Mysore
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- For other places with the same name, see Mysore (disambiguation).
Mysore, officially known as Mysuru, is Karnataka's second biggest city, situated in Southern India. It was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar dynasty and is considered the cultural capital of the state. Mysore is the second-cleanest city in India and one of the best planned ones. The people of Mysore are famous for their peaceful attitude and helpful nature.
Understand
The city has recorded history dating back a thousand years and a mythical history which explains the origin of the name - it is said that this was the place where the demon Mahishasura was slain by the Goddess Chamundi. You will find a statue of the demon on Chamundi hill, which commemorates this event.
In recorded times, the city rose to prominence when it became the capital of a breakaway feudatory of the Vijayanagara empire named Chamaraja Wodeyar in 1584. In 1610, he shifted the capital to nearby Srirangapatna. Hyder Ali, who was a commander in the army, usurped power in the late 18th century. Hyder Ali was succeeded by his son Tippu Sultan, who fought and lost a war with the British, dying in battle in 1799.
The British restored the Wodeyars as their puppet rulers and shifted the capital back to Mysore. The Wodeyars had substantial internal autonomy and the princely state of Mysore (which comprised a large portion of present-day Karnataka) was probably the best administered in India. After independence, the state was merged into the Indian Union and the capital of Mysore state was shifted to nearby Bangalore where the British maintained their army. The name of the state too was eventually changed to the more accurate "Karnataka" in 1973.
The dynasty is still well loved and the people of Mysore are still nostalgic for the grandeur of the earlier times. The palaces built by the Wodeyars and the yearly celebrations of Dusshera are holdovers of that period.
Mysore has evolved from being a quiet and sleepy city to one that is touted as the most important in the state after Bangalore. With apartment complexes, supermarkets, a couple of proposed malls, new and improved roads, the advent of IT and BPO firms and a growing young and dynamic workforce, this regal city is trying to strike a balance between the good old days and modernity, resulting in a city that is old, yet new. A modern-day paradox in the making, anyone who lives in Mysore for long enough can't help falling in love with this place.
Mysore is also well known for its yoga centres like Ashtanga yoga, which originated here. There are many Ashtanga yoga centres in Mysore. The Gokulam suburb contains the most renowned yoga schools (such as S.K. Pattabhi Jois' Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute).
Get in
By plane
The nearest international airport is Bangalore airport near Devanahalli (170km from Mysore) [1].
Mysore Airport (MYQ) Mysore has a small airport but at the moment it has no flights because of the proximity of the Bangalore airport.
By train
Mysore Junction is the city's main station, and there are daily trains plying the route to Bangalore.
The fastest and possibly the most comfortable way to travel between Mysore and Chennai is by the Shatabdi Express, which covers the Mysore-Bangalore leg of the journey in 2 hours and the Mysore-Chennai section in 7 hours. Although more expensive than other trains, all the Shatabdi's coaches are air-conditioned and meals, snacks and a bottle of mineral water are included in the cost of the fare.
There are many trains available from Mysore to Bangalore and vice versa. Tippu Express being the most popular one which covers the distance of 140 km in about 2.5 hours. Tippu Express leaves Mysore at 11AM and reaches Bangalore by 1:30PM and leaves Bangalore at 3PM and reaches Mysore at 5:30PM. Chamundi Express and Yeshvantapur-Mysore Express (17303/04) are other daily trains between the cities
Apart from above Mysore is connected to Delhi through Weekly Swarnajayanthi(12781/82), Mumbai through Weekly Sharavati, Chennai by Kaveri Express(Daily)(16221/22) & Shatabdi Express(Except Wednesday)(12007/08), Trichy/Tanjore through Daily Express(16231/32, Madurai through Daily Express(6731/32), Tirupati by Fast passenger(56213/14)Daily, Ajmer through Bi-weekly Express(16201/02), Jaipur through Bi-weekly Express(12975/76), Mangalore Daily by Express(16517/18).Apart from Sharavati and Swarna Jayanti all other trains as above pass via Bangalore city.
Trains to Mysore depart from 1 station in Mangalore: Mangalore Jn (MAJN) No Train Departure Arrival Duration Running Days from Mangalore 1 Yesvantpur Exp(16518) 07:57PM(Mangalore Jn) 04:15AM(Mysore Jn) 8h 18m All Days from Mysore 16517 Kannur Express Mysore Jn 23:45 Mangalore 08:35
The track between Bangalore and Mysore is in process of Doubling. Work has already completed for about 60km of the stretch. The entire completion of the work can reduce the running time of trains by about 15-30 minutes
By bus
Buses run every 5 minutes from Bangalore. There is a choice of air-conditioned and ordinary vehicles. During the weekends, these buses can fill up, but most do not allow you to purchase your tickets in advance. However, buses to Mysore board constantly so finding a bus with seats is never a problem. The KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses are very comfortable, especially the Volvo (Luxury) buses. A one-way ticket from Bangalore to Mysore costs ₹250. One can get a bus for Mysore from the main city bus stand (Majestic) or the satellite bus terminus on Mysore road.
