46 Places to Visit in Mysore

OTHER TOURIST PLACES IN INDIA

TOURIST PLACES IN THE WORLD

MYSORE also officially known as MYSURU, is one of the Busiest City in Karnataka State of India. Mysuru is located in the Foot Hills of the Chamundi Hills. Mysore is well known for its Royal Heritage Buildings, Gardens, Parks, Religious Places, Adventure & Water Park and Monuments. The Official Language spoken here is Kannada. Locals can also speak Hindi and English. Indian Rupees is the currency accepted here. Winter season is the best time to visit Mysuru that is between October and February, since the weather will be pleasant. The festival Dasara is the main as well as the State Festival of Karnataka that is celebrated with full devotion and enthusiasm all over the city and state. Mysore is famous for Silk Sarees, Sweets and Handicrafts. 

How to Reach Mysore or Mysuru? 

Mandakalli Airport, also known as Mysore Airport, is located in Mandakalli Village. It is located at just 12 kilometers from the main city. Buses, Auto Rickshaws, Private Taxis and Tongas are available for the visitors to move in and around the city. 

Stunning 46 Sight Seeing Places in Mysore are:

Mysore Zoo, Jaganmohan Palace, Chamundeshwari Temple, Railway Museum, Mysuru Sand Sculpture Museum, Folk Lore Museum, Regional Museum of Natural History, Melody World Wax Museum, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manavasangahalaya, Gun House, Godly Museum, 3D Selfie Gallery & Art Museum, R K Narayan House, Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, St Philomena's Cathedral, Ranganathaswamy Temple, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Krishna Raja Sagara, Karanji Lake, Balmuri Falls, Daria Daulat Bagh, Jayalakshmi Vilas, GRS Fantasy Park, Kukkarahalli Lake, Chamundi Hill, Chandramouleshwara Temple, Sri Nandi Temple, Coloney Bailey's Dungeon, Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Rajendra Vilas, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Sri Prasanna Krishna Swamy Temple, Srirangapatna Ghat, Wellesley Bridge, Mysore Royal, Lingambudhi Lake, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club, Cauvery Arts & Crafts, Tippu's Death Place, Mahishasura Statue, Krishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden, Kuppanna Park, Trin Trin, Tipu's Fort and Curzon Park.

MYSORE ZOO officially known as SRI CHAMRAJENDRA ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN is located near the Palace and it spreads across 157 acres of public land. Mysore Zoo is one of the India's Oldest as well as Popular Zoos. This Zoo is the home for around 168 species of wide range of animals. Opened in the year 1902 for public, this wild life adventure location is preserving more than 1320 animals. In the eastern side of this zoological garden, one can find The Karanji Lake. Animals enjoying their pleasant stay inside this amazing zoo are Tigers, Lions, Jaguar, Elephant, Giraffe, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Baboon, Crocodile, Hippopotamus, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Wallaby, Wolf, Zebra, Dhole, Chimpanzee and Various Species of Birds. Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden is the First Zoo in India to adopt Zoological Information Management System to maintain and share wildlife medical knowledge through web based solution. It is closed on Tuesdays and on the other days, it is open for public from 8.30 in the morning till 5.30 in the evening. 

JAGANMOHAN PALACE is a must visit Palace located in this Princely City. It was built in the year 1861 and initially Jaganmohan Palace was the residence for Kings of Mysore. During those period the official residence of kings, The Amba Vilas Palace (Mysore Palace) was under construction (As the entire building turned into piles of ashes due to fire accident). This was built by His Highness Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. The throne found inside the palace was installed by His Highness Rajarshi Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar in the year 1902. Later in the year 1915, this place was converted in to an Art Gallery and it was named as Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. The construction of this Palace follows Traditional Hindu Style. Traditional Mural Paintings can be seen on the walls. The highlight of this place is that one can see the Royal Family Tree of Wodeyars painted on one of the walls. Enormous collections of ancient South Indian Artifacts are found in the Art Gallery. The most prominent collections include the scenes from The Ramayana and The Mahabharatha. More than 2000 ancient painting collections pertaining to Mughals and Shantiniketan can also be seen inside. Due to insufficient space, a new hall was built in the year 2003. Traditional Dance Performance, Music Festivals and few Cultural Programmes takes place during Dasara inside the Jaganmohan Palace Auditorium. 

