Mysore
Mysore, officially Mysuru (ಮೈಸೂರು), is the second-most populous city of the state of Karnataka after Bangalore. It was the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty and is considered to be the cultural capital of Karnataka. Mysore is among the cleanest and best-planned cities in India.
Understand
[edit][[File:|thumb|360px|Mysore Palace]]
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Mysore's recorded history dates back over a thousand years. Its name has a mythological origin. According to Hindu mythology, the demon Mahishasura was slain by the Goddess Chamundi at the place where present-day Mysore is. A statue of Mahishasura stands on Chamundi Hill on the outskirts of the city.
In later times, the city rose to prominence when it became the capital of a breakaway vassal state of the Vijayanagara Empire, ruled by the Wodeyar family in 1584. In 1610, the king Chamaraja Wodeyar shifted the capital to nearby Srirangapatna. Hyder Ali, who was a commander in the army, usurped power in the late 18th century. Hyder Ali was succeeded by his son Tipu Sultan, who fought and lost a war with the British, dying in battle in 1799.
The British restored the Wodeyars as their puppet rulers and shifted the capital back to Mysore. The Wodeyars had substantial internal autonomy and the Kingdom of Mysore (which comprised a large portion of present-day Karnataka) was one of the best administered in India. After independence, the kingdom was merged into the Indian Union and the capital of Mysore state was moved to nearby Bangalore where the British maintained their army. The state's name was eventually changed to "Karnataka" in 1973.
The dynasty is still well-loved and the people of Mysore are still nostalgic for the grandeur of the earlier times. The palaces built by the Wodeyars and the annual celebrations of Dasara are holdovers of that period.
Mysore has evolved from being a sleepy and quiet city to one that has become the most important in the state after Bangalore. The malls, flat complexes, new and improved roads, supermarkets the advent of IT and BPO firms and a growing young and dynamic workforce reflect the transformation of the city in the 21st century. The regal city is striking a balance between olden times and modernity, resulting in the city being both old and new.
Climate
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Orientation
[edit]The different areas of Mysore are usually understood by the locals in the following way:
- Mysore North: Gokulam, Hebbal, Metgully and Bangalore Road.
- Mysore South: Mananthavady Road, Ooty Road, J.P. Nagar and Kuvempu Nagar.
- Mysore East: Bannur Road, Siddhartha Nagar, T.Narasipura Road, Teresian College area, Zoo Garden, Karinji Lake and ATI.
- Mysore West: Hunsur Road, Yelwala, Jayalakshmipuram, Bogadi Road and University area.
- Mysore Central (city centre): Yadavagiri, Railway Station Area, K.R.Circle, Palace area, Devaraj Market, Urs Road, Bus Stand area and JSS Hospital area.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]- 1 Mysore Airport (MYQ IATA) (10 km south of the city centre). Mysore has its own airport. Commercial scheduled passenger service has been on and off since the airport's refurbishment in 2010. However, as of September 2017, the regional airline TruJet links Mysore to Chennai, with a connecting service to Hyderabad.
The nearest international airport is in Bangalore (BLR IATA), 185 km northeast.
By train
[edit]2 Mysore Junction SWR 
is the city's main station, and daily trains are plying the route to Bangalore.
Mysore is well connected to Bangalore, with about 18 pairs of trains plying between them daily. Express Trains like 12007/08 Chennai Shatabdi, 16231/32 Mayiladuthurai Express (via Trichy), 16215/16 Chamundi Express, 16235/36 Tuticorin Express (via Madurai), 16021/22 Chennai Kaveri Express, 16591/92 Hampi Express, 16219/20 Tirupati Express, 16535/36 Gol Gumbaz Express (via Hubli, Bagalakot), 16557/58 Rajya Rani Express, 17307/08 Basava Express (via Kalaburagi, Solapur), 12613/14 Wodeyar Express, 16023/24 Malgudi Express, 17325/26 Vishwamanava Express (Hubli), 16227/28 Talaguppa Express and 3 sets of passenger trains connect Bangalore to Mysore daily.
Apart from the above, 16209/10 Ajmer (via Kalyan Ahmedabad, Vadodara Biweekly express, 22817/18 Howrah (via Tirupati, Vijayawada, Bhubaneshwar Weekly Express, 12257/58 Bagmati Express (weekly)(via Chennai, Nagpur), 22681/82 Chennai Express (weekly), 16229/30 Varanasi (Via Guntakal, Daund, Itarsi)Express (bi-weekly), 16217/18 Shirdi Express (weekly), 12975/76 Jaipur Express (via Secunderabad, Nagpur, Bhopal) (bi-weekly), 16517/18/23/24 Karwar Express (tri-weekly) also connect via Bangalore to Mysore.
Mysore is connected to Mumbai through 11035/36 Sharavathi Express (weekly), Delhi through 12781/82 Swarna Jayanti Express (weekly), Shimoga by 16201/02 Intercity Express (daily) & Dharwad/Hubli by 17301/02 Express (daily) apart from few other passenger trains to Shimoga, 4 pairs of passengers to Chamrajnagara, and one passenger to Bangalore via Shravanabelagola.
Though 16021,16232,16236,16591 & 16535 are night-time trains, having Sleeper accommodations, day time AC chair car fare of ₹260 is levied on all these trains between Bangalore and Mysore, to attract more passengers to travel by train on this section in 3 tier AC class. Shatabdi fare between Bangalore and Mysore has also been fixed at a flat fare of ₹300 for the same reason
The fastest and possibly the most comfortable way to travel between Mysore and Chennai is by the Vande Bharat Express, which covers the Mysore–Bangalore leg of the journey in about 2 hours, and the Mysore–Chennai section in 6:30 hours. Although more expensive than other trains, all of the coaches are air-conditioned, and meals, snacks and a bottle of mineral water are included in the cost of the fare.
