Incredible India
7 Things to Do in Mysore, Karnataka's City of Palaces
Home to one of India's grandest palaces and a hilltop temple overlooking the city, Mysore rewards two unhurried days far more than the usual overnight stop.
Sep 22, 2026 · BigTravel.in
Mysore, the former seat of the Wadiyar dynasty in southern Karnataka, is built around one of India's most opulent palaces but has plenty beyond it: a hilltop temple, a century-old market, and gardens on the edge of town. Here are seven things to do, each with a direct map link.
1. Mysore Palace
The Amba Vilas Palace, official seat of the Wadiyar royal family, is a domed Indo-Saracenic landmark of stained glass, carved doors, and durbar halls, and it is lit with tens of thousands of bulbs on Sunday evenings and public holidays.
2. Chamundi Hill
A winding road, or a flight of roughly a thousand steps, leads to the Chamundeshwari Temple atop this hill overlooking the city, passing a large stone Nandi bull carved into the rock partway up.
3. Devaraja Market
A covered market running since the 19th century, its aisles are stacked with flower garlands, dye powders, spices, and fruit, and it remains one of the best places in the city for an unhurried wander.
4. St. Philomena's Church
A Neo-Gothic cathedral with twin spires, modelled loosely on Cologne Cathedral, its cavernous nave and stained glass make it one of the largest churches in India.
5. Brindavan Gardens
Laid out below the Krishna Raja Sagara dam a short drive from the city, these terraced gardens are known for an evening musical fountain show set against the dam wall.
6. Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
One of India's oldest zoos, laid out with wide, tree-lined enclosures rather than cramped pens, it makes for an easy half-day with children.
7. Jaganmohan Palace
An older palace turned art gallery, its collection runs from Raja Ravi Varma paintings to vintage musical instruments, and it draws a fraction of the crowds that queue for the main palace.
Traveller tips
- Mysore Airport has limited connections; most visitors arrive via Bengaluru, roughly a three-hour drive or train journey away.
- October's Dasara festival is Mysore's biggest event, when the palace and the city are at their most elaborately decorated, but also their most crowded.
- Winter, from October to February, is the most comfortable season to explore on foot.
- Set aside at least two full days to cover the palace properly alongside everything else.
Where this is
Mysore, Karnataka