Places To See | Around Mysore | How To Get There | More

Mysore was the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty which ruled the state of Karnataka for some 150 years till the independence of the country from the British. These kings were great patrons of art and culture and Mysore was the cultural capital of the south under the rule of the Wodeyars. The Wodeyars made the Dasara festival an event 

To showcase the rich culture and heritage of the town. Even to this date this celebration of the Dasara which is a 10 day celebration during the month of Oct/ Nov is a spectacular event to watch. 

Mysore is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the charm of the old world with its many institutions that propagate Carnatic Classical music and dance. 

Srirangapatna
14 Kms north east on the Bangalore Mysore highway, this island fortress was once the capital of the warrior king Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. There are beautiful monuments that are well worth a visit. 

Nanjangud
is 23 Kms of Mysore. This is an important pilgrim center and is famous for its Nanjundeshwara Temple ( from which the place derives its name). Built in the Dravidian style, the temple is one of its kind in Karnataka. 

Sangama 
This is 3 Kms from Srirangapatna where the two branches of the river Cauvery reunite in joyful exuberance. 

Bandipur 
Situated 80 Kms from Mysore, the Bandipur national Park is one of the most beautiful wide life centers in the country. Rare species of birds and animals can be seen in their natural habitats. Bandipur has been chosen by the WWF for their project tiger scheme to protect tigers. 

Ranganathittu 
4 Kms from Srirangapatna and 18 Kms from Mysore is a bird sanctuary that houses exotic birds. Birds from as far away as Siberia and even North America make their home here. Crocodiles basking in the sun is also a familiar sight. The best season to visit is between January and March

Somanathapur
35 Kms east is this famous village which has the 13th century Hoysala Temple. The temple is in excellent condition has frescoed exteriors with episodes from the epics. 

Melkote 
50 Kms north of Mysore is this sacred pilgrim center know for its Vairamudi festival in March/April. More than a lakh visitors congregate here for the festival. This place is also famous for its handloom cloth. 

Talakadu 
is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery and is buried beneath sand dunes. Its temples are opened for worship on special occasions once in 12 years. 

Cauvery Fishing Camp
82 Kms from Mysore at Bhimeshwari is a paradise for anglers. Mahaseer, the finest game fish is found here. This camp is also accessible from Bangalore.

Shivanasamudra 
is 85 Kms east of Mysore, where the river Cauvery cascades down in two picturesque water falls. Falling down from a height of 75 meters into a deep rocky gorge, these falls are best during the monsoons. 1.5 Kms away is Asia's first hydro electric project set up in 1905. 

Nagarhole 
National Park and the Kabini River Lodge : are perfect get away for nature lovers. Abound in a rich variety of wild life one can find elephants, antelopes and even leopards here. 

Hogenakal 
This water fall is 185 Kms from Bangalore. A good picnic spot. 

B.R. Hills 
This picturesque hill range at the height of 5091 feet is 120 Kms from Mysore and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The temple on the hill, dedicated to Biligiri Rangaswamy attracts devotees around the year. 

Mahadeshwara Hills 
about 142 Kms from Mysore, is a popular pilgrimage center dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara.

Himavad Gopalswamy Hills 
is a popular hill resort and a trek's delight as well. It is situated in the verdant Western Ghats of Mysore Districts. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Hoysala. 

The Mysore Palace 
Once the residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo Saracenic style, this place excludes a grandeur that is unmatched. The Golden Royal Elephant Throne, the Durbar Hall, the Kalyana Mantap and the Gallery are the main attractions here. 

The Jaganmohan Palace 
This is a converted art gallery which houses paintings that date back to the late 19th century. Paintings of Raja Ravi Verma of Travancore and the Russian Painter Svetoslav Roerich are on display. Paintings in the traditional Mysore Golden leaf style can also been seen here. 

Chamundi Hill 
Perched atop a hill is a 12th century temple of Chamundershwari. About 13 Kms from Mysore by road these is also a 1000 step walking track for all those young at heart to try. The gigantic 4.8 meter tall monolith of Nandi the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a marvel to watch. Also close to the temple stands a gigantic statues of the demon Mahishasura. 

St. Philomena's Church 
This beautiful Cathedral was built in 1956 and is one of the largest churches in the country. It has been built in the Gothic style with beautiful stain glass windows and lofty towers. The illuminated church in the evening is a wonderful site not to be missed. 

The Mysore Zoo 
One of the county's best zoo, this is famous for rare animals bred in captivity and is housed in lush green surroundings. 

Brindavan Gardens 
19 Kms north west of Mysore is the famous KRS dam. Built by the famous engineer Sir. M. Vishvesvariah this was one of the first multi purpose dams built in India. Adjacent to the dam is the beautiful Brindavan Garden. With lighting and musical fountains this place transforms it self into a fairy land in the evenings. 

Air: The nearest Airport is Bangalore (139 Kms). 

Rail: Mysore is again connected with many trains to Bangalore. Also the prestigious luxury train, Shatabdi Express connects it to Madras.

Road: Mysore is located 139 Kms. to the south west of Bangalore. The state highway that connects the two cities could provide a pleasant ride through rustic country side. A bus or car ride from Bangalore would take approximately 3 hours. Seagull Travels has 4 packages covering Mysore & other places.