Travel to Mysuru to be transported back in time

The erstwhile capital of Karnataka, Mysuru, is now the second most populous city and the cultural hub of Karnataka. With its rich past as its backbone, today, Mysuru is exceptionally comfortable in its own skin.

So if you find yourself in Mysuru or in its vicinity, here are the top reasons why you should consider spending your much valued time in this precious city.

Mysuru pak and Masala dosa

Mysuru has contributed to the culinary richness of India and its greatest contribution undeniably has to be the Mysuru pak—the ghee dripping, sweet golden blocks sent from heaven, best of which can be brought along Sayyaji Rao Road. Equally famous is the Mysuru Masala dosa which is at its most authentic form can be had from Hotel Mylari.

A sweet shop in the market

Mysuru Palace

Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, it is an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The most iconic and beautiful sight in the city has to be the view of the palace at the night. With thousands of tiny lights outlining its edges, the palace is a spectacle to watch. It used to be the official residence and seat of the Wodeyars—the rulers of Mysuru, the royal family of Mysuru, who ruled the princely state till 1950. The palace complex includes twelve Hindu temples—the oldest was built in the 14th century.

Brindavan Gardens

This beautiful garden has been in the backdrop of several Bollywood, Kollywood and Tollywood song numbers and it is not uncommon for visitors to wonder which were those songs that imprinted the image of this garden so clearly their mind. There are illuminated musical fountains which dance to filmy tunes.

St. Philomena’s Church

It is the second largest and one of the tallest churches in Asia, this Neo-Gothic Catholic Church was built in the honour of St. Philomena, a young Greek princess martyred in the 4th century.

St. Philomena’s Church

Jaganmohan Palace

Of the many beautiful palaces in Mysuru, Jaganmohan palace was built by Krishnaraya Wodeyar III in 1861. It is now a museum. With intricate carvings, its main door itself is a piece of art. Original oil paintings of Raja Ravi Varma of Travancore are on display here.

Jaganmohan Palace built by Krishnaraha Wodeyar III

Mysuru zoo

There is something about zoos that turns even the oldest of humans into young inquisitive kids. Sprawling across 157 acres, the zoo is one of the city’s prime attractions. The zoo has more elephants than any Indian zoo.

157-acre Mysuru zoo

Yoga Immersion Retreat

Are you one of those who really wish they knew yoga? The two-week Yoga Immersion Retreat at Mysuru builds foundation for beginners. The program starts on November 17 and will take place at Ayur Yoga Eco Ashram.

Wonderla

Located on Mysuru Road, Wonderla is one of India’s best water-theme parks. Though it is closer to Bangalore, spending two and a half hours early morning to get there is actually worth it. Doesn’t matter if you are sixty or six, by the end of the day, you will surely be tired of having too much fun.

R.K Narayan Museum

Nobody knows where the quaint village of Malgudi which captured our imagination is. So even if you could not track down Malgudi, you can always visit the place where the beautiful stories were woven— the author’s home. RK Narayan’s house has been recently restored thanks to those activists who managed to persuade the Mysuru City corporation to acquire the property and turn it into a museum. R.K Narayan’s personal effects will surely strike a chord in many of his fans’ hearts.

Jonita Gandhi concert

Music lovers, Brace Yourselves! Famous Playback singer and YouTube sensation, Jonita Gandhi will be performing at the Open Air Theatre, University of Mysuru Campus on November 5. Be there to experience the musical extravaganza!

Location

Close to Srirangapatna and Tipu Sultan's territory at one time, sylvan Mysore has the Cauvery and Kabini rivers to its north and south, respectively

Distance

139 km SW of Bengaluru, 248 km SE of Mangalore

When to go

All year round

What to eat

Delicious 'set' dosas, traditional thali on banana leaf and Mysore pak