Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Mysore You Can’t Miss

Places to Visit in Mysore

Nestled in the heart of Karnataka, Mysore was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore, and is renowned for its opulent palaces, vibrant markets, and stunning architecture. The city is also famous for its Mysore Pak- a sweet dish, and the gorgeous Mysore silk sarees.  There are numerous tourist places to see in Mysore, of which the following are the top 5 ones you shouldn’t miss. 

• Mysore Palace

One of the most famous Mysore places to visit, the magnificent Mysore Palace is an architectural beauty. It’s considered one of the largest palaces in India and has been the home of the Wadiyar dynasty for centuries. 

The entrance to the palace is through the four large arched gates leading to the lovely garden that encompasses the palace. The exquisite carvings, paintings, and intricate designs of palace interiors can instantly take you back to the ancient days of royal glory. The palace is also known for its vibrant illumination during the Dasara festival, a sight to behold! 

• Brindavan Gardens 

This is a spectacular garden spread over an area of 60 acres. The garden is the perfect blend of natural beauty, architectural brilliance, and technological innovation. This beautiful, terraced garden is built in the Krishnaraj Sagar Dam complex. At a distance of 23 km, Brindavan Gardens is one of the best places to visit near Mysore, especially during the weekends. A major attraction of this sprawling garden is the musical fountains. Watching the fountains dance to the tune of various songs is a fun experience, especially for kids. The fountain show is held in the evenings, and you can witness a magical display of colours and music that is sure to leave you mesmerized. You can also visit the fruit orchards or take a boat ride while visiting this amazing place.  

• St. Philomena's Church 

The 200-year-old church was small initially. However, thanks to the patronage of the Wodeyar rulers of Mysore, it grew to be one of the largest cathedrals in South Asia. Dedicated to St. Philomena, the church is built in Gothic-style architecture. Its large, stained-glass windows with paintings depicting biblical events enhance spiritual connection among the believers. Whether you're a religious devotee or an admirer of art and architecture, St. Philomena's Church is worth a visit when in Mysore. 

• Karanji Lake 

The picturesque lake is at the base of Chamundi hills, covering an area of over 90 acres. One of the best Mysore tourist places for nature lovers, Karanji Lake is surrounded by one of the biggest walk-through aviaries in India. The Regional Museum of Natural History and the Butterfly Park are other unique tourist attractions you can explore while visiting the lake.  

• Mysore Zoo 

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, or the Mysore Zoo as most locals call it, is one of the best places to visit in Mysore for people of all ages. Established by Chamarajendra Wadiyar Bahadur in 1892, the 157-acre zoo is one of the oldest in India. It houses various exotic animals and plants brought from different countries. The zoo also runs acclaimed breeding programs for rare and endangered species.

Where to Stay in Mysore?

The Golden Landmark Resort, a Club Mahindra affiliate property, is one of the most scenic resorts in Mysore. Set amidst lush greenery, the resort has all the modern amenities to cater to your every need. Apart from Mysore sightseeing, the resort can be ideal for relaxing and rejuvenating with facilities such as gourmet dining, spa services, spacious and comfortable rooms, indoor and outdoor recreation centres, and more. 

So, the next time you plan a tour, consider ticking off Mysore from your bucket list and explore the places listed above.