Mysuru
Mysore, officially Mysuru, is a city in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.
It is the administrative headquarters of Mysore district and Mysore division. As the traditional seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, the city functioned as the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore for almost six centuries. Known for its heritage structures, palaces, and its culture, Mysore has been called the "City of Palaces", the "Heritage City", and the "Cultural capital of Karnataka". It is the second-most populous city in the state and one of the cleanest cities in India according to the Swachh Survekshan.
Getting to Mysuru
- 01Mysore Airport
- 02Mysuru Junction SWR is
- 03Sub-urban Bus Stand
- 04City Bus Stand
Worth seeing
- 01Mysore Zoo
- 02Mysore Palace
Definitely the number one attraction in Mysore.
- 03Cheluvamba Mansion
- 04Chittaranjan Palace
- 05Jayalakshmi Vilas
It was built by Maharani Regent Vani Vilasa Sannidhana, wife of Chamaraja Wodeyar, for her daughter Jayalakshami.
- 06Lalitha Mahal Palace
Lalitha Mahal Palace Rd, info@junglelodges.com.
Things to do
Rabindranath Nath Tagore Layout, Near Lingam Budhi Lake, Ring Road (10 km). Beautiful modern township. Ideal for evening walks. This surprisingly spacious location has become the target residential area of the rich and famous. Their interior alleys are as wide as highways. Climb the Chamundi Hills by steps. Only for fitness freaks.
- 01Brindavan Gardens
Gardens and musical fountain at the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam.
- 02Happy Man Park
The Happy Man Park near Kamakshi Hospital, some three kilometres from the Railway Station, is a very popular hangout for children and parents.
- 03Hebbal Lake
Not to be confused with the one in Bengaluru, this one is cleaner.
- 04Karanji Lake
This is a favourite spot for romantic couples.
- 05Kukkarahalli Lake
There are many birds to see and the footpath is well maintained with small gardens around it.
- 06Lingambudhi Lake
Where to eat
Mysore is known for the traditional sweet, the Mysore Pak. Mysore Pak is a sweet dish generally cut into rectangular pieces and is made out of gram (chickpea) flour, sugar (or jaggery) and lots of ghee. Sold all over the city although arguably the best Mysore Pak from Guru Sweets near the small clock tower. South Indian breakfast favourites like idlis, sambars, masala dosas are widely available and quite good.
- 01Gayathri Tiffin Room
Getting around Mysuru the local way
- Get inYou don't need to hire a car and driver while staying in Mysore, as all the tourist sites are within walking distance or a cheap ride by rickshaw.
- Get aroundAuto-rickshaws have meters, but drivers politely refuse to turn down the meters, especially at railway stations, bus stations, etc.
- Get aroundTry to insist on using the meter; threatening to call the police sometimes works when the rickshaw driver pretends that the meter is broken and wants a flat fee.
- Get aroundAt the railway station or city bus stand, go straight to the prepaid auto-rickshaw counter and tell them your destination (you have to pay a rupee (₹1) for this service).
- Get aroundThey will give you a slip with the fare printed, along with the destination and auto rickshaw registration number.
From Wikivoyage: Mysore, CC BY-SA. Not yet checked by us. Last edited 2026-09.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: iMahesh (CC BY-SA 4.0), Wikimedia Commons.
