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Mysuru – Heritage, Palaces, and the Charm of Old Karnataka

Mysuru – Heritage, Palaces, and the Charm of Old Karnataka
Mysuru (formerly Mysore) is a city that blends royalty, tradition, and laid-back urban life. From the grand Mysore Palace to the buzzing Devaraja Market, the city offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re drawn to its history, intrigued by yoga schools, or just want to try authentic Mysore masala dosa, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Mysuru — Karnataka’s cultural heart.

About Mysuru

Located in southern Karnataka, Mysuru is known for its royal heritage, classical art forms, and its world-famous Dussehra festival. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore, the city has retained its regal past in the form of palaces, wide boulevards, and colonial architecture. Today, it's also a hub for sandalwood products, silk sarees, and Ayurvedic therapies.

The pace here is slower than in Bengaluru, and the air feels fresher. You’ll notice locals speaking Kannada, and many are fluent in English and Hindi. The streets are clean, the gardens are well-kept, and the food — deeply flavorful.

 

History of Mysuru

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Mysuru’s history is deeply tied to the Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled the region for over 500 years. Under their rule, the city flourished in arts, architecture, and urban planning. The British also left their mark here, making it one of the earliest planned cities in India.

In the early 20th century, Mysuru became a center for education and culture. It was one of the first Indian cities to receive electricity and a public transport system. The Mysore Palace, still owned by the royal family, remains the city's main attraction.

The city also has religious and mythological significance — its name is said to come from "Mahishasura", the demon defeated by Goddess Chamundeshwari.

 

Top Places to Visit in Mysuru

  1. Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace)

    • A grand Indo-Saracenic palace with stained glass, intricate ceilings, and gold-leafed domes.

    • Lit up with 97,000 lights on Sundays and during Dussehra.

    • Location: City center

  2. Chamundi Hill and Chamundeshwari Temple

    • A 1,000-step climb or a drive up the hill takes you to the temple of the city's guardian goddess.

    • Offers panoramic views of Mysuru.

    • Location: 13 km from city center

  3. St. Philomena’s Church

    • Built in Neo-Gothic style, it's one of the tallest churches in Asia.

    • Known for its twin spires and stained-glass interiors.

    • Location: Ashoka Road

  4. Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery

    • Houses paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and traditional Mysore art.

    • Also includes musical instruments and royal memorabilia.

    • Location: Near Mysore Palace

  5. Mysuru Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens)

    • One of India’s oldest zoos, clean and well-maintained.

    • Great for families and nature lovers.

    • Location: Near Palace, on Zoo Road

  6. Brindavan Gardens

    • Famous for musical fountain shows in the evening.

    • Located at the base of Krishnarajasagara Dam.

    • Location: 22 km from city center

  7. Rail Museum

    • Vintage locomotives, royal carriages, and fun exhibits for kids.

    • Location: KRS Road

  8. Devaraja Market

    • A colorful market for flowers, fruits, incense, oils, and Mysore pak.

    • Great for photography and souvenirs.

    • Location: Sayyaji Rao Road

 

Things to Do in Mysuru

  • Visit the palace during the evening illumination.

  • Climb Chamundi Hill at sunrise for a peaceful start.

  • Take a heritage walk around the old city.

  • Shop for sandalwood oil and silk sarees.

  • Try yoga sessions in the Gokulam neighborhood.

  • Take a Tonga (horse cart) ride around Mysore Palace.

  • Attend the Dussehra festival if visiting in October.

  • Visit a local café for filter coffee and masala dosa.

 

What to Eat in Mysuru

Mysuru is a food lover’s destination, especially if you enjoy South Indian flavors. Many meals are served on banana leaves.

Must-Try Dishes:

  1. Mysore Masala Dosa – A spicier version of regular dosa with red chutney

  2. Bisi Bele Bath – A spicy rice dish with lentils and vegetables

  3. Ragi Mudde – Finger millet balls served with sambar or curry

  4. Mysore Pak – A rich, ghee-based sweet originally from this city

  5. Idli-Vada Combo – Common breakfast with chutney and sambar

  6. Chow Chow Bath – Combo of sweet and savory upma

  7. Filter Coffee – Served frothy and strong

Popular Restaurants:

  • Mylari (for dosas)

  • RRR (for traditional thali meals)

  • Hotel Siddharta

  • Vinayaka Mylari

  • Gayatri Tiffin Room

 

Where to Stay in Mysuru

Mysuru offers options for all budgets, from budget lodges to heritage hotels.

Budget:

  • Aashraya Hotel

  • SK Elegance

  • The Mansion 1907 (popular with backpackers)

Mid-Range:

  • Royal Orchid Metropole

  • Fortune JP Palace

  • Southern Star Mysore

Luxury:

  • Radisson Blu Plaza

  • Grand Mercure Mysore

  • Silent Shores Resort & Spa

Tip: Book early during Dussehra as hotels fill up fast.

 

Travel Tips

  • Best time to visit: October to February (pleasant weather)

  • Avoid: April–June (hot and dry)

  • Language: Kannada is widely spoken; English is common in tourist areas

  • Transport: Autos, Ola cabs, local buses

  • Dress modestly when visiting temples

  • Carry sunscreen and a hat for daytime sightseeing

  • Markets open early — best to shop before noon

  • ATM and mobile coverage is good across the city

 

Hidden Gems

  1. Karanji Lake – Quiet bird-watching spot with a butterfly park

  2. Cheluvamba Mansion – Now houses CFTRI, but viewable from outside

  3. Sand Sculpture Museum – Unique open-air art on Chamundi Hill Road

  4. Lalitha Mahal Palace – Now a hotel, but you can visit its stunning colonial interior

  5. Gokulam area – A peaceful residential neighborhood popular for yoga classes

  6. Railway Museum’s toy train – Small ride especially fun for kids

  7. Regional Museum of Natural History – Educational and rarely crowded

 

Useful Local Phrases (Kannada)

  • Namaskara – Hello

  • Oota aayta? – Have you eaten?

  • Eshtu? – How much?

  • Dayavittu – Please

  • DhanyavaadagaLu – Thank you

  • Idu chennagide – This is nice

  • Naanu tourist – I’m a tourist

Locals are generally helpful and appreciate a greeting in Kannada.

 

How to Reach Mysuru

By Air:

  • Nearest airport: Mysuru Airport (limited flights)

  • Closest major airport: Bengaluru International Airport (170 km away)

By Train:

  • Regular trains from Bengaluru, Chennai, and other major cities

  • Mysore Junction is centrally located

By Road:

  • 3.5–4 hour drive from Bengaluru via NH275

  • KSRTC buses and private taxis are widely available

Local Transport:

  • Autos, taxis, and cycle rickshaws

  • App-based cabs like Ola operate well here

  • You can also rent scooters or bicycles for local travel

 

Final Thoughts

Mysuru offers more than just palaces and temples — it’s a city where culture is part of daily life. From its quiet, tree-lined avenues to its bustling markets and traditional cuisine, everything moves at a relaxed pace.

It’s a city that respects its past but remains welcoming to new visitors. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, Mysuru leaves you feeling grounded, well-fed, and culturally richer.

If you enjoy learning as you travel, soaking in real local flavors, and walking through clean, historic streets — Mysuru is your kind of place.

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