The Top 10 Things to Do and See in Mysore
Mysore (or Mysuru as it known to locals) is located in the South Indian state of Karnataka, and is one of the most popular cities for tourists. With a royal heritage that stretches back to the thirteenth century, Mysore is filled with towering monuments, gorgeous palaces, diverse zoos, and engraved temples. Come here for a breathtaking view of history, a premium selection of silk and sandalwood, and a place to practice ashtanga yoga.
Somnathpur Temple
The Somnathpur Temple is an engraved royal legacy, built in 1268 in Mysore. Devotees of Lord Keshava, who is an incarnation of the widely worshipped Lord Krishna, often come here for prayers and meditations. Somanatha, the Hoysala general under the reign of King Narasoimha III, built this temple and many others during his tenure. The Somnathpur temple is the last one standing from the original collection, and as such, is one of the best-preserved historic structures in Mysore. Address: Keshava Temple, Somanathapura | Somanathapura Village, Mysore 571120, India
Maharaja’s Palace
Maharajah’s Palace, also known as Amba Vilas, continues to be extremely popular with tourists from all corners of the world and country. As a legacy of royal splendor, the Palace was home to the Wodeyar maharajas, before catching fire in 1897. It was painstakingly resurrected and restored to its glittering glory in 1912 by an English architect. It now boasts a dazzling array of stained-glass windows, mosaic floors, carved wooden doors, and lavish paintings from the Edwardian Raj era. Address and telephone number: Sayyaji Rao Rd, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001, India +91 821 2421 051
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
The Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is part of the Mysore Zoo, an incredibly fun and family-friendly outing in the heart of the city. Voted as the 2015 Travelers’ Choice by TripAdvisor and ranked as the number one zoo in India, the Zoological Gardens is not to be missed during your trip to Mysore. With an exciting array of animals to see – including tigers, lions, pelicans, gorillas, giraffes and crocodiles – everyone who’s anyone will love Mysore Zoo. Address and telephone number: Indiranagar | Near Mysore Palace, Mysore 570 010, India +91 821 2440 752
Avadhoota Datta Peetham
The Avadhoota Datta Peetham is a spiritual ashram and religious institution founded by Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji. It is renowned across the world for its dedication to promoting the cultural and social welfare of mankind by offering yoga, meditation, communal prayers, and more. Located less than a mile and half from the city center of Mysore, this ashram also boasts a built-in bonsai garden and a bird sanctuary, which you can leisurely stroll through as you feel yourself truly unwind. Address and telephone number: Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashramam, Datta Nagar, Ooty Road, Mysore 570 025, India +91 821 248 6486
Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery
The Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, located amongst Bylakuppe’s sandal groves just a little outside the heart of Mysore, is a beautiful and peaceful Buddhist ashram and sanctuary. Founded by His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche, the Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery was sanctified by the Dalai Lama, and is currently home to almost 5,000 monks and nuns who spread the teachings of the Buddhist faith. This dazzling monastery is also a structural masterpiece of colorful artwork celebrating Buddha and its Tibetan heritage. Address and telephone number: Arlikumari, P.O. Bylakuppe pin 571104,Mysore 571104, India +1 91 8223-254-318
Sri Chamundeswari Temple
Hindu Temple
Brindavan Garden
Badri Yoga School
Yoga Studio
Chamundi Hill Bull Statue
Church, Shrine
St. Philomena's Church
Cathedral, Church