Top Things to do in Mysuru (Mysore)
10 Things to Do in Mysuru (Mysore) That You Shouldn't Miss
The kings of the Wodeyar dynasty set the bar high for the southern cultural capital of Mysore. Ornate palaces and the Gothic St. Philomena's Church with its 175-foot spires pack a visual punch; local institutions keep Carnatic classical music and dance in the public eye. A prominent 11th-century temple sits atop 1,000 steps on the city's outskirts. Dress to the nines and party like a rock star in celebration of Mysore heritage during the lively Dussehra festival, held for 10 days in October/November.
Restaurants in Mysuru (Mysore)
1. Somnathpur Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 767 reviews
Reviewed By JimmyShelter - Brighton, UK
It's worth hiring a guide to pick out the most interesting and illustrative of the myriad, intricate sculptural carvings decorating this outstanding old temple. It's popular, but not over touristed, and remains one of the highlights of our recent tour.
2. Avadhoota Datta Peetham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Founded by His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Avadhoota Datta Peetham is a world-renowned institution for the social, moral, cultural and spiritual welfare of mankind.
Reviewed By iammanish2015 - Pune, India
The Avadhoota Datta Peetham is better known locally as the Sachidananda Ashram. The place has achieved popularity in recent years owing to it housing a large aviary called Shuka Vana, where a large number of birds are treated and taken care of. While the Shuka Vana is indeed a highlight of the place, it's not the only one.
One cannot miss the giant Hanuman statue and the temple beneath. The Vishwam Museum, which contains numerous articles gifted to the Guru, is also worth visiting. What I liked best was the lovely Bonsai Garden, which contained a wide collection of plants along with sculptures of Lord Shiva, Ganesha and the Buddha.
One can take photographs in the garden, but not in the Shuka Vana (they click you with the birds perched on your hand for a fee) or the museum. Still, it is easily among the best places to visit in Mysore, though accessing it by public transport can be somewhat tricky. Must-visit. One should aim to spend around 2 hours here.
3. Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as ‘Mysuru Zoo’, is one of the oldest zoos of the country established in 1892, by His Highness, the erstwhile Ruler of Mysuru Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar Bahadur. Mysuru Zoo holds an important place in Karnataka. In 1909 the Palace Zoo was named as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens to commemorate the illustrious founder and since then it bears the nomenclature. Mysuru Zoo has gradually grown into tourist centre, imparting wildlife values. It has got 123 years of history exhibiting wild animals in the near natural enclosures. Despite majority of the zoos have been shifted from the original place to the new places, Mysuru Zoo could modernize the zoo, without shifting the zoo. The zoo is well compacted unit, with modern animal enclosures including heritage buildings attracting tourists all over the world.
Reviewed By Ajitku
It is a zoo. Giraffe is the main attraction. Lots of tourist visiting this place every day. It is a amazing place.
4. Mysore Maharajah's Palace (Amba Vilas)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
This 1912 structure is one of the largest palaces in the country and contains art from around the world.
Reviewed By scud56 - Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
Probably the #1 place to visit in Mysore is the Maharajah's palace. Set in a huge area surrounded by temple building and some beautiful gates, the palace frontage is opulent and ever bit of a maharajah's splendid home. Inside is equally opulent with a number of jaw-dropping rooms that have entertained royalty through to today.
As inspiring as Buckingham Palace.
5. Devaraja Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By Siddhi D
It's like new market on Calcutta or Crawford market in Mumbai .. it's interesting . Get the local feel . We walked around the market a bit. Can see heaps of colours used for festivals
6. Melkote
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By vayudoot - Pune
About 44km off the Mysore-Bengaluru highway NH275 is the temple town of Melukote,a hidden gem of Karnataka.
It’s cultural heritage and unspoiled natural settings attract both pilgrims and visitors alike.
The Hoysala kings who came into prominence in the 12th century fostered Melukote . This was followed by the Vijayanagara rulers on the 14th century,who made Melukote a religious centre, and finally the Mysore Wadiyar family who increased the grandeur of the centre.
The town has a plethora of temples (about 30)and ponds (73)prominent of them being the Narayanaswamy Temple,Amman shrine ,Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple,Panchakalyani pond,Akka Tangi ponds and Vaikunta Gange.
It is hard to do justice to the beauty and appeal of Melukote ,where one can spend a whole day if one can make the time,and be immersed in
this symbol of a bygone era which is
has a religious and cultural significance to this day.
7. Srikanteshwara Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By VarunBhoopalam - Bangalore
I have been visiting this temple from my infancy and I am in love with everything with this temple.
It will be quite crowded on weekends and Mondays. Especially in the Karthika Masa.
Make sure you take the 300 rupees quick darshan ticket to avoid the queues. I think you can also book only or in Bangalore ONE and Karnataka ONE Centres.
Kapila River is awesome where you wud want to take a dip before entering the temple.
Clothing: MEN should wear PANCHE/SHALYA with a shirt which is optional. And, Women preferably Saree or Half Saree.
8. Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 692 reviews
Reviewed By pradeeptyagi944 - Mysuru (Mysore), India
I planned a family trip to Bylakuppe as we had heard a lot about the Buddhist monasteries. I must say it was a sight to behold the magnificent Namdroling monastery. Though it was crowded, my family members and I loved every moment of it. We also saw the morning prayer.
9. Venugopala Swamy Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Rohit Kirani N
Enroute other temples we bumped into Sri venugopala swamy temple. Well located at the backdrop of KRS dam shores. This is one if a temple recovered (built during hoysala kingdom) from the KRS dam backwaters during 2003-04 drought.
Pillar by pillar and stone by stone the temple have been relocated to higher grounds. Pleasure for the eyes, family and kids will enjoy the altitude and spacious walk around.
Ample car parking makes it even more convenient. Please note at the time of my visit, god idols have not been installed and no idol puja. We could get the view of the idols placed around waiting to be installed.
Worth a visit, thrills the history behind temple.
10. Srirangapatna
Overall Ratings
4 based on 900 reviews
Reviewed By saptarshiDutta - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
The place is filled with history. Main highlights are Tipu Sultan palace and Colonel Baileys prison. Tipu Sultan summer palace beautiful specially the wall panting. Another place is, This temple also called as Adhi ranga. Best place for devotees. Must Visit in Mysore Trip
