Located at the base of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is a city that still carries an aura of royal as well as cultural magnitude where you can witness must visit places in Mysore. Best known as the ‘Cultural Capital of Karnataka, Mysore is popular for a ladder of palaces, gardens and fairs. However, other than being a historical city, Mysore is a cocktail of experiences for any tourist. From the structural articles of the city of Mysore, to the serene and peaceful places of natural beauty and wonder, whichever way you turn you will definitely be enchanted.
As you will find out, it is not easy to list all the must visit places in Mysore and around Mysore as there are so many of them; however, this guide we are giving you below is specifically the best and highlighted tourist attractions that you should not afford to miss.
Mysore Must Visit Places: Where To Go In Mysore
Mysore is a majestic city that is rich in royal tradition whereby it is evident in all the places that one is likely to visit. Here are some Must visit places in Mysore that will take you on a journey through time:
1. Mysore Palace:
The pride of the city, the Mysore Palace is extensive and has a unique gothic touch to it speaking volumes of the Wadiyar dynasty. The wooden carvings of the palace, the large halls and the use of bright colors make the place an important attraction in Mysore among other must visit places in Mysore. While on the palace tour do not miss the evening illumination where the palace is lighted with artificial gold and looks spectacular.
2. Chamundi Hill:
The leading point in the city is the Chamundi Hill which houses the temple of Chamundi. Apart from being an important religious building it also provides vantage views of Mysore making it one of the must visit places in Mysore. The walk up the hill is also an experience as the climate,foliage and environment all indicate a serene one.
3. Brindavan Gardens:
Slightly off of the city proper, Brindavan Gardens is one of the largest gardens and is perhaps best known for its Musical Fountain Show. The park is an ideal place for an evening walk, to have a nice green grass walkway and to watch the water and light show and hence considered as one of the must visit places in Mysore.
4. St. Philomena's Church:
St. Philomena’s Church is one of the largest churches in India and is an architectural delight with neo-gothic touch. Standing tall, the church and the towering tall towers and the stained glass work make it one of a must visit places in Mysore particularly if one is a lover of history and architecture.
5. Jaganmohan Palace:
This house once belonged to the royal family of Thanjavur and now is an art gallery which boasts of being one of the biggest museums in South India which makes it one of the must visit places in Mysore. The interior and exhibitions displayed in Jaganmohan palace include paintings and sculptures that show the cultural trends of the people of that dynasty.
6. Nature’s Retreat:
What is more there is a prodigious variety of places of interest within the region itself as well as right outside of Mysore. Here are some must visit places in Mysore that are perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers:
7. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:
Situated only 16 Kms away from Mysore, this bird sanctuary is sure to please bird lovers. This sanctuary harbors many migratory birds, bird watching in the sanctuary includes a boat ride whereby one gets closer to the birds and at the same time take a view of the beautiful environment thats why it is also considered to be one of the must visit places in Mysore.
8. Shivanasamudra Falls:
Located around 75 Kms from Mysore, Shivanasamudra Falls is one of the most beautiful water falls in karnataka and also comes under must visit places in Mysore. The appearance of the river that flows through the rocky terrain is a spectacle to behold, more especially during the rainy season. It is also a good area for picnicking and nature walks as well as bird watching.
9. Nanjangud:
Often referred as the ‘Varanasi of the South’, Nanjangud is a temple town, at a distance of 25 kilometers from Mysore. Here the chief place of interest is the temple of Nanjundeshwara, which is a shrine to Shiva. The temple carries Dravidian style of architectural design and from a religious perspective it is one of the must visit places in Mysore.
10. Somanathapura:
Somanathapura is 35 kilometers from Mysore and seeing the ancient Hoysala dynasty arts in the temples you will be convinced you have been teleported back in time. The Chennakesava Temple here is a fine specimen of architectural brilliance prominent for its artwork and of star shape. It has been considered as a world heritage site and surely one of the must visit places in Mysore.
11. Bandipur National Park:
A little away from Mysore, though, at 80 kilometers on the Mysore-Ooty highway, is the Bandipur National Park. This is a wildlife sanctuary and comes within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and supports tiger, elephants, leopards and other animals. A trip to the park gives an opportunity to explore the raw natural endowment of Karnataka and also one of the must visit places in Mysore.
Exploring Mysore
Mysore is one city that many try to balance the new and the old and in this instance the old has been dominated by the new. Everywhere one travels in Mysore – be it on the streets or by avoiding the dirt tracks, on the palaces or in the gardens, there is a story to tell. Old-world charm and natural beauty – whichever way you turn, you will not run out ofmust visit places in Mysore and its neighborhood. The beauty of the city remains in the versatility of the offered tourist services and things to see, everything that connects culture, history, and, yes, nature.
Conclusion
Mysore is beautiful and has so much history, heritage and scenic beauty for tourists to indulge themselves in. For those interested in the must visit places in Mysore, or if you are out sightseeing around Mysore, one is bound to be mesmerized by the beauty of the city. But to enhance your trip planning, why not try Capture a Trip, a travel company whose business is to help you to organize for the trip from start to end. So let the journey begin and go for a royal tour of Mysore and other marvels to look forward to!!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What must you not miss to see in Mysore if you are a first-time tourist?
Some of the places newcomers must see include the Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, and the Brindavan Gardens. These sites provide a great start for exploring the Royal city and its natural attractions.
2. Is there any nice spot for the nature lovers who are planning to visit Mysore?
Yes, those who love nature, basically the bird watchers should visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and Shivanasamudra Falls. There are also major sites and areas of spectacular scenery providing a natural escape from the density of city life.
3. What often can be regarded as the most appropriate travel time to visit Mysore?
Ideal time to go Mysore is during the period of October to March because it offers a moderate climate. This period also marks the great Mysore Dasara festival which is an added advantage with respect to tourism.
4. Is it possible to visit all the important tourists’ attraction around Mysore within a single day?
It is possible to travel to a few places around Mysore in a day but it is more relaxing and enjoyable to take a few days and travel to the places.
5. What is the distance between Bandipur National Park and Mysore and is Bangipur worth a visit?
Located at about 80 KMs from Mysore it is advisable to visit Bandipur National Park for wildlife lovers. Tourists gain an opportunity to observe a number of different animals within their environment in the park.
