• Mysore Palace. Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings some with inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, paintings of the members of the royal family and other objects of personal use exhibit such opulence,though age as worn them out a bit with slight discolouration. On Sundays and national holidays between 7:00 PM-7:45 PM the palace is illuminated by close to 100,000 bulbs. Entry is from the south side. Cameras must be left at the cloak room, now there are no charges to deposit the cameras.Shoes must be left before the entrance for free.Out side palace photography is allowed Rs. 50 for Indian nationals, Rs. 200 for foreigners.
  • Brindavan Gardens. and Musical Fountain at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. Nice garden full of fountains, in the neighbourhood of Mysore. At 7 PM the “musical fountain” light and music show begins. It is an extremely scenic and well-maintained garden. It also has a great aquarium that has rare varieties of fishes. If you want to go here via bus, the name of the bus stop is: Main Bus Stand, KR circle.
  • Chamundi Hills, ? +91-821-259-0027. 24 hrs, inquire for various service timings at temple. has a temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari (or Chamundi). The huge Nandi sta top are available. Atop the hill, Goddess Chamundi’s idol is placed in a beautiful temple with marvelous architecture. It is a plastic free zone. Air Conditioned Volvo buses are available to Chamundi Hill and back from the city bus stand every twenty minutes. The charges are very nominal. Rs. 20 for regular queue (typically longer) . Rs 100 for shorter queue.
  • Jagmohan Palace and Art Gallery. A former palace that has been converted into an art gallery featuring famous works by various Indian artists. Has an extensive collection of Ravi Varma paintings. Unfortunately, it is pretty poorly maintained. 30 rupees for Indians, 120 rupees for foreigners.
  • Lalit Mahal Palace. Also a former palace but now a five star hotel, visitors should go around afternoon tea time as they serve a great British high tea. It is located near Chamundi Hill.
  • St. Philomenas Church. A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style, is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the gothic style,the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers.
  • Parks and Gardens. 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 kilometres. 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, 5km away from the city centre
  • Datta Peetham. Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Avadhoota Datta Peetham is an ashram in Mysore. It has beautiful gardens with bonsais among other plants. You can buy some herbal tea for an infusion, grown in the gardens
  • Mysore Zoo. We-M 8AM-5:30PM. is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Closed on Tuesday. It was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world, and since then millions of people have enjoyed its wonderful animals and spectacular grounds. The zoo has a very successful breeding program and houses animals from more than 40 different countries and there are many native Indian animals as well, including Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, elephants, giraffe, fallow deer, Himalayan black bear, Gaur (Indian bison), white peafowl and African rhino. The zoo is also home to many other exotic creatures from around the world like Branary sheep, giraffe, hippos and gorillas. The zoo also encompasses Karanji Lake, which attracts several species of migratory birds during the breeding season including painted storks, pelicans and darters. Other attractions include the botanical Garden with 35 species of exotic ornamental plants and 85 species of trees from India and abroad. Visitors can treat themselves to snacks and tender coconut that are available inside the zoo. Excellent mementos are available in a souvenir shop. Vehicle parking is available in an open area opposite the zoo. The parking fee collected is Rs.50/- for bus, Rs.30/- for mini-bus or tempo, Rs.10/- for cars and Rs.5/- for two wheelers. Rs.40 for adults, Rs. 10 for children over 5, Battery Operated Vehicle Tour Rs. 100/-, Rs.20/- for camera.
  • Karanji Kere. is a small lake inside the city.This is a favorite spot of romantic couples. You can go for a small trip of boating.The lake is surrounded by green trees and you can also see various variety of birds like pelicans and painted storks on the island in Karanji kere. In local language Kere means Lake and thus a Lake by the name of Karanji is called as Karanji kere. The Area is now named as Nature park. The park has an aviary which hosts Peacocks and other species of colorful birds. Little inside, there is a tall watch tower, from where one can see entire lake and birds on tree tops. At the end of the walk way there is a butterfly park.
  • Jayalakshmivilas mansion, Manasagangotri. “”Fri-Mon. It was built by H.H. Vani Vilasa Sannidhana ( Maharani Regent of Mysore: 1895-1902) for her daughter Jayalakshammanni. ( Eldest daughter of HH Chamaraja Wadiyar – Maharaja of Mysore:1881-1894). It has around 200 rooms, an exotic dancing hall and a kalyanmantap with intricately carved wood pillars.It is converted into a museum and it stores artifacts pertaining to local folk performing arts, tools and object of various artisans and other archaeological findings. Princess Jayalakshmmanni was married to her maternal uncle. Dewan Sir M. Kantha Raja Urs. After independence their son-in-law Sirdar K. Basavaraj Urs sold the property to the University of Mysore for starting its post graduate center and the then Vice Chancellor Dr. K.V.Puttapa christened the place as Manasa Gangothri. Free.
  • Happy Man Park. The Happy Man Park near Kamakshi Hospital, some three kilometers from the Railway Station, is a very popular hangout of children and parents. The park is quite compact in size but contains a mini zoo and many hens and ducks roam around the lawns freely. The park is landscaped with a little stream and ‘wooden’ bridges. Some kind of radio or music is played through little loudspeakers scattered around the park. The Park is open from 4.30PM to 9.00PM and the crowd is quite big around six p.m. It is also open for a while in the morning for the benefit of joggers. The main attraction of the park is a statue of a ‘Happy Man’ with a pot belly. The statue resembles Maitreya or Laughing Buddha, quite popular in Southeast Asian countries.
  • Sand Museum. Claiming to be India’s first Sand Museum, there is a wide range of sand sculptures here in various themes, from local Mysore culture, to world civilizations and different types of wildlife. All of this located in a very small area. Worth seeing, but doesn’t take much time to browse through. Also quite shabbily maintained by the family of the sculptor. Can be combined with the Chamundi Hill visit since it is very close to the hill base. Entry fee of Rs. 40 for adults and Rs. 20 for children.

