Mysuru Travel Guide: 6 Things to Do in the City of Palaces

Mysuru is Karnataka’s most graceful city: wide boulevards, royal architecture, fragrant markets and a calm pace that makes it ideal for a long weekend from Bengaluru.

Top things to see and do in Mysuru

Mysore Palace

The Amba Vilas Palace is the heart of the city. Visit in the afternoon for the interiors and stay for the lit-up facade, which glows on Sundays and festival evenings.

Chamundi Hills

Drive or climb up to the Chamundeshwari Temple for sweeping views over the city, and look out for the giant Nandi statue on the way.

Brindavan Gardens

Terraced gardens and fountains below the KRS dam are at their best at dusk, when the musical fountain show starts.

Devaraja Market

A riot of flowers, spices, incense and sandalwood. Go early, bargain politely and carry cash for small purchases.

Jaganmohan Palace and art gallery

A quieter palace that now houses paintings and artefacts, perfect for escaping the midday heat.

Mysore pak and local food

Try the city’s famous sweet fresh from the kitchen, and follow it with filter coffee and a masala dosa.

Best time to visit

October to March is cool and comfortable. Late September or October brings the ten-day Dasara festival, when the palace and streets are decorated, but it is also the busiest time, so book early.

How to get there

Mysuru is roughly three hours from Bengaluru by road, with frequent trains and buses. The city has its own railway station and a small airport, and local autos and cabs are inexpensive.

Practical tips for Mysuru

• Buy palace tickets online to skip the queue.
• Wear comfortable footwear; the palace requires you to remove shoes.
• Plan two evenings if you want to see both the palace lights and the gardens.
• Carry a light jacket for hilltop evenings in winter.

Dinner in the sky in Mysuru

After a day of sightseeing, there is no better way to end the trip than a table suspended high above the ground. FlyDining pairs a pre-set menu with open views, and each session seats up to 24 guests.

Sky dining connection. Mysuru has its own FlyDining page where you can see session timings, current prices and availability: FlyDining in Mysuru. Seats are sold only online at flydining.com.