Once the royal capital of southern India, this cultured city has grand palaces, traditional art markets, and sacred temples set against the Deccan plateau's hills.
In Mysuru, Karnataka's former royal capital, you can walk through the grand halls of Amba Vilas Palace, watch silk weavers at work in centuries-old markets, and buy handcrafted sandalwood items from local artisans. The city lies beneath Chamundi Hills, where 1,000 stone steps lead to a 12th-century temple. Each October, the Dasara festival brings elephant processions and music performances to the streets.
Exploring Mysore Palace
The Amba Vilas Palace combines Indo-Saracenic architecture with detailed craftsmanship throughout its three stories. Inside, you'll find carved wooden doors, mirror-lined ceremonial halls, and painted ceilings. Every Sunday evening at 7 PM, 100,000 bulbs light up the palace exterior. Take guided tours through the public sections daily between 10 AM and 5:30 PM.
Climbing Chamundi Hills
As you climb the 1,000 steps to Chamundi Temple, you'll see the city spread out below. Halfway up, stop at the 5-meter tall Nandi Bull statue, carved from a single rock. The 12th-century temple at the top welcomes worshippers daily, with morning and evening prayer ceremonies.
Arts and Markets
Walk through Devaraja Market's narrow lanes to find stalls selling fresh flowers, spices, and sandalwood items. In nearby workshops, craftspeople create inlay work using ivory and rosewood. Visit the Government Silk Weaving Factory to see workers creating Mysore silk sarees on traditional looms.
Local Food Specialties
Try Mysore masala dosa - a crispy crepe filled with spiced potatoes and red chutney. Local sweet shops make Mysore pak, a dense dessert of ghee, sugar, and gram flour. In the morning, join locals at street-side cafes for filter coffee served in steel tumblers with fresh idlis and vadas.
Getting Around Mysuru
Auto-rickshaws run on meters throughout the city. The local bus network connects most neighborhoods and main sites. For visits to Brindavan Gardens or Srirangapatna, you can book a taxi or join a tour group. Regular trains connect Mysuru with Bangalore, Chennai, and other major cities.
Weather and Timing Your Visit
From October to February, temperatures stay between 15-25°C (59-77°F), making it comfortable for walking and sightseeing. The Dasara festival in October fills the city with parades, concerts, and food stalls. Summer (March-June) temperatures reach 35°C (95°F), while the monsoon season (July-September) brings frequent rain.