By bus
[edit]Buses run every 5 minutes from Bangalore. There is a choice of air-conditioned and ordinary vehicles constantly available, so finding a bus with seats is never a problem. The KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses are very comfortable, especially the Volvo (Luxury) buses, which mostly leave from Shantinagar bus stand or satellite bus terminus on Mysore road (₹350 or ₹300, respectively). Rajahamsa buses are non-AC and tickets cost about ₹200. KSRTC also runs Flybus (Volvo Air conditioned buses) between Bangalore International Airport and Mysore Bus stand. Buses run at an average frequency of 90 min from the Airport round the clock and timings and reservations are available on https://ksrtc.in%5Bdead+link%5D. These buses charge a fare of ₹800 between Bangalore Airport and Mysore.
- 3 Sub-urban Bus Stand (KSRTC Bus Stand) (at the junction of Irwin and Bangalore Nigiri Road). Intercity and long-distance buses (e.g. to/from Bangalore) by KSRTC will arrive and depart from this stop. Has both non-AC as well as AC services. AC bus to Bangalore are between ₹300 and ₹350.
- 4 City Bus Stand (between Mysore Palace and Krishna Rajendra Circle (the big central roundabout)). All local buses connecting the suburbs and small villages to the city arrive and depart from here.
By car
[edit]Mysore is approximately 140 km from Bangalore. The newly inaugurated Mysore-Bangalore Expressway makes the journey possible in 90 minutes. It doesn't allow two-wheelers or bullock carts for which service road runs parallel most of the distance.
You don't need to hire a car and driver while staying in Mysore, as all the tourist sites are within walking distance or a cheap ride by rickshaw. Alternatively, if you feel the need to have a car and driver during your trip, it is very easy to arrange it once you arrive.
By bicycle
[edit]Suitable for fitness freaks only. It is around a 140km bike ride from Bangalore.
Get around
[edit]
Getting around in Mysore is cheaper than most Indian cities.
By thumb
[edit]Taking a lift, most of the locals (mainly 2-wheelers) are very helpful and generally stop to give a lift. Might be difficult on the main arterial roads because of the Traffic Police as helmets are compulsory for pillion riders as well.
By bus
[edit]City buses originate from the City Bus Stand 2 km from the Railway Station. Frequent bus services are available to all major city tourist and residential areas. Bus stops and departure times are visible on online map services. Volvo air-conditioned buses are available to Chamundi Hills, KRS-Brindavan Garden, Zoo, Infosys, and the European Quarter (Gokula).
By car
[edit]Tourist cabs are your best option if you plan to tour the city all day or go to neighbouring towns like Srirangapatna. Costs about ₹9 or ₹10 per km. A day-long hire to cover the most popular points, ending with Brindavan Garden may cost ₹1200 to ₹1600 for a non-AC Indica type vehicle. App-based cab services like Ola Cabs and Uber are also available.
There are many car rental companies available.
- BookCab, ☏ +91 92 4100 4100, [email protected]. 24 hr.
By auto-rickshaw
[edit]Auto-rickshaws have meters, but drivers politely refuse to turn down the meters, especially at railway stations, bus stations, etc. The more the driver suspects that you are a tourist judging based on your attire, looks and luggage, the less the chance that they will agree to use the meter. The price is ₹11 per km, with a minimum fare of ₹25. Try to insist on using the meter; threatening to call the police sometimes works when the rickshaw driver pretends that the meter is broken and wants a flat fee.
At the railway station or city bus stand, go straight to the prepaid auto-rickshaw counter and tell them your destination (you have to pay a rupee (₹1) for this service). They will give you a slip with the fare printed, along with the destination and auto rickshaw registration number. When you arrive at the destination you just pay what is printed on the slip.
You can always get the help of a traffic police officer to negotiate with the auto driver. They are really helpful.
By horse-drawn carriage
[edit]Horse-drawn carriages (known as a tanga) are a common sight and way of getting around the tourist hotspots in Mysore, especially the landmarks surrounding the palace.
See
[edit]
- 1 Mysore Palace. Definitely the number one attraction in Mysore. Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings, some with inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, paintings of the members of the royal family and other objects of personal use exhibit such opulence, and over time have been preserved remarkably well. The guards quick out the public from the palace premises (gardens) around 18:00 to prepare for the 'light and sound' show in the evening. It starts at 19:00, lasts 40 minutes and is in Kannada language only, making it less interesting for foreigners, were it not for the impressive illumination of the whole palace at the end (19:40-45) with 100,000 bulbs. The ticket counter opens at 16:45 for the show (₹100). Entry is on the south side. You are required to leave your shoes outside before entering at a cost of ₹2 per pair. ₹100 for both Indian and foreign adults.
- 2 Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery (opposite City Bus Stand, Jagan Mohan Palace Road, Chamrajpura), ☏ +91 821 242 3693. daily 8:30-17:30. A former palace that has been converted into an art gallery and function hall. The palace for some time was home to the Wodeyar dynasty. The art gallery features paintings of many styles, including Mughlai, Mysorean and European. The most prominent works are those of Raja Ravi Varma, which are over 100 years old. A big part of the exhibition is comprised of very similar portraits of members of the Royal family. ₹60.
- Jayalakshmivilas mansion, Manasagangotri. Fr-Mo 10:00-17:00. It was built by H.H. Vani Vilasa Sannidhana (Maharani Regent of Mysore: 1895-1902) for her daughter Jayalakshammanni (eldest daughter of HH Chamaraja Wadiyar - Maharaja of Mysore:1881-1894). It has around 200 rooms, an exotic dancing hall and a Kalyanmantap with intricately carved wood pillars. It was converted into a museum and stores artefacts about local folk and performing arts, tools and objects of various artisans and other archaeological findings. Princess Jayalakshmmanni was married to her maternal uncle. Dewan Sir M. Kantha Raja Urs. After independence, their son-in-law Sirdar K. Basavaraj Urs sold the property to the University of Mysore to start its postgraduate centre and the then Vice Chancellor Dr K.V.Puttapa christened the place as Manasa Gangothri.
- 3 Lalitha Mahal Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace Rd, ☏ +91 80-40554055, [email protected]. Another palace that has been turned into a five-star hotel. It served as a royal summer residence for the Viceroy to India in the late 19th and early 19th century. You feel the antique-style grandeur and regality when you stay here. Guests should visit the hotel during the afternoon since they serve a great British high tea. It is situated close to the Chamundi Hills.
