Ultimate Mysore Travel Guide: Plan Your Mysore Trip Easily

A trip to Mysore, a beautiful south Indian city, is on almost every Indian traveller’s wish list.

International travellers also love experiencing Mysore Dasara, visiting the Royal Palace, buying silk, exploring nature, witnessing birdlife, and joining yoga classes.

Despite its many attractions, Mysore travel experience is never rushed. The city’s vibe intentionally slows you down, making it one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. ( Beautiful Hampi and Hilly town Chikmagalur are also great contenders.)

Planning a trip to Mysore is easy, but there are a few things you should know to keep your trip under budget and not to get scammed.

I don’t usually claim our guides are the best, but this Mysore travel guide is exceptional. I’ve been travelling to Mysore since childhood and have seen the city beyond tourist attractions. My spouse, Ashrith spent 4 years of his uni days here making us Mysore pros.

This guide covers essential Mysore travel tips, including getting there, getting around, history, weather, best time to visit, scams to avoid, and trip costs.

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Planning a longer trip to India? Dive into our “India Travel Guide” for some insider tips. It’s loaded with info on navigating the country, discovering both popular and offbeat spots, sorting visas, handling currency exchange, a quick food overview – Everything you need for a well-thought-out trip to India.

Is Mysore Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, Mysore is worth visiting. There are plenty of places to visit in Mysore including stunning palaces, art galleries, charming streets lined with heritage buildings, amazing handicrafts, beautiful rural areas, and delicious local food.

Despite having so many attractions, Mysore has a relaxed vibe. It’s one of India’s cleanest cities with a laid-back atmosphere and rich history.

There are no skyscrapers and not much nightlife, but that’s part of Mysore’s charm.

Strangely, when I was in Chiang Mai, Thailand, it reminded me of Mysore. Both cities have that “Hey, take it easy” vibe. Surprisingly, when my yoga instructor went to Chiang Mai, the first thing he said was, “It feels like Mysore here.”

Mysore is modern still has old-world charm. I’m not asking you to imagine a small town in India with bullock carts filling the streets and snake charmers? That’s so 1947.

But Mysore is one of the few places in India that can take you back in time. Even at affordable mid-range prices, you can stay in heritage buildings.

Or you can spend a bit more and stay in palace hotels.

What is Mysore Famous For?

Beyond Royal palaces and art galleries,Mysore is renowned for its gardens, jasmine flowers, old restaurants serving local delicious food and plenty of street food.

It is also where you’ll find the finest silk fabrics in India? Mysore Silk Sarees.

Additionally, Mysore is home to the world’s most sought-after sandalwood oil and soap factory.

Despite being an architect, I’m not really into many art galleries. However, the collection of paintings in some of Mysore’s old art galleries by artists like Raja Ravi Varma and S.L. Haldankar is something anyone would appreciate.

Although the Royal Palace “Amba Vilas” isn’t a place for people to stay, you can stay in one of the heritage palaces like Lalit Mahal Palace in Mysore.

Plus, it isn’t as expensive as palace hotels in Varanasi or Rajasthan. So heritage hotel stay is part and parcel of Mysore travel experience.

Another fantastic aspect of Mysore is its countryside vibe. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu’s lifeline river, Kaveri, flows through Mysore and nearby cities.

The land is super fertile, with paddy and sugarcane fields surrounded by coconut trees

Just take a quick 20-minute drive outside Mysore, and you’re in this rural paradise. You can hop on a bike, check out local life and agriculture, or wander down narrow streets with cute houses sporting sloped roofs and clay tiles.

You’ll see cows ruminating, goats bleating, and life happening at the slowest pace. It’s a place where you don’t mind getting lost, drinking sugarcane juice directly from the farms.

Your Mysore trip plan should definitely include a visit to these nearby villages.

What Are the Specialties of Mysore?

The specialties of Mysore, which you can consider its trademarks, include a special turban called the “Peta” and a sweet dish known as Mysore Pak.

