Mysore city with its rich historical past is the second largest city in the Southern Indian state of Karnataka. Just 130 km from the state capital Bengaluru, Mysore has an old-world charm and boasts of fabulous palaces, ancient temples, and beautiful gardens.
Famed for its silk and sandalwood, Mysore is the stuff legends are made off. Mysore’s captivating mix of history and commerce is sure to leave any visitor bewitched.
So travel to Mysore and explore this heritage city.
How to Reach Mysore?
By Air : Mysore does not have an airport. The nearest airport at Bangalore (130 km) is quite well connected to the rest of the country and to some places abroad. The distance is very easily covered; there’s a host of rail and road options to choose from.
By Rail : More than four trains ply between Bangalore and Mysore everyday. Mysore is pretty well connected to the rest of the local area and it also has weekly connections to New Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai.
By Road : Mysore is quite close to the southern border of Karnataka. Road distances are really more manageable from tourist places in northern Tamil Nadu and Kerala than to a place in even central Karnataka. There are buses plying all around, deluxe, super deluxe, express and super fast. It is also possible to hire chauffeur driven cars, which would make the longer journeys a little less never-ending and tedious.
Best Time to Visit Mysore
Mysore is one city that can actually be visited anytime! The summer is not scorching hot and neither is the winter too cold, making it pleasant enough to visit any time of the year. Though it does rain some from June to October, so if you do have choice, you could avoid these months.
October to March sees very equitable climate in Mysore with the daytime being cool and pleasant and temperatures being in the range of 20-30 degrees C, and is the ideal time for sightseeing forays. In September/October during Dussehra time, celebrations are on in full swing and the Mysore Palace is a pretty sight as it is lit up and festivities are in the air. There are cultural shows that are put up, and general bonhomie atmosphere in the city. A very good time to be in Mysore, indeed!
February and March are when the flowers burst into bloom and the city is one lovely garden - the weather is still cool and this promises to be a good time to visit Mysore.
Things to do in Mysore
Mysore boasts of a plethora of things to do. Visit some magnificent and grand palaces, historical monuments, ruins and beautiful gardens. Connoisseurs of art and culture will have a great time exploring the variety of beautiful structures, museums and art galleries in this city. Religiously inclined can pay homage at various temples like Sri Mahalingeshwara. Work up your appetite by shopping for some famous Mysore silks, incense and sandalwood carvings and satisfy your hunger by feasting upon large thalis of sumptuous local food. Go for a short picnic to nearby Srirangapatnam or enjoy gazing birds in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary that is 15 kms from Mysore.
Places Near Mysore
Some of the interesting places near Mysore have been mentioned below for your convenience.
Srirangapatnam (12 km) is a river island that because of its natural protector in the River Cauvery had for long been a coveted location for many powers. It’s most famously associated with Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan who fought off the marauding Marathas and the British from here till Tipu was tragically defeated in battle right here in his backyard.
Parts of the old Fort still stand, as does Tipu’s Daria Daulat Bagh, the summer palace set in a magnificent garden. The palace itself is resplendent with detailed frescoes on its teak walls and ceilings, of battle scenes and father and son at the head of an elephant army. An old mosque stands on the same soil as three temples in testimony to Tipu’s religious tolerance, and the family mausoleum or Gumbaz has beautiful ivory on wood inlay.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (15 km) located on a river island in the Cauvery, is a wetland birds haven. Here, there are resident flocks of ibis, egrets, cormorants, storks, spoonbill ducks, darters, and others that are best viewed in the morning or afternoons. It can be accessed by road and boats will take you around the island for a fruitful and enjoyable trip.
Hotels in Mysore – Choice is Yours
There are numerous hotels in Mysore ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.