Places to Visit in Mysore

The river Cauvery takes off from the Chunchanakatte falls. It falls into the rocky bed of the river with the perfect, beautiful picture-like scene in the middle of the green surrounding it. The scene here during the monsoons is majestic and perfect for the nature-lovers, the photographers, as well as the weekenders. The Chunchanakatte falls are beautifully formed by the River Cauvery and are a sight of nature in a rural atmosphere. The water flowing over the rocks forms a magnificent natural phenomenon. Location: Chunchanakatte Village, KR Nagar Taluk, Mysuru DistrictPrice: Free entryTiming: Open throughout the dayBest Time to Visit: July to JanuaryThe green scenery looks very lively during the monsoons. One can rest by the riverside and admire the tranquil sound of the flowing water. Myths and holy beliefs surround the falls. Nature lovers enjoy the serene and pure atmosphere. It is a perfect place for picnics and short nature walks as well as photographs. During the heavy monsoon season, it becomes much more furious and majestic. The neighbouring village makes it a wonderful place of natural rural beauty. It is the best natural place around Mysuru for peace and solitude.

The Payana Car Museum is India's very first car museum of ancient and vintage automobiles. It showcases some extremely rare and vintage models of cars and various accessories, which trace the history of automobile engineering. India’s first all in one motor vehicle museum Payana Car Museum hosts a wide selection of Vintage & Classic automobiles. The Payana Car Museum shows and talks about about how wonderfully we can see several varieties of old vehicles. We get to explore changes through the historical times with respect to technology for cars and vehicles. Location: Mysuru–Bengaluru Highway, MysuruPrice: ₹100–₹200 per personTiming: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PMBest Time to Visit: Throughout the yearOne gets to see beautifully and immaculately built classic and elegant luxury cars, vintage car collection, antique automobiles, olden generation cars, ancient vehicles and other collectibles. Every car gets to showcase itself with informative plaques describing their specific histories. Automotive enthusiasts can definitely find Payana Car Museum as an excellent excursion to glance at well-preserved restored cars. Additionally, one can even find the antique automobile accessories, Engines, and various other related artifacts and mementos. The Museum is well-laid out to give better insights of the machines and designs via an array of innovative interactive displays. The museum is well-photographed. Generally, it is a splendid sojourn into the car history at Payana Car Museum.

Mysore's Railway Museum, which is a display of the history of Indian Railways in India, displays among many other things the old engines, royal saloons, pictures and models from years ago. The children get to observe the old train machinery and have a short ride on a tiny toy train, and this is definitely a 'must see' for children as well as historians and rail buffs. The Railway Museum in Mysuru offers a glimpse into the rich history of Indian Railways. The museum houses antique locomotives, royal carriages, and railway memorabilia. Location: KRS Road, Mysuru, KarnatakaPrice: ₹50–₹100 per personTiming: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PMBest Time to Visit: October to MarchBeautifully restored engines that are decades old can be observed here. The royal saloons of the Mysore Maharajas are one of the main attractions of the museum. The exhibition panels describe the growth of rail transport in India. A miniature toy train ride is available and is a big hit among the children visiting the museum. Interactive displays offer a fun way to learn about railways, and this feature of the museum also proves to be an added attraction. Photographers will love the antique locomotives and railway equipment that have been preserved well.

The Jaganmohan Palace, formerly the royal residence of the old kings of Mysore, is now an art gallery and museum housing a collection of paintings, musical instruments and artefacts. Jaganmohan Palace, a historical royal building that now serves as an art gallery and a museum, was built in the 19th century. It was previously owned by the Mysore royal family and has been the official residence of their Highness for a while. It is home to a fabulous collection of paintings, sculptures, artefacts, and much more.Location: Jaganmohan Palace Road, MysuruPrice: ₹50–₹100 per personTiming: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PMBest Time to Visit: October to MarchOne of the highlights of the palace is the art exhibition by the famous artist Raja Ravi Varma. Along with it, visitors can witness ancient musical instruments and various royal objects. The architectural design of the palace is beautiful and gives a glimpse of Mysuru's royal lifestyle. The museum is a heaven for art lovers due to the vast collection of traditional and modern Indian art. History buffs get to learn about the cultural and artistic past of Karnataka. Guided tours help tourists know more about the collection. It's a must-see for history buffs and art lovers.

This is the Himada Gopalswamy temple on a foggy hilltop. The temple is devoted to Lord Krishna. A good place, it has a great view, is quiet and is very foggy. The road and the views of the surrounding forest are an added attraction. The temple is devoted to Lord Krishna and is renowned for its unusual placement on a hilltop. The place has a touch of magic all around with mist and fog surrounding the temple for most of the year. Location: Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, Chamarajanagar DistrictPrice: Free entryTiming: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PMBest Time to Visit: November to FebruaryThe hilltop offers spectacular views of the forest and the hills. Journey to the temple takes through a thick forest with ample wildlife. The spiritual aura of this place makes it a favourite among the devotees and nature lovers. The sunrise view from here is phenomenal. The architecture of the temple is a classical South Indian style. This place looks incredible in the monsoons with lush greenery all around.