The Peta, also known as Mysore Peta, is a traditional turban that holds significant cultural importance in Mysore. In the Mysore Palace , there’s a painting depicting Dewans wearing this distinctive headgear.

The Mysore Peta is typically made using pure beige silk with a gold border. It was a style favored by the royals and high officials of ancient Mysore.

But now many Kannada grooms still wear this royal symbol during wedding ceremonies made of non-silk fabrics, keeping the tradition alive – Even Ashrith wore Mysore Peta during our wedding ceremony.

South India’s famous sweet “Mysore Pak” hails from Mysore. It’s a delightful treat made from ghee, besan, and jaggery, shaped into bars. Besides Mysore Pak, Mysore Masala Dosa is also pretty famous and we both love it a lot.

Other Reasons to Visit Mysore

One of the main reasons to visit Mysore is the lack of chaotic traffic, unlike most Indian cities. Despite being filled with palaces and other tourist attractions, Mysore doesn’t get overly crowded. Getting from point A to B is easy and stress-free.

This is why Ashrith and I always pick Mysore as our first priority when we need a weekend break or a “do nothing holiday.”

If you’re planning a 3-week trip to India (which I highly recommend), be sure to include Mysore in your 21-day travel itinerary.

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How many days are enough for Mysore?

You need a minimum of 3 full days to see the famous places of Mysore. Staying for five days is ideal, 1 week is perfect – because there are many things to do in Mysore beyond seeing famous tourist places.

If you spend five days, you can explore Mysore beyond the tourist spots, including some hidden gems and day trips to nearby places like Talakadu (a temple town submerged in sand). Ramanagara (hiking on boulders) or Bandipur National park

Mysore is the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga, so many visit the city for yoga retreats. If your idea of a Mysore holiday is yoga, you will need a minimum of 2 weeks, depending on the yoga course you take.

What to See in Mysore in 3 Days

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Mysore – Mysore Palace, Devaraja Market, St. Philomena’s Church, Street Food

Day 2: Culture and Heritage – Chamundi Hill, Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery, Shopping at Sandalwood factory outlet, Visit KSIC showroom.

Mysore Trip Plan for 5 Days

Days 1-3: Follow the 3-Day Itinerary

Day 4: Local Experiences – Heritage walk or food tour,Visit local artist workshop for Rosewood Inlay Works, Sculptors, Incense Stick Making and regional wrestling house (Garadi Mane)

Day 5: Day Trips and Nature– Take morning walk around palace to see Pigeon feeding, Srirangapatna day trip, Ganjam village, rural area cycling, Ranganathittu bird sanctuary

Mysore Itinerary for 7 Days

Days 1-5: Follow the 5-Day Itinerary

Day 6: Offbeat Attractions – Go jogging in Karanji lake, Talakadu, Somnathpur Temple

Day 7: Leisure and Exploration – Melkote trip, Local Cafes and Relaxation

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Best Time to Visit Mysore

The best time to visit Mysore is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The temperatures during these months range from 22°C to 30°C.

Avoid visiting during the summer months of April to June, as it can get quite hot and humid.

The monsoon season from July to September brings moderate to heavy rainfall, which might disrupt your travel plans but also enhances the natural beauty of the surrounding areas.

Which month is best for mysore trip?

If you want to have the best Mysore travel experience, visit during October when the Dasara festival is celebrated for nine days.

During this festival, Goddess Chamundi is carried on a golden howdah on the back of an elephant. Mysore gets dressed up like a gorgeous bride, with streets filled with celebrations, folk dances, food fairs, and shopping.

Many traditional games and sports like Malla Yuddha unique to Karnataka are held during Dasara. On the last day, is the grand Ambari procession. Mysore Dasara is one of the biggest celebrations in all of India.

When planning your Mysore trip around Dasara, keep in mind that October is the most expensive month to visit Mysore.

