Mysore

“Experience while you explore”; that’s how a journey to Mysore will be for you. While you explore the magnificent beauty of this city, you will realise how it’s one of those best experiences of your life. Blessed with several tourist attractions including palaces, museums, temples, gardens, Mysore is going to be one of your best vacations that you are going to cherish for a really long time. Some of the famous attractions of this popular destination are Mysore paintings, Mysore pak (sweet dish), Mysore silk (silk sarees), Mysore masala dosa, Mysore ink, and Mysore Dasara (festival of Dussehra). Let’s list down few of the best attractions of Mysore for you to fuel your desire of visiting this place.

Mysore is often referred to as the “City of Palaces”. The Mysore Palace also known as the Amba Vilas Palace with its incredible Indo - Saracenic style of architecture is one of the best places to visit when in Mysore. This is the former palace of the royal family of Mysore and is still their official residence. With the Chamundi Hills towards its eastern side, the spectacle of the Mysore Palace is an enchanting sight to behold. It is the second most visited historical monument after the Taj Mahal.

Another must visit spot in Mysore is the Mysore Zoo, also known as the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens. The organized structure of the zoo makes it popular among the tourists. It offers a natural habitat for the animals in it. From Big to small cats, Aquatic to terrestrial birds, and Primates to reptiles, one Hundred and Sixty-Eight species find their place in this zoo. The world's first caesarian section delivery performed on an elephant in Mysore zoo gave it global fame and recognition. The zoo also acts as an orphanage to the abandoned animals. There are also various exhibitions organized here, including an insect exhibition. The Zoo also carries out certain Educational Programs such as Youth Club activities, Literary Competitions, and Summer Camp activities.

Chamundi Hills located at a distance of 13km from Mysore is another hotspot among tourists. A beautifully sculpted Chamundeshwari temple is located atop the hills. The architecture of the temple is unique and eye catching and will leave you in awe. Handcrafted with excellence, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. A tour to the hills and the temple is perfect for a day of sightseeing in Mysore.

Adjacent to Chamundi Hills, there is another temple called the Nandi Temple. The Nandi Temple is also one of the best places to visit in Mysore if you are here for spiritual bliss. In the mythology, Nandi is depicted as a sacred bull and the friend of Lord Shiva. According to beliefs, the tall idol of Nandi in this temple is carved out of a single rock.
Adding another name to your must visit places is the Nagarhole National Park, which is also one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in South India. Originally the forest area was the private hunting ground for the Maharajas of Mysore. Nagarhole was converted into a sanctuary in the year 1955, and was subsequently enlarged to include the adjoining areas of Mysore district.

The Railway Museum of Mysore, showcasing locomotive of the best kind is another good choice for you. The museum is also the second largest after the one in Delhi. It has the old time train and steam engines on display. A mini train takes the visitors on the ride through the premises of the museum. A section also displays the luxurious travels undertaken by royal dynasties of Mysore which consists of dining rooms, kitchen and royal toilet. Among all the Mysore tourist places, this is the best attraction visit with kids.

If you’re still looking for the right destination for the coming weekend, this virtual tour of these popular tourist places in Mysore will close it in just one read.