Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysuru is a highly noted city for its architecture, tradition, and the glory of its bygone kingdoms. The city of Mysuru served as the capital city of the Mysuru Kingdom for almost 6 centuries till the year 1956. The renowned festival of the city, Dasara, attracts a huge crowd to witness the amazing rituals and vibrance of the festival.
The best places to visit in Mysore can never be counted on your fingers.
This spectacular city is popularly known as the City Of Palaces. It is the best place to experience the heritage and the architecture of Karnataka. The third-largest city in the state, the place tells the magnificent story of the splendid culture and the history of the bygone eras.
Some of the important things to do in Mysore are to visit the famous and notable structural and heritage sites including the Mysore Palace. Moreover, the time during the festival, Dasara, is when the whole city of Mysuru would be completely lit. Mysuru is famous for its sweet named Mysore Pak, Mysore Masala Dosas, Sandals, Ink, silk sarees, and much more
How to reach Mysore?
The Mandakalli Airport, in the city of Mysore, is well connected to major cities like Goa, Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai. There are buses available from these cities as well making the place well-connected with places around the country. The Mysore Junction Railway Station is the drop point if you intend to travel by train. Direct train services are operating to all major stations in the country to Mysore.
Bangalore-Mysore
The distance between Bangalore and Mysore is 144Km, which is a journey of almost 3 hours via road and varies according to the route taken. There are direct flights available from Bangalore to Mysore Airport. There are direct trains available from different stations in Bangalore to Mysuru Junction Railway Station. If you intend to go by road, there are several governments as well as privately operated buses running between Bangalore to the city of Mysore.
Mumbai-Mysore
The distance between Mumbai and Mysore is around 1045Km which takes almost 19 hours of the journey via road.
There are direct flights available to the airport from Mumbai or one can take a flight to Bangalore and then travel by bus or train.
Direct trains from Mumbai to Mysore would take almost 23 hours.
Hyderabad-Mysore
The distance between Hyderabad to Mysuru is 726 Km, which takes almost 12 hours via road. Non-Stop as well as connected flights are available from Hyderabad to Mysore Airport. There are private travel buses available from Hyderabad to Mysore which takes a travel of about almost 13 and half hours.
Best places to visit and things to do in Mysore
Mysore Palace
The Mysore royal palace tops the list of the best places to visit in Mysore would be the Mysore Palace, the then residence of the then Royal family of Mysore. It still stands as a majestic view to the eye due to its extraordinary work of architecture is amongst the biggest palaces in the country. It is counted to be one of the most beautiful works of Indian architecture. It was the official residence of the Mysuru Dynasty. The construction of the palace was commenced in 1897 and is built in Indo-Saracenic architecture by the English architect Henry Irwin.
Brindavan Gardens
Spread across 60 acres of land and was created in the year 1932. The garden is created next to the Krishnarajasagara Dam which is built across the river Kaveri. Located 12km away from Mysore, the garden gets around 2 million visitors every year and is open for tourists year-round.
Chamundeshwari Temple
This temple is built on top of the Chamundi Hills at a height of about 3500ft. This 12th century Hoysala Dynasty shrine was renovated and the main attraction, the tower built by the 17th century Vijayanagara Empire. The main attraction of this temple is the silver-plated entrance and the gold idol.
The Zoo
Considered to be one of the best zoological gardens in India and spread across 157 acres of land, it is one of the oldest zoos in the country. This zoo is home to a variety of species of birds, mammals, and reptiles like Indian elephants, Wild Dogs, Indian mouse deer, Zebra, Baboon, etc. The zoo was built near the palace for the Royal family and was opened in 1892.
Officially known as the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, the zoo was a part of the summer palace of Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar. It was opened to the public in 1902 and is now the second most visited and best place to visit in the city next to the royal palace.
Which are the most happening timings in Mysore?
The Festival Of Dasara
Mysore Dasara is the state festival of Karnataka. It’s a ten-day celebration starting with Navaratri and ending on the day of Vijayadashami wherein the entire town of Mysuru will be lit.
On the last day of celebrations aka Vijayadashami, the traditional Dasara procession or the Jumbo Safari is done through the streets of the city. city. The main attraction of this procession is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari on a golden mantapa of around 750 kilograms on the top of a decorated elephant.
On the occasion of Dasara, the royal family of Mysore performs special pooja. The entire city would be decorated and illuminated including the Royal Palace and other main buildings in the city. Cultural programs and other events are organized in the Palace. These include performances of renowned artists, food festivals, film festivals, sports, and recreational activities, poetry, etc. A large crowd gathers in the palace to be part of and witness these events, making the place one of the most crowded areas during Dasara.
The Karnataka Exhibition Authority arranges Dasara Exhibition in the Doddakere Maidana, where there will be stalls of many public and private sector industries, leading business establishments, and government departments.
The Mysore Palace At Night
On Sundays and other holidays, the Mysore palace is lit with thousands of lights, making the building a treat to the eyes at night. This light show at night makes the lace one of the best late-night hangout places in the city.
Illumination Fountain In Brindavan Garden
The garden, which is spread across 60 acres of land, and the mesmerizing lightings of the dancing fountain in the garden at night are indeed a visual treat for visitors. It consists of a variety of colors and laser flashes. The astounding music and the dancing water make the water dance show attractive to viewers. This energetic blast of the choreographed dance of the water with the lights and music brings a different vibe to the audience.
Conclusion
The city of Mysore is renowned for its culture and rich heritage and historical importance. Moreover, the time during the festival, Dasara, is when the whole city of Mysuru would be completely lit. Mysuru is famous across the country for a lot of things. The sweet named Mysore Pak, Mysore Masala Dosas, Sandals, Ink, silk sarees are a few of them. With our list of best places to visit in Mysore, you can make your visit to the city indeed a memorable one and never miss anything that is a must-do in the place.
