Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Mysore

Mysore is soaked in royal history. Mysore offers a diverse range of attractions, including gardens, lakes, churches, sanctuaries, temples, and museums. Every spot adds to the bigger picture. If you like walking, you’ll love the boulevards. If you love photography, you’ll never run out of frames. This city moves at its own pace. And that's the charm.

• Mysore Palace: The Palace of Mysore, or Amba Vilas Palace, stands tall with its Indo-Saracenic design and is referred to as the heart of the city. Architect Henry Irwin gave Mysore its most famous landmark. It has grand towers, ornate arches, and domes that change colour in daylight. The palace glows when lit in the evening. It took 15 years to complete. And even now, no building in the city comes close in scale or beauty.

• Chamundi Hill and Temple:Chamundi Hill is about 3,500 feet high. It gives a wide view of the city. At the top is the Chamundeswari Temple, built for the goddess who killed Mahishasura. She's considered the guardian of Mysore. The temple has a towering Gopura with gold finials, built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. His statue and those of his queens still stand there. This spot also hosts festivals and religious events throughout the year.

• Brindavan Gardens: This is a must-see. Brindavan Gardens sit at the base of the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam. The layout follows Mughal-style patterns, like the gardens in Kashmir. There’s boating at the centre and walkways along the water channels. The biggest draw is the musical fountain. It puts on a light and sound show every evening. It was the first of its kind in South India.

• St. Philomena’s Church: Built in 1804, this is one of India’s tallest churches. The design follows Gothic lines. It has twin spires that rise 175 feet, stained glass from France, and ornamental columns and arches. The hall is large, the structure sharp and detailed. This church shows how deeply Mysore was connected to Europe during the colonial era.

• Mysore Zoo: The zoo is over 130 years old. Started by Chamaraja Wodeyar X in 1892, it was once for the royals alone. It was called Khas-Bangale or Thamasha Bangale. It opened to the public in 1920. Now it covers 250 acres. The zoo has animals from India and abroad. Elephants, tigers, giraffes, and birds live in spacious enclosures. It’s clean, well-maintained, and educational.

• Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery: Built in 1861, this palace was a backup royal residence. Its Hindu architectural style stands out. The doors and walls are carved with scenes from mythology. The Dashavatara carvings at the entrance are its highlight. Inside, the art gallery displays works by Raja Ravi Varma and others. It’s a quiet but rich experience.

• Rail Museum: Just across CFTRI, this museum gives a visual history of Indian Railways. It was set up in 1979. You’ll see graphics, vintage photos, and parts of old railway stations. The main attraction is a royal train coach used by Mysore kings and queens. Old locomotives are also on display, along with tools and artefacts from the early railway era.

• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:This is a haven for bird watchers. Located near Srirangapattana, it has islands formed by the Kaveri River. The sanctuary spreads over 0.67 sq km. Birds from Europe, North America, and Siberia come here to nest. It was declared a national bird sanctuary in 1940, thanks to ornithologist Salim Ali. Visitors can also spot animals like jackals, deer, and wild boar on the islands.

• Karanji Lake: This is a peaceful spot. It has a butterfly park and India’s largest walk-through aviary. The lake used to attract birds like herons and egrets, but pollution once pushed them away. Restoration work brought life back to the water. Now, it’s clean, green, and perfect for a slow afternoon. Walks, boat rides, or bird watching – this lake offers them all.

• Lalitha Mahal Palace: This palace was built for the Viceroy of India. Located at the base of Chamundi Hill, it combines royalty and vintage charm. It is now a heritage hotel. White walls, large staircases, and polished floors reflect colonial grandeur. Even if you’re not staying here, visiting the place gives you a feel of Mysore’s royal hospitality.

Visiting these tourist attractions will surely make you hungry and crave the local delicacies. Mysore has a wide range of delicacies that are sure to leave every foodie satisfied. If you're in the city, try Mysore Masala Dosa. Sweet lovers must taste Mysore Pak. Street-side vendors sell vada, bonda, and idlis that define Karnataka cuisine. Coffee here is strong and served with precision. Local food is part of the city’s rhythm. It’s simple, clean, and deeply satisfying.

Mysore is well connected by road and rail. If you’re travelling from Bengaluru or other cities, take a Fresh Bus. It's India’s first all-electric intercity bus service. The ride is quiet, clean, and premium. With recliner seats, air-purified cabins, and ambient lighting, this is not your regular bus. Fresh Bus also prioritises safety as travellers can book tickets online, track the bus in real-time, and travel sustainably from Bengaluru to the Mysore bus stand.  

Fresh Bus timings from Bengaluru to Mysore are frequent, Mysore bus ticket prices are transparent, and there are no middlemen. Just go to the Fresh Bus website or download the app. The process takes minutes. This isn’t just about reaching Mysore. It’s about starting the journey in comfort and ending it with less fatigue. Fresh Bus lets you arrive fresh, literally.

Avoid long weekends if you want to explore quietly. Carry cotton in summer and layers in winter. Stay close to the palace area if you want everything nearby. Keep cash for local purchases. Download maps offline. Most importantly, choose how you travel. Your experience starts the moment you leave home. If you want something clean, quiet, and reliable, consider Fresh Bus.  

Mysore has a soul. Once you see it, you won’t forget it. This list of Mysore sightseeing places gives you a strong start, but the city has more. Walk around, take detours, and let the lanes show you something new. If you’re planning your next Mysore tourism trip, start with the basics. Pick the best time to visit Mysore, book your tickets early, and give yourself time to explore.  

There are many Mysore tourist spots, but not all of them make it into travel guides. Some are hidden in plain sight. Some are waiting for you to look up from your phone. Start your Mysore journey right. Start with the must-see places in Mysore. Let the city speak.