- 4 Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens), Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Zoo Main Road Indiranagar, ☏ +91 821 252 0302, [email protected]. W-M 8AM-5:30PM. The zoo was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest in the world. Mysore Zoo has had a successful breeding program and houses animals from more than 40 different countries along with native Indian fauna, including Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, elephants, fallow deer, Himalayan black bears, Gaur (Indian bison), white peafowl and African rhinos. The zoo is also home to many other exotic creatures from around the world like Barbary sheep, giraffes, hippos and gorillas. The zoo encompasses Karanji Lake, which attracts several species of migratory birds during the breeding season including painted storks, pelicans, and darters. Other attractions include the botanical garden with 35 species of exotic ornamental plants and 85 species of trees from India and abroad. Visitors can treat themselves to snacks and tender coconut that are available inside the zoo. Excellent mementoes are available in a souvenir shop. Vehicle parking is available in an open area opposite the zoo. The parking fee collected is ₹50 for buses, ₹30 for mini-bus or tempo, ₹10 for cars and ₹5 for two-wheelers. ₹40 for adults, ₹10 for children over 5, battery operated vehicle tour ₹100, ₹20 for camera and ₹50 for video camera (camcorder).
- 5 Chamundi Hill Lookout View Point, Chamundi Hill (on the road that goes up the hill). The lookout provides an aerial view of Mysore, allowing you to see the entire white city and surrounding forest in all its glory. There are a few binoculars at the lookout point, though you would need to pay to use them.
- 6 Toy Train, Banni Mantap Grounds (5 km). Children's garden, huge stadium, playgrounds etc. The toy train service here is not very good. They run the train only when there are enough children to ride it.
Religious and spiritual sites
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- 7 Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi Hill Road (at the top of Chamundi Hills), ☏ +91 821-259-0027. A beautiful temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari (or Chamundi Devi) with marvellous architecture. Wheelchair access is available. AC Volvo buses go up to Chamundi Hill and back from the city bus stand every twenty minutes (Nr. 201, ₹20). If you want to take the steps (and snap a picture at the Chumandi Hill viewpoint), take either 203, 205 or 401A (₹10) and get off at JSS College, from where you walk 800 m to the bottom of the stairs. ₹30 regular entry, ₹100 VIP (no queue).
- 8 St. Philomena's Cathedral. A beautiful cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style, is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the Gothic style, the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers. It gives a kitsch style 'à la Disneyland', especially from the exterior.
- 9 Datta Peetham (Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Avadhoota Datta Peetham). An ashram in Mysore. It has beautiful gardens with bonsais among other plants. You can buy some herbal tea for an infusion, grown in the gardens.
- Buddha Temple (Ballal Circle). Two golden Buddhas, ten red little Buddhas and one statue of Dr.Ambedkar. Cute and photogenic circular building. A very good place to meditate.
- Jwalamukhi Tiruparasundari Temple (Chamundi Sister Temple), Uttanahalli, Off Nanjangud Road (MCTD 203 from City bus stand). One of the old temples of Mysore, Jwalamukhi Tirupparasunadri is also an incarnation of Goddess Parasakthi, the universe creator. As per legend, the demon Mahisasura had a boon that if anyone would kill him and blood spilt on the ground, each drop of blood would create a Mahisasura. Hence, during the process of slaying the demon, Goddess Chamundi consulted the help of Devi Tripura Sundari, who ensured that the blood drops did not touch the ground, by drinking every single drop of the blood falling out. Thus, the demon was destroyed The Goddess stayed on the foothills of the hills, ensuring protection to all the devotees around the town.
- Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple, Krishna Rajasagara, Kannambadi, Mandya (at Hosa Kannambadi, near Krishna Raja Sagara). The Venugopala Swamy Temple is an example of Hoysala architecture. It was built in the 12th century AD around the same time as the Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura, Mysore district. It is surrounded by water, a pleasant sight.
- Anjali Ashram, Chamunid Hill Road (5 km.), ☏ +91 8212473226. Anjali Ashram has a unique architectural design. The entrance to the ashram is marked by an outer mandapa. On both sides of this mandapa, there are two footpaths in a curved fashion taking you to the inner area directly. If you walk directly through the mandapa, you reach another structure used for meditations and prayer meetings. Then comes the hostel for inmates. Then comes the sanctum. The last building is the sanctum sanctorum containing the chapel and the residential arrangements for the inmates. The small cottages for the inmates are built on either side of the sanctum sanctorum. There is a footpath that takes you directly to the other gate from the sanctum sanctorum. Free entry.
Museums
[edit]
- Folk Art Museum. Founded in 1968 and located in the University of Mysore campus, the museum has over 6500 folk art and folklore articles on display and exhibits arts and crafts from all over the state of Karnataka. It is housed in Jayalakhmi Mansion situated at Manasa Gangotri. The museum has detailed exhibits of "Yakshagana" and "Puppet art". Closed on Sunday.
- 10 Melody World Wax Museum, 1, Vihara Marga, Siddhartha Layout (near GST Bhavan), ☏ +91 8217624257, [email protected]. 9.30am to 7pm. Established in October 2010, this unique wax museum is based on musicians and musical instruments from all over the World. Exhibits a collection of over 100 life-size wax statues and over 1,500 types of musical instruments. 50.
- National Museum on Natural History, Near Nandhini Milk Dairy, back side of Postal Training Centre (6 km), ☏ +91 821 244 7046. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. Has exhibits on plants, animals, and geology of the southern region of India. They conduct a show on intervals. They also have a cute watch tower for bird watching. The museum is situated in a beautiful garden. You can even visit the place just sit to in the gardens in the lush green surroundings. This facility is run by the central government of India and there is no entrance fee.
- 11 Oriental Research Institute. Formerly known as the oriental library, it was started in 1891 and contains over 33,000 palm leaf manuscripts.
- 12 Rail Museum, Near the back gate of the railway station. (Very photogenic place.). Exhibits vintage locomotives as they were in use. The second of such museum set up after the Rail museum in Delhi. The Museum is located near to railway station, The major attraction of the museum is the wagon used by Queen of Mysore. There is a small toy train. The museum is small one and can be visited while arriving or leaving Mysore during working hours.
- Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum. 150 sand sculptures on display. It is not worth visiting unless it is on your way to another location.
Do
[edit]
- Rabindranath Nath Tagore Layout, Near Lingam Budhi Lake, Ring Road (10 km). Beautiful modern township. Ideal for evening walks. This surprisingly spacious location has become the target residential area of the rich and famous. Their interior alleys are as wide as highways.
- Climb the Chamundi Hills by steps. Only for fitness freaks. Start early in the morning to get a good view of the city as it rises from slumber while getting good exercise at the same time. Bus 94 or 204 from city bus stand will bring you to the crossing to NH766. It is then only 800 m to the first step, just follow the signs.
- Jog at J.P. Nagar Park. Take Bus No. 13 to J.P.Nagar and get down at Police Booth stop. Turn left and walk for 100 m. There is a jogging track near the library. It is more than 700 m long. This park is near the J.S.S. School. There is a Brahmakumari temple in the same locality. Chamundi Hill looks like a sleeping woman from this ground.
- Rajayoga at Brahmakumaris, Yelwal (15 km). Yoga classes, meditation practice and free food. Many beautiful buildings set in a lush green surroundings. The Mysore facility is the south India headquarters of the Brahmakumaris.
- Ride the Toy Train, Children's Park at Banni Mantap Grounds. Take any bus going to Bangalore side and get down at St. Philomena's college. You can walk inside the Banni Mantap grounds which is extremely spacious.
- City watch at Hardinge Circle, Aarugatu junction. Hardinge Circle has been renovated with marble seats on three sides and cement seats on three sides. It is very pleasant to sit in this intersection watching the traffic of six roads merge without signal and other types of control. The seats on the southern side are more sylvan and shady. The seats on the northern sides are modern and with a background of manicured lawns. The eastern side is only for people awaiting a bus to Bannur village.
Events
[edit]
- Dasara (also spelt as Dusshera). Dasara is the state festival of Karnataka, carried over from when it was celebrated by the Wodeyars in grand style. On all ten days of the festival (celebrated in September and October), the Mysore Palace is illuminated with over 100,000 lights. Music and dance events are held during the period too. On the final day, a procession of the state's guards led the Goddess Chamundi seated on a golden howdah mounted on an elephant. The procession is followed by various tableaux, a visual treat rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
Parks and gardens
[edit]Mysore has about 180 parks and playgrounds. Most of the residential areas have their own small parks: e.g. Ambedkar Park in Jayanagar has a 500-metre perimeter footpath. The newly built Andolan Circle Park has a walking track that takes five minutes for one round. This park is near Kuvempu Nagar. But many Mysoreans prefer to walk around the many lakes which pepper the landscape such as the central Kukarahalli Kere by the University where the journey around is about 4.5 km. Another is the Lingabudhi Kere, which has a beautiful footpath with bamboo forests and again takes more than 20 minutes for one round. This park is a desirable neighbourhood to the southwest called Rama Krishna Nagar, 5km away from the city centre.
- 1 Happy Man Park. The Happy Man Park near Kamakshi Hospital, some three kilometres from the Railway Station, is a very popular hangout for children and parents. The park is quite compact but contains a mini zoo and many hens and ducks roam around the lawns freely. The park is landscaped with a little stream and ‘wooden’ bridges. Music is played through loudspeakers scattered around the park. The park is open from 4:30PM to 9PM and the crowd are quite big around 6PM. It is also open for a while in the morning for the benefit of joggers. The main attraction of the park is a statue of a ‘Happy Man’ with a potbelly. The statue resembles Maitreya or Laughing Buddha, quite popular in Southeast Asian countries.
- 2 Karanji Kere. A small lake inside the city. This is a favourite spot for romantic couples. You can go for a small trip of boating. The lake is surrounded by green trees and you can also see the various variety of birds like pelicans and painted storks on the island in Karanji Kere. In the local language, Kere means Lake and thus a Lake by the name of Karanji is called Karanji Kere. The park has an aviary, which hosts peacocks and other species of colourful birds. A Little inside, there is a tall watchtower, from where one can see the entire lake and birds on tree tops. On the periphery of the lake, there is a walkway of around 2.6 km. At the end of the walkway, there is a butterfly park.
- 3 Brindavan Gardens (MCTD Bus No.303 from City Bus stand). Gardens and musical fountain at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. At 25 km from the city, the garden has seen better days. The garden has a variety of flower beds and water fountains running the length of the garden. More than half the fountains aren't working. On the left side of the river is the garden, and on the right is the musical fountain area. One can take a motor boat to cross the river at ₹20 per head one way or walk across the pathway. At 7PM the "musical fountain" light and music show begins. This is in a swimming pool-sized pond, the dance of the fountains has no coordination to the music being played. There is stadium-style seating to watch the fountains. If you want to go here via bus, the bus stop’s name is Main Bus Stand, KR Circle. Bus number 303 leaves approximately every 5 minutes and takes 45 minutes to the end of the line where the gardens are situated. Late October to early February sees a lot of school picnics. Bus loads of school children descend on the garden during this time. ₹20 for all above 7 years, ₹50 for camera.
- University Lake. Visitors can take a pleasant morning or evening stroll at the University Lake, Kukkarahalli. The perimeter is 3 km long.
- Lingam Budhi Lake (Take a bus to Lingam Budhi village (No.94.B by 7AM from the city bus station)). Have a nice walk on the embankment of Lingam Budhi Lake. It will refresh you beyond description. This is a one-hour walk and ends up in Lingam Budhi village near the ring road. The famous University Layout is a residential suburb of this area. You can proceed another 300 meters, cross the ring road and visit the majestic Rabindranath Tagore Layout. An easier option is to visit Lingam Budhi Park on the other side of the park which can be accessed by bus number 62 or 61 which are more frequently available from the city bus station. Alight at the last stop and walk to the park gate some hundred meters away. This park has a 1.3-kilometre-long perimeter and there is a lush green growth of bamboo trees all over the park. Birds of Lingam Budhi Lake can be more easily spotted from this side.
