Ever since I moved to Bangalore, I’ve been itching for quick getaways.
Mysore (officially Mysuru) tops my list.
Just a short drive away (about 142 km via the NH275 expressway, roughly 2 hours by car), Mysore feels like Bangalore’s older, more regal cousin.
I still remember the thrill of arriving on Chamundi Hills and peeking down at the city, with the grand Mysore Palace glittering below.
Mysore, the “palace city” and a declared heritage city, immediately transported me to a bygone era of kings and culture.
By the way, it often ranks among India’s cleanest cities, so yes, even stray cows here seem well-groomed!
Mysore is where a quick escape from Bangalore turns into a royal reset — palaces, hills, silk, and the sweet joy of doing absolutely nothing in style.
In this blog post, I’ll spill all the deets on Mysore.
How to get there, what the weather’s like, the top places to visit (think palaces, temples, zoos and more), the shopping goodies (silk sarees and sweets, anyone?), plus tips on the best time to go.
Let’s dive in, pack our bags (I’m already daydreaming about vada and dosa), and hit the road.
Quick Information: Mysore at a Glance
Here’s everything you need to know before zooming from Bangalore to Mysore. Minus the part where you fight for highway filter coffee.
| Aspect | Detail |
| State | Karnataka (South India) |
| Known For | Palaces, silk, sandalwood, yoga |
| Official Language | Kannada |
| Climate | Tropical Savanna (hot summers, mild winters) |
| Best Time to Visit | Oct–Feb (cooler weather & festivities) |
| Distance from Bangalore | ~142 km by road (approx. 3 hours drive) |
| Nearest Airport | Mysore Airport (local flights) / Bangalore |
| Notable University | University of Mysore (est. 1916) |
Getting There: Bangalore ↔ Mysore
If you’re in Bangalore like me, Mysore is basically our backyard playground.
You can hop on a KSRTC bus, take a comfy express train, or definitely drive on the new Bangalore-Mysore Expressway (NH275).
I’ve found driving to be the fastest: it’s about 142 km (some say up to 150 km depending on route).
Leave early (I aim for a 6 AM start) to miss Bangalore’s traffic, and you’ll be sipping filter coffee in Mysore in a couple of hours.
Trains like the Shatabdi cover the distance in ~2–3 hours, and flights can land you at tiny Mysore Airport (though I usually fly into Bangalore and continue by road).
TIP: Plan your trip from Bangalore to Mysore on a weekend to avoid the rush, but watch for the odd toll booth slowdown.
Also, along the way, check out cute stops: Ramdevara Betta (rock formations and vultures), and historical Srirangapatna (Tipu’s Summer Palace and the scenic Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary).
Mysore Weather & Best Time to Visit
Let’s talk climate because Mysore can surprisingly get hot.
Summers (March–May) easily hit 34–35°C, so be ready to sweat if you visit in April.
The monsoon (June–Sept) brings welcome rains and lush greenery, but also occasional heavy downpours (hello, traffic jams).
Winters (Oct–Feb), however, are glorious in Mysore. Daytime temps settle around 15–25°C, with cool evenings.
This is peak travel time, not just for the comfort but because the Dasara festival lights up the city in October.
So when’s the best time to go? Almost everyone says October through February.
The weather is perfect for sightseeing, gardens, and palace-paloozas, plus you might catch the glittering Dasara parade or stroll the Brindavan Gardens at night.
Most travel guides confirm the “best time to visit Mysore is from October to February when the weather is cool and ideal for sightseeing”. They couldn’t have said it better!.
Winters in Mysore are a joy, with crisp mornings and clear skies.
Places to Visit in Mysore
Ready for the fun part? Places to visit in Mysore are on every traveler’s wishlist.
Here are my top picks (and yes, I squeezed them all into one weekend):
Mysore Palace
This is the crown jewel of Mysore. I strolled its marbled halls feeling like royalty.
The Indo-Saracenic palace (Amba Vilas) was the Wadiyar rulers’ residence, and boy, do they know how to put on a show.
They light it up with 97,000 bulbs every Sunday night!
By day, you can tour its gilded rooms and mahogany ceilings (I half expected a Maharaja to pop out of a sofa).
