7 Best Places to Visit in Mysuru
A visit to Mysuru should be on everyone’s bucket list. It is a treasure trove for the lovers of history and wildlife. If that does not read tempting enough, we are sure these places will entice you to visit the city!
Explore and experience adventure at Mysuru
1. The Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace needs no introduction. An architectural marvel with stunning interiors, Mysore Palace served as the seat of power for the Wadiyar dynasty and was the official residence of the royals. A popular tourist attraction now, Mysore Palace dominates the skyline of the city. Over 3 Million tourists visit the royal splendour of Mysuru each year. Being one of the prime attractions in India after the Taj Mahal, the Amba Vilas Palace in Mysore is certainly a must visit destination for every traveller.
For anyone on the city tour, it is impossible to miss the iconic structure, especially during the night. The palace is illuminated in the evening which makes it an enchanting and mesmerising spectacle.
2. Chamundi Hill
Chamundi Hill is a tourist magnet in Mysore that draws in devotees and nature lovers alike. It is a haven for photographers and nature lovers. The hill offers breathtaking views of the city and one can easily identify landmarks such as Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Karanji Lake etc.. The forest that covers the hill shelters leopards.
The temple atop the hill is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari (Goddess Durga), the titular deity of the Mysore Royal Family. The world famous Dasara festival is celebrated in Mysuru every year to celebrate the victory of the Goddess over the demon Mahishasura.
3. The Mysore Zoo
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as ‘Mysuru Zoo’, was initially a private zoo of the royal family. Spread over a vast area of 150 acres, the zoo was opened to the public in the early 1920s.
One of the oldest Zoos in India, it houses over 168 species of animals and birds, belonging to more than 25 countries. It is arguably the second-best place to visit in Mysore after the Mysore Palace. It is the only zoo in the country to have a Gorilla. The other exotic animals that add to its highlights are Giraffes, Zebras, White Deer, African Elephants, Bears, Porcupines, Rhinoceros, Tapir and Otters. While at the Zoo, do not be surprised to witness the beautiful dancing peacocks.
4. Karanji Lake
Built by the erstwhile rulers of Mysore as a percolation tank, Karanji lake is a beautiful place to explore the different species of birds. It is estimated that the lake hosts more than 147 species of birds, both resident and migratory. Herons, Asian open-bill storks, cormorants, pelicans, etc., can be commonly sighted here. Karanji lake also has the largest walk-in aviary in India, an orchid park that houses several stunningly beautiful varieties of orchids, and a unique butterfly park where one can spot colourful winged beauties. Karanji lake also offers boating experience.
5. Varuna Lake
Enjoy adventure and leisure in the pristine environs of Varuna lake. The sprawling Varuna lake serves as a hub for adventure sports activities such as kayaking, pedal boat, jet ski, speed boat, banana ride, zorbing, canoeing and water trampoline etc. The lake is also an ideal haunt for bird-watching and for nature-lovers. It is home to various species of birds like spot billed ducks, purple swamp hens, painted storks, cattle egrets among others.
6. Railway Museum
The Mysore Rail Museum, the second one established in the country, is a safe haven for relics from the era of steam transportation. Spread over an area of 3 acres right in the heart of the city, the Railway Museum tells the story of the evolution of Indian Railways. A vintage gabled style iconic wayside railway station creates the nostalgia of the bygone era. Did we mention that there’s also a toy train that chugs along a circular track, complete with level crossing and a green tunnel? Well, it sure is a hit with the young and old!
The museum creates visually stunning spectacles with some outstanding railway behemoths in the background which have been restored painstakingly.
6. Krishna Raja Sagara Dam (KRS) and Brindavan Gardens
Named after the twenty-fourth Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, Raja Rishi HH Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam (often abbreviated as KRS Dam), is built across the river Cauvery. Besides being one of the major sources of irrigation, the dam is also a prime source of drinking water for Mysore and Bangalore city. The dam also ensures power supply at the Shivanasamudra Hydroelectric Power Station.
The Brindavan Gardens, situated close to the KRS Dam, is one of the best terrace gardens in the world. With illuminated fountains, a botanical park, extensive varieties of plants and fun filled boating experience, it is one of the best sightseeing places near Mysore. Spread across an expansive area of 60 acres, the lush garden is laid out in three terraces and ends in a horseshoe shape.
Mysuru boasts of great rail, road and air connectivity and serves as the gateway to many world-renowned tourist hotspots. Apart from the top landmarks listed above, there are innumerable places in and around Mysuru that are worth visiting. Kukkarahalli Lake (a paradise for nature lovers), botanical garden at Lingambudhi lake, St. Philomena’s church, art gallery at Jaganmohan Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, folk art museum at Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, regional museum of natural history are some of the popular tourist spots in Mysuru. Apart from these, historical sites such as Talakad, Somanathapura, Belur-Halebidu, Melukote, Srirangapatna are all within a day’s trip from Mysuru. Ranganathitthu bird sanctuary, the largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka, is just half an hour away from Mysuru.
Safari Quest
Be it jungle adventure or a trip into the urban jungle to spot landmarks, Safari Quest ensures you have a best of both worlds experience. Enjoy a delicious meal at Drongo cafe, swap stories around a bonfire at Best Kept Secret, relax with a glass of wine at the Mysore Room or enjoy a therapeutic massage at the spa before you embark on your next adventure.
See more and do more at Safari Quest. We look forward to welcoming you!
