Things to do in Mysore

Are you planning to travel to South India and wondering what to do in Mysore? Good thing you’re here, because Mysore—or Mysuru as it’s officially called—is one of the most surprising cities I discovered during my trip through India.

Have you ever seen a palace light up at sunset as if it came straight out of a fairy tale? Or climbed a mountain to a temple above the clouds? And have you ever cycled through an Indian city past temples, markets and cows? In Mysore, it’s all possible.

This city has it all: cosy but not too chaotic, rich in culture and history, but also full of street food, friendly locals and beautiful nature. And with a lovely warm climate (but not too hot), it’s a great place to be almost all year round.

In this blog, I’ll take you through all the highlights of Mysore India: from the famous sights to unique activities, handy travel tips, fun facts and my personal favourites. Whether you’re coming for a Mysore holiday, backpacking trip or just a day out from Bangalore – there’s truly plenty to experience.

🤖 Let ChatGPT summarise ‘The best things to do in Mysore’

In short: what to do in Mysore

• Visit Mysore Palace & Tipu Sultan Summer Palace

• Bike tour in Mysore with Baja Bikes

• Bangalore–Mysore day trip, or palace & Somanathapura with lunch

• Climb to Chamundi Hills and temple

• St. Philomena’s Cathedral & Jaganmohan Palace museum

• Sand Sculpture Museum & Railway Museum

• Brindavan Gardens with fountain show

• Devaraja Market, buy local silk sarees

• Karanji Lake (and possibly Kukkarahalli Lake walks/yoga)

• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary day trip

• Street food trails and taste Mysore Pak

• Yoga sessions or workshops, make sandalwood souvenirs

• During the right period: visit during Dasara festival

Ready to discover Mysore? Grab your notebook, because here comes your ultimate list of things to do in Mysore!

Mysore Palace & Tipu Sultan’s palaces

Upon arrival in Mysore, the Amba Vilas Palace – better known as Mysore Palace – was immediately at the top of my list. This majestic building in Indo-Saracenic style is without doubt the city’s showpiece. From the sparkling Golden Throne to the graceful dance halls and the enchanting light show in the evening: it feels like stepping into a kingdom for a moment.
Tipu Sultan’s summer palace, built in the unique Dariya Daulat style, is also a must. Here you’ll admire original weapons, clothing and centuries-old artefacts that bring the region’s rich history to life.

Did you know that Mysore Palace is illuminated every Sunday evening and during festivals with more than 97,000 light bulbs? A magical sight that attracts millions of visitors annually!

Bike tour with Baja Bikes Mysore

I joined the Baja Bikes Mysore bike tour myself – such a lovely way to explore the city by bike, past palaces, temples and narrow streets, guided by a local guide. Highly recommended: you’ll see places you might otherwise miss, and it also gives more context to what you encounter along the way. This is one of the best things to do in Mysore backpacker-style. Book your bike tour in Mysore with Baja Bikes here and start your trip right!

From Bangalore to Mysore

You can also go from Bangalore to Mysore with an organized day trip. Buy your tickets for Bangalore to Mysore via this link. This day trip is complete with lunch and a guide who tells you all about the history and culture of the region along the way.

Another great day trip is this tour of Mysore Palace and the UNESCO temple. This tour also includes lunch. The majestic Mysore Palace is an absolute must-see and the stunning temple complex of Somanathapura is a hidden gem that’s often overlooked. Definitely highly recommended!

The Kesava Temple in Somanathapura is a perfect example of Hoysala architecture, where no single image or detail is the same. Every relief on the walls is unique!

Such day trips are ideal if you want to see a lot without having to figure everything out yourself.

Chamundi Hills & Nandi & temple

For one of the most beautiful views over Mysore, I decided to climb Chamundi Hill – one of the holiest places in the city. You can drive there by car, but I chose to take the traditional route: on foot, via the staircase with about 1,000 steps. It’s a bit of a workout, but absolutely worth it.

Halfway up you’ll pass an enormous statue of Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull. He sits there calm and impressive, like a kind of guardian of the mountain. A nice spot to catch your breath and drink some water.

Once at the top you’ll find yourself at the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Chamundi. The atmosphere is both lively and spiritual. And then: the view. From the top you can see all of Mysore below you – the palace glistens in the distance, Karanji Lake lies like a blue spot in the landscape, and the surrounding valleys are surprisingly green.