Trust me, even non-architecture geeks drool over the intricate stained glass and gleaming pillars.
Fun fact: It’s one of India’s most-visited monuments (so maybe book tickets in advance).
Chamundeshwari Temple (Chamundi Hill)
Above Mysore’s skyline sits Chamundi Hills, crowned by the Chamundeshwari Temple, the city’s spiritual guard.
Climbing the hill (or driving up) is an adventure in itself.
The 17th-century Dravidian temple features a massive golden statue of the demon Mahishasura, over whom Goddess Chamundeshwari triumphed.
On a clear day, you get killer views of Mysore below.
I felt a breeze of divine energy up there.
Maybe the goddess was cheering me on as I huffed up the steps.
(Pro tip: say hello to the giant Nandi bull statue halfway up, supposedly one of India’s largest.)
Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens)
If you’re a zoo fan (or have kids along), this is a must.
Opened in 1892, it’s one of India’s oldest zoos.
I spent a whole afternoon here spotting animals.
They have a whopping 1,450 species of animals and hundreds of birds from 25+ countries.
The white tigers and giraffes stole the show for me, but I also loved the aquarium and butterfly park.
The zoo feels spacious and modern.
(Heads-up: closed Tuesdays; go early because, like me, the tigers often snooze midday.)
St. Philomena’s Cathedral
Got a gothic curiosity? This twin-spired church looks like it popped out of a European fairy tale.
Built in 1936 by the Maharaja, it was inspired by Germany’s Cologne Cathedral.
I remember craning my neck at its 175-foot spires piercing the sky.
It’s one of Asia’s tallest churches, with gorgeous stained-glass windows depicting saints and Jesus.
Even if you’re not Catholic, step inside for the peaceful vibe, and maybe light a candle or two.
Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery (Jaganmohan Palace)
History buffs, rejoice.
The old Jaganmohan Palace is now an art gallery bursting with treasure.
I gawked at over 2,000 artworks, from Raja Ravi Varma’s epic Ramayana paintings to microscopic paintings done on a grain of rice.
It was opened to the public in 1915, and some exhibits (like Tipu Sultan’s battle scenes) really transport you back in time.
The cool inner courtyard is a nice break from the sun, and the entrance fee is tourist-friendly.
Karanji Lake & Walk-Through Aviary
Need a nature fix? Karanji is Mysore’s largest urban lake (also called Fountain Lake).
It has lush gardens, boating, and India’s biggest walk-in aviary.
I spent a peaceful hour here, watching flocks of birds (even some migratory ones in season) and peacocks strutting about.
The aviary is huge. Hornbills, peacocks, swans, you name it.
There’s also a butterfly park and a small natural history museum by the lake.
It’s a great spot for birdwatching or just chilling by the water after a morning of palaces.
Local Markets & Mysore Silk
Mysore is a shopping Mecca (trust me, I maxed out my card).
The absolute must-buy is Mysore silk sarees, the pride of the city.
Woven from mulberry silk and finished with real silver/gold threads, these sarees are luxuriously soft.
(I confess, I impulse-bought one and now have an excuse to throw a South-Indian-themed dinner!)
The government-run KSIC factory on JLB Road is where they come from.
Beyond silk, the street markets on Sayyaji Road and Devaraja Market blew my mind.
There are sandalwood carvings, rosewood crafts, incense, and heaps of flowers (Mysore jasmine is legendary).
The famous Mysore Pak sweet was even invented here – melt-in-your-mouth ghee cubes.
The tourism board rightly calls Mysore silk the “crown jewel” of local crafts.
I also sampled sandalwood soap (from the factory) and picked up aromatic oils as gifts.
Bottom line: bring extra luggage space, or be prepared to carry silk in your arms on the train home.
Other Gems
If you have extra time, consider these quick stops.
The Sand Sculpture Museum (on the way to Chamundi) has massive sand-carved deities and fairy-tale scenes – surprisingly cool for a desert medium.
Lalitha Mahal (now a heritage hotel) looks like an Italian villa and has a neat cafe.
The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (just north of town) is amazing for river boat safaris among storks and pelicans.
And Brindavan Gardens near the KRS dam (about 20 km from Mysore) are famous for their evening musical fountain show. Touristy but absolutely magical with the lights and water.