Museums

  • National Museum on Natural History, Near Nandhini Dairy, Tue-Sun 10 A. M. to 5 A.M.. Has exhibits on plants, animals and geology of the southern region of India.
  • Folk Art Museum. Founded in 1968 and located in the university of Mysore campus in Jayalakshmivilas Mansion at Manasa Gangorti, the museum has over 6500 folk art and folklore articles on display and exhibits arts and crafts from all over the state of Karnataka, majority being Yakshgan and Puppet art.
  • Rail Museum. Exhibits vintage locomotives as they were in use. The second of such museum set up after the Rail museum in Delhi. The Museum is located near to railway station, The major attraction of the museum is the wagon used by Queen of Mysore. There is a small Toy Train. The museum is small one and can be visited while arriving or leaving Mysore during working hours.
  • Oriental Research Institute. Formerly known as the oriental library is was started in 1891 and contains over 33,000 palm leaf manuscripts – the most famous of which is the Kautilya Arthashastra.
  • Melody World. Estd.in October 2010, this unique wax museum is based on musicians and musical instruments from all over the World.
  • Infosys Mysore Training Centre.
  • Dasara (also spelt as Dusshera). This is the state festival of Karnataka, carried over from the time when it was celebrated by the Wodeyars in grand style. On the last day, of the 10-day festival celebrated during the month of September and October, a procession of the state’s guards lead the Goddess Chamundiseated on a golden howdah mounted on an elephant. The procession is followed by various tableaux, a visual treat rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
  • Climb up Chamundi Hills. via the steps, starting early in the morning to get a good view of the city as it rises from slumber while getting good exercise at the same time. there is an option of taking a local bus number 201v , which frequent every 10 minutes . Rs 40 aprox.
  • Kukkarahalli lake stroll. Those spending a long time in this city can also take nice early morning or late evening strolls at either Kukkarahalli lake or Karanji lake, though the latter is recommended, since the entrance has a fee and thus will reduce any potential nuisance in the form of beggars or vendors that might come and disturb your stroll. Karanji lake also has a butterfly park worth checking out.
  • Royal Mysore Walks, [4]. Walking tours in Mysore!! A Great way to explore the city. Bunch of youngsters take you through trivia, sights and the stories, all one step at a time. +91 96320 44188.

Learn

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 7 Engineering and 2 Medical Colleges. Engineering education started in Mysore with the establishment of the National Institute of Engineering in 1946, the Second Oldest engineering college in the state (After UVCE Bangalore). Medical education started in 1930 when the Mysore Medical College was transferred from Bangalore to Mysore. Mysore is also well known for its provess in Sanskrit, the mother language of many Indian languages. Some people refer to Mysore as the Sanskrit capital of India. A Sanskrit newspaper called ‘Sudharma’ is published from Mysore for a nominal price of 1 Rupee.