- Photo session at Court Park, Opposite District Court complex (2 km on Mysore University road). The court park or what is officially called 'Manuvana Park' is a twin park with a lot of photo opportunities. There is more maintenance and so the park is more beautiful. Water sprinkling is very effective to the level that you have to shift your seating quite effectively. There are swings and other kid attractions also. Another thing the availability of vendors who give fruits in potpourri for ₹20. Lunch or 'Ootta' is also offered at the same rate even though the average rate is ₹60 in Mysore.
- Walk around Kukkarahalli Lake. The perimeter is 3.6 km. There are many birds to see and the footpath is well maintained with small gardens around it.
Learn
[edit]Mysore is a significant educational hub, the foundations for which were laid by King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV during his enlightened rule. Today, the city can boast of seven engineering and two medical colleges. The first engineering college established in Mysore was the National Institute of Engineering in 1946, the second oldest in Karnataka (after UVCE Bangalore). Formal medical education began in 1930 when the Mysore Medical College was transferred from Bangalore to Mysore.
Mysore is well known for its prowess in Sanskrit, the ancestor of many Indian languages. The city is occasionally referred to as the Sanskrit capital of India. A Sanskrit daily newspaper called Sudharma is published from Mysore for a nominal price of ₹1.
- Osho Sannidhi, Utthanahalli village, APMC Yard, Ooty Road. (behind the Chamundi Hills. The road to Utthanalli starts from the APMC Yard on Ooty road. Ask for Tripura Sundari temple in the village centre. Drive one km in the paddy fields to reach Osho Sannidhi Ashram.), ☏ +91 64385551, [email protected]. The ashram is set in a very scenic and spacious paddy field. They conduct regular yoga and meditation camps, lasting one week at the most. Food and accommodation are available in the ashram on payment of ₹500 per day.
- Mysore University. Mysore University has the distinction of being the first university established in Karnataka, the sixth oldest in the country, and the first one in India established outside of a British province. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV took the initiative in founding the university. It was named Manasagangotri (literally meaning "fountainhead of the Ganges of the mind") by the poet laureate, Kuvempu.
Buy
[edit]
Mysore is famous for silk sarees (Mysore Silk), sandalwood carvings and the many varieties of perfumed incense sticks. Mysore's marketplaces can be a good place to start, like Ashoka Road, and Sayyaji Rao Road and from a mix of Western and Indian traditional shopping head to Devaraj Urs Road. To experience one of India's best markets head to Devaraja Market where tourists and locals alike shop for daily fruit and vegetables as well as the rows and rows of flowers and various spices. Devaraja market is on Dhanwanthri Road.
On the east row of the Devaraja Market, there is an oil shop with two brothers, Azam and Adil, who always pull in tourists for a nice conversation and maybe some chai. They have some good recommendations for food and things around the city so give them a visit. Their shop has a row of the watercolour powder, about 1/3rd from the north end.
Be warned, however. There are quite a lot of perfume sellers that sell inferior goods, don't be tempted by nice boxes and free gifts. As a rule, if it looks like a bargain, the perfume is poor quality. The real stuff is normally found further from the centre, but is mostly for export.
- Agarbattis (Incense)
- Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium, Sayaji Road - Sandalwood figurines and caskets
- Chenapatna dolls and wooden toys
- Traditional deck of playing cards
- Devaraja Market Labyrinth (1 km). The covered Devaraja Market near the railway station is a sight in itself. There are numerous tiny stalls selling foodstuff, vegetables, jewellery and colour powders. Walking inside the market gives you a maze experience. You need one hour to explore it fully and night is the most suitable time for a gentle stroll inside the market.
- Sapna Bookstall, near Railway Station. For books, toys and other gifts.
- New Dolphin Bakery, Water Tank Junction. For cakes coffee and snacks.
Eat
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Mysore is known for the traditional sweet, the Mysore Pak. Mysore Pak is a sweet dish generally cut into rectangular pieces and is made out of gram (chickpea) flour, sugar (or jaggery) and lots of ghee. Sold all over the city although arguably the best Mysore Pak from Guru Sweets near the small clock tower.
South Indian breakfast favourites like idlis, sambars, masala dosas are widely available and quite good. It is not clear if the Mysore Masala Dosa (a fermented crepe made from rice batter, black lentils, potato, and onions) originated in Mysore, but you can try asking. You can find some of Karnataka's specialty dishes like:
- Bisibele Baath - Made of rice and lentils with a lot of local spices. This is one of the most sought after dishes of Mysore. It is served hot and usually costs ₹25 in an average restaurant.
- Idli Sambar - Different from Idli and Sambar. Since the idlis are put in a bowl with steaming sambar poured over them, the aroma and spicy effect is marvellous and costs less than ₹20.
- Masala Poori - This is the most favourite food item of the Mysorean people. You can see young boys selling these 'chat' items on the sides of the pavement with all the ingredients beautifully arranged on wicker stools. For ₹15, you get crispy poories along with ten to twelve spices mixed in a hot 'pani' background. The whole thing is an experience to undergo. Some restaurants have separate 'chat' sections selling Pani Poori, Masala Poori, Bombay Chat and other varieties.
- Raagi and Akki Rotis - They are similar to tortillas but made of raagi (English: coracan, finger Millet) or rice flour along with black cumin, asafoetida, fresh coriander, green chillies and finely chopped onions.
- Raagi Mudde – A staple food in some of Kannadiga households in the Cauvery Basin. It is made by cooking raagi flour in water and later rolling it into thick consistency balls. Raagi Mudde is swallowed and not chewed after dipping into ghee and sambar.
Vegetarian restaurants
[edit]- 1 Gayathri Tiffin Room (GTR), Chamundipuram Main Road, Narayan Shasthri Rd, Chamundipuram, Bettadpura, ☏ +91 90081 87913. Tu-Su. Tasty snacks, dosas and coffee. Popular for breakfasts. The ambience and design of the restaurant is a bit basic but it retains an old school charm.
- Suvarna Shanthi Sagar, Kuvempu Nagar Complex (5 km). Vegetarian lunchː 12:30PM to 3PM, vegetarian dinnerː 7PM to 11:45PM.
- Dosa Point Restaurant. Opposite Dolphin Bakery, Water Tank Junction, Infosys Road.