Mysore has two major bus stands. All KSRTC buses arrive and depart from the Central bus stand (aka suburb bus stand), while local buses use the City bus stand.
By car
Mysore is approximately 140 km from Bangalore, and there is a 4-lane highway (2 lanes in each direction) connecting the 2 cities. The traffic is fairly heavy but the drive is extremely comfortable if you discount the unmarked speed bumps that show up at random intervals. Recently (as of July 15th 2011) there are approximately 25-30 speed bumps, which shall make you reach Mysore in 3 and 1/2 hours by car. Some speed bumps are not even marked by zebra crossing or no symbols to indicate the speed bumps. Probably a much easier and more comfortable way to travel to Mysore is by train (especially the Shatabdi Express - 2:15hrs). You drive through in SH-17 via Ramnagar-Mandya and take about 2 hrs to leave Bangalore and 2 more hours on the highway. [2]
You don't really need a car and driver to drive you from Bangalore or other destinations in India, as all the tourist sites are walking distance or a cheap ride by rickshaw. Alternatively if you must have a car and driver while there, it is very easy to arrange once you arrive.
By bicycle
Around 140 km drive for fitness freaks... Bangalore—50—> Ramnagaram—30—> Maddur—20—> Mandya—22—> Srirangapatna—13—>Mysore
Get around
Getting around in Mysore is cheaper than most Indian cities.
By bus
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City buses originate from a separate City Bus Station 2 k.m. from the Railway Station. Frequent bus service is available to all major tourist and residential areas of the city. Volvo air-conditioned buses are available to Chamundi Hills, KRS-Brindavan Garden, Zoo, Infosys, and to some major residential areas.
By car
Tourist Cabs are the best choice if you want to tour the city all day or visit nearby places like Srirangapatna. Costs about ₹ 9 or ₹ 10 per km.
There are many car rental companies available.
By auto-rickshaw
They have meters, but drivers politely refuse to turn down the meters especially at railway stations, bus stations etc. The more your attire and luggage announce that you are a tourist the less the chances of drivers going by the meter. Price is ₹11.00 per km, with a minimum fare of ₹25. Try to insist on meter usage; threatening to call the police works sometimes when the rickshaw driver pretends that the meter is broken and wants a flat fee.
At the railway station or city bus stand, go straight to the pre-paid auto-rickshaw counter and tell them your destination (you have to pay a rupee (₹1) for this service). They will give you a slip with the fare printed, along with the destination and auto rickshaw registration number. When you arrive at the destination you just pay what is printed on the slip.
You can always take the help of a traffic police to negotiate with the auto driver. They are really helpful.
See
- 1 Brindavan Gardens. and Musical Fountain at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. Nice garden full of fountains, in the neighbourhood of Mysore. At 7PM the "musical fountain" light and music show begins. If you want to go here via bus, the bus stop’s name is Main Bus Stand, KR circle. Bus number 303 leaves approximately every 5 minutes and takes 45 minutes to the end of the line where the gardens are situated.
- Chamundi Hills, ☏ +91-821-259-0027. 24 hrs, inquire for various service timings at temple. has a temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari (or Chamundi). The huge Nandi sta top are available. Atop the hill, Goddess Chamundi's idol is placed in a beautiful temple with marvelous architecture. It is a plastic free zone. Air Conditioned Volvo buses are available to Chamundi Hill and back from the city bus stand every twenty minutes. The charges are very nominal. ₹ 20 for regular queue (typically longer) . ₹100 for shorter queue.
- Datta Peetham. Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Avadhoota Datta Peetham is an ashram in Mysore. It has beautiful gardens with bonsais among other plants. You can buy some herbal tea for an infusion, grown in the gardens.
- 2 Happy Man Park. The Happy Man Park near Kamakshi Hospital, some three kilometers from the Railway Station, is a very popular hangout of children and parents. The park is quite compact in size but contains a mini zoo and many hens and ducks roam around the lawns freely. The park is landscaped with a little stream and ‘wooden’ bridges. Some kind of radio or music is played through little loudspeakers scattered around the park. The Park is open from 4:30PM to 9PM and the crowd is quite big around six p.m. It is also open for a while in the morning for the benefit of joggers. The main attraction of the park is a statue of a ‘Happy Man’ with a potbelly. The statue resembles Maitreya or Laughing Buddha, quite popular in Southeast Asian countries.
- 3 Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery. A former palace that has been converted into a wonderful art gallery featuring famous works by various Indian artists.