THE CHAMUNDESHWARI TEMPLE, one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, is a Hindu Pilgrimage Place that is situated on the Top of Chamundi Hills. Goddess Durga is the main deity and she can be seen in the form of Goddess Shakti in Chamundeshwari Temple. It is believed the original goddess idol found inside was built by Hoysala Rulers during 12th Century. One may have to climb around 3000 steps to reach the divine place. Huge 15 feet tall and 24 feet long Nandi made of Granite can be seen on the 800th step.

RAILWAY MUSEUM is located in Krishnaraja Sagar Road and it was built by Indian Railways in the year 1979 to showcase the unique collections of Photographs and Several Items that pertains to Indian Railways development. These collections were kept in Mysore Palace and then got shifted here. Railway Pictures and Paintings are kept for display in Chamundi Gallery. In Sri Ranga Pavilion, there are two Royal Coaches used by the Maharajahs of Mysore are kept on display. Another interesting display is of Maharani's Saloon Carriage which take us back to the year 1899. Saloon Carriage has the facilities like Kitchen, Dining Car Unit and Royal Toilet. Apart from the above, the other collections include the First Steam Engine, Signals, Old Srirangapatna Railway Station's Wooden Pillar & Door, Hand Operated Steam Water Pump, Lights, Tickets, Ticketing Machines, Signal Signs, Clocks, Black & White Photographs and Austin Railway Car. Visitors can take a ride around the museum ground in the Battery operated Mini Toy Train. 

SAND SCULPTURE MUSEUM is located at Sree Sapthamathrukha Layout. This unique museum is one of the ideal vacation spots. The artistic works seen here are at its best. More than 150 sculptures made of sand can be seen here in 16 themes. They are kept for display in an area of around 13,500 square feet of public land. These 150 sand sculptures are made of around 115 truckloads of sand. Few interesting themes includes Mysore Heritage, Wildlife, Culture, Fairy Tales, Stories and Instances from Religious Epics. 15 feet Lord Ganesha sand statue welcomes the visitors at the entrance. Also seen are the sculptures of Goddess Chamundeshwari, Mysore King Narasimharaja Wadiyar, Lord Krishna, Arjuna on a Chariot, Laughing Buddha, Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, Disneyland, Ancient Egypt, Zodiac Wheel, Arabian Nights Instances, Tom & Jerry and many more. The management doing an excellent work by protecting this unique creations from Sun, Rain and Insects. This place is open for public on all days from 8.30 AM to 6.30 PM. 

FOLKLORE MUSEUM is located at Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion. Opened in the year 1968, more than 6,500 collections that pertains to Folk Art and Crafts are kept for display which are collected from all over Karnataka. Galleries include Folklore, Large Dolls, Folk Life, Literature and Art. Few interesting collections are Costumes of Yakshagana, Rare Hanuman Crown from Kugala Balli Village, Kahakali Costumes, Andhra Pradesh Folk Dramatists Costumes, Soliga Community Items, Ink Preparation about 200 years back, Jnanapeeta's Mantapa - an Wooden Altar Ornament, Folk Musical Instruments, String, Percussion, Wind Instrument, Collections of Gods, Kings, Queens, Hermits, Soldiers, Folk Deities, Village Deities, Ceremonial Head Wear, Large Dolls, Instruments used by Farmers, Blacksmiths, Goldsmiths, Boatmen, Fishermen, Potters & Cobblers and House Hold items like Lamps, Weapons, Agriculture Implements, Cooking Utensils, Measures, Churns, Weaving Implements, Pots, Beads, Baskets, Folk Games & Folk Clothing. 

REGIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, an Iconic Landmark of Mysuru was opened on 20th May 1995. It is located on the Banks of Karanji Lake. Sections of Galleries deal with Biological Diversity, Life through the Ages, Ecology, Conversation and Intangible Nature Heritage. In the first floor, the collections helps us to know about Natural History, the collections found in the second floor educate us about Nature's Network and the collections in third floor provides us an opportunity to know about conservation. Preserved Herpethological Specimens, Preserved Butterflies along with few Mounted Specimens can be seen inside the regional museum. Also seen are a Discovery and an Activity Room. Visitors can actively participate in various activities like Modelling, Painting, Exploring Discovery Boxes, etc. Other learning's includes, few games, touch exhibits and participatory exhibits.

MELODY WORLD WAX MUSEUM is located at Siddhartha Layout. Its worth watching. Life Size wax statues of Musicians and Musical Instruments that are kept for display in 19 galleries. Models of more than 300 Musical Instruments pertaining to Indian and Western type can be seen here. Attracting Wax Statues are Mahatma Gandhi, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, Srikantaddatta Wadiyar among 110 life size wax statues. Bands pertaining to Hindustani, Carnatic, Punjabi Bhangra, Middle East, Chinese, Tribal, Jazz, Hip Hop and Rock are too found inside melody world. 

INDIRA GANDHI RASHTRIYA MANAV SANGRAHALAYA is an National Museum that is dedicated to Anthropology, a Study about Human Kind. Dance, Music, Theatrical Performances, Depicting Classical, Tribal and Folk Traditions programs are arranged for the visitors. It is one of the best place for artists to showcase their skills. Training sessions are conducted on short term basis about Traditional Arts along with interactive educational programs. 

GUN HOUSE, located near the Palace was built in the year 1910. Various collections of Guns, Armory, Cannons that were used by ancient kings are kept for display. Gun House is one of the Historical Important Place and also it is a Major Landmark of the City. 

THE R K NARAYANAN MUSEUM displays Rare Photographs and Personal Belongings of R K Narayanan, a famous writer who wrote Malgudi Stories. Visitors to this place get to know about his House and Life. This museum is located on the Vivekananda Road. R K Narayanan was residing here for around four decades. His Awards, Books and Clothes are also kept for display. 

MYSORE PALACE is also known as AMBAVILAS PALACE is a Historical Palace. It was once an Official Residence of Wadiyar Dynasty. This Palace was constructed between the years 1897 and 1912. Constructions was based on Indo Saracenic Architectural Style. Following are the unique rooms found inside like the Golden Throne, The Ambavilasa, Doll's Pavilion, the Kalyana Mantapa, Diwan E Aam and an Armoury. The King used the Ambavilasa room to accommodate private audiences. Traditional Dolls Collections pertaining to 19th century and early 20th century are kept for display in Doll's Pavilion or Gombe Thotti room. The Kalyana Mantapa is a huge and grand Marriage Hall. Public used to submit petitions to the king in the Diwan E Aam, a Public Durbar. The Armoury Rooms contains arms and weapons used by the Royal Family. Inside the Palace Complex, there are 12 Hindu Temples. The oldest temple was built during the 14th century. On Sunday evenings between 7.00 PM and 7.45 PM The Palace Light Illumination Show takes place, also Sound and Light Programs too takes place at the same time. This palace gets more than 6 million visitors every year. 

BRINDAVAN GARDENS is located in the district of Mandya. The laying of this garden work was started in 1927 and the entire work got completed in the year 1932. This 60 acre huge garden is being visited by more than 2 million visitors every year. During early days, it was referred as Krishnarajendra Terrace Garden. Garden is laid out with three terraces, that forms the shape of a horseshoe. Garden has many open spaces, lawns, illuminated flower beds and ornamental plants. Pathway has been laid out well, hence it gives a wonderful opportunity for the walkers to walk in a green filled atmosphere. Musical and Dancing fountain attracts millions of visitors. A gallery and rain shelter are available for the visitors to enjoy the musical and dancing fountain show. Brindavan garden is divided in to The Main Gate area, South Brindavan, North Brindavan and Children's Garden. Never miss to see the following in this stunning nature friendly place namely North Brindavan, South Brindavan Gardens, Arch Fountains, Cross Fountains, End Fountains, Cross Channel Fountain, Radha Krishna Falls, Umbrella Fountain, Children's Park, Pyramid Fountain, Inverted Basket Fountain, Fountain in the front of the Kaveramma Statue and Goddess Cauvery Statue. 