The Karanji Lake, which is a large greenish space of wetland, a watery region where there is an abundance of various types of birds, has a fresh and eco-friendly ambience. There is also a large walk-in aviary on the lake premises. Boat riding, bird watching, photo shooting and nature walking can be the other things you can do there.Location: Near Mysore Zoo, Mysuru, KarnatakaPrice: ₹50–₹100 per personTiming: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PMBest Time to Visit: October to FebruaryKaranji Lake-A fun picnic spot: The Karanji Lake, a pristine wetland, is located in the city of Mysore and amongst other attractive places in Mysore. A lot of migratory and residential birds such as kingfishers, pelicans, herons and many other water birds visit this large lake. Boating, walking paths along the lake, the longest walk through an aviary in India is an attractive spot to click photographs of fauna and flora, serves as a habitat and helps in the conservation of the environment within the city and is a popular picnic spot for kids.

A Neo-Gothic design topped by an immense spire and massive, vibrant stained-glass windows, the interior is even more impressive. The St Philomena's Church is actually the second largest and second tallest in India, and an absolute "must-see" of Mysore. India’s St Philomena’s Church, a Neo-Gothic marvel and imposing design, provided the template for the colossal St. Philomena’s Church, one of the largest and most remarkable edifices in India. Neo-Gothic in style, this church, characterised by its magnificent dual spires which crown the city of Mysuru, is famous for its large, vividly-colored stained-glass windows that portray the various stages of Christ’s life.Location: Lashkar Mohalla, Mysuru, KarnatakaPrice: Free entryTiming: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PMBest Time to Visit: October to MarchInside, the church is large, quiet, beautifully and richly adorned. The church building was established at the turn of the last century and serves as one of the key religious structures in Mysuru. Visitors delight in its elegant architecture, which features finely constructed arches, lofty ceilings and balanced structure, creating an inviting and meditative ambience. A visit to the church will also bring you in touch with visitors from around the world, as well as architecture lovers and the faithful. The exterior is especially striking when lit at night.

The perfumed air around is filled with the smell of sandalwood products and incense sticks. Authentic Mysore silk and sandalwood carvings, souvenirs, and numerous other gift articles can be purchased here. The throng and the sheer hustle will give you a taste of local life. Traditional vendors, historic architecture and the array of goods available offer a very rich and traditional Mysore experience. It is a treat for the taste buds of food lovers who can purchase local produce and several regional delicacies here.Location: Devaraja Mohalla, Mysuru, KarnatakaPrice: Free entryTiming: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMBest Time to Visit: October to MarchThe Old, traditional and crowded Devaraja market sells local fruits, vegetables, spices, incense, and goods, and an authentic Mysore city feeling can be felt here. It is one place that you should consider buying silk and sandalwood for your house. It is one of the oldest, most crowded and traditional markets in Mysuru. Located in the heart of the city, the market was established during the reign of the Wadiyar kings and maintains its historical charm. You will find stalls brimming with a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, incense and local handicrafts. The colourful flower section is quite popular among photographers.

Apart from these fast-paced slides, a separate wave pool and lazy river also exist within the park for relaxed visits. Several food courts and snack kiosks also facilitate your convenience throughout your time at GRS. Special shows and events that are hosted for special occasions and holidays further enhance the level of excitement at this water park. GRS Fantasy Park, thus, presents a perfect setting for a day filled with fun and family bonding, and indeed, the ultimate fun holiday destination for the entire family.Location: KRS Road, Mysuru, KarnatakaPrice: ₹800–₹1,200 per personTiming: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PMBest Time to Visit: Throughout the yearGRS Fantasy Park is an amusement and water park in Karnataka. The amusement and water park has all the sensational rides, thrilling water slides, a wave pool, etc. For entertainment. The amusement park is a fun place for families, children, and groups. The amusement and water park, GRS Fantasy Park, is among the most renowned in Karnataka. Offering numerous fast-paced water slides, wave pools, rain dance areas and various exciting rides suitable for visitors of all ages, GRS Fantasy Park has a number of rides to keep the entire family entertained for a full day. Children will have their own section dedicated to providing them with an adventurous day out. Thrill-seeking visitors can embark on some thrilling high-speed water slides, along with some additional fun adventure-based rides that provide the ease of good facilities.

(The Golden Temple) Namdroling monastery is the biggest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in India. Offers spectacular golden Buddha statues, brightly painted murals and exquisitely decorated prayer rooms. You can see monks chanting mantras, inhale the sacred air of Tibet. Golden temple, also known as Namdroling monastery, is one of the biggest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in India. The monastery located in Bylakuppe, it also functions as a major centre of Tibetan culture and learning. The monastery housed huge golden images of Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava, Amitayus and a huge Thangka. Inside the monastery, colourful murals and artistic Buddhist art forms covered all walls and roofs, inside you may witness the chanting of holy mantras and monks chanting for prayers in Namdroling.Location: Bylakuppe, near Mysuru, KarnatakaPrice: Free entryTiming: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMBest Time to Visit: October to MarchThe serenity of the monastery offers you inner peace and an opportunity to leave the chaotic life in the city behind for a while. It’s a reflection of Tibetan Spirit, culture and a glimpse into their traditions, also adorned with spinning prayer wheels, colourful Tibetan flags and halls of rich decoration, which added an appeal for it. This monastery has attracted pilgrimages, tourists and photographers, and is definitely worth visiting in order to broaden and enlighten those with a deep interest in spiritual or cultural experience.

