Mysore Travel Guide– Mysore, a city in southern Karnataka, was formerly known as the Kingdom of Mysore and is well-known for being the “City of Palaces.”
A city in which every structure tells the story of it’s glorious history filled with bravery and victory.
You guys must have already heard of the beauty of Mysore palace, the grand architectural icon of St. Philomena’s cathedral but besides all these famous places, let’s talk about what more Mysore has.
Why Must You Explore Mysore?
Mysore is known for the exceptional quality of Mysore silk and is well-known throughout India for its Dasara festival.
This city receives hundreds of thousands of tourists every year from around the world especially during the Dasara festival which is the city’s busiest season. Mysore Dasara, Mysore Painting, Mysore Pak, Mysore Peta, and Mysore Silk Saris are only a few examples of the many arts and cultures that bear its name.
Before talking about each of them, let me tell you what is the ideal season to visit Mysore.
Best Time To Explore Mysore?
Like every other place with a tropical climate, Mysore also needs pleasant weather to visit only if you don’t want to be covered with sweat the whole day.
So, October to February is considered one of the best season to visit Mysore because the city is mostly surrounded by lush greenery.
It is recommended to travel during the monsoon season if you want to experience the spirit of the city.
How to Reach Mysore?
Travelling to a city which is already a well renowned place can never be a difficult task, you can easily make your choices. Mysore being the Cultural Capital of Karnataka is well connected with all the means of transportation making it easily accessible for tourists.
- By Air
The nearest international airport to Mysore is Bengaluru International Airport which is 170 km from Mysore.
Mandakalli or Mysuru Airport is the domestic airport of Mysore which is only 10 km far from the city centre.
- By Train
All the major cities of the country are well connected to Mysore via railways.
The Mysore Railway Station is located at a distance of 2 km from the heart of the city.
Other nearby railway stations include Shrirangapatna, Pandavapura, Krishnarajnagar, Mandya, Mandagere and Maddur.
- By Road
Mysore has a well-developed road network both within and outside the city. There are numerous number of private as well as state owned buses that can take you to Mysore.
If you are living in some of the nearest cities such as Bangalore, Coorg, Ooty, Wayanad etc. I would recommend you to travel to Mysore by road and witness the picturesque views you will encounter on the way.
A trip to a destination would be incomplete without tasting the local delicacies and signature dishes. Some cities are known for their specialty foods, while others are known for their unique recipes.
Mysore being one of the oldest cities is home to some best and authentic dishes.
Regardless of how much of a foodie you are, these are some of the restaurants which you should visit once while on your trip to Mysore.
Recommended Place to Eat In Mysore
The Original Vinayaka Mylari Hotel, Mysore
When you see this small restaurant in the middle of Mysore’s crowded streets, don’t rush to judge.
Instead wait for its traditional masala dosa to tickle your taste buds.
The USP of this restaurant is neither fancy décor nor impressive ambiance but the authenticity which it offers.
This 80 year old hotel is quite famous in Mysore and offers only idli, dosa and masala dosa on it’s menu.
Hotel RRR
If you are a lover of spicy Andhra style Mutton Biryani, then this is a paradise for you.
This decades old restaurant may appear crowded and congested but if you judge by the taste of it’s dishes, you won’t be able to resist by giving it a 5 star.
Chicken Biryani, Mutton Biryani, chicken pepper and the unlimited veg thali are quite popular here.
Guru Sweet Mart
The famous Mysore Pak is something which is associated with Mysore. If you live in South then you know you can get this sweet anywhere but the true and authentic taste you get to experience only at this location.
WHY? Because there is a century old story behind it.
Over 100 years ago, a chef in the royal kitchens created a sweet made out of sugar, besan and ghee and served it to the royal family of Wadiyar. The king was highly impressed and asked the chef what is it called, he said “MYSORE PAK” .
Today, after so many years the descendants of that cook Kakasura Madappa still make Mysore Pak using the same recipe and sell it here.
Don’t forget to take a bite of it; it’s more than worth it.