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How to Reach Mysore

Mysore is well-connected by rail and road, making it easy to reach from various parts of India. Mysore does have a domestic airport but has limited connectivity from other Indian cities.

How to Reach Mysore by Air?

The nearest airport to Mysore is Bangalore international airport (AKA Kempegowda International airport KIAL), about 170 km away. From Bangalore airport, you can take a Flybus to Mysore.

Trains to Mysore

The best and most affordable way to get to Mysore is by train from most parts of India, as Mysore Junction is on many major railway routes.

There are plenty of trains connecting to Mysore not only from neighboring cities but also from many North Indian cities. You won’t regret spending more on an AC coach during India’s summer (March to June).

The Mysore railway station is located in the centre of the city. So getting to your hotel from the railway station is easy by taking an auto-rickshaw that awaits passengers outside the railway station.

Book your railway tickets to Mysore on 12Go Asia effortlessly. If you can’t find the train routes you’re looking for on 12Go Asia, your only option is to book on the rather unfriendly IRCTC website.

Make sure to read our comprehensive guide on Train Travel in India before booking your tickets, so you can choose the right class and type.

Buses to Mysore

Mysore is well connected by buses. Both private and government companies run day and night buses. Overnight buses from Hampi, Mangalore, and Chikmagalur to Mysore are plenty.

Plus cities outside of Karnataka, such as Madurai in Tamil Nadu or Kochi in Kerala, also have night sleeper coach buses to Mysore.

KSRTC Bus Stand is right in the heart of Mysore city. Private buses stop at various locations, so even if you arrive in Mysore early in the morning after a night journey by either of the buses, it isn’t a problem. You can safely use autorickshaws to get to your hotel.

By Road

Mysore is connected by a network of highways, making it accessible by car or bus. State-run and private buses operate regular services from Bangalore, Chennai, and other nearby cities.

Once you near Mysore, rice fields and Marie gold farms dot the roads – So reaching by road to Mysore is scenic

How do I go from New Delhi to Mysore?

The fastest way to get from Delhi to Mysore is to fly to Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore and then take a Flybus to Mysore. Mind that there are no direct flights from Delhi to Mysore as of now.

If you have more time and want to save money on airfare, opt for trains like Swarna Jayanti Express, which connect New Delhi to Mysore. The journey takes around 48 hours, so it’s a lengthy but affordable option.

Which Transport is Best from Bangalore to Mysore?

Trains from Bangalore city are the best choice to get from Bangalore to Mysore?they are convenient and cheaper. The Shatabdi Express and Chamundi Express are popular choices, taking around 2-3 hours.

From Bangalore airport, it is ideal to take a Flybus to Mysore.

If you are in Bangalore and want to make a road trip to Mysore, the Bangalore-Mysore highway (NH 275), which is recently renovated, is perfect. You can even take stops at Srirangapatna to see Tipu’s palace and temples around on the way and continue to Mysore.

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How to Get Around Mysore

You can get around Mysore by autorickshaws, taxis, city buses, and cycles.

Autorickshaws can be booked using the Uber app or by waving your hand while standing on the roadside. Most of the drivers speak English and know where tourists likely want to go.

Make sure they turn on the meter before you start in an autorickshaw. The minimum charge is 30 Rs (for 2 km).

Uber taxis work perfectly in Mysore if you want a more comfortable way to get around Mysore.

City buses connect different parts of Mysore and are favored by locals. However, tourists who don’t know the local language, Kannada, might find it tricky.

Cycling in Mysore is a fun way to explore, especially early in the morning. Many hostels and star hotels rent bicycles and bikes.

A hop-on-off open-roof double-decker bus will take visitors through major landmarks and tourist spots, costing around 250 Rs/person. This may be good for those in Mysore for a day or two.

Horse-drawn carriages, known as “taanga,” are another fun way to get around Mysore’s famous tourist places such as Mysore Zoo and the Palace. I especially enjoyed taanga rides as a kid traveling in Mysore.