Venugopala Swamy Temple is a majestic temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna and sited at the vicinity of the beautiful backwaters of KRS. After it was displaced due to inundation, it was reconstructed at its current location. The temple, an exemplar of the Hoysala architectural style, contains carvings in stone and fine sculpted structures. Beautiful gardens enclose the temple premises, while people feel mesmerised due to its peaceful ambience and beautiful waters. Carvings, which include pictures depicting the incidents of Hindu mythology, are intricately embedded in the walls of the temple.Location: Hosa Kannambadi, KRS Backwaters, MysuruPrice: Free entryTiming: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PMBest Time to Visit: October to FebruaryThe quiet ambience offers a calm surrounding for relaxation and meditation. Photographers are fond of clicking photos of the exquisite architecture of the temple with the clear reflections in the adjacent water bodies. Sunrise and sunsets at the temple look the most amazing. Thus, the temple is a wonderful fusion of religion, history and nature.

Mysore Zoo, built in 1892, is one of the oldest and best zoos in India. Spread over a large area, the zoo exhibits several hundred species from different countries. The magnificent lions, Bengal tigers, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos and various other species can be spotted here. Mysore Zoo is quite famous for its wildlife conservation and ethical handling of animals. Good paths and knowledgeable signboards make the trip around the zoo comfortable. The zoo also exhibits various exotic species from different parts of the world that attract bird lovers.Location: Indiranagar, Mysuru, KarnatakaPrice: ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for childrenTiming: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Tuesdays)Best Time to Visit: October to MarchCrocodiles, various rare reptiles and species of snakes can be watched at the reptile house of the zoo. Educational schemes offered by the zoo make it a popular place among students and families. It is a refreshing trip as the zoo contains a lot of vegetation and greenery around.

The Sri Chamundeshwari temple, situated on top of the Chamundi hills, is one of the most important shrines in Karnataka. It is dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari, who is considered to be the guardian deity of Mysuru. A towering gopuram in the Dravadian style can be seen, covered with carvings and sculptures, and pilgrims visit the temple in large numbers throughout the year from various parts of the country. One gets a splendid view of Mysuru city from the top of the hill. It is mandatory to have a glimpse of the huge rock-cut sculpture of Nandi on the hill route.Location: Chamundi Hills, Mysuru, KarnatakaPrice: Free entryTiming: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PMBest Time to Visit: September to MarchDuring the months of Navaratri and Dasara, the temple is packed with tourists and pilgrims. It offers one a spiritual experience with all the accompanying natural beauty. One can observe traditional rituals being conducted, along with prayers, every day. It's a great blend of the sacred and the aesthetic.

KR S Dam is another tourist spot in this place, located in front of the river Cauvery and also provides drinking water to the people living nearby. The whole part of the dam is accessible for a walk. You can also enjoy walking on the dam and in a clean, well-maintained garden. During monsoon time, the dam looks great due to water falling from the top of the dam, so I'm sure it would be fun to spend time and take great snaps with your loved ones.Location: Krishna Raja Sagara, Mandya District, KarnatakaPrice: ₹20–₹50 per personTiming: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PMBest Time to Visit: July to FebruaryNext to the dam are the Brindavan gardens, another tourist destination with well-maintained lawns, nightly light and sound shows that witness thousands of people witnessing the amazing music, lights, and the force of water gushing with intensity during the monsoon, giving it a majestic appearance. It is often visited by family and people out for a picnic to get fantastic photos and also to enjoy the breezy coolness and spectacular view, which can take your breath away.

One of the major sights at Mysuru, the one that is best known, is the Mysore Palace, which is the largest of all palaces in India. Indo-Saracenic in design, the palace incorporates the Indian, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic elements within its walls and structure. The beautifully carved wooden doors and stained-glass, multi colored ceilings make it a visual treat. The courtyards, galleries and rooms across the place make it a good tourist attraction, providing valuable and vivid information and visuals about the life and times of the Wadiyar rulers.Location: Mysuru City Centre, Mysuru, KarnatakaPrice: ₹100–₹120 per person (Indian visitors)Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PMBest Time to Visit: October to March; evenings for palace illuminationThe walls of the palace museum display arms, photographs, paintings and regalia amongst other items. The entire place glows with thousands of bulbs every evening, making it an iconic visual and part of the famous Mysuru Dasara. Crystal chandeliers sparkle all through, and the floors and walls gleam with mosaics and intricate decorative patterns. Visitors can easily spend a few hours capturing the palace in photographs from all sides of this grand edifice. Mysore Palace stands tall as a fantastic display of Karnataka's royal heritage.