August 11, 2018
In
Asia, Destinations
The 6 Best Things to do in Mysore, Karnataka
This post is for anyone wondering what are the best things to do in Mysore, Karnataka with tips from a local. I’ll cover where to stay in Mysore, what to do in Mysore city. Read on to find out the 6 best things to do in the city of palaces!
When I’m not off exploring the world, I spend most of my days in Mysore working remotely and practicing Hatha yoga. India can be an overwhelming place, especially for a first-time visitor, however I think Mysore is a great city to visit to gently introduce yourself to the subcontinent. I am certainly glad it was the city I chose to get reacquainted with India!
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Set 93 miles from the capital city of Bangalore, Mysore serves as a quiet escape and is popular with weekend tourists who want to get away from the big-city chaos. And, of course explore the city’s numerous palaces – there are 5 in total! Mysore is also considered to be one of Kartnataka’s cultural cities, and most commonly known as haven for yoga. It is where you will find Sri BNS Iyengar’s yoga shala and many more yoga studios teaching Mysore-style and Ashtanga yoga classes.
Where to Stay in Mysore
There’s no shortage of hotels in Mysore to suit a variety of budgets and here are some of my favorite Mysore hotels. Everything from the best 5-star hotels in Mysore to more affordable options.
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There are also some great budget homestays and Airbnbs that are worth checking out such as this one,
this one or even this hostel – if that’s more your style. If you’re never used Airbnb before, click here for $32 off your first rental!
The 6 Best Things to do in Mysore, Karnataka
So if you’re planning a weekend getaway or are here to stay for your month-long yoga course, here are 10 of the best things to do in Mysore, Karnataka!
1. Visit Mysore Palace
Known for as a stunning example of Indo-Sarcenic Revival architecture, the palace has changed hands a few times over the years since it was originally built in the 14th-century. It is now home to the royal family of Mysore, the Wodeyars. While the palace is open to tourists, the royal family still lives in a section of the palace grounds! The first time I ever visited Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, was during my summer holidays in elementary school. I remember being awestruck with all the intricate details and never-ending palatial rooms which still amaze me every time I go back.
The best time to visit —>The palace is open daily for tourists at 10:00am, and if you want to be the first one’s in get there 15 minutes before – you’ll have the palace all to yourself before the crowds rush in (and believe me, they will!). Also, do not miss the palace when it’s illuminated every Sunday fro 7:00pm-7:45pm…it’s simply magical.2. View Indian art at Jaganmohan Palace
Originally built as a retreat home for the royal family, Jaganmohan Palace ended up being used as their temporary place of residence from 1897-1912 while the Wodeyars waited for Mysore Palace to be rebuilt after a fire. Now the palace is used as an art gallery, and is believed to house one of the largest collections of art in South India including works by the famed Raja Ravi Verma and Rabindranath Tagore.And, even if art isn’t your thing, the exterior of Jaganmohan Palace is extremely intricate with religious motifs and hand-painted murals and a sight that you should not miss when in Mysore!
Side Note: As a lover of art, I love visiting galleries and museums around the world (link to NYC) and do have to mention that I was disappointed by the lack of care given to paintings inside the gallery. Hopefully more tourists visiting indicate a need to take better care of the paintings.
3. Take a Mysore-style yoga class in Gokulam
Mysore is one of the top cities for yoga and in my opinion one of the best to get your yoga teacher training qualifications. I am a Hatha yoga teacher, and got my training 30 minutes outside the city in a beautiful and peaceful ashram. I get the appeal that Goa and Kerala have (aka the beach) when choosing a yoga school, but if you want to be in a city that is quiet, then Mysore is the place to be.
Plus, it has some really good yoga schools and programs and what better way to get acquainted with the practice than by taking a Mysore-style yoga class. It’s very different from your traditional led classes – instead you practice Ashtanga at your own place in a group class and the teacher goes through the room giving individual attention to students.4. Visit St. Philomena’s Cathedral
Considered to be one of the largest churches in India, St. Philomena’s Cathedral was originally built on the grounds of a pre-existing church by the King of Mysore. Known for its Neo Gothic architecture, and thanks to its two spires that pierce the sky, the building stands out in the Mysore skyline. The cathedral was constructed to honor Saint Philomena, a martyr for the Catholic church. Below you will find catacombs (which you can visit) that contain a relic of Saint Philomena, which stands right beneath the main church altar.5. Explore Devaraja Market
India is known for its street markets and bazaars where you can spend time getting lost in. Mysore’s most famous is the Devaraja Market, which has been operating for over a century! You will find everything from spices, incense, household good to fresh fruit and vegetables.
My favorite part though is the flower section – go early in the morning, around 6:00am when the flowers are just bought in to the market. You’ll see bags and bags of fresh flowers that are quickly sold throughout the day, and used for poojas, weddings or special occasions.6. Hike Chamundi Hills for a panoramic city view at sunrise
The best views of Mysore are not from a hotel or building. Instead, they’re from a hill, Chamundi, named after a Hindu goddess, located 8 miles away from the city center. In addition to wonderful panoramic views of the city, the hill is also famous for having a temple, Chamnundeshwari Temple, at the top.
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There are two ways to get up to the temple – take a bus organized by the city or climb over 1,000 ancient stone steps to the to the top, stopping halfway to see a statue of Nandi the bull carved out of black granite.
The best time to visit —> Early morning is a great time to visit Chamundi Hills especially if you’re choosing to climb the stairs. You will beat the crowds and bonus, get to watch a beautiful sunrise view over Mysore.
Mysore is a wonderful Indian city — it’s clean, calmer (compared to most big cities in India), and has a lot of charm and culture. It’s definitely one that I recommend adding to your list if you plan on visiting South India.
Have you been to Mysore before? What was your favorite thing about the city? Let me know in the comments below!
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[/genesis_column][genesis_column size=”one-half”][/genesis_column]Recommended Reading for Planning Your Trip to Mysore, South India & India
- Headed to Goa? Here’s how to get from Goa to Bangalore and vice versa via train and bus
- Looking for off-the-beaten path experiences in Mysore? Check out Mysore’s very own Fashion Week!
- My absolute favorite day trip from Mysore is to Namdroling Monastery in the little-known community of Bylakuppe – the largest Tibetan settlement in India!
- Traveling can be a stressful experience, especially in India. Working out during your trip is a great way to de-stress, especially doing some yoga. Here are my 5 Tips to Keep a Regular Yoga Practice When Traveling. Trust me on these, I’m a yoga teacher after all! 😉