Don’t consider this as the main mode of transport, but rather as an experience. Except during the crowded Dasara time, a city chariot ride is fun for a few minutes, but not for the whole day.

Is Mysore a Walkable City?

Yes, Mysore is quite walkable, especially in the central areas. The clean and well-maintained streets make walking a pleasant experience.

Many main attractions, like Mysore Palace, Devaraja Market, and St. Philomena’s Church, are close to each other, so you can easily explore on foot.

When planning your Mysore trip, consider that walking is a great way to see the sights – Saves a lot of money also.

Car Rentals in Mysore

Renting a car isn’t really necessary in Mysore unless you’re going on day trips. Even then, it’s best to book cars with drivers for the day instead of renting and driving yourself.

If you still want to rent a car in Mysore, Zoomcar is a popular option among Indian travellers. If you are not from India and are experiencing Indian traffic for the first time, I strongly suggest you never drive anywhere in India including Mysore.

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Accommodation in Mysore

From luxury palace hotels to budget hostels, Mysore offers a wide range of accommodation options.

Staying in heritage hotels is a part of the Mysore travel experience?don’t worry, not all heritage hotels here will break your wallet; there are some affordable options too.

Additionally, there are many apartments available for rent either floorwise or roomwise. This is ideal for families who want to cook their own meals. Renting an apartment in Mysore, even if it is just for 3 days, can be a convenient and cost-effective option.

Keep in mind that prices of accommodation in Mysore vary drastically with the season. A room that costs ?2000 per night in March might go up to ?5000 during Dasara. During Christmas, the price may rise to around ?3500.

I have some super useful tips and recommendations on how and where to find the best places to stay in Mysore, depending on the season, your travel style, and budget.

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Mysore Trip Cost

For a 3-day trip to Mysore, the total cost per person, including accommodation, food, transportation, sightseeing, and activities, is approximately ?7500 for a budget traveler, around ?15000 for a mid-range traveler, and about ?39000 for a luxury traveler.

I have mentioned the cost for 3 days trip as I feel 3 days is the minimum needed to see the popular places in Mysore.

Budget Breakdown for a 3-Day Trip to Mysore

Budget Traveller: Total Cost – ?7500 /3 nights /person

• Accommodation: 900/night/person in dorms/hostels/budget hotels
• Food: ?200/day/person for three meals
• Transportation: ?800/day
• Sightseeing and Monument entry fees: ?600/day

Mid range Traveller: Total Cost – ?15000/ 3nights / person

• Accommodation: 2000/night/person in hotels
• Food: ?450/day for three meals /person
• Transportation: ?1000/day
• Shopping for souvenirs : 500/day
• Sightseeing and Skip the line Monument entry fees: ?1000/day

Luxury traveller : Total Cost : ?39000/ 3nights / person

• Accommodation: 6000/night/person in hotels
• Food: ?1200/day for three meals /person
• Transportation: ?1500/day
• Sightseeing and Skip the line Monument entry fees: ?1500/day
• Shopping, souvenirs, tips, and other extras : 3000/day

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Mysore Culture and Traditions

Mysore is known as the “Cultural Capital of Karnataka” for all the right reasons. As the first capital of Karnataka before Bangalore, Mysore holds onto its ancient traditions and festivals, such as Dasara.

Although it is located within 150 km of Karnataka’s state capital, Bangalore, the way of life in Mysore is quite different from Bangalore’s IT-driven lifestyle.

Due to its “don’t rush me” atmosphere, cleanliness, and better standard of living than Bangalore at a much lower cost, Mysore is pensioner’s paradise. No wonder Ashrith and I always think of settling in Mysore once we retire.

Home to the Mysore Maharajas

Mysore is home to one of the strongest dynasties in India, the Wadiyars (1399 to 1947). Because of them you see many palaces, museums, a thriving silk industry, and art galleries?typical of any princely state.

