You're Going to Love Mysore
Mysore (or Mysuru) is Indian splendor at its most beguiling. With its gorgeous palace, enchanting bazaars, tranquil gardens, and variety of museums to explore, it's one of southern India's true masterpieces.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Mysore
1. The Extraordinary Mysore Palace
This UNESCO-listed site was commissioned by the local maharajahs in the early 20th century and offers a dazzling combination of fine gold and woodwork, stained glass, and mosaics.
2. An Endless Array of Historical Sights
Aside from the palace, Mysore is bulging with things to see, from the Gothic St. Philomena Cathedral and the 13th-century Keshava Temple to the Jaganmohan Palace.
3. Peaceful Gardens and Parks
Mysore is one of India's most relaxing cities, mainly thanks to lovingly maintained ancient gardens like the Brindavan Gardens, which are regularly used as a Bollywood backdrop.
4. Wonderful Family Attractions
If you have younger tourists in tow, you can head to Mysore Zoo to see the Bengal tigers, or to inner city amusement complexes like Happy Man Park.
5. Attend the Spectacular Dasara Festival
If you visit in October, you're in for a real treat. The culmination of the Dasara Festival sees elephant parades, floats, and firework displays that turn Mysore into a wonderland.
When to Visit Mysore
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Aside from the Dasara Festival in October, good times to visit include October through February, when temperatures are pleasant and the rains are scarce.
How to Get to Mysore
Plane
The best entry point for most international visitors will be Bengaluru Airport (BLR) near Bangalore. Take the Flybus from the airport to Mysore (four hours, ₹790).
Train
Trains run into Mysore Junction from Bangalore and Chennai, and by extension the rest of India. It's a great way to reach the city.
Car
From Bangalore, take Highway 275. If you are driving from Mumbai, take Highway 48, then the AH47, before switching to Highway 275 at Bangalore.
Bus
Mysore has excellent bus connections (including 12 per hour from Bangalore!). Buses are operated by KSRTC and stop at the Central bus stand, which is very close to the center of town.
Airlines serving Mysore
Where to stay in popular areas of Mysore
Most booked hotels in Mysore
How to Get Around Mysore
Public Transportation
MITRA runs buses all over Mysore. You can buy Volvo bus passes (on air-conditioned routes) for ₹96 per day, or passes for ordinary buses for ₹50.
Taxi
Expect taxis in Mysore to charge around ₹50 for the meter drop, then ₹20 per mile after that.
Car
Car rental options in Mysore include Devi Travels and Mysore Travels, and rates can be as low as ₹200 per day.
The Cost of Living in Mysore
Shopping Streets
If you want to pick up silk products or sandalwood carvings, try the bazaars on Sayyaji Rao Road and Ashoka Road. Devaraja Market is also a good place to find authentic Karnataka perfumes (but sniff before you buy, as quality levels vary).
Groceries and Other
Local grocery shopping options include Reliance Retail and Loyal World. Prices should be low. Expect to pay around ₹45 for 12 eggs.
Where to Eat in Mysore
For great masala dosas (pancakes with curry inside), try Vinayaka Mylari, head to Oyster Bay for northern Indian dishes, or enjoy a vegetarian feast after a Yoga session at Depth N Green. Prices vary, but meals should cost no more than ₹80.