Top Places to Visit in Mysore in Three Days
Mysore (also known as Mysuru) is a city in the southern state of Karnataka in India. It is known for its rich history, culture, and tradition. Mysore is famous for its magnificent palaces, beautiful gardens, vibrant markets, and delicious cuisine.
If you only have three days to explore Mysore, here are some of the top places you can visit:
Day 1:
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Mysore Palace: Begin your tour with a visit to the iconic Mysore Palace, which is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The palace is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm every day, and you can also witness the palace being illuminated on Sundays and public holidays from 7:00 pm to 7:45 pm.
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Brindavan Gardens: After exploring the palace, head to the beautiful Brindavan Gardens, located on the outskirts of the city. The gardens are famous for their musical fountain, which is a must-see attraction in the evening.
Day 2:
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Chamundeshwari Temple: Start your second day with a visit to the Chamundeshwari Temple, which is located on top of Chamundi Hills. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari and is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the region.
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St. Philomena’s Cathedral: Next, head to St. Philomena’s Cathedral, which is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. The cathedral is open from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm every day.
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Rail Museum: End your day with a visit to the Rail Museum, which showcases the history of Indian Railways through various exhibits, vintage locomotives, and carriages.
Day 3:
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Mysore Zoo: On your last day, head to the Mysore Zoo, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, lions, elephants, and more.
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Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery: After exploring the zoo, head to the Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery, which houses a fascinating collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts.
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Karanji Lake: End your tour on a tranquil note by visiting Karanji Lake, which is home to over 90 species of birds and offers a range of recreational activities, including boating and birdwatching.
Day 1:
Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace is the main attraction in Mysore and is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The palace is located in the heart of the city and is the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. The construction of the palace was commissioned in 1897 and was completed in 1912. It is a three-story stone structure with marble domes, arches, and turrets.
The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is lit up with thousands of lights during special occasions and festivals. The interior of the palace is equally beautiful with intricate carvings, paintings, and artifacts. The palace has several halls including the Durbar Hall, which is the main hall, and houses a vast collection of royal artifacts, including weapons, musical instruments, and costumes.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and learn about the history and architecture of the palace. There is also a Sound and Light show held in the palace every evening, which is a must-see attraction for visitors. The best time to visit the palace is during the Dasara festival when the palace is decorated with thousands of lights and attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.
Brindavan Gardens
Brindavan Gardens is a famous garden located in the Mandya district, just outside of Mysore city. It is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its stunning symmetrical design, colorful flower beds, and beautiful fountains.
The garden was constructed in the year 1927 and is spread across an area of 60 acres. The main attraction of the garden is the musical fountain show that takes place in the evenings. The show is a display of water fountains that are synchronized with music and colorful lights, creating a mesmerizing experience.
Apart from the fountain show, visitors can also take a stroll in the garden, enjoy boating in the nearby lake, and take in the beautiful views of the nearby KRS Dam. The garden is open from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm every day, and the fountain show takes place in the evenings from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Day 2:
Chamundeshwari Temple
Chamundeshwari Temple is a famous Hindu temple located on the top of Chamundi Hills, about 13 km from the city of Mysore. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, who is believed to be the fierce form of Goddess Durga. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts a large number of devotees from all over the country.
The temple has a rich history and is said to have been built in the 12th century by Hoysala rulers. The temple underwent several renovations and expansions under the patronage of various rulers, including the Wodeyars of Mysore.
The temple complex consists of several structures, including a main shrine dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, along with shrines dedicated to other deities such as Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. The temple also has a large Nandi statue, which is considered to be one of the largest in the country.
Visitors can reach the temple by climbing a flight of over 1000 steps or by taking a road that winds up the hill. The temple is open from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm and then from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm every day. It is a must-visit attraction in Mysore and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and city.
St. Philomena’s Cathedral
St. Philomena’s Cathedral is a beautiful and historic Roman Catholic cathedral located in Mysore. The cathedral is one of the largest churches in South India and is known for its stunning neo-Gothic architecture, which is reminiscent of medieval European cathedrals.