The Wadiyar of Mysore are the reason for the grand celebration of Dasara, which began in 1610.

Architecture of Mysore

Mysore was also ruled by Muslim leader Hyder Al and s son Tipu Sultan, who introduced many Muslim monuments to the city in the 1760 to 80s.

When the British took over Mysore in the 1780s, they left a significant colonial influence on the heritage buildings still standing today including a Neo-Gothic style church.

Religion in Mysore

Mysore is a Hindu-majority city, with many historic, architecturally beautiful, and religiously important temples in and around the city. The next largest communities are Jains, followed by Muslims and Christians.

Nature of Mysore People

If you come to Mysore after visiting bustling cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Varanasi, you may be surprised by the Mysoreans’ relaxed attitude.

Whether it’s an expensive Mysore silk shop or a streetside flower vendor, sellers are super relaxed, and you may even find them lethargic.

Most shop owners seem undisturbed by customer presence and may not show enthusiasm to attend to you. You may find this odd at first, but once you get used to it, you’ll appreciate how you are left to enjoy your time.

Things happen slowly in Mysore, which is part of its charm. This relaxed pace is one of the reasons many people choose Mysore as a retirement destination.

If you want to plan your Mysore trip on a budget and don’t mind missing Dasara, November to March is ideal. Keep in mind that hotel prices peak from the last week of December to the first week of January due to Christmas and New Year’s.

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Tourist Scams to Avoid in Mysore

Mysore, while being a beautiful and culturally rich city, has its share of tourist scams. These scams mainly revolve around “fake” or “alternate” versions of handicrafts and bogus tour guide.

Knowing about these can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a pleasant Mysore trip.

Fake Mysore Silk

The most common tourist scam in Mysore is fake silk sarees. Trust me, if you want real Mysore silk, buy only from KSIC outlets.

They’re the only ones authorized to make Mysore silk sarees with real gold threads and high-quality silk. Expect to pay at least ?10,000 for a genuine one.

Other shops might sell cheaper silk sarees, but they won’t match the quality and elegance of KSIC Mysore silk.

Scented wood products in place of real Sandalwood

Sandalwood products are another area where scams are common in Mysore. Many shops sell rubberwood artifacts with added fragrance, passing them off as sandalwood products.

Similarly, regular oils with chemical scents are sold as sandalwood oil. Local markets sells coloured and fragrance sprayed incense sticks as real ones.

To ensure authenticity, buy sandalwood oil only from the Mysore Sandal Soap Factory outlet and statues at Cauvery, Karnataka State Arts & Crafts Emporium.

Mysore Tour Guides near Monuments

I highly recommend heritage walking and food tours in Mysore, but be wary of fake guides outside monuments.

They claim to be certified historians and may rush you through tours.

Most places have detailed notice boards and audio guides that provide accurate info.

For example, exploring Mysore Palace properly takes at least three hours, but these guides might hurry you out in an hour. Stick to official guides or self-guided options to fully enjoy Mysore’s rich history and beauty at your own pace.

Temple shopkeepers

When visiting temples, offering flowers, coconuts, and fruits to the gods is common among Hindus. Shops outside the temple entrance sell these items.

Typically, a basket with flowers, incense sticks, two bananas, and a coconut costs about ?70 to ?80. However, shopkeepers often target foreign travelers, trying to sell it for ?250.

I have seen this happen and even stepped in to help a foreign tourist.

Duplicate Food Joints and Shops

Mysore is known for its delicious cuisine, especially the Mysore Masala Dosa. However, many famous dosa places in in the city have duplicates.

To ensure you’re eating at the right place, look up the exact location and name of the famous food joints beforehand.

For example, the original Mylari Dosa spots are often imitated, so make sure you go to the right one. Asking locals can also help you identify the authentic places to eat.

Did our Mysore travel guide help you plan a perfect trip? Let us know in the comment section below!