- Jayalakshmivilas mansion, Manasagangotri. Fri-Mon 10AM-5PM. It was built by H.H. Vani Vilasa Sannidhana ( Maharani Regent of Mysore: 1895-1902) for her daughter Jayalakshammanni. ( Eldest daughter of HH Chamaraja Wadiyar - Maharaja of Mysore:1881-1894). It has around 200 rooms, an exotic dancing hall and a kalyanmantap with intricately carved wood pillars.It is converted into a museum and it stores artifacts pertaining to local folk and performing arts, tools and object of various artisans and other archaeological findings. Princess Jayalakshmmanni was married to her maternal uncle. Dewan Sir M. Kantha Raja Urs. After independence their son-in-law Sirdar K. Basavaraj Urs sold the property to University of Mysore for starting its postgraduate center and the then Vice Chancellor Dr. K.V.Puttapa christened the place as Manasa Gangothri.
- 4 Karanji Kere. is a small lake inside the city. This is a favorite spot of romantic couples. You can go for a small trip of boating. The lake is surrounded by green trees and you can also see various variety of birds like pelicans and painted storks on the island in Karanji Kere. In local language Kere means Lake and thus a Lake by the name of Karanji is called as Karanji Kere. The Area is now named as Nature park. The park has an aviary, which hosts peacocks and other species of colorful birds. Little inside, there is a tall watchtower, from where one can see entire lake and birds on tree tops. On the periphery of the lake there is a walkway of around 2.6 km. At the end of the walkway there is a butterfly park.
- 5 Lalit Mahal Palace (Lalitha Mahal Palace). Also a former palace but now a five star hotel, visitors should go around afternoon tea time as they serve a great British high tea. It is located near Chamundi Hill.
- 6 Mysore Palace. Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings some with inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, paintings of the members of the royal family and other objects of personal use exhibit such opulence, though age as worn them out a bit with slight discolouration. The palace remains closed from 5-7PM everyday. On Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays between 7PM-8PM the palace is illuminated by close to 100,000 bulbs - a sight so magnificent that it leaves you gasping for breath. Entry is through the south side. Cameras must be left at the cloakroom, now there are no charges to deposit the cameras. Shoes must be left before the entrance for free. Out side palace photography is allowed ₹20 for Indian nationals, ₹200 for foreigners.
- 7 Mysore Zoo. We-M 8AM-5:30PM. is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Closed on Tuesday. It was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world, and since then millions of people have enjoyed its wonderful animals and spectacular grounds. The zoo has a very successful breeding program and houses animals from more than 40 different countries and there are many native Indian animals as well, including Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, elephants, giraffe, fallow deer, Himalayan black bear, Gaur (Indian bison), white peafowl and African rhino. The zoo is also home to many other exotic creatures from around the world like Barbary sheep, giraffe, hippos and gorillas. The zoo also encompasses Karanji Lake, which attracts several species of migratory birds during the breeding season including painted storks, pelicans and darters. Other attractions include the botanical Garden with 35 species of exotic ornamental plants and 85 species of trees from India and abroad.
Visitors can treat themselves to snacks and tender coconut that are available inside the zoo. Excellent mementos are available in a souvenir shop.
Vehicle parking is available in an open area opposite the zoo. The parking fee collected is ₹50/- for bus, ₹30/- for mini-bus or tempo, ₹10/- for cars and ₹5/- for two wheelers. ₹40 for adults, ₹ 10 for children over 5, Battery Operated Vehicle Tour ₹ 100/-, ₹20/- for camera. - Osho Ashram, Uthanahalli Village. Yoga classes and meditation practice.
- Parks and Gardens. Mysore has about 180 parks and playgrounds. Most of the residential areas have their own small parks: e.g. Ambedkar Park in Jayanagar has a 500 metre perimeter footpath. The newly built Andolan Circle Park has a walking track that takes five minutes for one round. This park is near Kuvempu Nagar. But many Mysoreans prefer to walk around the many lakes which pepper the landscape such as the central Kukarahalli Kere by the University where the journey around is about 4.5 kilometres. Another is the Lingabudhi Kere, which has a beautiful footpath with bamboo forests and again takes more than 20 minutes for one round. This park it is a desirable neighbourhood to the southwest called Rama Krishna Nagar, 5km away from the city centre.
- Rabindranath Nath Tagore Layout, Near Lingam Budhi Lake, Ring Road (10 km). Beautiful modern township. Ideal for evening walks. This surprisingly spacious location has become the target residential area of the rich and famous. Their interior alleys are as wide as highways.
- 8 St. Philomenas Church. A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style, is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the gothic style, the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers.
- 9 Toy Train, Banni Mantap Grounds (5 km). Children's garden, huge stadium, playgrounds etc. The toy train service here is not very good. They run the train only when there are enough children to ride it.
Museums
- Folk Art Museum. Founded in 1968 and located in the University of Mysore campus, the museum has over 6500 folk art and folklore articles on display and exhibits arts and crafts from all over the state of Karnataka. It is housed in Jayalakhmi Mansion situated at Manasa Gangotri. The museum has detailed exhibits of "Yakshagana" and "Puppet art". Closed on Sunday.
- 10 Melody World. Estd.in October 2010, this unique wax museum is based on musicians and musical instruments from all over the World.
