Top Places to visit in Mysore in One Day
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 one day to explore Mysore, here are some of the top places you can visit:
Day 1:
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Mysore Palace: Start your day by visiting the most iconic landmark of the city, the Mysore Palace. It is a grand and royal palace with stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
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Chamundeshwari Temple: Next, visit the Chamundeshwari Temple, situated on top of Chamundi Hills. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari and offers stunning views of the city.
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Mysore Zoo: After that, visit the Mysore Zoo, also known as the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens. It is a beautiful zoo and home to a variety of animals like tigers, lions, elephants, and more.
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Brindavan Gardens: End your day by visiting the Brindavan Gardens, a beautiful garden situated near the KRS Dam. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day.
Day 2:
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Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery: Start your day by visiting the Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery, which is a beautiful palace turned art gallery. It has an extensive collection of traditional Mysore paintings.
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St. Philomena’s Cathedral: Next, visit the St. Philomena’s Cathedral, which is a beautiful Gothic-style church in the heart of the city. It is one of the tallest churches in Asia and is a must-visit for its beautiful architecture.
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Rail Museum: After that, visit the Rail Museum, which is a unique museum dedicated to the history of Indian Railways. It has an extensive collection of vintage locomotives, artifacts, and photographs.
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Karanji Lake: End your day by visiting the Karanji Lake, which is a beautiful lake and a perfect place for bird watching. It is also home to a butterfly park and a small zoo.
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.
Chamundi Hill
Chamundi Hill is a popular pilgrimage site located about 13 km from Mysore city center. The hill is named after the goddess Chamundeshwari, who is believed to have defeated the demon Mahishasura on this hill. The Chamundeshwari Temple, located on top of the hill, is a major attraction and is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists every day.
The temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture and is believed to have been built during the 12th century. The temple has a beautiful idol of the goddess Chamundeshwari, which is adorned with precious jewels and gold. The temple also has a statue of the demon Mahishasura, who was defeated by the goddess.
To reach the temple, visitors can climb the 1000 steps that lead to the top of the hill or take a taxi or bus. The climb can be strenuous, but the panoramic views of the city from the top of the hill are worth the effort. There are several other attractions on the hill, including a statue of Nandi, the bull, and the Mahabaleshwara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic at the hilltop and soak in the serene surroundings.
Mysore Zoo
Mysore Zoo, also known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is a beautiful and well-maintained zoo located in the heart of Mysore city in Karnataka, India. Spread over an area of 157 acres, the zoo is home to a diverse range of animals, birds, and reptiles.
Some of the major attractions at Mysore Zoo include tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinoceros, hippos, and several species of birds and reptiles. The zoo is also known for its breeding programs and conservation efforts, especially for endangered species like the white tiger and the Indian rhinoceros.
Apart from animal sightings, the zoo also offers a variety of other activities and experiences like safari rides, battery-operated vehicles, and a walk-through aviary. Visitors can also enjoy a toy train ride and a boating experience in the lake located within the zoo premises.
Mysore Zoo is a popular attraction among tourists and locals alike and is a must-visit destination in Mysore. It is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and the entry fee varies based on age and nationality.
Brindavan Gardens
Brindavan Gardens is a beautiful garden located near the Krishnarajasagar Dam in the Mandya district of Karnataka, about 21 kilometers from Mysore city. Spread over an area of 60 acres, the garden is a popular tourist destination and a perfect place for relaxation and entertainment.
The garden is well-known for its symmetrically designed terrace gardens, colorful fountains, and beautiful musical fountain show in the evenings. The musical fountain show is the highlight of the garden and attracts a large number of visitors every day. The show is a beautiful display of water, light, and music that is synchronized to create a stunning visual experience.
Apart from the musical fountain show, visitors can also enjoy a boat ride on the beautiful lake located within the garden premises. The garden also has a children’s park, an aquarium, and several eateries that serve local snacks and refreshments.
Brindavan Gardens is open to visitors every day from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm. The best time to visit the garden is during the evening when the musical fountain show takes place. The entry fee to the garden is nominal, and visitors can also hire a guide to learn more about the garden’s history and architecture.
Day 2:
Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery
Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery is a beautiful palace located in the heart of Mysore city in Karnataka, India. The palace was built in 1861 by Krishnaraja Wadiyar III as an alternate residence for the royal family. Today, the palace serves as an art gallery and is one of the must-visit destinations in Mysore.
The palace is well-known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings on the walls and pillars. It houses a large collection of paintings, artifacts, and sculptures that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. Some of the major attractions at the art gallery include paintings by renowned artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Svetoslav Roerich, and Nicholas Roerich.
Apart from the art gallery, visitors can also explore the palace’s beautiful halls, corridors, and rooms that are adorned with beautiful paintings and artifacts. The palace is also well-known for its beautiful wooden doors and ceilings.
Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery is open to visitors every day except for Wednesdays, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The entry fee is nominal, and visitors can also hire a guide to learn more about the palace’s history and architecture.
St. Philomena’s Cathedral
St. Philomena’s Cathedral is a beautiful church located in the heart of Mysore city in Karnataka, India. The cathedral is one of the largest churches in South India and is a prominent landmark in the city. It was built in 1956 and is dedicated to Saint Philomena, a third-century saint who was martyred in the Roman Empire.
The cathedral’s architecture is inspired by the Gothic style of architecture and is reminiscent of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The cathedral’s spires, arches, and stained-glass windows are some of the notable features that make it a unique and stunning place to visit.
Inside the cathedral, visitors can marvel at the beautiful altar, which is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings. The cathedral’s high ceilings, pillars, and arches create a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place for quiet contemplation and prayer.
St. Philomena’s Cathedral is open to visitors every day from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visitors can attend mass, which is held regularly in both English and Kannada languages. The cathedral is a must-visit destination in Mysore and attracts tourists and locals alike who come to admire its beauty and serenity.
Rail Museum
The Rail Museum is a popular tourist attraction located in Mysore, Karnataka, India. The museum was established in 1979 and is spread across an area of 10 acres. The museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Indian Railways and showcases a fascinating collection of vintage locomotives, carriages, and other railway-related artifacts.
One of the major attractions at the Rail Museum is the Maharani’s Saloon, a luxurious carriage that was used by the royal family of Mysore. The carriage is beautifully restored and showcases the opulence and grandeur of the bygone era. Visitors can also see a collection of steam engines, diesel engines, and electric engines that were used by Indian Railways over the years.
Apart from the locomotives, the museum also has several exhibits that showcase the history of Indian Railways. There is a model railway section that depicts different types of trains and railway stations from different parts of India. Visitors can also see a collection of old photographs, documents, and artifacts that offer a glimpse into the life of railway workers and passengers in the past.
The Rail Museum is open to visitors every day except for Mondays, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. The entry fee is nominal, and visitors can also hire a guide to learn more about the museum’s history and exhibits. The museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of Indian Railways and the role they played in shaping the country’s economy and culture.
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.