Each of these Mysore tourist places has its own magic.
I still laugh remembering trying to practice yoga at Sri Ramana Ashram here.
Mysore is also known as a yoga hub, and the stray kitten who ended up meditating with me.
But alas, no downward dog tales today.
Instead, keep scrolling for FAQ’s, travel tips, and more Mysore goodness!
Weather & Practical Tips
Before I forget: Mysore’s weather is pretty stable.
Expect sunny days in winter (10–20°C in Jan) and hot days in summer (up to 34°C in April).
If it’s raining (Monsoon), pack waterproof shoes and patience.
Water and sunscreen are your friends.
Daylight fades around 6–7 PM in winter, so plan outdoor sightseeing by afternoon.
Mysore Weather Quick Fact: It’s a tropical savanna climate. Winters are dry & cool; monsoons make the city lush. The highest temp on record is about 39.9°C, and the lowest was 7.7°C. So yes, that fresh winter air really feels special here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get from Bangalore to Mysore?
Most Bangaloreans drive or take a bus. The road distance is about 142 km via the NH275 expressway (around 2 hours). There are also frequent trains (e.g., Shatabdi) that take roughly 2.5–3 hours. If you prefer flights, Mysore Airport (SZP) has limited flights from major cities. Otherwise, fly into Bengaluru and road-trip from there.
What’s the best time to visit Mysore?
Generally, Oct–Feb is ideal. The weather is cool for strolling, the famous Dasara festival lights up the city in October, and the gardens are blooming. Summers (Mar–May) can be hot (around 35°C), and Monsoon (Jun–Sep) means frequent rain showers. If you don’t mind some wet weather, the greenery is beautiful then.
What’s Mysore famous for?
Besides the palace, Mysore is known for its silk sarees, sandalwood products, and Mysore Pak sweets. It’s also home to the century-old University of Mysore (est. 1916) and is famous for being very clean. As a travel destination, it’s the “City of Palaces” and the heritage city of Karnataka, drawing history lovers from all over.
Are Mysore silk sarees expensive? How can I tell a genuine one?
Yes, genuine Mysore silk sarees are pricey. They use mulberry silk woven with 65% silver and 0.65% gold zari threads. But they last forever and feel heavenly. To ensure authenticity, buy from the Government Silk Factory (they have a Mysore Silk logo and hologram) or reputed shops. My trick? I look for the KSIC logo tag and the fine gold threads shimmering in the light.
How many days should I spend in Mysore?
Ideally, 2–3 days. In my one-night visit, I crammed a lot, but I’d have loved another day to wander more slowly. One day can hit the main sites (Palace, Zoo, Chamundi), two days gives time for gardens, markets, and maybe Brindavan Gardens at night. If you can steal a long weekend, that’s perfection.
Is Mysore safe for solo travelers/families?
Absolutely. Mysore is considered very safe (and clean!). The local police and tourism guides are friendly. I’ve walked around late evening without worry. Of course, standard precautions apply (watch your belongings in crowded markets, etc.), but as a Bangalore-based solo traveler, I felt right at home.
My Mysore Travel Tips
- Dress modestly at temples (shoulders and knees covered) and always remove shoes in places like Chamundeshwari Temple.
- Book your Mysore Palace tickets online in advance if you go on a holiday, to skip the queue.
- Try the food! Mysore Masala Dosa, Mysore Pak sweets, and a cup of filter coffee are musts. I pigged out on masala dosa at hotels that bless locals every morning.
- Stay centrally if possible (within 2 km of the palace). It’s convenient for walking around Devaraja Market in the mornings and catching evening shows at Brindavan Gardens.
- Local Transport: Autos (three-wheelers) and app cabs are plenty. I even did a fun short Tanga (horse-cart) ride in the old city!
Ready to Escape? Don’t just take my word for it.
Pack your bags and experience Mysore for yourself!
Whether you’re a history buff, silk lover, or just need a break from the bustle of Bangalore, Mysore has something for you.
Got questions or want more tips?
Drop a comment below.
Let’s keep the adventure going. I’m always plotting the next weekend trip and would love to hear yours.
Until next time (maybe at a palace or temple), keep that travel spark alive. Thanks for tagging along on my Mysore journey!
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