Places to Visit in Mysore

Devaraja Market in Mysuru is a lively, century-old marketplace that beautifully blends tradition, culture, and everyday life. With over 800 shops and stalls, it’s a go-to spot for locals and a must-visit place in Mysore for tourists seeking an authentic Indian market experience. The air is filled with the scent of fresh jasmine and incense, while rows of colourful fruits, vegetables, and spices create a vibrant, sensory-rich atmosphere.

From fresh produce and flowers to traditional items and local delicacies, there’s something for everyone. The market’s colonial-era architecture adds a touch of historical charm, making your visit not just about shopping but also about experiencing a piece of Mysuru’s living heritage.

Nestled in the heart of Mysore city, Sri Shvethavaraha Swami Gudi is a sacred temple that is dedicated to lord Varaha, a boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple’s name translates to ‘White Boar,’ which refers to the rare white stone idol enshrined here. The temple was built in the Hoysala style and features beautifully carved pillars, detailed walls, and paintings from ancient epics. It was originally consecrated in Srirangapatna by Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar, and the idol of Lord Varaha was later relocated to Mysore in the 1800s.

Sri Shvethavahara Gudi offers deep spiritual energy, a peaceful atmosphere, and rich historical values. This temple is both a religious and cultural landmark, attracting devotees and architecture lovers throughout the year.

The Mysore palace is also known as the Amba Villas Palace which is located in Karnataka,Bangalore.It is known for its historical and cultural significance while being the royal residence for the Wadiyar dynasty.

It was designed by Henry Irwin depicting the Indo-Sarenic architecture with elements from Islamic, Rajput and Gothic architecture styles.It is renowned for its majestic domes,vibrant glass windows and intricate carvings.

The palace is illuminated everyday with lakhs of lights creating a very mesmerizing view for all the visitors to adore .The Dasara festival celebrated here is a must watch where the entire city is illuminated with lights along with the elephant procession, where the decorated elephants carry the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari.

Located on the northern edge of the town, St. Philomena’s Cathedral is a famous landmark known for its tall spires and beautiful stained-glass windows. It is dedicated to Saint Philomena, a 3rd-century Greek saint. The cathedral’s full name is the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Philomena, but locals often call it St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Built in Neo-Gothic style, its grand design was inspired by the famous Cologne Cathedral in Germany and was designed by French architect Daly. Its stunning architecture has not only made it a spiritual site but also a filming location, with scenes from the Bollywood film Amar Akbar Anthony. Whether you are here for faith or architecture, the church offers a quiet retreat for anyone exploring the city.

The Chamundeshwari Temple is a holy place in Mysore, Karnataka, that stands proudly on top of Chamundi Hill. The temple is very important to both religion and culture because it is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the fierce form of Durga, who defeated the demon Mahishasura.

The Hoysalas built it in the 12th century, and the Wodeyars added to it. It has a beautiful Dravidian-style gopuram with detailed carvings, making it perfect for taking pictures. People who want to visit can either walk up 1,008 stone steps or drive to the top, passing the huge Nandi bull statue along the way. The sanctum is full of spiritual energy, especially during the big Dasara festival. Visitors are rewarded with peaceful rituals and stunning views of Mysore city, making this a powerful mix of history, devotion, and natural beauty.

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as Mysuru Zoo, is one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in India, located near the Mysore Palace. Spread across lush green landscapes, the zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals, birds, and reptiles from over 25 countries, including Africa, America, and Australia.

It is the only zoo in India to successfully breed African elephants and was the first to house gorillas and penguins. Known for its clean, natural environment and rich vegetation, the zoo offers visitors a chance to observe wildlife up close in a setting that mimics their natural habitats. The zoo is also one of the major contributors to wildlife conservation through breeding and rehabilitation of endangered species.

The Melody World Wax Museum in Mysore is a distinctive attraction that blends music, art, and culture. The museum is located in a 90-year-old heritage building and showcases over 100 life-sized wax statues of musicians. This museum also features an impressive collection of more than 1200 musical instruments from around the globe. Here, each exhibit is thoughtfully arranged to represent various musical genres, from Indian classical to Western rock.

Visitors can also explore additional attractions around the museum, like the horror house, the mirror maze, and virtual reality experiences that make it a delightful destination for families and music enthusiasts alike.

Located in the beautiful premises of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Mysuru, Shuka Vana is also known as the “Parrot Park”. It houses over 2,100 rare and exotic birds from around the world, with a focus on parrot species. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji founded the Shuka Vana, and it promotes welfare, rehabilitation, and preservation of avian life. Each bird here is linked to a specific zodiac sign or a planet based on Indian astrology, giving this sanctuary a spiritual significance, too.

For nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike, Shuka Vana offers a serene and enlightening escape into the fascinating world of feathered wonders.

Located about 12 km from Mysore, Brindavan Garden is a beautiful example of Mughal-style landscaping. Inspired by the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir, it includes terraced gardens, vibrant floral displays, manicured lawns, and ornamental fountains.

One of the main attractions is the evening musical fountain show, a vibrant presentation that cannot be missed. The visitors can take a stroll through the manicured pathways and enjoy the illuminated fountains.

The garden also includes a designated children’s play area, which makes it the perfect way to spend a day of fun with the whole family. You can pack a picnic or enjoy many options from the local stalls.

Karanji Lake, built by the King of Mysore nearly 100 years ago, has been maintained by the Mysore Zoo since 1976. Spread over 90 acres, the lake covers a 2.5 km area and is a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. It is home to the largest walk-through aviary in India, a scenic waterfall, and two small water bodies that enhance its beauty. 

One of its highlights is the Butterfly Park, where over 45 species of butterflies can be seen fluttering around. Visitors can also enjoy paddle or row boating while soaking in the lake’s natural charm. On the banks of the river lies the Regional Museum of Natural History, offering insights into South India's environment and wildlife. Together, these experiences make the lake a perfect spot for nature lovers and curious minds alike.

Located in the Heart of Mysuru, the Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery and Auditorium is a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage that speaks the stories of art and culture of the region. It was constructed in 1861 by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, and this architectural marvel initially served as a royal residence during the reconstruction of Mysore Palace. By 1915, it transformed into an art gallery, and now it houses the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. This art gallery has over 2,000 complex artworks, including masterpieces by Raja Ravi Varma, which makes it one of the best places to include in your Mysore tour package.

The Jaganmohan Palace’s auditorium continues to be a vibrant venue for classical music concerts and cultural events, making it a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.

The Folklore Museum is set within the stunning Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion on the University of Mysore’s Manasagangotri campus. It provides a captivating deep dive into Karnataka’s cultural heritage, with more than 6,500 artefacts, including traditional folk art, musical instruments, and rural household items. Visitors can also see rare things like ancient puppets, ritual masks, and ceremonial objects, such as the one-of-a-kind Hanuman crown.

The museum provides information about how people in the village lived and conveys their stories. There are also occasional folk performances and workshops that make the experience more interactive and educational. It is a must for anyone who is interested in Karnataka's rich and colourful folklore, art, and rural culture.

Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden, nestled in the serene town of Mysore, India, is a unique and enchanting destination for nature lovers and bonsai enthusiasts. Established within the expansive and spiritually significant Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Ashram, this garden showcases an exquisite collection of over 450 bonsai trees, each meticulously nurtured and artistically shaped to perfection.