  • Mysore University. Mysore University has the distinction of being the first university established in Karnataka, the sixth oldest in the country, and the first one in the country established outside of a British province. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV took the lead in establishing the university. It was named Manasagangotri (literally meaning “fountainhead of the Ganges of the mind”) by the poet laureate, Kuvempu. Mysore University is the only university in the state of Karnataka to get a grade of A+ from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council of India.
  • Central Food and Technological Research Institute.
  • Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL).
  • All India Institute of Speech and Hearing.
  • DFRL
  • Anima Creativity Hub (Anima Creativity Hub), V.V Mohalla, Off Kalidasa Road (Take the road opposite to Loyal World and the first left on that road), ? 8861214550, 9538855410. 10:00am – 9:30pm. Regular Courses in Sanskrit, Instrumental Music, Dance (Bollywood, Indian Traditional Dance, Hiphop, Free Style), Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama, Realistic Drawing and Sketching for 18+, Painting and Craft etc
  • The Broken Buddha (Center for Zen, Tao and Yoga), No 32,MIG 2,G-4, KHB Colony, Hootagalli (Take the Hunsur main road until Hootagalli Signal Junction and take a left onto the double road.), ? 9900735002, 9538855410. 10:00am – 10:00pm. A Non Profit Organization that develops and delivers programs for individuals and the collective. They design and deliver programs, techniques and a set of powerful transformative tools that can be used to bring new meaning and joy to every aspect of our daily lives. Their programs are largely based on Zen, Tao and Yoga, though they strongly emphasize and share only on what works for an individual. In Yoga, their programs and lessons are not limited to postures (Asanas) but they mostly address the deeper aspects of human mind and body, covering the later limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. The techniques, methods, practices shared in their programs, retreats etc are strictly experiential based and they may or may not have any relevance with the scriptures of any particular religion.

Buy

Mysore is famous for silk sarees (Mysore Silk), sandalwood carvings and the many varieties of perfumed incense sticks. Mysore’s market places can be a good place to start, like Ashoka Road, Sayyaji Rao Road and for 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. Their shop has a row of the watercolor powder, about 1/3rd from the north end. Be warned however. There are quite a lot of perfume sellers that sell inferior goods, don’t be tempted by nice boxes and free gifts. As a rule, if it looks like a bargain, the perfume is poor quality. The real stuff is normally found further from the centre, but is mostly for export.

Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium, Sayaji Road – Sandal wood figurines and caskets, Agarbathis (Incense), Chenapatna Dolls and Wooden Toys, Traditional Deck of playing cards

 

Eat

Mysore is famous for its most famous traditional sweet, the Mysore Pak. Mysore Pak is a sweet dish generally cut into rectangular pieces and is made out of Gram Flour, Sugar (or Jaggery) and lots of Ghee (clarified butter). You can find it all over the city.

South Indian breakfast favourites like idlis, sambars, masala dosas are widely available and quite good. It is not clear if the Mysore Masala Dosaactually originated in Mysore, but you can try asking. You can find some of Karnataka’s speciality dishes like:

  • Bisibele Baath – Made of rice and lentils with a lot of local spices. This is one of the most sought after dishes of Mysore. It is served hot and usually costs Rs.25.00 in an average restaurant.
  • Raagi and Akki Rotis – They are similar to tortillas but made of raagi (English: coracan, finger Millet) or rice flour along with black cumin, asafoetida, fresh coriander, green chillies and finely chopped onions.
  • Raagi Mudde – It is a staple food in some of Kannadiga households in the Cauvery Basin. It is made by cooking raagi flour in water and later rolling it into thick-consistency balls. Raagi Mudde is swallowed and not chewed after dipping it into ghee and sambar.
  • Idli Sambar – This is a delicious combination of Idli and Sambar but the resultant thing is totally different. Since the idlis are put in a bowl with steaming sambar poured over them, the aroma and spicy effect is really marvellous. And they charge less than Rs. 20.00 for the whole thing.
  • Masala Poori – This is the most favourite food item of the Mysorean people. You can see young boys selling these ‘chat’ items on the sides of the pavement with all the ingredients beautifully arranged on wicker stools. Just for 15 rupees, you get crispy poories along with some ten to twelve spices mixed in a hot ‘pani’ background. The whole thing is an experience to undergo. Some restaurants have separate ‘chat’ sections selling Pani Poori, Masala Poori, Bombay Chat and other varieties.

Restaurants :

