Explore Mysuru
Places to Visit in Mysuru
Top attractions and must-see spots in Mysuru
Landmarks
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Must VisitBrindavan Gardens
Terrace garden with boat rides & illuminated fountains.
Must VisitJaganmohan Palace
Art gallery in a former royal palace.
Folklore Museum, University of Mysore
Housed within the University of Mysore campus, the Folklore Museum is a treasure trove of Karnataka folk traditions and rural heritage. Its collection spans thousands of objects including shadow puppets, traditional masks, agricultural tools, ritual objects, tribal jewellery, and performing arts costumes. For anyone curious about the cultural life that exists beyond temples and palaces, this museum offers rare and absorbing insight into the everyday traditions of communities across the state.
Lalitha Mahal Palace
Perched on a hilltop east of the city, Lalitha Mahal Palace is Mysuru second largest palace, built in 1921 by the Wodeyar maharaja to host the then Viceroy of India. Inspired by St. Paul Cathedral in London, its brilliant white facade and domed silhouette make it one of the most photographed buildings in Karnataka. Now a heritage hotel, the palace allows visitors to experience its grand interiors, sweeping staircases, and views over the city.
Mysore Palace
Royal palace with lit-up façade and historic interiors.
Mysore Race Course
One of the oldest racecourses in India, Mysore Race Course has been a centrepiece of the city social calendar since the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of Chamundi Hill, the track comes alive during the racing season between August and November, drawing enthusiasts from across the country. Beyond race days, the sprawling green grounds double as a popular jogging and walking destination for locals, offering open space rarely found in a busy city.
Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum
Indoor museum of themed sand sculptures.
Mysuru Zoo
Historic zoo with diverse wildlife & bird sanctuary.
Oriental Research Institute
Founded in 1891, the Oriental Research Institute at the University of Mysore is one of India foremost centres for the preservation and study of ancient manuscripts. Its archives hold tens of thousands of palm leaf and paper manuscripts in Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, and other classical languages, many of them rare or unique. While primarily a scholarly institution, it welcomes visitors interested in India literary and philosophical heritage, offering a rare glimpse into the painstaking work of preserving knowledge across centuries.
Rail Museum Mysuru
Spread across a sprawling open-air campus, Rail Museum Mysuru brings India railway history to life through a collection of vintage locomotives, royal saloons, and heritage carriages. Among its prized exhibits is the Mysore maharaja personal saloon, fitted with period furnishings that speak to a more opulent age of rail travel. Interactive displays, a toy train ride, and restored engines make it equally engaging for railway enthusiasts and families visiting with children.
St. Philomena’s Church
Neo-Gothic cathedral with soaring spires.
Wellington House
Built during the British colonial era, Wellington House is one of Mysuru most significant heritage structures and served as the official residence of the British Resident who oversaw relations with the Wodeyar kingdom. The building reflects the classical colonial architecture of the period, with wide verandas and formal gardens. It stands as a quiet reminder of the complex political relationship between the princely state of Mysore and the British administration through the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Scenic Spots
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Must VisitKaranji Lake
Serene lake & bird sanctuary ideal for nature walks.
Chamundi Hill Viewpoint
Rising about 1,000 metres above sea level, the Chamundi Hill Viewpoint offers one of the finest panoramas over Mysuru, with the city palaces, parks, and neighbourhoods spread out beneath a wide open sky. Most visitors stop here while ascending or descending the famous 1,000-step stairway to the Chamundeshwari Temple. At dusk, when the palace lights begin to come on across the city below, the viewpoint becomes a particularly magical place to pause and take it all in.
Kukkarahalli Lake
Lakeside park with walking trails & birding.
Lingambudhi Lake
Tucked quietly on the western edge of the city, Lingambudhi Lake is one of Mysuru lesser-known natural retreats and a rewarding destination for birdwatchers and early morning walkers. The lake and its surrounding wetland area support a healthy population of resident and migratory birds, including herons, egrets, and kingfishers. Far less crowded than Karanji or Kukkarahalli, it offers a genuinely unhurried experience of nature within city limits, best visited in the cool hours of early morning.
