It was our first long weekend in Bangalore and we had the itch that comes with it. Where do we head out to? When we started sitting down with places to visit from Bangalore, this historical city came out a must to visit. It was like an Agra or Jaipur to Delhi NCR. This was the City of Palaces, The Sandalwood Town, and the Cultural Capital of Karnataka – Mysuru or Mysore!
In this article, let us take you on a journey to this beautiful and historic town. We will share with you some things you should be aware of when planning a visit here.
Overview
Mysuru, formerly known as Mysore, is the third-largest city in Karnataka, India. The city is renowned for its historical significance and architectural grandeur. It has earned nicknames such as the “Garden City” and the “City of Palaces.” Established as a prominent center during the Wadiyar dynasty, it has evolved into a modern urban area characterized by rapid growth. With a rich cultural heritage that includes landmarks like the Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill, Mysuru attracts numerous tourists annually.
How to Reach
Mysore is well-connected to the rest of the country. Its status as a tourist destination has facilitated the required infrastructure. The best way to reach Mysore is via land either through road or railway. It is connected to most South Indian cities via good-quality highways and expressways. The nearest big city to Mysore is Bangalore which is about 150 kilometers away and is connected by a newly built expressway. The drive is pleasurable and smooth. You can easily find taxis and self-drive rentals if you do not have your own vehicle. The state transport department and other operators run regular bus services between the two cities (along with other major cities) which is a an economical way to travel to Mysore.
Mysore is an important railway station with adequate connectivity to important cities across India. Trains from Bangalore ply to Mysore at times suitable for most tourists. Mysore also has an airport but the frequency of flights is limited. If you are traveling by air, the best bet is to travel to Bangalore and then take a taxi to Mysore.
Logistics in Mysore
One of the major concerns while visiting any city is the accommodation. Mysore has enough variety of stay options that can cater to every need and budget. While economical options start pretty cheap for hostels and guest houses, there is no cap on how much a luxury place could charge. Most economical options are located around the Mysore Palace or Vrindavan Gardens. For the opulent options, a number of national chains have a hotel in the city. However, if you are splurging, we would recommend choosing one of the heritage facilities. They offer a royal welcome and historical charm during the stay.
Most of us would fall somewhere in between these two extremes. There are a variety of mid-range options to choose from. These provide safe, convenient accommodation at affordable prices. A number of boutique facilities have opted to develop themselves on specific themes, e.g., eco-friendly, jungle theme, home-stays, etc.
Next, a consideration when setting up logistics is local travel within the city. Mysore has autos (motorized three-wheelers) that ply across the city. These are easily available at most of the tourist places and transport hubs. You can even hail radio cabs for more convenience. If you prefer, tourist taxis can be hired for day packages or opt to take one of the packaged tours around the city.
Things To Do in Mysore
Mysore is an important tourist attraction in South India and is a popular destination. It has several cultural and historic sites to visit and explore. Below are some of the important tourist sites in Mysore.
Mysore Palace
This is the top tourist attraction of the city. Mysore Palace is the former residence of local rulers, Wadiyars. It is one of the biggest palaces in the country. The facade of the palace is a harmonious blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles which imparts it a regal quality. It is the second most visited historical monument visited by both local and foreign tourists after the Taj Mahal. Presently located inside the Old Fort, Mysore Palace is renowned for its light & sound show and vibrant Dussehra celebrations.
Brindavan Gardens
The Brindavan Gardens, spread over 60 acres, is located at a distance of 21 km away from Mysore. Built across the notable river of India, Cauvery, it is popular for housing one of the first musical fountains in India. The well-synchronised fountain show with music enchants kids and adults alike. The vast gardens boast of well-manicured grass with flowerbeds providing a picture-perfect backdrop to unwind over an evening.
Mysore Zoo
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, also known as the Mysore Zoo is a great place for kids to know about the animal kingdom. The zoo endeavors to create a natural habitat for the animals in it. From Big to small cats, Aquatic to terrestrial birds, and Primates to reptiles, one Hundred and Sixty-Eight species find their place in this zoo.
Karanji Lake
Karanji Lake, also known as the fountain lake, is a popular picnic spot. Visitors are allowed to bring packed food, and there is a coffee shop as well. It is a beautiful place to explore the different species of birds as the lake exhibits as many as 147 species including herons, Asian openbill storks, cormorant, grey pelican, etc. The lake also consists of a butterfly park which is home to more than 45 species of beautiful butterflies fluttering their wings and flying around in brilliant colours. The area is adorned with lush greenery and abundance of fauna, making it a top-rated tourist attraction. Tourist can also enjoy a boat ride in the clear waters of the lake.
Chamundi Hills
One important site in Mysore is the Chamundi Hills. These hills peaking at about 3500 feet above sea level offer mesmerizing views of the city. It is also the site of Chamundeswari temple. The temple is dedicated to Sri Chamundeswari, the titular deity of the Mysore Royal Family also described as ‘Mahishasura Mardini’for having killed the buffalo headed demon Mahishasura.
This was a high-level overview and guide for planning a trip to Mysore. Let us know your thoughts in the comments or contact us via our social media handles. We are at @KettleAndTravel on most social media platforms.
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