- Adayar Ananda Bhavan, Railway Station front gate, ☏ +91 750 004 736. to 11PM. ₹30 for tea (average quality). ₹85 for Masala Dosai (good).
- Dosa Corner, Ramaswamy Circle, ☏ +91 968 619 5178. Very green furnishing. ₹75 for lunch.
- Green Leaf, 2813 Kalidasa Rd, Vani Vilas Mohalla, ☏ +91 821 655 0857. A variety of tasty vegetarian South Indian, North Indian and Chinese though it can get crowded on the weekends.
- Hotel Govardhan, Sri Harsha Rd.
- Hotel Mylari, Ittigegud. Very good Masala Dosa (a fermented crepe made from rice batter, black lentils, potato and onions) at ₹35.
- Hotel Siddhartha, Guest House Road, Nazarbad.
- Kafe Mallige - Nageetha Complex, Vishwa Manava Double Road, Saraswathipurm
- Little Woods- Opposite Jockey Quarters, Chamundhi Hill Road No 1. Little Woods is a vegetarian bistro a new restaurant that is set on the Chamundi Hill Road. Beautiful environs and a homely setting Has four seating options: rooftop, garden, road view and closed.
- Nakshathra (Hotel Roopa), B.N. Rd.
- Nalpak Vegetarian, Near Cafe Coffee Day, Urs Road. Turn left to Dewan's Road. Good hall with a view upstairs. Teaː ₹28. Lunch ₹80. Idliesː ₹15 each.
- Hotel Nalapak, Kuvempunagara North, Saraswathipuram. Multi-cuisine restaurant which specialises in South Indian food.
- Pepe's, Shenoy Sadana, 108, 9th Main, 3rd Cross (Opposite SBI Bank, Saraswathipuram, Kuvempunagar), ☏ +91 998 607 9360. Pure vegetarian restaurant serving South and North Indian, as well as some Indo-Chinese.
- The Sixth Main (The 6th Main), 2830/1, 6th Main Rd, Vani Vilas Mohalla, ☏ +91 821 428 7786. Small in size with a casual dining vibe but has a good vibe. Popular among both foreigners and Indians. Serves decent Thalis and Indo-Chinese.
- Sambhrama Restaurant, Opposite Nethradana Hospital, Ballal Circle. 7AM to 10PM. Good place for dosa, uppittu and other snacks. Their Akkirotti is a specialty.
- Thaaza Thindi Cafe, Madikeri Road, Yelwala. Green atmospher with green decor.
Many potted plants.
Half walled hall to eat giving an outdoor environment.
View of the National Highway.
Non-vegetarian restaurants
[edit]- City deli this small restaurant is on Kalidas Road near empire hotel. Coffee & sandwiches are also good.
- Corner House in Vontikoppal is a nice place for ice creams
- Edelweiss The Austrian Cafe parallel to Kalidasa Road, has great food at very affordable prices and authentic, heavenly cakes baked by an Austrian. The kitchen is open so you can see your food being cooked.
- Hanumanthu Mess - Mandi Mohalla. A small place that specialises in a macro-style cooked mutton pulav and mutton chaps, available for early breakfast and lunch. Natti (Chicken) Pulav on Sunday morning only. Non-vegetarian.
- Sixth Main is a restaurant and Coffee Shop parallel to Kalidasa Road. Popular with non-Indians. The ambience is quite relaxing.
- Spices & Sauces - B.N. Road, Hardinge Circle. The best place to have some spicy non-vegetarian food. Even Mysore cuisine is worth trying.
- Tina's Café, 3rd Main Rd, Vani Vilas Mohalla, ☏ +91 94498 18668. Hearty homemade food. Relaxing ambience.
- Suvarana Bhavan Vegetarian, Ballal Circle (2 km), ☏ +91 821 425 6333. 8AM-9PM. Bisibele bath, Kara bath, Kesari bath.
- Aramana Restaurant, Opposite City Bus Station. Good quality vegetarian food and good ambience.
- Nahar Restaurant, opp. Devaraja Market front gate (0.5 km from City Bus Station). Spacious hall upstairs.
- Mane Thindi Restaurant. Opposite Dolphin Bakery, Water Tank Junction, Infosys Road.
- 1000 Days Restaurant. Opposite Dolphin Bakery, Water Tank Junction, Infosys Road.
- Biriyani Point Restaurant. Opposite Dolphin Bakery, Water Tank Junction, Infosys Road.
- Ashirwad Restaurant, Yelwala (Madikeri Road). 6:30AM to 10:30PM. Fine idlis and dosa varieties. Plain breakfast comes to around ₹100 per person.
- Harsha Palace Plaza, Near Suburban Bus Station. Biriyani. ₹250.
- Chicken Corner, Opp. J and K Bank, Suburban Bus Station building, ☏ +91 81294 12786. 3.30 am to 12.30 pm. Shafi Deli (owner).
Drink
[edit]Mysore is in Karnataka state where the liquor laws are among the most liberal in the subcontinent. Most international brands are readily available. The city is lined with bars and other restaurants serving liquor; there are around ten pubs in the city. Some of the recommended places include:
- 1 Bopy's Pub, Hunsur Road, behind Infant Jesus church..
- Cocktail Circuit Lounge Bar, Near Mysore University.
- Dynasty Restaurant --Sri Harsha Road
- Fluid Pub, near HSBC bank, Kalidasa Rd.
- Keg Pub, opposite the Suburb Bus Stand.
- Lobo's, Kuvempunagar Double Road, opposite Bake Point, Saraswathipuram.
- Opium Pub, Pai Vista, opposite to the Suburb Bus Stand.
- Pelican Pub, Hunsur Road (near St.Joseph's State School), ☏ +91 99015 00055. Daily 11AM-11PM.
- Rasooi Magic (Rasooi Magic), #16, Kalidasa Road, J.L. Puram, ☏ +91 821 4252228. Daily 11AM-10:30PM. A North Indian vegetarian restaurant, also serving North Indian food, Chinese dishes, tandoori delicacies and chaats. 150.
- Road Pub, Hotel Sandesh The Prince, Nazarbad
- Waves Lounge Bar, B.N. Road, Hardinge Circle (0.5 km from bus station), ☏ +91 821 2522202. One of the best lounge bars in Mysore.