- National Museum on Natural History, Near Nandhini Milk Dairy, back side of Postal Training Centre (6 km), ☏ +91 821 244 7046. Tue-Sun 10 am to 5 pm. Has exhibits on plants, animals and geology of the southern region of India. They conduct a show on intervals. They also have a cute watch tower for birdwatching. The museum is situated in a beautiful garden. You can even visit the place just sit to in the gardens in the lush green surroundings. This facility is run by the central government of India and there is no entrance fee.
- 11 Oriental Research Institute. Formerly known as the oriental library is was started in 1891 and contains over 33,000 palm leaf manuscripts.
- 12 Rail Museum, Near the back gate of the railway station. (Very photogenic place.). Exhibits vintage locomotives as they were in use. The second of such museum set up after the Rail museum in Delhi. The Museum is located near to railway station, The major attraction of the museum is the wagon used by Queen of Mysore. There is a small toy train. The museum is small one and can be visited while arriving or leaving Mysore during working hours.
Do
- Climb the Chamundi Hills by steps. Only for fitness freaks. Start early in the morning to get a good view of the city as it rises from slumber while getting good exercise at the same time.
- Dasara (also spelt as Dusshera). This is the state festival of Karnataka, carried over from the time when it was celebrated by the Wodeyars in grand style. On the last day, of the 10 day festival celebrated during the month of September and October, a procession of the state's guards lead the Goddess Chamundi seated on a golden howdah mounted on an elephant. The procession is followed by various tableaux, a visual treat rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
- Devaraja Market Labyrinth (1 km). The covered Devaraja Market near the railway station is a sight in itself. There are numerous tiny stalls selling food stuff, vegetables, jewellery and color powders. Walking inside the market gives you a maze experience. You need one hour to explore it fully and night is the most suitable time for a gentle stroll inside the market.
- Jog @ J.P. Nagar Park. Take Bus No. 13 to J.P.Nagar and get down at Police Booth stop. Turn left and walk for 100 metres. There is a jogging track near the library. It is more than 700 metres long. This park is near the J.S.S. School. There is a Brahmakumari temple in the same locality. Chamundi Hill looks like a sleeping woman from this ground.
- Rajayoga @ Brahmakumaris, Yelwal (15 km). Yoga classes, meditation practice and free food. Many beautiful buildings set in a lush green surroundings. The Mysore facility is the south India headquarters of the Brahmakumaris.
- Ride the Toy Train, Children's Park @ Banni Mantap Grounds. Take any bus going to Bangalore side and get down at St. Philomena's college. You can walk inside the Banni Mantap grounds which is extremely spacious.
- University Lake. Those spending a long time in this city can also take nice early morning or late evening strolls at the University Lake, Kukkarahalli. The perimetre is 3 km long.
- Walk @ Lingam Budhi Lake. Take a bus to Srirampura (No.94) and have a nice walk on the embankment of Lingam Budhi Lake. It will refresh you beyond description. This is a one hour walk and ends up in Lingam Budhi village near the ring road. You can proceed another 300 metres, cross the ring road and visit the majestic R.T.nagar layout. R.T. Nagar is an elite residential zone with interior roads as wide as highways.
- Yoga @ Osho Sannidhi, Utthanahalli village, near Tripura Sundhari temple, APMC Yard, Ooty Road. (10 km), ☏ +9164385551, jairam@oshosannidhi.org. Osho Sannidhi, Utthanahalli is situated behind the Chamundi Hills. The road to Utthanalli starts from the APMC Yard on Ooty road. Ask for Tripura Sundari temple in the village centre. Drive one km in the paddy fields to reach Osho Sannidhi Ashram. They conduct regular yoga and meditation camps. Food and accommodation is available in the ashram on payment of ₹500 per day.
Learn
Mysore is a significant educational hub, the foundations for which were laid by King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV during his enlightened rule. Today, the city can boast of 7 Engineering and 2 Medical Colleges. Engineering education started in Mysore with the establishment of the National Institute of Engineering in 1946, the Second Oldest engineering college in the state (After UVCE Bangalore). Medical education started in 1930 when the Mysore Medical College was transferred from Bangalore to Mysore. Mysore is also well known for its provess in Sanskrit, the mother language of many Indian languages. Some people refer to Mysore as the Sanskrit capital of India. A Sanskrit newspaper called 'Sudharma' is published from Mysore for a nominal price of ₹1.
- All India Institute of Speech and Hearing.
- Central Food and Technological Research Institute.
- Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL).
- Defence Food Research Laboratory.
- Mysore University. Mysore University has the distinction of being the first university established in Karnataka, the sixth oldest in the country, and the first one in the country established outside of a British province. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV took the lead in establishing the university. It was named Manasagangotri (literally meaning "fountainhead of the Ganges of the mind") by the poet laureate, Kuvempu.
Mysore University is the only university in the state of Karnataka to get a grade of A+ from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council of India.