  • Madhva Bhavan (Anima Madhva Bhavan), V.V Mohalla, Off Kalidasa Road (from loyal world take the opposite road and take the first left), ?9900735002. 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Pure Vegetarian Mysore Heritage food served Traditionally on Plantain Leaf. Famous for Karnataka’s/Mysore’s Speciality dishes, Dosa Varieties and Heritage Snacks.
  • By the way, Ring road, Infosys circle, 09611161111 (“”Next). veg and non-vegetarian food is available.
  • Hotel Mylari, Ittigegud, Nazarbad Main Road and Kuvempunagar (from ksrtc busstand towards nazarbad police station). Good South Indian vegetarian snacks and coffee famous for dosa.
  • Gayathri Tiffin Room (GTR), Chamundipuram. Good South Indian vegetarian snacks and coffee. Mangalore Bajji is amazing and wonderful.
  • Shilpashri Rooftop Restaurant, Ghandi Square. Popular foreigner hangout, nice outdoor rooftop environment and cold beers. Try the Gobi Manchurian and the Chicken Noodles.
  • Veg Kourt, Sri Harsha Road. pure vegetarian food is available.
  • Hotel Govardhan, Sri Harsha Road.
  • Nakshathra (Hotel Roopa), B.N. Road, Mysore.
  • Hotel Siddhartha, Guest House Road, Nazarbad.
  • Bombay Indra Bhavan, Sayyaji Rao Road.
  • Bombay Tiffany’s, Sayajji Rao Road & Devaraja Urs Road.
  • Raghavendra Bhavan, Near Prabha Talkies.
  • Authana Restaurant, 6th Main Rd, V. V. Mohalla.
  • Mahesh Prasad Restaurant – Near Big Bazar.
  • Nalpak Restaurant – Kuvempunagar.
  • Hotel Shree Guru Residency, JLB Road.
  • Hotel Indra Bhavan – Dhanvanthri Road, Mysore.
  • Penguin Ice Creams – Dhanvanthri Road, Mysore.
  • Khatta Metta – Dhanvanthri Road, Mysore.
  • Samrat Vegetarian Restaurant – Dhanvanthri Road, Mysore.
  • Hotel Shringar – Shivrampet, Mysore.
  • Indra Sweet ‘n Spice – 42, Kalidasa Road, VV Mohalla, Mysore.
  • Green Leaf – Kalidasa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore.
  • Nalpak Restaurant – Gokulam Main Road, V.V. Mohalla.
  • Ramya Drive-in-Restaurant – # 995/1, Radhakrishna Avenue, Mysore.
  • Shri Shanthi Sagar – 1014, Udaya Ravi Road, Kuvempunagar, Mysore.
  • Hotel Mylari – Udaya Ravi Road, Kuvempunagar, Mysore.
  • Indradhanush – Hotel Airlines Complex, Geetha Road, Mysore.
  • Hotel Sapthagiri – Siddappa Square, Mysore.
  • Iyengar’s Tiffin Center – Chamaraja Double Road.
  • Hotel Mahesh Prasad – New Kantaraj Urs Road, Ballal Circle, Mysore.
  • Hotel Kamat Yatrinivas – Nanjangud Road, Mysore.
  • Kafe Mallige – Nageetha Complex, Vishwa Manava Double Road, Saraswathipurm, Mysore.
  • Kamat Nalpad – Highway Circle, Mysore.
  • Dasaprakash near the city bus-stand.
  • Nalapak, Mylary and Gayathri Tiffin Room(GTR) are places to find very good dosas.
  • Iyer’s Mess near RTO circle. The perfect place for authentic Home cooked South Indian food served on a plantain leaf. Service is hospitable. Rs.25 per meal. Open only in the afternoons.
  • Santhosh Hotel, Near Sangam theater.
  • Vishnu Bhavan-Opp to Main Bus Stand.
  • Mahesh Prasad-Ballal circle.
  • The SIXTH MAIN- Opp To Loyal World road,6TH Main,9TH Cross, Post Office Road, Vani Vilas Mohalla, Mysore. Sixth Main is a restaurant and Coffee Shop parallel to Kalidasa Road. You would always find more foreigners than localities especially on weekends. The ambiance is quite relaxing with jazz playing in the background.
  • Little Woods- Opp.Jockey Quarters, Chamundi Hill Road No #1, Mysore.“Little woods is a vegetarian bistro a new restaurant that is set on the Chamundi Hill Road. Beautiful environs and a homely setting make this place a perfect destination for travelers and locals. This little place gives upto four seating options- Roof top, Garden, Road View and closed.
  • Hotel Komfort Suites- Medar Block, Yadavagiri, Mysore, Karnataka.
  • PEPE”S- 3rd cross,9th main Saraswathi Puram, Mysore. “Pepe’s is a place for variety of sandwich’s Club, Grilled and other south Indian treats.

