1. Mysore Palace
Among the most popular places to visit in Mysore, Mysore Palace was once the residence of Wodeyar dynasty rulers who ruled Mysore for seven centuries. The palace is considered one of the largest in India with more than 2.7 million visitors every year. The brilliant architecture and intricate craftsmanship with which it is built make it an incredible masterpiece. The doorways and corridors make you travel through time to stories of the past. Visiting the palace is one of the most appealing things to do in Mysore, especially for all the history buffs out there. The palace consists of pavilions, large halls, and various shrines. During the most celebrated Dasara festival, the palace is richly decorated to display the culture and heritage of those times. In the evening time, when illuminated by 98000 light bulbs, it is a spectacular sight worth capturing in your mind forever.
2. Lalitha Mahal
The second-largest palace of Mysore, Lalitha Mahal was initially built to serve as a guest house to the royal family’s guests. It is located at the foot of Chamundi Hills and also offers scintillating views of the hills around and is one of the beautiful places to visit in Mysore. The exquisite interiors of the palace adorned with Belgian crystal chandeliers and Persian carpets are spectacular. A part of the palace has now been converted to a heritage hotel and is being managed by India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). Do visit this palace to feel the royal ambiance.
3. Jagmohan Palace
One of the famous Mysore tourist places, Jaganmohan Palace was initially constructed to be used as a residence for the royal family but it was later on converted to an art gallery. The gallery houses many valuable artifacts and artworks from South India. The famous works of Indian artists such as Raja Ravi Verma’s oil paintings and S.G.Heldnkr’s “Lady with the Lamp” are also kept here. The antiques and some intricate masterpieces also feature at the art gallery.
4. Railway Museum
The railway museum in Mysore is the second largest after the one in Delhi and it is certainly one of the best places to see in Mysore. The museum also puts on display the initial locomotives and steam engines. A mini-train takes the visitors on the ride through the premises of the museum. A section also displays the luxurious travels undertaken by royal dynasties of Mysore which consists of dining rooms, kitchen, and royal toilet. Kids love the place owing to the storehouse of interesting stuff around. Among all the best Mysore tourist places, this is the best attraction to visit with kids. If you are making a Mysore trip plan, don’t forget to include this destination.
5. Chamundi Hills And Chamundeshwari Temple
Chamundi hills are located 13 km from Mysore and there lies a beautifully sculptured Chamundeshwari temple atop the hills. To reach the temple, a flight of 1000 steps needs to be taken. The architecture of the temple is unique and eye-catching with 7 tier gopuram and 7 golden Kalash at the top. Handcrafted with excellence, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and depicts her with 8 hands (also known as Ashta Bhujas). A tour of the hills and the temple is perfect for a day of sightseeing in Mysore. This is one of the most famous places in Mysore for visiting with family. It is one of the most sought-after tourist places in the Mysore district.
6. Sri Nandi Temple
Adjacent to Chamundi hills, halfway while climbing up to the Chamundeshwari temple, lies the Nandi temple – one of the best must-visit tourist places in Mysore for religious tourists. In mythology, Nandi is depicted as a sacred bull and the friend of Lord Shiva. The 5 meters tall idol of Nandi is believed to be carved out of a single rock. There are many monkeys around the place, so one needs to be a bit careful about the belongings.
7. Brindavan Gardens
Built across Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, Brindavan Gardens are located 23 km from Mysore. It is a famous spot for sightseeing near Mysore and a perfect space to spend a pleasant evening. The magical fountain show is the highlight, ornated with beautiful lights and cheerful music. Boat rides and fruit orchards serve as the icing on the cake.
8. Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
Popularly known as the Mysore Zoo, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens was established in 1892. The zoo is among the top places to see in Mysore, especially with kids. Today it expands over an area of 78 acres. Other than the animals found in our country, this zoo also has some exotic animals acquired from foreign zoos. If you are here for a long weekend, then the zoo is definitely one of the places to visit in Mysore in 3 days. Also, if you are visiting with kids, then this is one place that should be on your itinerary.
9. KRS Dam
Your Mysore sightseeing isn’t complete without paying a visit to KRS Dam. Built over the river Kaveri, it is another interesting place to visit in Mysore. It takes around 30 minutes by car from the city to reach the dam and so it can easily be explored if you are looking for places to visit in Mysore in 1 day. The garden at the dam is lighted every evening and one can relax or stroll here. The musical fountain adds to the aesthetics of the place. For a one-day trip from Mysore, you can consider this.
10. Bonsai Garden
The Bonsai Gardens in Mysore are one of its most unique attractions that houses more than 100 varieties of the Bonsai trees that are laid out across this enormous estate. Serving as a part of the Avadoota Datta Peetham of the Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Ashrama, this vast garden was initially a pet project of the keen Swamiji. The garden now has 450 miniature trees spread out over an area of 4 acres in this land that are filled with these unique dwarf trees. The splendor of the garden is emphasized by the small brook that flows through this garden, along with the statues of Buddha and sacred monkeys placed around the area that add a charm to the representation of the zen culture showcased here. The garden also has a lush green deer park that caters to wildlife seekers and nature lovers who visit. Don’t miss the Bonsai Conventions held here in the month of December.
11. Shree Shvetha Varaha Swamy Temple
One of the most famous temples in Mysore & must explore Mysore tourist places, close to the hearts of the locals, Varahaswamy temple will leave you enchanted. On its very doors, you will find beautiful carvings, intriguing enough to leave you wonderstruck and the whole complex of the temple will give you a joyful experience. Inside the temple, you can seek blessings and embrace the peaceful ambiance.
12. Regional Museum of Natural History Mysore
This is the perfect place for a good start to the day. The museum was built in order to educate people about nature and also to motivate them to take care of it. The museum is home to several exhibitions as well as a garden. It is a good place for nature lovers and those visiting Mysore with kids. In the garden, you will find local trees and much more.
13. Government Sandalwood Oil Factory
One of the famous things about Mysore is their Sandalwood. And what can be better than visiting the factory of that one thing that the place is known for? The Government Sandalwood Oil Factory is one of the most exciting Mysore places to visit that exhibits various techniques of how Sandalwood products are made. One can stroll around the factory, shop for the world-famous Mysore Sandal products, witness the procedures and techniques of productions which gives travelers a chance to learn as well as enjoy.
14. Dr. Ambedkar’s Park
If getting closer to nature is your idea of a day outing, then Dr. Ambedkar’s Park would surely land in your favorite Mysore visiting places. This Park is one of the lesser-known but mind-blowing places to go, especially with the family. For those who wish to get away from the bustling of the city culture and embrace solitude, this park has plenty to offer. The lush greens and refreshing aura of this destination make it a perfect picnic spot for families and children to spend some quality time together.