Souvenirs to Buy From Mysore?
If you ask me what distinguishes one place from others, I’d say it’s the culture. And souvenirs are more than just items you buy; they are the cultural heritage of a place that you bring back with you.
There is a list of items which you can buy from Mysore as a souvenir but I have picked out the top 4.
Mysore Silk Saree
It is said that every South Indian household has at least one of these sarees.
The intricate Zari work done with golden thread and the royal appearance of it are what makes it India’s most popular handloom product.
The boom of Mysore silk sarees goes back to Tipu Sultan’s reign and in today’s era, these sarees are considered the best for weddings and other ceremonies specially because of it’s elegant look.
Mysore Pak
Mysore is known for Mysore pak and Mysore pak is known because of Mysore, this famous sweet which has marked it’s first appearance in the royal courts is now the pride of Mysore.
You can find a lot of recipes for this on the internet but to get a real taste, don’t miss this on your trip.
Mysore Paintings
I am not sure how many of us are fond of paintings but I’d like to introduce you to the traditional Mysore paintings.
The origin of these paintings dates back to centuries ago.
But what makes it unique is the hard work put up by the artists.
From making brushes using camel hair or goat hair to using vegetables for making organic paints.
If you are in Mysore, take a look over these paintings, who knows that you might end up buying one of the best souvenirs of Mysore.
SandalWood Products
Mysore offers a diverse range of sandalwood products that will fragnance your heart and home.
Both Sandalwood products and silk sarees of Mysore are considered the best souvenirs of the state.
Products like cosmetics, perfumes, incense sticks, essential oils, and powered talc offer the finest quality of Mysore sandalwood.
What Should You Not Miss In Your Mysore Trip?
There are always few things on the itinerary which are the must – do or must – see. Some views which are meant to be seen, some experiences which are meant to be felt. Views can be easily seen through pictures by simple sitting at home but these are the experiences which makes a trip different.
Let’s talk about them.
Mysore palace exploration
Mysore palace is the gem of Mysore located in the heart of the city since the 14th century; reconstructed several times is now one of the most beautiful palaces of India and visited by millions of tourists every year.
Aside from its magnificent architecture, the palace’s entire interior is stunning and might leave you speechless.
I can go on speaking about it’s beauty without a pause, you can imagine how much beautiful this palace would be.
Mysore Dussehra festival
A 10 day long festival usually held in the month of September or October is the biggest festival of Karnataka. The festival is held to celebrate the day when goddess Chamundeshwari killed the demon king Mahishasura after a fierce battle. The city has been celebrating this festival for 400 years.
A grand procession is held on the streets of Mysore city starting from Mysore palace where one can witness the traditional dance forms of Karnataka, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels.
Numerous dance and music performances are held across the city, and musicians and dancers are invited to participate from all over India.
Do you know the fact that
Mysore palace is lighted daily with 100,000 bulbs on all days of the festival.
Night show at Brindavan gardens
Brindavan gardens is the best place to spend a chill out evening at Mysore or to soak the beauty of nature. Every night from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, an evening lighting show with musical fountain takes place at Brindavan Gardens.
On weekends you will find little bit of rush over there, but try to visit it once if you are a person who feels good being surrounded by nature.
Mesmerizing views from the Chamundi hill top and outstanding artwork of artisans at Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum are some of the other things which you can experience on your trip.
Conclusion & Way Forward
Mysore is a land of history, culture and heritage. This cultural capital of state has a huge role in state tourism. Every year millions of tourists visit mysore.
It is home to the weaving industry, bronzework, arts and handicrafts made of sandalwood, and salt and lime production has skyrocketed in the city, opening the path for industrialisation and economic prosperity.
This city is making a way to industrialization, but not at the expense of losing its cultural heritage. Mysore is still a perfect example of the cultural heritage of India and hopefully will remain.
In a hurry? Check out our exclusive 2-day Mysore things to do guide.
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A nice detailed description. Thanks a lot.
ur welcome :)
Such a wonderful way of explaining i really like specialy the connection between history n travel