Non Veg Restaurants :

  • Hotel RRRnear the Woodland theater is a lovely place for biriyani.
  • Hotel RRR – Gandhi Square, Mysore.
  • Hotel Vybhav – New Sayajji Rao Road, Mysore.
  • Mughal-E-Durbar – New Sayyaji Rao Road, Bamboo Bazaar, Mysore.
  • Biryani Paradise – Near Mysore Medical College, Rifah Complex, New Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysore.
  • Hanumanthu Mess – Mandi Mohalla, Mysore. A small joint specializing in a Macro-style cooked Mutton Pulav and Mutton Chaps, available for early breakfast and lunch. Natti (Chicken) Pulav on Sunday morning only. Strictly Non-Vegetarian place.
  • Shree Devi Restaurant – Rajkamal Talkies Road, Mysore.
  • Hotel Annapoorna – N. S. Road, Mysore.
  • Tegu Mess – Adi Pampa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore.
  • Biriyaniwalla – Adi Pampa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore.
  • Lemon Tree – Adi Pampa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore.
  • Top Stuff – Kalidasa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore.
  • Temptations – Kalidasa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore.
  • Kuttera – Kuvempunagar, Mysore.
  • Kafe Biryani – Vishwa Manava Double Road, Kuvempunagar, Mysore.
  • Da Breeze- Hebbal industrial area ring road Hebbal.
  • Spices & Sauces – B.N. Road, Hardinge Circle, Mysore. The best place to have some spicy non-vegetarian food. Even Mysore cuisine is worth trying.

Jain Food :

Jain Bhojanalay – There is Jain Bhojanaylaya on Ashoka Road, behind Sangam Theartor, near to Gandhi Square, Managed by Jain Temple Trust. The facility is available for Jain people only. No food is served after Sunset.

Hangout :

  • Mysore has 7 Cafe Coffee Days, one on Kalidasa road, one on Kanthraj Urs road, one on Devraj Urs road, one on Vasanth Mahal road(Ginger Hotel), and 3 outlets in Hootagalli Infosys Campus.
  • Mysore has 1 Barista Outlet, on temple Road V.V.Mohalla.
  • Pizza Outlets – Pizza Corner(Near Harding Circle), Pizza Hut(On Temple Road-V.V.Mohalla), Dominos(On Temple Road-V.V.Mohalla and Infosys Campus), U.S.Pizza(On Ramavilas Road Near Marimallapa College).
  • Corner House in Vontikoppal is a nice place for ice creams.
  • Tina’s Cafe at Gokulam Main road offers delicious home cooked Indian food. The decor is artistic.
  • Sixth Main is a restaurant and Coffee Shop parallel to Kalidasa Road. You would always find more foreigners than localities especially on weekends. The ambiance is quite relaxing with jazz playing in the background.
  • Kalidasa road in Jayalakshmipuram has fairly good restaurants like Anima Café, Madhva Bhavan, Green leaf, Tao. Everybody seems to like the shawarma at Casino park and Lemon Tree.

Drink :

Mysore is part of Karnataka state where the liquor laws are one of the most liberal in the sub continent. Most international brands are readily available. The city is lined with bars and other restaurants serving liquor, there are Around 10 pubs in the city. Some of the recommended places include :

  • Pelican Pub,  Hunsur Road, near St.Joseph’s state school.
  • Bopy’s Pub, Hunsur Road, behind Infant Jesus church.
  • Lobo’s, Kuvempunagar Double Road, opposite Bake Point, Saraswathipuram.
  • Opium Pub, Pai Vista, Opposite to the Suburb Bus Stand.
  • Keg Pub, Just Opposite to the Suburb Bus Stand.
  • Purple Haze, in Vijayanagar.
  • Tunes N Tonic,Lounge Bar,Chandragupta Road.
  • Embassy Restaurant & Bar.
  • Jewel Rock Restaurant — Sri Harsha Road.
  • Roof TOP Restaurant– Sri Harsha Road.
  • Olive Garden Restaurant -Near Race Course.
  • Gufha –B N Road.
  • Dynasty Restaurant –Sri Harsha Road.
  • Theme Bar –B N Road.
  • Khedda Lounge Bar Nazarbad.
  • Cocktail Circuit Lounge Bar Near Mysore University.
  • Fluid pub, near hsbc bank, kalidasa road.
  • Waves Lounge Bar (Waves Lounge Bar), B.N. Road, Hardinge Circle (0.5 km from bus station), ? 91 821 2522202, [5]. One of the best lounge bar in Mysore.
  • Rasooi Magic (Rasooi Magic), #16, Kalidasa Road, J.L. Puram, Mysore, ? 0821 4252228, [6]. 11 am to 10:30 pm. A North Indian Vegetarian Restaurant – relish authentic North Indian Food, Chinese Dishes, Tandoori Delicacies, Chaats, Juice and Shakes 150.
  • Elements Bistro, #18 Temple Road, Above Kafe Biryani, Next to St.Josephs School,Jayalakshmipuram, ? +91-9845558060. 11am to 11pm. Incredible Ambiance with finger licking food. Unique to Mysore.