Panorama Point
Positioned along the road that winds up Chamundi Hill, Panorama Point lives up to its name with sweeping views across Mysuru and the plains stretching toward the horizon. It is a popular stop for travellers heading to the hilltop temple, offering a quieter alternative to the main viewpoint further up. On clear days, the distant outline of the Western Ghats is visible to the west, adding depth to an already striking vista that captures the geographic beauty surrounding this historic city.
Shopping
5
Must VisitDevaraja Market
Vibrant market with spices, flowers & silk.
Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium
Run by the Karnataka government, Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium on Sayyaji Rao Road is the most reliable destination in Mysuru for authentic regional crafts. Its shelves are stocked with rosewood and sandalwood carvings, inlaid furniture, Bidriware, bronze figurines, silk products, and handloom textiles, all sourced directly from artisans across the state. Fixed pricing and assured quality make it especially popular with visitors who want genuine Karnataka craftsmanship without the uncertainty of bargaining in open markets.
Mysore Sandal Soap Factory Outlet
Mysore Sandal Soap, produced by the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited since 1916, is among India most iconic personal care brands, built on the region centuries-old tradition of sandalwood processing. The factory outlet near the production facility offers the full range of sandal soaps, talcum powders, agarbatti, and cosmetics at prices lower than retail stores. Picking up a few bars here is practically a Mysuru tradition, and the natural fragrance of pure sandalwood oil makes these products a distinctly memorable souvenir.
Mysore Silk Factory and Sales Emporium
Few things define Mysuru cultural identity quite like its silk, and the Government Silk Weaving Factory offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the city famous Mysore silk sarees are made. Visitors can watch weavers at work on traditional looms before heading to the attached sales emporium, where pure silk sarees, dress materials, and furnishing fabrics are available directly from the source. Buying here ensures both authenticity and fair pricing, making it a practical stop for serious shoppers.
Sayyaji Rao Road
The beating commercial heart of Mysuru, Sayyaji Rao Road is the city most storied shopping street and a sensory experience in its own right. Stretching from the palace gates toward the city centre, it is lined with government emporiums, silk showrooms, sandalwood shops, jewellers, and street vendors selling everything from agarbatti to antiques. Whether you are hunting for pure silk sarees, carved sandalwood souvenirs, or just soaking in the atmosphere of a thriving Indian market street, this road delivers it all.
Temple
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Chamundeshwari Temple
A hilltop temple atop Chamundi Hill overlooking Mysuru, dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari who slew the demon Mahishasura, reached by 1,000 steps or road with panoramic city views.
Nanjangud Temple
Located around 23 kilometres from Mysuru along the banks of the Kabini river, the Srikanteshwara Temple at Nanjangud is one of the most important Shaivite pilgrimage sites in Karnataka. Often called the Dakshina Kashi, the temple towering gopuram and intricate stone carvings reflect centuries of Dravidian craftsmanship. The presiding deity, Lord Srikanteshwara, draws thousands of devotees year-round, and the town bustling temple street adds to the atmosphere of an immersive pilgrimage experience.
Sri Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple
Located in the heart of Mysuru old city quarters, Sri Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple is a beloved Vaishnava shrine with deep roots in the city spiritual life. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is known for its ornate gopuram, vibrant festival celebrations, and the warm devotional atmosphere that fills its corridors throughout the day. It holds particular significance during Janmashtami, when elaborate decorations and night-long celebrations draw large gatherings of devotees from across the region.
Trineswaraswamy Temple
Nestled along the banks of the Kapila river, the Trineswaraswamy Temple is one of Mysuru oldest and most revered shrines, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his triple-formed manifestation. The temple riverside setting adds a layer of serenity that draws both devout pilgrims and curious visitors. Its architecture reflects the Dravidian style typical of Karnataka ancient temple tradition, and the ghats alongside the river make it a peaceful spot for quiet reflection, especially at dawn.