largest aviary in India
✅ Perfect for boating & photography
✅ Home to 147+ bird species

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹10 (Adults), ₹5 (Children)
🕰️ Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

7️⃣ Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery 🎨

📍 Location: Near Mysore Palace
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Houses exquisite paintings, including Raja Ravi Varma’s works
✅ A royal palace turned into an art museum

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹75 (Adults), ₹40 (Children)
🕰️ Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

8️⃣ Rail Museum – A Must-Visit for Train Lovers 🚂

📍 Location: KRS Road, Mysore
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Showcases vintage steam locomotives & royal coaches
✅ Toy train ride for kids

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹50 (Adults), ₹20 (Children)
🕰️ Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

🛍️ Shopping in Mysore – What to Buy?

🛍️ Mysore Silk Sarees – Available at KSIC Showroom & Devaraja Market
🛍️ Sandalwood & Incense Sticks – Visit Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium
🛍️ Handmade Wooden Toys – Famous in Channapatna (near Mysore)
🛍️ Mysore Pak (Sweet) – Buy from Guru Sweets or Mahalakshmi Sweets

Best Shopping Markets in Mysore:

📍 Devaraja Market – Best for spices, flowers & handicrafts
📍 Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium – Government store for authentic silk & sandalwood
📍 Mall of Mysore – Luxury brands & entertainment

🍽️ Food & Drink in Mysore – Must-Try Dishes

🍛 Mysore Masala Dosa – Best at Vinayaka Mylari & Hotel RRR
🍛 Bisi Bele Bath (Spicy Rice Dish) – Try at Mylari & Nalpak
🍛 Mysore Pak (Sweet Dessert) – Best at Guru Sweets
🍛 Filter Coffee – Must-try at Mahesh Prasad & Raghavendra Stores

Best Restaurants in Mysore:

🍽️ Hotel RRR – Best for authentic Karnataka meals
🍽️ Vinayaka Mylari – Famous for Mysore Masala Dosa
🍽️ La Uppu – A fine-dining restaurant with Mysorean cuisine
🍽️ Gufha Restaurant – Unique cave-themed dining experience

🎭 Festivals & Events in Mysore

🎡 Mysore Dasara Festival – Karnataka’s grandest festival (October)
🎶 Vijayadashami Procession – Royal elephants parade & cultural performances
🏰 Palace Illumination – Mysore Palace lights up during Dasara & Sundays
🎨 Mysore Sandalwood & Silk Expo – Best for shopping silk & crafts

🌙 Nightlife in Mysore – Where to Chill?

🍸 Infinit Lounge – Rooftop bar with city views
🍸 Purple Haze – Rock music & pub vibes
🍸 Opium Bar – Best cocktails & drinks

🚗 How to Reach Mysore?

• ✈️ By Air: Mysore Airport (Connected to Bangalore, Chennai & Hyderabad)
• 🚆 By Train: Mysore Junction (Well-connected with all major cities)
• 🚗 By Road: Bangalore to Mysore via NH275 (145 km – 3 hours)