Tip: Go early in the morning to beat the heat and catch the sunrise – magical and quieter in terms of crowds. Be sure to bring water and good shoes!

Jaganmohan Palace & St. Philomena

One of the places where I really paused for a moment was Jaganmohan Palace. This former palace is now a museum, and inside I found an impressive collection of Indian paintings, art objects and historical memorabilia. What touched me most was the serene atmosphere – it almost felt like walking through a quiet time capsule. No crowds, but space to look and feel calmly.

Later I visited St. Philomena’s Cathedral, one of the largest churches in India. The tall towers, the stained glass windows and the imposing neo-Gothic architecture made me feel like I was in Europe for a moment, right in the middle of South India. The contrast with the temples I saw earlier made it extra special.

Tip: Combine both places in one morning – they’re a reasonable distance from each other, and along the way you’ll also see a lot of daily life in Mysore. And… go early to beat the heat and crowds!

Sand Sculpture Museum & Railway Museum

The Sand Sculpture Museum near Chamundi Hill is unique. One of the first in the world, full of giant sand figures about Mysore culture, spirituality and nature; plus a 3D selfie gallery – super fun. I also visited the Railway Museum, with vintage locomotives and even a mini toy train ride—ideal for families and an original twist in my Mysore holiday.

Brindavan Gardens & fountain show

In the evening I can definitely recommend going to the Brindavan Gardens, just outside the city. The neatly landscaped gardens and especially the musical fountain show at sunset… truly magical! I won’t soon forget a boat ride on the water by the dam either.

Devaraja Market & silk

Early in the morning I wandered through Devaraja Market, a colorful chaos of flowers, spices, handicrafts and sandalwood souvenirs.

Truly a local experience. I also bought an authentic Mysore silk saree here directly from the Government Silk Weaving Factory, highly recommended for those looking for Mysore souvenirs and deals!

Karanji & Kukkarahalli lakes

I found peace at Karanji Lake, where you can walk, spot birds and even do yoga by the water—wonderfully relaxing. The nearby Kukkarahalli Lake also offers a walking trail of about 3.5 km. Unfortunately, it currently suffers from poor lighting and sanitation, so I recommend sturdy shoes and morning hours until it’s been safely addressed!

Bird sanctuary & other trips

For nature lovers: a day trip to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, about 20 km outside Mysore, is fantastic. Boat rides past painted storks and migratory birds—absolutely brilliant as part of your things to do in Mysore plan.

Street food trails

During my stay in Mysore, I was completely swept away by the local street food scene—a paradise for lovers of spicy, savoury and sweet food. On the streets, I discovered flavourful classics such as:

The best place to try street food? The market area around Devaraja Market is perfect: lively, colourful and packed with stalls where food is freshly prepared on the spot. Along Ashoka Road and at the evening section of Food Street (VV Mohalla), you can also indulge in local favourites.

Tip: Go around sunset—it’s not too hot then and the city really comes alive culinarily. Bring some cash, and definitely say “yes” to flavours you haven’t tried yet

Dussehra festival

Visit Mysore during the Dussehra period (September–October)! That’s when everything truly comes together: Mysore Palace brilliantly illuminated, processions, cultural shows and the Golden Throne displayed for the public. A truly festive experience and the highlight of the year’s Mysore attractions.

Practical tips on transport & accommodation in Mysore

Mysore, a cultural gem in South India, is easily accessible and simple to explore. Whether you’re cycling through the city, strolling through the market or taking a day tour from Bangalore, Mysore offers travellers comfort and character. In the table below, you’ll find practical tips on transport, accommodation and backpacking in this atmospheric city:

FAQ about Mysore

What’s the best time to visit Mysore?
December and January offer cool, dry periods; November and February are also excellent.

What’s the best way to get to Mysore from Bangalore?
You can travel by train, bus or via an organised day trip with guide and lunch included.

What are the highlights of Mysore, India?
Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens, Devaraja Market, Sand Sculpture Museum, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and local street food.

Is Mysore suitable for backpacking?
Absolutely: cheap guesthouses, bike tours, walks and plenty of cultural activities make it ideal for backpackers.

What weather can I expect in Mysore?
Dry and mild from December to March, warm with a chance of monsoon from April–October; around 830 mm of rainfall annually.