Buy
Mysore is famous for silk sarees (Mysore Silk), sandalwood carvings and the many varieties of perfumed incense sticks. Mysore's market places can be a good place to start, like Ashoka Road, Sayyaji Rao Road and for a mix of Western and Indian traditional shopping head to Devaraj Urs Road . To experience one of India's best markets head to Devaraja Market where tourists and locals alike shop for daily fruit and vegetables as well as the rows and rows of flowers and various spices. Devaraja market is on Dhanwanthri Road.
On the east row of the Devaraja Market there is an oil shop with two brothers, Azam and Adil, who always pull in tourists for a nice conversation and maybe some chai. They have some good recommendations for food and things around the city so give them a visit. Their shop has a row of the watercolor powder, about 1/3rd from the north end.
Be warned however. There are quite a lot of perfume sellers that sell inferior goods, don't be tempted by nice boxes and free gifts. As a rule, if it looks like a bargain, the perfume is poor quality. The real stuff is normally found further from the centre, but is mostly for export.
- Agarbathis (Incense)
- Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium, Sayaji Road - Sandal wood figurines and caskets
- Chenapatna Dolls and Wooden Toys
- Traditional Deck of playing cards
- Sapna Bookstall, near Railway Station. For books, toys and other gifts.
Eat
Mysore is famous for its most famous traditional sweet, the Mysore Pak. Mysore Pak is a sweet dish generally cut into rectangular pieces and is made out of Gram Flour, Sugar (or Jaggery) and lots of Ghee (clarified butter). You can find it all over the city although arguably the best Mysore Pak is sold at Guru Sweets near the small clock tower.
South Indian breakfast favourites like idlis, sambars, masala dosas are widely available and quite good. It is not clear if the Mysore Masala Dosa (a fermented crepe made from rice batter, black lentils, potato and onions) actually origininated in Mysore, but you can try asking. You can find some of Karnataka's speciality dishes like:
- Bisibele Baath - Made of rice and lentils with a lot of local spices. This is one of the most sought after dishes of Mysore. It is served hot and usually costs ₹25.00 in an average restaurant.
- Idli Sambar - Different from Idli and Sambar. Since the idlis are put in a bowl with steaming sambar poured over them, the aroma and spicy effect is really marvellous. And they charge less than ₹ 20.00 for the whole thing.
- Masala Poori - This is the most favourite food item of the Mysorean people. You can see young boys selling these 'chat' items on the sides of the pavement with all the ingredients beautifully arranged on wicker stools. Just for ₹15, you get crispy poories along with some ten to twelve spices mixed in a hot 'pani' background. The whole thing is an experience to undergo. Some restaurants have separate 'chat' sections selling Pani Poori, Masala Poori, Bombay Chat and other varieties.
- Raagi and Akki Rotis - They are similar to tortillas but made of raagi (English: coracan, finger Millet) or rice flour along with black cumin, asafoetida, fresh coriander, green chillies and finely chopped onions.
- Raagi Mudde – It is a staple food in some of Kannadiga households in the Cauvery Basin. It is made by cooking raagi flour in water and later rolling it into thick-consistency balls. Raagi Mudde is swallowed and not chewed after dipping it into ghee and sambar.
Restaurants
- Gayathri Tiffin Room (GTR), Chamundipuram. Good South Indian vegetarian snacks and coffee. Open for breakfast and evening snacks. Closed Tuesday.
- Green Leaf - Kalidasa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore
- Hotel Govardhan, Sri Harsha Rd.
- Hotel Mylari, Ittigegud. Very good Masala Dosa (a fermented crepe made from rice batter, black lentils, potato and onions) at ₹35/- only
- Hotel Mylari - Udaya Ravi Road, Kuvempunagar, Mysore
- Hotel Siddhartha, Guest House Road, Nazarbad.
- Iyer's Mess near RTO circle. The perfect place for authentic Home cooked South Indian food served on a plantain leaf. Service is hospitable. All this at a humble price of ₹25 per meal. Open only in the afternoons
- Kafe Mallige - Nageetha Complex, Vishwa Manava Double Road, Saraswathipurm, Mysore
- KFC-BM Habitat Mall, Gokulam Road, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysore.
- Little Woods- Opp.Jockey Quarters, Chamundhi Hill Road No #1,Mysore.“Little woods is a vegetarian bistro a new restaurant that is set on the Chamundi Hill Road. Beautiful environs and a homely setting make this place a perfect destination for travellers and locals. This little place gives up to four seating options- Roof top, Garden, Road View and closed.
- Nakshathra (Hotel Roopa), B.N. Rd.
- Nalapak, Mylary and Gayathri Tiffin Room(GTR) are places to find very good dosas.
- Pepe's- 3rd cross,9th main Saraswathi puram, Mysore. "Pepe's is a place for variety of sandwich's club, grilled and other South Indian treats.