Night life
[edit]There is no night life in Mysore and no one understands the phrase 'night life'. Shops and restaurants down their shutters before 10PM. Restaurants do not open early in the morning, shops take three-hour lunch breaks, and even buses are few between 1PM and 4PM because the drivers and conductors are having their lunch. This laid back lifestyle can irritate people, although some can accept it within a few days.
Sleep
[edit]| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | Under ₹750 |
| Mid-range | ₹750-3,000 |
| Splurge | Over ₹3,000 |
Budget conscious visitors are advised to stay near Jagamohan palace because the hotels are cheaper here and the city bus station is only 300 metres away. Taking a daily bus pass of ₹50 can save you hundreds of rupee worth waste on autorickshaws. Around 25 hotels are available in this locality all in the range of ₹400 to ₹600.
Budget
[edit]- 1 Mysore Youth Hostel, Hudco, 2nd Stage, Gangothri Layout, Saraswathipuram, Opp Maruti Temple, Gangothri Layout (Near Maruti temple), ☏ +91 821 234 3144. Very economical and clean dorms with a pretty and peaceful campus. Available for both male and females ₹125 per bed for non-AC dorms.
- Green House Valley Service Apartment, Near Infosys, Opposite to Damden Solarium Apartment, on Ring Road, Vijay Nagara II stage, ☏ +91 9886594321, +91 821-6527802, +91 8880777033.
- Hotel Aashraya, Dhanvantri Road,Near Railway Station, ☏ +91 821-2427088, +91 821-2426570. ₹500.
- Hotel Airlines, 1064, CH 16, Jayalakshmi VIlas Road, Chamaraja Puram, ☏ +91 821-2330745, +91 821-2330475.
- Hotel Bombay Tiffanys, No. 313, Sayyaji Rao Road Cross (Opposite Main Bata Showrooms), ☏ +91 821-2435255, +91 821-2435256. Check-in: 24 hours. Very clean A/C or non-A/C rooms. Avoid the room service food; it is not safe. ₹1000 for non-AC and ₹1600 for AC rooms.
- Hotel Darshan Palace, Lokaranjan Mahal Road, Opposite Regency Theatre, Nazarbad, ☏ +91 821-2520794, +91 821-2564083.
- Hotel Dasaprakash, Gandhi Square, ☏ +91 821-2442444. Very nice and efficient with restaurant and ice cream parlour on site. Single ₹500 (also for 2), double ₹700.
- Hotel Dasharath, Opp. Zoo Garden -10, ☏ +91 821-2449121. Good rooms. ₹500.
- Gayathri Lodge, Near Sapna Bookstall, Dhanavantri Rd, ☏ +91 821-2425654, toll-free: +91 821 2420464. Good rooms with television in a period building. Lounge with sofas on each floor for meeting friends. Bathrooms are old Indian type. ₹500.
- Hotel Govardhan, Sri Harsha Rd, ☏ +91 821-2434118, +91 821-2429422, +81 821-2431960.
- Hotel Indra Bhavan, Dhanvantri Road , Near Railway Station, ☏ +91 8212423933. ₹300.
- Hotel Kalinga, K R Circle (Opposite City Bus Stand), ☏ +91 821-2431310.
- Hotel Komfort Suites (Komfort Suites), NO. 66,66A, Vivekananda Road, Yadavagiri, ☏ +91 9164068000, fax: +91 821 2412445, [email protected]. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. An intimate owner managed budget hotel on Vivekananda Road. ₹2450.
- Hotel Luciya International, near Dasprakash, No. 1771, Old Bank Rd, ☏ +91 821-2420261.
- Hotel Parimala Lodge, Opp. Primary School, Near Poarakala Mutt, Krishnavilas Road, Behind Jagamohan palace (1 km), ☏ +91 8212427387, +91 8214269802. Spacious rooms with TV and a bath. ₹300.
- Hotel Prakash Deluxe, Opposite Medical College, 1474 - Sayyaji Rao Rd, ☏ +91 821-2521676, +91 821-2529434.
- Hotel Ritz, B N Road, ☏ +91 821-2422668, +91 821-2429082. What this small, colonial-era four-room hotel lacks in cleanliness and upkeep, it makes up in charm and friendly staff.
- Hotel Roopa, B.N. Road, ☏ +91 821-2443770.
- Hotel Sri Nandini Lodge, Next to Bus Stand, Irwin Road, ☏ +91 821-2447085, +91 821-2447155.
- Hotel Sudarshan, Opposite Jagan Mohan Palace Adjoining Poarakala Mutt (1 km), ☏ +91 8214260048. Tiny rooms with TV. ₹250.
- Railway Retirement Rooms (inside the railway station). Majestic colonial building with very clean, high ceiling dormitories. ₹100 for 24 hours. Private rooms cost ₹1,200 per night.
- Shiva Guru Comforts, Halladakeri, Behind Suburb Bus Stand, ☏ +91 821-2538974.
- Mannaar Residency, Opposite Sapna Bookstall. ₹900.
- Uma Maheshwari Lodge, Halladakeri, Behind Suburban Bus Station, ☏ +91 821 2520299, +91 821 4269062. Old rooms with squat toilets attached. Pillows aren't good. ₹ 500.
Mid-range
[edit]- Fortune JP Palace, Abba Road Nazarbad, ☏ +91 821-3988444.
- The Green Hotel, No. 2270, Vinoba Road, Jayalakshmipuram, ☏ +91 821-2512536, +91 821-2414635, +91 821-2516134, fax: +91 821-25126139. A comfortable Heritage Hotel in an old princess house at the Chittaranjan Palace. The hotel has a lovely cafe, and the bar and restaurant on the lawn is a delight. Profits of the hotel are donated to good causes in and around Mysore.
- Hotel Dasaprakash Paradise, No. 104, Vivekananda Road, Yadavagiri, ☏ +91 821-4008400, +91 821-2410366, [email protected].
- Hotel Maharaja, ☏ +91 821-2426665.
- Hotel Palace Plaza, 2716, Sri Harsha Rd, Lashkar Mohalla, Mandi Mohalla, ☏ +91 821-2440875, +91 821-2430034, fax: +91 821-2421070, [email protected].
