3 Days in Mysuru for an Active Getaway

Kick off your Mysuru adventure with its most iconic sights, from the grand Mysuru Palace to the vibrant Devaraja Market, topped off with a sunset view from Chamundi Hill.

Activities

Mysuru Palace Tour

Start your day at the breathtaking Mysuru Palace, the former royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. The intricate architecture, lavish interiors, and the grand Durbar Hall are a feast for the eyes. Don’t miss the palace’s illuminated view if you’re visiting on a Sunday or public holiday evening.

Mysuru Palace, Sayyaji Rao Road10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (opens at 10 AM, best to arrive early to avoid crowds)INR 70-100 per person (foreign tourists pay higher)

Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll walk a lot inside the palace
• Photography is allowed outside but prohibited inside the palace

Devaraja Market Exploration

Dive into the sensory overload of Devaraja Market, a century-old bustling bazaar. From fragrant sandalwood and fresh flowers to colorful spices and local souvenirs, this market is a snapshot of Mysuru’s daily life. Try bargaining for trinkets or pick up some authentic Mysore sandalwood soap.

Devaraja Market, Dhanvanthri Road12:30 PM - 2:00 PM (market is liveliest in the morning, but this timing avoids the midday heat)Free to explore (shopping varies)

Tips:

• Carry small change for street vendors
• Try the fresh coconut water sold inside the market

Chamundi Hill Sunset

Head up Chamundi Hill in the late afternoon to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple and catch a panoramic sunset over Mysuru. The 1,000-step climb (optional) is a local favorite, but you can also drive up. The giant Nandi statue halfway up is a great photo spot.

Chamundi Hill, about 10 km from city center4:30 PM - 6:30 PM (sunset around 6:15 PM)Free (small donation at temple optional)

Tips:

• Dress modestly for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered)
• Weekends can get crowded, weekdays are quieter

Must Try Foods

A mix of history, nature, and local flavors, today takes you to some of Mysuru's other iconic spots and hidden delights.

Activities

Brindavan Gardens & KRS Dam

Start your morning with a visit to the stunning Brindavan Gardens, spread below the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam. The terraced gardens, musical fountains, and serene boating options make it a perfect spot to relax. The dam itself is an engineering marvel, offering great views of the Cauvery River. Arrive early to avoid crowds and catch the gardens at their freshest.

Brindavan Gardens, Krishna Raja Sagara8:00 AM - 11:00 AM (musical fountain show at 7:00 PM if you want to return later)₹50-100 per person (entry fee), extra for boat rides

Tips:

• Carry sunscreen and a hat—it gets sunny by mid-morning.
• If you’re into photography, the gardens look magical in the soft morning light.

St. Philomena's Church & Local Lunch

Head back to the city to visit St. Philomena's Church, one of the tallest churches in Asia. The neo-gothic architecture and stained-glass windows are breathtaking. After soaking in the tranquility, grab lunch at a nearby local favorite like Hotel Hanumanthu for authentic Mysuru-style mutton curry or Mylari for their legendary dosas.

St. Philomena's Church, Ashoka Rd11:30 AM - 1:00 PMFree (church), ₹200-400 per person (lunch)

Tips:

• Dress modestly for the church—shoulders and knees covered.
• Mylari gets crowded; arrive before noon to beat the rush.

Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery

Spend the afternoon at Jaganmohan Palace, a lesser-known gem compared to the main palace but equally fascinating. The attached art gallery houses rare collections, including paintings by Raja Ravi Varma. The palace grounds are peaceful, perfect for a slow stroll.

Jaganmohan Palace, Mysuru2:00 PM - 4:00 PM₹50-100 per person

Tips:

• Check if there’s a cultural event or exhibition—the palace often hosts them.
• The nearby Chamundi Vihar Stadium has a nice café for a quick chai break.

Must Try Foods

Dive into Mysuru's hidden gems and cultural treasures, from ancient temples to vibrant silk markets and a serene lake.

Activities

Srirangapatna Day Trip

Just a short drive from Mysuru, Srirangapatna is a historic island town packed with stories of Tipu Sultan. Visit the Dariya Daulat Bagan, his summer palace with beautiful frescoes, and the Gumbaz mausoleum where he’s buried. Don’t miss the Ranganathaswamy Temple, a stunning example of Hoysala architecture.

Srirangapatna, about 15 km from MysuruMorning, around 9 AM to avoid the midday heatEntry fees: ~₹50-100 per site

Tips:

• Hire a local guide at Dariya Daulat Bagan for deeper insights into Tipu Sultan’s life.
• Wear comfortable shoes—there’s a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.

Mysuru Silk Shopping & Folklore Museum

Head back to Mysuru for some silk shopping at the Government Silk Weaving Factory. Watch artisans create intricate patterns on looms, then pick up authentic Mysuru silk sarees. Later, visit the quirky Folklore Museum at the University of Mysore, showcasing puppets, masks, and tribal artifacts from across Karnataka.

Silk Factory: Mananthavady Rd; Folklore Museum: University of Mysore campusAfternoon, around 2 PM (factory closes by 4 PM)Silk sarees from ₹2,000; Museum entry: ~₹20

Tips:

• Bargain gently at the silk factory’s outlet—fixed prices but sometimes discounts apply.
• The museum is small but packed—ask the caretaker to explain rare exhibits.

Karanji Lake Sunset & Local Eats

Wrap up your trip at Karanji Lake, a peaceful spot with walking trails and a butterfly park. Rent a pedal boat or just relax by the water. For dinner, try Mylari’s iconic masala dosa or head to Vinayaka Mylari for melt-in-the-mouth ghee dosas—both are local legends.

Karanji Lake: Near Mysuru Zoo; Mylari: Nazarbad areaEvening, around 5:30 PMLake entry: ~₹20; Dosa: ~₹50-100

Tips:

• The butterfly park closes by 5 PM—plan accordingly.
• Mylari’s gets crowded; arrive early or be ready to wait.

Must Try Foods