- Shri Shanthi Sagar - 1014, Udaya Ravi Road, Kuvempunagar
- The SIXTH MAIN- Opp To Loyal World road,6TH Main,9TH Cross, Post Office Road, Vani Vilas Mohalla, Mysore. Sixth Main is a restaurant and Coffee Shop parallel to Kalidasa Road. You would always find more foreigners than localities especially at the weekends. The ambiance is quite relaxing with jazz playing in the background.
Non-Vegetarian Restaurants
- 9th Cross Restaurant, Vontikoppal. Meat and Fish curries
- Cafe Coffee Days - Mysore has 7 Cafe Coffee Days, one on Kalidasa road, one on Kanthraj Urs road, one on Devraj Urs road,one on Vasanth Mahal road(Ginger Hotel),and 3 outlets in Hootagalli Infosys Campus
- City deli this small restaurent is situated on kalidas road near empire hotel. You can visit this place on weekends 8am-11am for a sumptous western breakfast. Coffee n sandwiches of this place are also good.
- Corner House in Vontikoppal is a nice place for ice creams
- Edelweiss The Austrian Cafe parallel to Kalidasa Road, has great food at very affordable prices and authentic, heavenly cakes baked by an Austrian. The kitchen is open so you can see your food being cooked.
- Hanumanthu Mess - Mandi Mohalla, Mysore. A small joint specializing in a Macro-style cooked Mutton Pulav and Mutton Chaps, available for early breakfast and lunch. Natti (Chicken) Pulav on Sunday morning only. Strictly Non-Vegetarian place.
- Kalidasa road in Jayalakshmipuram has fairly good restaurants like Green leaf, Tao. Everybody seems to like the shawarma at Casino park and Lemon Tree
- McDonald Restaurant, Near Mandovi Motors, opp. Railway Station. Walk straight towards the petrol pump
- Pizza Outlets------ Pizza Corner(Near Harding Circle), Pizza Hut(On Temple Road-V.V.Mohalla), Dominos(On Temple Road-V.V.Mohalla and Infosys Campus), U.S.Pizza(On Ramavilas Road Near Marimallapa College)
- Sixth Main is a restaurant and Coffee Shop parallel to Kalidasa Road. You would always find more foreigners than localites especially at the weekends. The ambiance is quite relaxing with jazz playing in the background. Definitely worth the Money!
- Spices & Sauces - B.N. Road, Hardinge Circle, Mysore. The best place to have some spicy non-vegetarian food. Even Mysore cuisine is worth trying.
- Tina's Cafe at Gokulam Main road offers delicious home cooked Indian food. The decor is artistic.
Drink
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Mysore is part of Karnataka state where the liquor laws are one of the most liberal in the sub continent. Most international brands are readily available. The city is lined with bars and other restaurants serving liquor, there are Around 10 pubs in the city. Some of the recommended places include:
- Bopy's Pub, Hunsur Road, behind Infant Jesus church.
- Cocktail Circuit Lounge Bar Near Mysore University
- Dynasty Restaurant --Sri Harsha Road
- Fluid Pub, near hsbc bank, kalidasa Rd.
- Keg Pub, Just Opposite to the Suburb Bus Stand.
- Lobo's, Kuvempunagar Double Road, opposite Bake Point, Saraswathipuram.
- Opium Pub, Pai Vista, Opposite to the Suburb Bus Stand.
- Pelican Pub. Hunsur Road, near St.Joseph's state school.
- Planet X, Maharana Prathap Singh Road, Nazarbad (Behind Mysore Race Course), ☏ +91 8216522100. 3PM to 11PM.
- Rasooi Magic (Rasooi Magic), #16, Kalidasa Road, J.L. Puram, ☏ +91 821 4252228. 11AM to 10:30PM. A North Indian Vegetarian Restaurant - relish authentic North Indian Food, Chinese Dishes, Tandoori Delicacies, Chaats, Juice and Shakes 150.
- Road Pub,Hotel Sandesh The Prince, Nazarbad
- Waves Lounge Bar (Waves Lounge Bar), B.N. Road, Hardinge Circle (0.5 km from bus station), ☏ +91 821 2522202. One of the best lounge bar in Mysore.
Night life
There is no night life in Mysore and no one understands the phrase 'night life'. Shops and restaurants down their shutters before 10 p.m. The people of Mysore are a homely and contented lot. Restaurants do not open early in the morning, shops take three-hour lunch breaks, and even buses are fewer between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. because the drivers and conductors are having their lunch. This laid back lifestyle tends to irritate you only for the first two days, then you also feel this is something to admire about. Only Mysoreans live in such luxury, people of Bangalore, just 150 km away, do not live like this.
Sleep
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Scam Alert! - If you arrive by bus or train, you will most likely be approached by a number of young boys who tend to speak fantastic English who will try to lead you to their relative's hotel. The hotel is most often of poor quality. These children are very chatty and good salesmen and you may like them, but they should be in school instead.
| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | Under ₹ 750 |
| Mid-range | ₹750-3,000 |
| Splurge | Over ₹ 3,000 |
Budget
- Green House Valley Service Apartment, Near Infosys, Opposite to Damden Solarium Apartment, on Ring Road, Vijay Nagara II stage, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 9886594321, +91 821-6527802, 8880777033.
