Mysore
Discover Mysore
Mysore, officially Mysuru (ಮೈಸೂರು), is the second-most populous city of the state of Karnataka after Bangalore. It was the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty and is considered to be the cultural capital of Karnataka. Mysore is among the cleanest and best-planned cities in India. The regal city is striking a balance between olden times and modernity, resulting in the city being both old and new. Mysore's recorded history dates back over a thousand years. Its name has a mythological origin. According to Hindu mythology, the demon Mahishasura was slain by the Goddess Chamundi at the place where present-day Mysore is. A statue of Mahishasura stands on Chamundi Hill on the outskirts of the city.
What to Experience in Mysore
Taste of Mysore...
Mysore is known for the traditional sweet, the Mysore Pak. Mysore Pak is a sweet dish generally cut into rectangular pieces and is made out of gram (chickpea) flour, sugar (or jaggery) and lots of ghee. Sold all over the city although arguably the best Mysore Pak from Guru Sweets near the small clock tower. South Indian breakfast favourites like idlis, sambars, masala dosas are widely available and quite good. It is not clear if the Mysore Masala Dosa (a fermented crepe made from rice batter, black lentils, potato, and onions) originated in Mysore, but you can try asking. You can find some of Karnataka's specialty dishes like: Mysore is in Karnataka state where the liquor laws are among the most liberal in the subcontinent. Most international brands are readily available. The city is lined with bars and other restaurants serving liquor; there are around ten pubs in the city. Some of the recommended places include: There is no night life in Mysore and no one understands the phrase 'night life'. Shops and restaurants down their shutters before 10PM. Restaurants do not open early in the morning, shops take three-hour lunch breaks, and even buses are few between 1PM and 4PM because the drivers and conductors are having their lunch. This laid back lifestyle can irritate people, although some can accept it within a few days. Budget conscious visitors are advised to stay near Jagamohan palace because the hotels are cheaper here and the city bus station is only 300 metres away.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Mysore.
Mysore has about 180 parks and playgrounds. Most of the residential areas have their own small parks: e.g. Ambedkar Park in Jayanagar has a 500-metre perimeter footpath. The newly built Andolan Circle Park has a walking track that takes five minutes for one round. This park is near Kuvempu Nagar. But many Mysoreans prefer to walk around the many lakes which pepper the landscape such as the central Kukarahalli Kere by the University where the journey around is about 4.5 km. Another is the Lingabudhi Kere, which has a beautiful footpath with bamboo forests and again takes more than 20 minutes for one round. This park is a desirable neighbourhood to the southwest called Rama Krishna Nagar, 5 km away from the city centre. Mysore is a significant educational hub, the foundations for which were laid by King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV during his enlightened rule. Today, the city can boast of seven engineering and two medical colleges.
Climate
Mysore has a tropical savanna climate with three main seasons - summer (March to May), the monsoon (June to October), and winter (November to February). Temperatures are generally warm year-round, with average highs ranging from about 28 degree Celsius in the coolest months to a high of 35 degree Celsius in April, the hottest month. The city experiences moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season . The different areas of Mysore are usually understood by the locals in the following way: The nearest international airport is in Bangalore (BLR), 185 km northeast. 12.31894676.6460132 Mysore Junction SWR is the city's main station, and daily trains are plying the route to Bangalore. Mysore is well connected to Bangalore, with about 18 pairs of trains plying between them daily.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe nearest international airport is in Bangalore (BLR), 185 km northeast. 12.31894676.6460132 Mysore Junction SWR is the city's main station, and daily trains are plying the route to Bangalore. Mysore is well connected to Bangalore, with about 18 pairs of trains plying between them daily. Express Trains like 12007/08 Chennai Shatabdi, 16231/32 Mayiladuthurai Express (via Trichy), 16215/16 Chamundi Express, 16235/36 Tuticorin Express (via Madurai), 16021/22 Chennai Kaveri Express, 16591/92 Hampi Express, 16219/20 Tirupati Express, 16535/36 Gol Gumbaz Express (via Hubli, Bagalakot), 16557/58 Rajya Rani Express, 17307/08 Basava Express (via Kalaburagi, Solapur), 12613/14 Wodeyar Express, 16023/24 Malgudi Express, 17325/26 Vishwamanava Express (Hubli), 16227/28 Talaguppa Express and 3 sets of passenger trains connect Bangalore to Mysore daily....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Getting around in Mysore is cheaper than in most Indian cities. Taking a lift, most of the locals (mainly 2-wheelers) are very helpful and generally stop to give a lift. It might be difficult on the main arterial roads because of the Traffic Police, as helmets are compulsory for pillion riders as well. City buses originate from the City Bus Stand, 2 km from the Railway Station. Frequent bus services are available to all major city tourist and residential areas. Bus stops and departure times are visible on online map services. Volvo air-conditioned buses are available to Chamundi Hills, KRS-Brindavan Garden, Zoo, Infosys, and the European Quarter (Gokula). Tourist cabs are your best option if you plan to tour the city all day or go to neighbouring towns like Srirangapatna. Costs about ₹9 or ₹10 per km. A day-long hire to cover the most popular points, ending with Brindavan Garden, may cost ₹1200 to ₹1600 for a non-AC Indica-type vehicle.