- Hotel Royale Heritage, No. 2931, Bangalore Nilgiri Road (Next to Kalyan Jewellers), ☏ +91 821-5265330, [email protected]. Offers both rooms with air conditioning and without for the budget conscious traveller.
- Hotel Siddhartha, No. 73/1, Guest House Road, Nazarbad, ☏ +91 821-2522999, fax: +91 821-2520692. Offers good variety of South and North Indian Vegetarian food.
- Hotel United 21 (Hotel United 21), B.N. Road, Hardinge Circle (0.5 km from bus station), ☏ +91 821 2522202. 2 minutes from the Mysore palace. A good and comfortable rooms at affordable rates.
- Hotel Vyshak International, ☏ +91 821-2421777.
- KSTDC Mayura Hoysala, No. 2, Jhansi Laxmi Bai Rd (Come out of the railway station and walk straight for roughly 500 m. You will find it on the left-hand side.). +91 821-2425349, +91 821-2425597.
- KSTDC Mayura Yatri Nivas, No. 2, Jhansi Laxmi Bai Rd, ☏ +91 821-2423492.
- Maurya Palace, 2716 Sri Harsha Rd, ☏ +91 40 4006 8050, [email protected]. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon.
- The Maurya Residency, Sri Harsha Road, ☏ +91 821-2523375.
- Park Lane Hotel, No. 2720, Sri Harsha Rd, ☏ +91 821-2430400, +91 821-2434340. Enjoy a drink and try out some spicy Indian food,.
- Sri Guru Residency, JLB Road, near Railway Station, ☏ +91 821-2424400. ₹2,000.
- Sri Hari Iyengar's Plaza, +91 821-2439123.
- LikeMyHome Homestay in Mysore, #70, CFTRI layout, Bogadi 2nd stage, ☏ +91 91080 06411, [email protected]. LikeMyHome Homestay is located 7km from the Bus Stand. The homestay consists two floor along with kitchen with cook, balcony and dining area. The homestay offers accommodation for short or long duration along with packages like travel assistance, travel guide etc.
- Iyengar Plaza (Near Jagmohan Palace). Lift facility available. ₹900.
- Maithree Lodge (Opposite Jagmohan Palace), ☏ +91 9448532453. ₹3500.
- KSR Lodge (Rajkamal talkies Road), ☏ +91 9880544934. ₹1400.
Splurge
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- Hotel Peridotinn, ☏ +91 821-2303404. Minutes’ drive from the famous IT companies of Infosys, L & T, Hebbal.
- Hotel Regaalis. A four-star hotel and is a part of the Usha Lexus Group.
- Hotel Royal Orchid. Overlooking Brindavan Gardens - offers clean, fresh, multi-cuisine food in a good setting.
- Hotel Sandesh Prince. A four star hotel and offers good variety of food.
- Lalit Mahal Palace Hotel. Royal Heritage.
- Nalapad Residency, Dr. Nelson Mandela Road, New Bannimantap, ☏ +91 821-2491117.
- Royal Inn, ☏ +91 821-2402210.
- The Viceroy, Sri Harsha Rd, ☏ +91 821-2424001, +91 821-2428001, fax: +91 821-2433391.
Spa hotels
[edit]- Amblee Holiday Resort, No 17, State Highway 17, Srirangapatna, ☏ +91 821 309 2475, +91 984 5002665, [email protected]. Many rooms and balconies have views of the Kaveri River.
- Chitravana Resorts, 39 Manandawady Rd, H.D. Kote Rd, Kalawadi Gate, ☏ +91 821 2597794, +91 9343989990. Surrounded by greenery. Has an Ayurvedic spa.
- The Windflower Resorts and Spa Mysore, No 295 Maharanapratap Road, Nazarbad, ☏ +91 821 252 2500, [email protected]. Located at the base of the Chamundi Hills, surrounded by nature. Also has a multi-cuisine restaurant called Olive Garden.
- Silent Shores Resort & Spa, #85-87, BEML Road, Hootagalli, ☏ +91 821 2402930, [email protected]. A 5 star-rated resort & spa with the biggest swimming pool in Mysore.
Connect
[edit]- The area code for Mysore is 0821. If calling from outside India, dial +91 821 XXX XXXX
- The General Post Office is near the railway station in a heritage building. There is an old man on the right side of the post office who can wrap parcels beautifully in cloth.
- B.S.N.L. (Cellone) cellular or mobile network signals are widely available.
Stay safe
[edit]Mysore is regarded as a safe and peaceful city. However, if you plan to wander around during the night, it is suggested that you be watchful, as a few incidents of purse and chain snatching are reported every once in awhile. It is good idea to be alert if you are using an autorickshaw during when it is late, especially if you are alone. Also be careful when paying money to the autorickshaw drivers since they may tout non-locals, and can overcharge and decline using the meter at certain places and times. Note that hire taxi services are another option in Mysore.
The police in Mysore are helpful and friendly. Do not hesitate to request for assistance. You can reach the police control room by dialling 108 from a mobile phone or alternatively, 100 from a landline.
The people of Mysore are by and large peace-loving and hospitable. Mysore is one of the places in India where travellers can get around comfortably without worrying and not get bombarded by touts, which can happen in other parts of the country.
Cope
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- Laundry: There's a tiny stall opposite Arun Sweets and Bakery at the junction of Sangam Talkies Road and Ganapathi Temple Road, ₹20/₹30 per piece without/with ironing.
Go next
[edit]- Bandipur National Park — A tiger reserve around 90 km south.
- Bangalore — Karnataka's state capital, a shopper's paradise and cosmopolitan metropolis.
- Bylakupee — One of the biggest Tibetan settlements outside of Tibet.
- Madikeri — A pleasant hill station with many resorts on hills, Talacauvery.
- Somanathapura — Marvellous architecture and stone sculptures.
- Ooty — Major hill station, a little bit expensive.
- Shivanasamudram — Twin waterfalls formed by the Kaveri River
- Srirangapatna — Tipu Sultan's summer palace, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
- Mangalore — A coastal city with many fine beaches on the shores of Arabian sea.