- Hotel Aashraya, Dhanvantri Road,Near Railway Station, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : +91 821-2427088, +91 821-2426570. ₹500
- Hotel Airlines, 1064, CH 16, Jayalakshmi VIlas Road, Chamaraja Puram, Mysore 570 005, Phone: +91 821-2330745, 2330475
- Hotel Bombay Tiffanys, No. 313, Sayyaji Rao Road Cross (Opposite Main Bata Showrooms), ☏ +91 821-2435255, +91 821-2435256. Check-in: 24 hours. Very clean A/C or non-A/C rooms. Avoid the room service food; it is not safe. ₹ 1000 for non-AC and ₹ 1600 for AC rooms.
- Hotel Darshan Palace, Lokaranjan Mahal Road, Opposite to Regency Theatre, Nazarbad, Mysore – 570 010, Tel : +91 821-2520794, 2564083
- Hotel Dasaprakash, Gandhi Square, Mysore-570001, Tel: +91 821-2442444, single ₹500 (also for 2), double ₹700 , very nice and efficient with restaurant and ice cream parlour on site
- Hotel Dasharath, Opp. Zoo Garden, Mysore -10, Tel : +91 821-2449121 ₹500. Good rooms
- Hotel Gayathri, New Gayathri Building, Opposite Railway Station, Dhanavantri Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : +91 821-2425654.
- Hotel Govardhan, Sri Harsha Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : +91 821-2434118, 2429422, 2431960
- Hotel Indra Bhavan, Dhanvantri Road , Near Railway Station, ☏ +91 8212423933. ₹300.
- Hotel Kalinga, K R Circle, Opposite City Bus Stand, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2431310, 070, 019
- Hotel Komfort Suites (Komfort Suites), NO. 66,66A, Vivekananda Road, Yadavagiri, Mysore-570020, ☏ +91 9164068000, fax: +91 821 2412445, online@komfortsuites.com. Check-in: 12:00 pm, check-out: 12:00 pm. Hotel Komfort Suites is an intimate owner managed budget hotel on Vivekananda road. ₹. 2450/..
- Hotel Luciya International, Near Dasprakash, No. 1771, Old Bank Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : +91 821-2420261
- Hotel Parimala Lodge, Opp. Primary School, Near Poarakala Mutt, Krishnavilas Road, Behind Jagamohan palace (1 km), ☏ 08212427387, 08214269802. Spacious rooms with TV and a bath. ₹300.
- Hotel Prakash Deluxe, Opposite Medical College, 1474 - Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysore - 570 021, Tel : +91 821-2521676, +91 821-2529434
- Hotel Ritz, B N Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : +91 821-2422668, +91 821-2429082, What this small, colonial-era four-room hotel lacks in cleanliness and upkeep, it makes up in charm and friendly staff. The front desk will help you book further travel, such as buses to Ooty.
- Hotel Roopa, ☏ +91 821-2443770. Very close to Mysore Palace. B.N. Road, Mysore – 570 001.
- Hotel Sri Nandini Lodge, Next to Bus Stand, Irwin Road, Mysore, Phone : +91 821-2447085, +91 821-2447155
- Hotel Sudarshan, Opposite Jagan Mohan Palace Adjoining Poarakala Mutt (1 km), ☏ +91 8214260048. Tiny rooms with TV. ₹250.
- Railway Retirement Rooms (inside the railway station). Majestic colonial building with very clean, high ceiling dormitories ̊ ₹100 for 24 hours. Private rooms cost ₹1,200 per night.
- Shiva Guru Comforts, Halladakeri, Behind Suburb Bus Stand, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : +91 821-2538974
Mid-range
- Fortune JP Palace, Abba Road Nazarbad, ☏ +91 821-3988444.
- The Green Hotel, A comfortable Heritage Hotel located in an old princess house at the Chittaranjan Palace. The hotel has a lovely cafe, and the bar and restaurant on the lawn is a delight. Profits of the hotel are donated for various causes in and around Mysore, No. 2270, Vinoba Road, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysore – 570 012, Tel : +91 821-2512536, +91 821-2414635, +91 821-2516134, Fax: +91 821-25126139
- Hotel Dasaprakash Paradise, No. 104, Vivekananda Road, Yadavagiri, Mysore-570020 Tel : +91 821-4008400, +91 821-2410366, E-mail - hotelparadise@airtelmail.in, website - Http://www.mysoredasaprakashgroup.com/paradise
- Hotel Maharaja, Phone : +91 821-2426665
- Hotel Palace Plaza, No. 2716, Sri Harsha Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : +91 821-2440875, +91 821-2430034, Fax: +91 821-2421070
- Hotel Royale Heritage, 2930, Bangalore - Nilgiri Road, Mysore,Phone : +91 821-5265330
- Hotel Siddhartha,Offers good variety of South and North Indian Vegetarian food.No. 73/1, Guest House Road, Nazarbad, Mysore – 570 010 Tel : +91 821-2522999, 888, Fax: +91 821-2520692
- Hotel United 21 (Hotel United 21), B.N. Road, Hardinge Circle (0.5 km from bus station), ☏ +91 821 2522202. Hotel United 21 is just 2 minutes from the Mysore palace. A good and comfortable rooms at affordable rates.