ST JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL is one of the Catholic Churches located in Mysuru. This cathedral is also referred as CATHEDRAL OF ST JOSEPH AND ST PHILOMENA. St Joseph Church was constructed in the year 1936 and currently it is one of the Tallest Churches in Asia. This cathedral was build using Neo Gothic architectural style. The cathedral was built in a cross shape. 

RANGANATHITTU BIRD SANCTUARY is also known as PAKSHI KASHI OF KARNATAKA. It is a well known Bird Sanctuary located in the Mandya District. Spread across 40 across of public land, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is the Largest Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka. This place of interest for bird watchers was established in the year 1940. Around 170 birds can be seen here between November and June. More than 40,000 birds can be seen if we visit during the winter months that is during mid December. Birds from Siberia, Latin America and North India can be seen during that time. Guided Boat Tours are available for the visitors to watch birds, crocodiles, otters and bats. 

KARANJI LAKE is situated on the Chamundi Hills. During ancient period, Karanji Lake was built by the King as a source of drinking water for his public. In the year 1976, Mysore Zoo took this lake as its part. Karanji Lake is also known as Fountain Lake. It spread across 90 acres of public land and it is covered with greenery. Visitors get a chance to walk around the lake in a calm, peaceful and green filled environment. Never miss to avail the boating facility as we get breath taking beautiful scenic. There is an exclusive place for kids to enjoy their visit here. 

GRS FANTASY PARK is an fun filled Water Park for all ages. Thrill Rides, Family Rides and Kids Rides are the three types of Rides available to spend your vacation in a grand manner. Thrill Rides in GRS Fantasy Park includes Dragon's Den, Columbia, Aqua Tornado, Aqua Racer, Amazonia, Pendulum Slide, Freefall Crazy Cruise, Wavy Crazy Cruise and Music Bob. The available Family Rides in GRS Fantasy Park are Hawaian Paradise, Swing Chair, Dashing Car, Snow Sledge, Float Slide, Red Indian Falls, Wave Pool, Aqua Dance Floor, Lazy River, 5D Virtual, Telecombat, Rock Climbing, Thunder Slide, Catapult and Multilane Slide. Kids can the enjoy the rides like Carousel, Caterpillar, Baby Train, Mini Aqua Bowl, Ramp Slide, Play Area, Kid's Pool, Aqua Trail and Atlantis. 

NANDI OF MYSORE - One of the Oldest Icons in Mysuru, The Giant Nandi is located on the top of Chamundi Hills. It is believed that it is more than 350 years old. The height of the Giant Nandi is 16 feet and it is 24 feet long. It is the Third Largest Nandi in India. One may have to climb 1000 steps to reach the hill top. The Nandi here is portrayed in the siting position. Since it is located in an open space on the trek path, there is no specific timings to visit this place, but it is advised to visit during the morning hours as one can find many joggers during that time. 

LALITHA MAHAL, the Second Largest Palace in Mysuru is located near Chamundi Hills. Lalitha Mahal was built in the year 1921 by His Highness Wodeyar IV. He constructed this exclusively for the Viceroy of India to stay. Entire mahal was built using Stone Masonry and Marble, following Renaissance Architectural Style. 

PRASANNA KRISHNASWAMY TEMPLE was built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III between the years 1825 and 1829. During construction, His Highness gave around 40 bronze statues of Gods, Goddess and Saints. In the pedestal, we can see the statue of Wodeyar III along with his wives. The statue of His Highness is also worshiped in this temple. Krishna Janmashtami is the main festival celebrated here with full enthusiasm by devotees. 

OTHER TOURIST PLACES IN INDIA

TOURIST PLACES IN THE WORLD