Mysore also called as Mysuru city is Karnataka’s second biggest city situated in Southern India. It is a developed city like many other cities in the country. The city has managed to maintain its traditions, rich heritage and glorious places that make a unique charm for the visitors. The climate of the Mysore is very pleasant each year. Most of the people visit Mysore with their families during Dussehra festival that lasts for ten days. It is a great tourist place where many travellers from different parts of the country as well as from other countries comes to see the city.
So are you planning a trip to visit Mysore with your families and friends then here is the list of some of the best tourist attractions to visit in Mysore that will leave you spellbound.
1. The Mysore Palace
The Mysore Palace is one of the most wonderful structure and this palace is called as Amba Vilas Palace. It is the former palace of the royal family of Mysore and is still their official residence. It was built in the year 1912 for the 24th ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty. The front side of the palace gives a royal look which attracts thousands of visitors. It is the second most visited historical monument visited by locals and foreign tourists.
Entry Fee : For Adults (Indian & Foreigners) Rs.70, For Children (between 10 and 18 years) : Rs.30, For Students (Study Tour) : Rs.10
Parking : Rs. 40 for 4 wheelers & Rs. 20 for 2 wheelers
Best time to visit : During Dussehra, On Sunday and on public holidays.
2. Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens or The Mysuru Zoo was built in the year 1892 is the most popular zoo in Karnataka and also one of the oldest zoo in India. The zoo is home to 1450 species of animals and 168 species of belonging to more than 25 countries. Everyone with their families and kids should come and visit the zoo especially those who are animal lovers.
Time To Visit : Mysuru Zoo is open from 8.30 AM till 5.30 PM on all days, except on Tuesday.
How To Reach : Mysuru is 150 km from Bengaluru. It is 2.5 km from the Mysuru bus stand, 3.5 km from Mysuru railway station and 10 km from Mysuru airport.
3. Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
The Chamundeshwari Temple is located on the eastern edge of Mysore on the Chamundi Hills. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and it has statues of Nandi and Mahishasura (The Demon). Considering as one of the oldest temple in Mysore it is attracted to many visitors. The idol of Goddess Durga is adorned everyday and is worshipped by a number of priests. The view of the temple is amazing and it is declared as the “No Plastic Zone” by making a huge contribution and conserving the use of plastics and dumping of hazardous waste materials.
Best Time To Visit : During the months of September to October due to the festivals of Dussehra and Diwali.
How To Reach : The Chamundeshwari temple is located at a distance of 13 kilometres from the Mysore junction train station. It takes about 30 minutes to drive from the station to the Chamundi Hills. KSRTC bus facilities are also available in every 20 minutes from Mysore city bus stand to Sri Chamundeshwari Temple.
4. Brindavan Gardens
Brindavan Gardens is situated at a distance of 21 km away from Mysore. It took five years to complete the project. In Brindavan Garden you will be experiencing boating and well-shaped grass with flower beds. It was built in the year 1932 by the Diwan of Mysore and every year thousands of tourists come to visit this place. But the main attraction at the Brindavan Garden is the beautiful musical fountains. These fountains are synchronized to music and go live when the garden is lighted up. The water that flows in this fountain is digitally controlled.
Timings :
Garden Timings : 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Weekdays) & 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Weekends)
Musical Fountain Show : 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Weekdays) & 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Weekends)
Entry Fee : For Adult : Rs.50, For Children : Rs.10
Boating : Round Trip (From North Garden to South Part of Garden) : Rs.30 (Before 6 PM), Rs.60 (After 6 PM)
Parking : Rs.100 (Inclusive of Toll)
Best Time To Visit : The ideal time to visit is between October to February.
How To Reach : Take regular buses from bus stand to the garden. It takes 15 minutes by bus.
5. Rail Museum
The Rail Museum in Mysore was built in the year 1979 by the Indian Railways and has become the safehouse of railway collectables. The museum depicts the journey and development of the Indian railways by the collection of photographs and other items. The Rail Museum is a fun loving place for the children for upto 10 years of age and it has a battery operated mini train that gives a ride for the children. The museum has wooden pillars and doors that belongs to the Old Srirangapatna railway station.
Timings : It is open from 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM and is closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee : Rs.15
How To Reach : Located near Mysore railway station is easily accessible through various modes of transport. You can hire an autorickshaw, taxi or bus that runs regularly.
6. Karanji Lake
Karanji Lake which is also called as “Fountain Lake” is the most popular picnic spot where thousands of tourists are allowed to come with their packed food. It is a wonderful place to visit where you will get an experience to see different species of birds which includes Herons, Asian Openbill Storks, Cormorant, Grey Pelican and many more. The lake consists of waterfall with two water bodies alongside and it also includes a butterfly park which is home to 45 species of beautiful butterflies. The lake consists of a Regional Museum of natural history situated on the banks of the lake which gives information about the natural environment of South India.
Timings : It is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and it is closed on Tuesdays.
Entry Fee : For Adults: Rs.10, For Children (5 -15 years) : Rs.5, For Senior Citizens : Rs.5
Best Time To Visit : During winter season.
How To Reach : You can hire an auto-rickshaw or a cab from the bus station or the railway station which are near to the lake.
7. GRS Fantasy Park
GRS Fantasy Park is an amusement water park that serves weekend outing for people of Mysore. The park which is serving for 13 years offers fun rides and activities that make it a perfect spot for friends and families to hang out. The park also includes multipurpose play system for kids as well as for adults. The main attraction of this amazing park is the water games and pool. The park has facilities such as lockers, changing rooms, restaurants, amphitheatre and gift shop.
Timings : Monday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday : 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices :
Entry fee before 3:30 PM : Adults (above 4’6″ in height): Rs.699, Children (3′ to 4’6″ in height) : Rs.599, Infants (below 3′) : Free and Senior Citizens (above 65 years) : Rs.449
Entry fee after 3:30 PM : Adults (above 4’6″ in height) : Rs.549 and Children (3′ to 4’6″ in height) : Rs.449
How To Reach : You can easily find auto-rickshaws and buses to reach the destination. It takes 15 minutes to reach from the city of Mysore.
8. Masinagudi Hill Station
Masinagudi hill station is located near Mysore in Nilgiri district. It is a mesmerizing and spectacle place for the animal and bird lovers. This is a place where you can relax and enjoy some peaceful moments with your families and friends. Surrounded by the multicolor hills and green trees Masinagudi hill station looks majestic and beautiful. The national parks provide you an opportunity to explore for a Jeep or bus safari or elephant safari. Masinagudi with its scenic beauty and charms is a lovely place to take a vacation.
Places To Visit :
- Theppakadu Elephant Camp
- Nilgiri Tea Plantations
- Mudumalai National Park – It opens from Monday to Sunday : 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Entry Fee : Rs.15, Jeep Safari : Rs.135 per person
- Bandipura Tiger Reserve and National Park – It opens from Monday to Sunday : 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM, Entry Fee – Rs.300 + Safari charges extra
- Moyar River
How To Reach :
By Air : The closest airport to reach Masinagudi is the Coimbatore Airport. Masinagudi is around 123 km away from this airport. After that hire a car and reach Masinagudi.
By Rail : Closest railway station to reach Masinagudi is the Mysore Junction Railway Station which is located at a distance of 97 km and then hire a taxi or a car.
By Road : Hire a car or take your own car to reach Masinagudi or you can take bus that runs to Madhu Malai.
I hope this article has helped you in revealing some of the “Best Tourists Attractions in Mysore”. If you want to visit and explore Mysore then don’t hesitate to share your experience, just drop your message in the comment box.
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