- Hotel Vyshak International, Phone : +91 821-2421777
- KSTDC Mayura Hoysala, Come out of the Railway station and walk straight for roughly 500 meters. You will find it on the left hand side. No. 2, Jhansi Laxmi Bai Road, Mysore – 570 005, Tel : +91 821-2425349, 2425597
- KSTDC Mayura Yatri Nivas, No. 2, Jhansi Laxmi Bai Road, Mysore – 570 005, Tel : +91 821-2423492
- Maurya Palace, Sri Harsha Road, Phone : +91 821-2435912
- The Maurya Residency, Sri Harsha Road, Mysore, Tel : +91 821-2523375
- Park Lane Hotel,Perfect place to enjoy your drink and try out some spicy Indian food No. 2720, Sri Harsha Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : +91 821-2430400, +91 821-2434340
- Royal Challet Hotel, Opp Rolon Factory, J.P.Nagar (6 km), ☏ +91 821 248 8844. ₹1,200.
- Sri Guru Residency, JLB Road, Near Railway Station, Mysore.
- Sri Hari Iyengar's Plaza, Phone : +91 821-2439123
Splurge
- Hotel Peridotinn, minutes’ drive from the famous IT companies like Infosys, L & T etc. Hebbal, Mysore, Tel : +91 821-2303404
- Hotel Regaalis. This too is a Four Star Hotel and is a part of the Usha Lexus Group.
- Hotel Royal Orchid. Overlooking Brindavan Gardens - offers clean, fresh, multi-cuisine food in a very good setting.
- Hotel Sandesh Prince. It is a Four Star Hotel and offers good variety of food.
- Lalit Mahal Palace Hotel - Royal Heritage
- Nalapad Residency, Dr. Nelson Mandela Road, New Bannimantap Extn, Mysore 570 015, Phone : +91 821-2491117
- Royal Inn, Mysore Phone : +91 821-2402210
- The Viceroy, Sri Harsha Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : +91 821-2424001, +91 821-2428001, Fax: +91 821-2433391
Spa hotels
- Amblee Holiday Resort, Mysore-Bangalore Road, Srirangapatna, Tel : +91 821-3092475, Mobile : 9845002665
- Chitravana Resorts, H.D.Kote road, Kalawadi Gate, Mysore-570008, ☏ +91 821 2597794, Mobile:9343989990.
- Windflower Resort and Spa, ☏ +91 821 2522500. Maharanapratap Rd, Nazarbad,
Connect
- The area code for Mysore is 0821. When calling from overseas, dial +91 821 XXX XXXX
- The General Post office is near the railway station in a heritage building. You can send parcels from here and there is an old man on the right side of the post office who can wrap it for you beautifully in cloth.
Stay safe
Mysore is generally known to be a safe city. But, if you are planning to take a late night stroll, it is recommended that you keep watch, since a few incidents of Chain/Purse snatching are reported every month. It is advised to be watchful when taking an Auto-Rickshaw during late nights if you are alone. It also advised to be careful in dealing the amount of money paid to the Auto-Rickshaw drivers as they try to tout and overcharge and refuse to use the meters in certain areas and at certain hours. Hired taxi services also available now in Mysore.
The police are generally friendly and ready to help. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can reach the police control room by dialing 100 from a landline telephone booth or by dialing 108 if you have access to a cell phone.
People in Mysore are generally hospitable, peace loving and ready to help. Mysore is one of the places in India where foreigners can stay and move around with relative ease and not be swarmed by people offering various services as it happens in other cities.
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- Laundry: There's a tiny stall opposite Arun Sweets and Bakery at the junction of Sangam Talkies Road and Ganapathi Temple Road, ₹20 / ₹30 per piece without / with ironing.
Go next
- Bandipur National Park - A tiger reserve around 90 km away.
- Bangalore - Karnataka state capital, shoppers' paradise.
- Bylakupee - The largest Tibetan settlement outside of Tibet.
- Calicut or Kozhikode. Museums, beaches and riverside resorts. 207 km.
- Coorg: A pleasant hill station with many resorts on hills, Talacauvery.
- Keshava Temple of Somanathapura, marvelous architecture and stone sculptures.
- Ooty - Major hill station, a little bit expensive.
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, suitable for an afternoon getaway.
- Shivanasamudram - Twin falls formed by Cauvery river, a power plant.
- Srirangapatna - Tippu Sultan's summer palace, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
- Wayanad - A scenic district in Kerala about 140 km away, Kalpetta.