5 Top Tourist Attractions in Mysore, India

Mysore, Karnataka is among India’s fastest growing travel destinations, drawing a large number of spiritual travellers, history buffs and nature lovers from all over the world. From rich heritage and wonderful palaces to beautiful gardens and sacred temples, Mysore has a lot to delight you with! Take a look at the city’s most famous and top-rated tourist attractions.

Mysore Palace

The city’s proud possession, Mysore Palace is a magnificent edifice capturing the attention of history and art lovers with its Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Situated in the centre of the city and also known as Mysore Maharaja Palace, it was once the residence of the mighty Wodeyar rulers who ruled the city for seven centuries. This historical delight was built in 1912 and is till date one of the biggest palaces in India, amazing visitors with its fine architecture featuring a mix of Islam, Rajput and Gothic styles.

Brindavan Gardens

Adjoining the Krishnarajasagara dam, the Brindavan Gardens is regarded one of the most beautiful gardens in Karnataka, a southern Indian province. Sprawling over an area of around 60 acres, this garden is placed around 18 kilometres northwest of the city of Mysore. The major highlight of this garden is the musical fountain show which is scheduled in the evenings. Modelled after the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir, these gardens are a sight to behold and make for an ideal picnic spot for families, groups and friends.

Mysore Zoo

Also known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore Zoo was established in 1892 and is regarded as one of the best and oldest zoological gardens in India. Spreading across over 150 acres of land, the zoo was opened to the public in 1920. You can spot hundreds of animals here, such as African Rhino, Emu, Marmoset, Chimpanzee, Gorilla, Cassowary and Lemur. Besides, Deer, Reptiles and Antelopes can also be spotted here. Moreover, the zoo is home to a small museum displaying stuffed animals and a library.

Karanji Lake

Karanji Lake remains one of the most beautiful places to explore in the city. Surrounded by a nature park comprising a butterfly park and a walk-through aviary, it is a picturesque spot meant for its wide variety of indigenous and migratory birds. Spanning over an area of around 90 acres, this lake also houses a boating point, a children’s corner and a watchtower. A visit to the lake is not complete without a stroll in the beautiful butterfly park presenting many scenic vistas.

Chamundi Temple

Popularly renowned as Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi Temple is a traditional Hindu temple situated on the top of Chamundi Hills, around 13 kilometres away from the city. Built in the 11th century, the temple features a 5-metre tall statue that is created out of a single rock. Named after goddess Durga, it is one of the oldest temples in the city visited by a large number of pilgrims.