The cathedral was built in 1936 and is dedicated to St. Philomena, a Catholic saint and martyr who is venerated by the Church. The architecture of the cathedral is inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany and features two tall spires that soar up to a height of 175 feet.
The interiors of the cathedral are equally impressive, with stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and beautiful paintings adorning the walls. The cathedral can accommodate over 800 people and is a popular venue for weddings and other religious ceremonies.
The cathedral is open to visitors from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm every day, and visitors can attend mass and other religious services. It is a must-visit attraction in Mysore for those interested in history and architecture.
Rail Museum
The Rail Museum in Mysore is a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of Indian railways. The museum is located in the city center, near the Mysore railway station, and is spread across a large area of around 4 acres.
The museum has a rich collection of steam engines, carriages, and other railway artifacts that date back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can take a tour of the museum and learn about the history of Indian railways, including the development of the railway system in the country, the technology behind steam engines, and the role of railways in shaping India’s economy and culture.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Maharani’s saloon carriage, which was used by the Wodeyar rulers of Mysore for their train journeys. The carriage is beautifully restored and furnished with luxurious amenities that were available to the royalty during their travels.
The museum also has a toy train that takes visitors on a short ride around the museum complex, offering a glimpse into the world of railways.
The Rail Museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm every day except on Mondays and national holidays. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of railways in India.
Day 3:
Mysore Zoo
Mysore Zoo, officially known as the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mysore. The zoo is spread over a vast area of around 157 acres and is home to over 168 species of animals, birds, and reptiles from all over the world.
The zoo is famous for its breeding programs and conservation efforts to protect endangered species. Some of the popular animals in the zoo include the Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, lion, jaguar, giraffe, zebra, and many more. The zoo also has a reptile park, an aviary, and a butterfly park.
One of the highlights of the zoo is the daily feeding sessions, where visitors can watch animals being fed by zookeepers. The zoo also has a toy train that takes visitors around the zoo, offering a unique perspective on the animals and their habitats.
The Mysore Zoo is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm every day except on Tuesdays. The best time to visit the zoo is during the early morning hours when the animals are more active.
Overall, the Mysore Zoo is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation.
Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery
Jaganmohan Palace is a beautiful palace in Mysore that was built in 1861. It was initially used by the Wodeyar kings as a royal palace before it was converted into an art gallery. Today, the palace houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts.
The Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery has an extensive collection of paintings from various art schools and artists from all over India. Some of the notable works include the traditional Mysore style paintings, the Tanjore paintings, and the European oil paintings. The gallery also has a collection of modern art and contemporary paintings.
Apart from the paintings, the palace has several other attractions, such as the Durbar Hall, which is a grand hall used for public events and ceremonies. The hall is adorned with exquisite chandeliers, and the walls are decorated with intricate paintings.
The palace also has a beautiful garden, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. There is a small café on the premises that serves coffee and light snacks.
The Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm every day except on Wednesdays. It is a must-visit attraction for art lovers and anyone interested in the history and culture of Mysore.
Karanji Lake
Karanji Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake located in Mysore, Karnataka, India. The lake spans over an area of 90 acres and is surrounded by a nature park that is spread across 55 acres. The lake is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who come here to enjoy the serene surroundings and engage in various recreational activities.
The lake is home to over 90 species of resident and migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot several species of ducks, egrets, herons, and other waterbirds here. The lake also has a small island in the middle, which is home to a bird sanctuary and a butterfly park.
Apart from birdwatching, visitors can also engage in several other activities at Karanji Lake. There is a boating facility available, and visitors can rent paddleboats or rowboats to explore the lake’s calm waters. There is also a children’s play area and a butterfly park, which has a collection of over 45 species of butterflies.
Karanji Lake is open to visitors every day from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and the entry fee is nominal. The lake and the surrounding nature park offer a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and are an ideal destination for a day outing with family and friends.
