Things to Do in Mysore (Mysuru): Palaces, Dasara, Markets & Srirangapatna

Tour Mysore Palace

The present Mysore Palace, completed in 1912 after an earlier palace burned down, is an Indo-Saracenic building with domes, arches and towers. Inside, the Kalyana Mantapa (marriage hall) with its stained-glass ceiling and the Durbar Hall with its painted pillars are highlights. An audio guide explains the rooms. Shoes must be removed and photography inside is restricted.

Time needed

2 hours

Good for

Everyone

See the palace illuminated

On Sundays, public holidays and during Dasara, the palace is lit up by nearly a hundred thousand bulbs for a short time in the evening, usually around 7 p.m. The lights come on all at once, and the effect is magical. A sound and light show is held on some evenings.

Best time

Sunday evenings

Good to know

Check current timings

Experience Dasara

Mysuru Dasara, the ten-day Navratri festival, is celebrated here with great pomp, a tradition dating back to the Vijayanagara kings. The city is lit up, cultural events take place across town, and on Vijayadashami the Jamboo Savari procession carries the goddess Chamundeshwari in a golden howdah on an elephant. A torchlight parade follows in the evening.

Best time

October (dates vary)

Good to know

Book stays months ahead

Climb Chamundi Hill

Chamundi Hill, about 13 km from the city, is crowned by the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the goddess who is the royal family's deity. You can drive up or climb about 1,000 steps. Two-thirds of the way up is a large monolithic Nandi, carved in the 17th century. The top gives views over Mysuru.

Time needed

2–3 hours

Best time

Early morning

See Jaganmohan Palace art gallery

Jaganmohan Palace, an older royal building, houses the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery with paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, traditional Mysore-style paintings, musical instruments and curiosities.

Time needed

1 hour

Good for

Art lovers

Visit St Philomena's Church

St Philomena's Cathedral, built in the neo-Gothic style between 1936 and 1956, has tall twin spires and stained-glass windows. It is one of the largest churches in India.

Time needed

30 minutes

Walk through Devaraja Market

Devaraja Market, over a century old, is a colourful maze of stalls selling flowers, fruit, vegetables, kumkum powder in cones of colour, incense and bananas. It is one of the most photogenic markets in South India. Parts of the old building have been under repair; check which sections are open.

Best time

Morning

Good for

Photographers

Visit Mysore Zoo

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, founded in 1892, is one of the oldest and best-run zoos in India, with a wide collection of animals in large enclosures. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Good for

Families

Good to know

Closed on Tuesdays

See the Rail Museum and Karanji Lake

The Mysuru Rail Museum has old locomotives and royal saloons, including the Maharani's carriage, and a toy train for children. Karanji Lake, near the zoo, has a walk-through aviary, a butterfly park and boating.

Good for

Families

Buy Mysore silk and sandalwood

The government silk factory in Mysuru, where Mysore silk sarees are woven, has a showroom, and factory visits have been possible at times. The Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium sells sandalwood items, rosewood inlay and other crafts. Look for official tags to ensure authenticity.

Good for

Shoppers

Eat Mysore masala dosa and Mysore pak

Try the Mysore masala dosa with its red chutney, and the famous soft, buttery dosas at old restaurants in the city. Mysore pak, a rich sweet of gram flour, ghee and sugar, is said to have been created in the palace kitchens.

Good for

Food lovers

Practise yoga

Mysuru, especially the Gokulam area, is internationally known for Ashtanga yoga. Many shalas offer drop-in classes or longer courses; book ahead.

Explore Srirangapatna

Srirangapatna, an island in the Kaveri about 15 km away, was Tipu Sultan's capital. See the Ranganathaswamy Temple, Daria Daulat Bagh (his painted summer palace), the Gumbaz where he and Hyder Ali are buried, and the spot where Tipu fell in 1799.

Time needed

Half a day

See birds at Ranganathittu

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, near Srirangapatna, has islands in the Kaveri where painted storks, spoonbills, pelicans and other water birds nest. Boat rides pass close to the islands and to basking crocodiles.

Best time

December to June for nesting

Watch the fountains at Brindavan Gardens

Brindavan Gardens, below the Krishna Raja Sagara dam about 20 km away, are terraced gardens with a musical fountain show in the evening.

Best time

Evening

See Somanathapura

The Keshava Temple at Somanathapura, about 35 km away, is a star-shaped Hoysala temple built in 1268, covered with exquisite carvings. It is one of the finest examples of Hoysala art.

Time needed

1.5 hours including travel

Dasara season (September to October)

The city is decorated, the palace is lit every evening and events run across town. It is the most exciting time to visit but also the most crowded and expensive.

Winter (November to February)

Pleasant days and cool evenings make this the most comfortable time for sightseeing, and birds are nesting at Ranganathittu from around December.

Summer and monsoon (March to August)

Summer afternoons are warm, and the monsoon brings moderate rain. Crowds are thinner, and it is a good time for a quieter visit.

What are the best things to do in Mysore?

Tour Mysore Palace and see its illumination, climb Chamundi Hill, visit Jaganmohan Palace, St Philomena's Church, Devaraja Market and the zoo, and take trips to Srirangapatna, Ranganathittu, Brindavan Gardens and Somanathapura.

When is Mysore Palace lit up?

On Sundays, public holidays and during Dasara, for a short time in the evening, usually around 7 p.m.

When is Mysore Dasara?

Usually in October, over ten days ending on Vijayadashami. Dates follow the lunar calendar.

How many days are enough for Mysore?

Two days, including Srirangapatna.

Is Mysore good for a family trip?

Yes. The palace, zoo, Rail Museum, Brindavan Gardens and the boat ride at Ranganathittu make it one of South India's easiest family destinations.