Mysore can truly be called as one of the most beautiful cities in Karanataka state. And this is mainly because of the magnificent palace located in the city centre: Mysore Palace. This palace dates back to 1900 and was built after the previous royal residence fell into ashes. You will also find other sights in and around the city, such as the church of St Philomena and the Chamundeshwari Temple on the hill to the south of the town. From here, you will have a great view of the city!
Are you planning to visit Mysore? And would you like to learn more about the special history and culture of India’s palace city? In this travel guide, I tell you more about its interesting history, read all about the best sights and discover the city’s best accommodation. A history-rich visit to Mysore starts here…
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*This article is also available in Dutch – Mysore Reisgids
Practical Information & Travel Tips
- Best Time to Travel? Visiting Mysore is convenient all year round. The months from August to October see the most rain. The temperature is slightly more pleasant then, though. The best period is during November to January, when temperatures average between 25 and 30 degrees.
- How many days? Are you only planning to visit the palace? Then you can be done in half a day. But do you have more time? Then visit some of the surrounding sights as well. In 1.5 to 2 days you will have seen the city’s highlights.
- Accommodation? Looking for a nice hotel or hostel? Then stay north of the beautiful palace. This is where you will find more great sights within walking distance. And you’ll also find the train and bus station north of the palace.
- Tours & Tickets? In the City of Palaces, of course you go to… Mysore Palace. It’s definitely worth taking a look inside this beautiful structure. But also be sure to plan a visit to Chamundi Hill south of the city.
- Transport? Both the railway station and the bus station are located north of the palace. The bus station is about 1 kilometre and the train station about 1.5 kilometres walking distance.
History – What makes historically interesting to visit?
Mysore has an impressive history. From 1399 to 1947, it was the main city of the Kingdom of the same name. This kingdom was ruled by the Wadiyar dynasty. This came about on the spot where the famous palace now stands. From the small village of Puragere, they built a fort called Mahishūru fort. And over the centuries, the kingdom developed so much that by the 18th century, at its peak, it covered large parts of southern India.
From 1799, after a series of wars with the British, the Kingdom of Mysore became part of the British Princely State. Large parts of the once impressive empire became part of other sovereigns. At the end of the 19th century, the old fort burned down and was replaced by the current Mysore Palace. Because of its magnificent history, the city is now also called the Cultural Capital of Karnataka (state). The palace is among one of the best-visited sights in the country. And the city of Mysore, once called Mahishūru, is considered one of the cleanest cities in India.
Top 5 Places to visit in Mysore
Wondering what are the highlights of this beautiful city in Karnataka state? Here are some great tips & ideas.
1. The famous Mysore Palace
The absolute highlight of a visit to this city is its famous palace. It was built around 1900, after the old fort went up in flames. This was once where the impressive Kingdom of Mysore began. It is highly recommended to buy a ticket and go see the important from the inside. Besides, on some days during the week, it is also beautifully lit in the evening. The palace is open every day from 9am to 5.30pm and a ticket costs 200 rupees, just over 2 euros.
2. Chamundi Hill and the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
Another fun attraction is a visit to Chamundi Hill. This hill is just over 1,000 metres high and is located south of the city. It is dedicated to the goddess Chamundi, the goddess of war and epidemics, famines and other disasters. Atop the hill is a temple that is definitely worth a visit. And besides, from the hill, you have a beautiful view of the city of Mysore and its surroundings.
3. The Cathedral of St. Philomena
Just north of the city centre you will find the Cathedral of St Philomena. The current church dates back to 1936 and was inspired by the design of Cologne Cathedral. Incidentally, the rulers of Mysore had a church built here in 1843, which was later replaced for the present cathedral. Incidentally, the patron saint St Philomena (Filomena) was a Greek young princess who died a martyr’s death at a young age. Her remains were only found in Rome in 1802. The Cathedral of St Philomena is open every day from 5am to 8pm.
4. Big Clock Tower, Dodda Gadiara
Another symbol of Mysore is this big clock tower in the city centre. It was built in 1927 to mark the 25th anniversary of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the then Maharaja of Mysore. Among locals, it is also known as Dodda Gadiara, meaning the ‘little clock tower’. The tower is 23 metres high and in the evening, Dodda Gadiara is beautifully illuminated.
5. Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery and Auditorium
If you are looking for an interesting museum, head to Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery and Auditorium. Located 200 metres from the famous Mysore Palace, this museum is housed in an old palace dating back to 1861. This makes it one of the oldest in the city. Inside the building, you will find an art gallery with one of the largest collections of artefacts from South India. These include paintings of former sultans of the kingdom.
Accommodation – Where to stay in Mysore?
Mysore is a city of about 900,000 inhabitants. Most attractions are in the city centre, including the famous Mysore Palace. It is therefore best to stay overnight between the railway station and this beautiful palace. Here you will find plenty of hotels and hostels. I myself stayed at The Mansion 1907, a beautiful villa for backpackers where you can also meditate, among other things. Unfortunately, it is currently closed (and the question is whether it will ever open).
Looking for accommodation in Mysore? Book your hotel or hostel here.
Transport – How to get to Mysore?
Like many other cities in India, Mysore also has an airport. Known as Mandakalli Airport, it is located about 10 kilometres south of the city centre. From here, flights depart daily to Chennai, Goa and Hyderabad. Book your domestic flights to and from Mysore here.
Mysore is best reached by bus via Bangalore. This bus takes about 3 hours and departs from the Bus Stand in the centre of Mysore. This bus leaves regularly and is the best option to travel. Several trains also depart daily from Bangalore. This takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, but the number of trains is limited. Book your bus and/or train tickets to and from Mysore here.
Plan your trip to Mysore & India
- How to book accommodation? Hotel via Booking of Hostel via Hostelworld?
- Activiteiten: Tickets & Tours
- Transport: Bus & Train Tickets
- Flight tickets to Mysore & India? Skyscanner
Do you have more tips, ideas or comments about this Travel Guide to Mysore, India? If so, feel free to leave a message below.
