Overview

Mysore, the second largest city of Karnataka, is aptly called its cultural capital. Grandiose palaces, opulent architecture, rich silk fabrics and the sweet fragrance of sandalwood, everything about this city is simply majestic! There is a lot to see in Mysore, from art galleries and museums to palaces and temples. The most popular tourist destination in the city is the City Palace, popularly known as the Mysore Palace or the Amba Vilas Palace. It is the official residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. During the Dussehra festival, the entire building comes to light with fifty thousand light bulbs! Another palace of interest is the Lalitha Mahal Palace, which is the second largest palace in Mysore. Other popular tourist sites include the Railway Museum, the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, Mysore zoo, Chamundi hills and Brindavan Gardens. Famed for its silk, Mysore has a number of markets, state emporiums, malls and shopping complexes. In addition to silk saris, you can also choose from a variety of other products like rose, sandalwood and jasmine items, paintings, stone carved statues, incense sticks and the very famous sweet known as the Mysore Pak. Srirangapatnam, Daria Daulat Bagh and Ranganathittu Bird sanctuary are other places of interest near Mysore that you can visit on a day tour to Mysore.

How to visit:

By road: Bangalore is the nearest city at a distance of 139 kms, being well connected city through flight and rail from other parts of country, the Mysore to Bangalore highway is one the finest freeways. Excellent buses services are provided by the State Corporation and private tour operators between both the cities.

By rail: Mysore Junction (MYS) is the train station in Mysore where the trains are connected to rest of the states via Bangalore.

By air: The airport in Mysore is Mysore airport (MYQ), which is connected to the flights only from Bangalore. So, Bangalore Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is the nearest airport to connect with the domestic as well as the international flights.

Fast Facts

Location - Karnataka, South India

Places of Interest - Maharaja's Palace, Chamundi Hill, Brindavan Gardens, Chamarajendra Art Gallery, Jagan Mohan Art Gallery, Zoological Gardens, Water Falls, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Saint Philomena's Church, Ranganatha Swamy Temple

Best time to visit - October to April

Language - Hindi, English, Kannad

Festivals - Dasara Festival, Yugadi, Food and Film festival, Vairamudi Festival

Mysore Location Map