Where to Stay
Budget conscious visitors are advised to stay near Jagamohan palace because the hotels are cheaper here and the city bus station is only 300 metres away. Taking a daily bus pass of ₹50 can save you hundreds of rupee worth waste on autorickshaws. Around 25 hotels are available in this locality all in the range of ₹400 to ₹600. Mysore is regarded as a safe and peaceful city. However, if you plan to wander around during the night, it is suggested that you be watchful, as a few incidents of purse and chain snatching are reported every once in awhile. It is good idea to be alert if you are using an autorickshaw during when it is late, especially if you are alone. Also be careful when paying money to the autorickshaw drivers since they may tout non-locals, and can overcharge and decline using the meter at certain places and times. Note that hire taxi services are another option in Mysore. The police in Mysore are helpful and friendly. Do not hesitate to request for assistance.
Money & Budget
Mysore is famous for silk sarees (Mysore Silk), sandalwood carvings and the many varieties of perfumed incense sticks. Mysore's marketplaces can be a good place to start, like Ashoka Road, and Sayyaji Rao Road and from a mix of Western and Indian traditional shopping head to Devaraj Urs Road. To experience one of India's best markets head to Devaraja Market where tourists and locals alike shop for daily fruit and vegetables as well as the rows and rows of flowers and various spices. Devaraja market is on Dhanwanthri Road. On the east row of the Devaraja Market, there is an oil shop with two brothers, Azam and Adil, who always pull in tourists for a nice conversation and maybe some chai. They have some good recommendations for food and things around the city so give them a visit.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Mysore is regarded as a safe and peaceful city. However, if you plan to wander around during the night, it is suggested that you be watchful, as a few incidents of purse and chain snatching are reported every once in awhile. It is good idea to be alert if you are using an autorickshaw during when it is late, especially if you are alone. Also be careful when paying money to the autorickshaw drivers since they may tout non-locals, and can overcharge and decline using the meter at certain places and times. Note that hire taxi services are another option in Mysore. The police in Mysore are helpful and friendly. Do not hesitate to request for assistance. You can reach the police control room by dialling 108 from a mobile phone or alternatively, 100 from a landline. The people of Mysore are by and large peace-loving and hospitable.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Mysore
View of Mysore Palace
The iconic Mysore Palace, glowing in warm lights as twilight sets in, is a stunning representation of Indo-Saracenic architecture. This grand palace, with its intricate domes, arches, and golden details, stands as a symbol of Karnataka's royal heritage. The majestic structure, surrounded by lush greenery and a vibrant evening sky, offers a magical blend of history, culture, and beauty.
a large building with many arches with Mysore Palace in the background
Mysore Palace is a historical palace and a royal residence at Mysore in the Indian State of Karnataka. It is the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore.
brown concrete building during night time
teal and gold floral dome pillar interior
a large yellow building with a dome on top
white concrete building under cloudy sky during daytime
KR Circle when the sun set in Mysore - India https://www.antoinesimilon.com
Palace
View of Mysore Palace
The iconic Mysore Palace, glowing in warm lights as twilight sets in, is a stunning representation of Indo-Saracenic architecture. This grand palace, with its intricate domes, arches, and golden details, stands as a symbol of Karnataka's royal heritage. The majestic structure, surrounded by lush greenery and a vibrant evening sky, offers a magical blend of history, culture, and beauty.
a large building with many arches with Mysore Palace in the background