Mysore, aptly called the 'Sandalwood city', was once the residence of the Maharajas of Mysore. It is situated at the North-Western base of the Chamundi Hill. Mysore, with its numerous parks and palaces, still retains the aura of grandeur and royalty. The best time to visit Mysore is during the Dasara festival (September-October), when the city wears a bright look for 10 days, bathed in light, joy and color. The Royal procession on the 10th day is a reminder of the pomp and splendour of a bygone era. For Mysoreans, Dasara is both a royal as well as a religious festival. Mysore is also known for its sandalwood oil, incense and innumerable craft centres dealing in a wide range of ivory, sandalwood, rosewood, teak carvings and furniture. Mysore is 770 m above sea level and 140 km from Bangalore. This imperial city was the capital of the Wodeyars. Also known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant.

Getting there

Rail: Mysore is connected to all major cities via Bangalore. The Shatabdi Express is a quick and convenient way to get to Mysore from Bangalore or Chennai. Direct trains operate to Mysore from Bangalore, New Delhi, Chennai, Thanjavur, Tirupathi, Mumbai and several other destinations. Trains also operate between Mysore-Nanjangud, Arsikere and Chamarajanagar.

Road: There are private and KSRTC bus services to all major cities.

Local Transport: Private taxis, auto rickshaws and local bus services. KSRTC operates large number of services to several destinations, both in the State and outside. City buses also operate covering tourist spots. Private taxies are also available. KSTDC conducts tours to important places.

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What to see  

Mysore Palace: Dominating the city's skyline, this is the most resplendent architectural structure in city. The Mysore Palace was built in 1911 on the foundation of the old palace which was, destroyed by fire in 1897. Henry Irwin, the architect of the Viceregal Lodge at Shimla, designed the Mysore Palace. Once the residence of the erstwhile Wodeyar rulers of Mysore, this imperial palace is one of the largest in the country. The Golden Royal Throne, the Durbar Hall, the Kalyan Mandap, the Gallery and the Ambuvilas are the main attractions here.

Visitors can have a look at the exquisitely carved works of art, paintings ancient swords, silver doors, beautifully carved mahogany ceilings and the jewel studded golden throne that emerge straight from the pages of history. The 200 Kg golden throne is displayed during the Dasara festival. The Royal portrait gallery which is of historical importance is a visual treat to the visitors. The edifice blooms further when it is illuminated in all its glory during the world famous Dasara celebrations and weekends.

Timings: 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (No Holidays)
Illumination: Sundays, Govt. holidays and on festivals from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery: Housed in the Jaganmohan Palace, this gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. The collection includes paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, the Russian Svetoslav Roerich and examples of the traditional Mysore gold leaf style of painting.

Timings: 08.00 to 12 noon

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Lalitha Mahal Palace: His Highness Maharaja Krishna Raja Wodeyar Bahaddur IV built Lalitha Mahal palace situated at the foothill of Chamundi hill in 1921 to house his important guests. Lalitha Mahal Palace is an imposing structure designed by Mr. E.W. Fritchley an English architect of contemporary fame. Several minor ornamentations in this building are reminiscence of British Palaces. The imposing domes are modeled on the St. Paul's Cathedral of London. It has a very elite banquet hall and a marvelous ball room. India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has converted the Lalitha Mahal Palace into a Five-Star hotel managed by the Ashok group of hotels. 

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St. Philomena's Church: Built in Gothic style, it is one of the largest churches in the country and has beautiful stained-glass windows. The 165 ft dazzling medieval style stained glass interior of the St. Philomena's Church is a truly majestic sight. Designed by French architects, it is said to be built on the lines of St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York and the Gothic Church at Cologne in Germany. The huge church has a crypt in which there is a statue of St. Philomena, a 3rd century AD saint from Greece, in sleeping posture and a piece of her bone is preserved here at the centre of a beautiful shield. This statue of St. Philomena is housed in the underground chamber.

Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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Mysore Zoo: It houses some rare animals bred in captivity and exotic species of plants. The Zoological Gardens has various species of ornamental plants and trees from India and abroad. About 85 species of trees and 35 species of ornamental plants are present, which beautifies the landscape of the Zoo and provides the best environment to the captive wild animals

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Chamundi Hills: 13 kms from Mysore is the temple of patron Goddess of Wodeyars, Chamundeshwari. Located on a hill 335 m high, the temple can be approached by 1000 steps built by the Maharaja of Mysore in the 17th century. Halfway up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8-m monolith. Right on top is the 2000-year-old Chamundeshwari temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of the royal family. Close to the Chamundi temple is the colourful statue of the demon Mahishasura. From the hill summit one can have a panoramic view of the Mysore City.

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Brindavan Gardens: These gardens are laid on the banks of Krishnarajasagar Dam built across the river Cauvery. The dam built in 1932 by the renowned engineer & statesman Sir M. Visveswaraya during the reign of Krishna Raja Wodeyar is one of the oldest in the country. Just below the dam are the enchanting gardens designed by the then Dewan of the Maharaja, Sir Mirza Ismail. A myraid of fountains, cascading and springing into different shapes, amidst the surrounding greenery and flowers is an invigorating sight for the tourist. The swirling fountains are illuminated on weekends and have been the backdrop to many movies in recent times. The Dancing fountains are a major attraction among the tourists. Boating facilities are available at the gardens.

Illumination timings: Wednesdays 7:00 P.M to 7:55 P.M. / Saturdays & Sundays: 7:00 P.M to 8:55 P.M

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Where to stay

Mysore has a large number of hotels to suit all budgets and preferences.

Top End Accommodation

• Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Mysore.

• Best Western Ramanshree, L-43/A, Hardinge Circle.

Middle Budget Accommodation

• Hotel Metropole, Jhansi Lakshmibai Road, Mysore.

• Paradise Hotel 104, Vivekananda Road, Yadavgiri.

• Kings Kourt Hotel, Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Road.

• Quality Inn Southern Star, Vinoba Road.

• Hotel Dasaprakash Paradise, Vivekanand Road.

• Mayura Yathri Nivas, Mysore.

• Hotel Dasaprakash, Near Gandhi Square.

Bottom-End Accommodation

• Rajendra Vilas Palace, Chamundi Hills.

• Hotel Siddharta, 73/1 Guest House, Nazarbad.

• New Gayathri Bhawan, Dhanvantri Road.

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Shopping

Mysore is a shopper's paradise. It is surrounded by sandalwood and rosewood forests. Thus, most of the tourists coming to Mysore look for items made from sandalwood or rosewood. Though a bit expensive, these pieces make excellent gift as well as decorative items.

Aromatic incense sticks, the famous Mysore Silks renowned for their excellent quality and everlasting lustre, delightful Mysore wooden toys or an incredible assortment of sandalwood, rosewood, teakwood and ivory arts and crafts - there's so much to shop for, in Mysore.

Cauvery Arts And Crafts Emporium-This Government owned Emporium situated at Sayyaji Rao Road is a showroom and sales depot for Karnataka Handicrafts articles like ivory, sandalwood carving, silver and brassware etc.

At the Government Sandalwood Oil factory, you can buy sandalwood powder, sandalwood oil and scented incense sticks.

At the Government Silk factory, you can see the master weavers at work. You can buy shimmering silks straight off the looms.

Other shopping areas are the Devaraja Urs Road which is one of the biggest streets where one can find variety of options for shopping. Sayyaji Rao road with its meticulously styled frontages and gables is good for all types of retail shopping.  So also Dhanvantri Road for all types of retail shops.

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