Mysore, also known as Mysuru, is a traditional city in Karnataka which feels like a living museum. It is often referred to as the Cultural Capital of Karnataka and combines the peaceful serenity with grandeur. With the bustling markets of sandalwood and silk, ancient temples filled with spiritual energy, rhythm of life, and the royal palaces reflecting the tales of the Wodeyar dynasty, this city is one of a kind in India.
Mysore is a love at first sight kind of city. With the mesmerizing old architecture and a royal heritage, this city is worth exploring especially if you are a history buff. Its relaxed atmosphere, friendly local people, and delicious cuisine will make your sightseeing worth it. In this blog, you will get to know everything you can do in Mysore. From the temples, food, festivals, and cultural delights, understand how this is not just a regular city but a special one where you can immerse yourself in its age-old traditions.
Explore the Royal Grandeur
Mysore was the capital city of the Kingdom of the Wodeyars. This is the reason you can find several palaces and historical landmarks here. One of the most famous and grand landmarks is the Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace. It is designed in an Indo-Saracenic pattern, and is a visual feast with arches, domes, and stained glass windows. The palace was designed in 1912 by the famous British architect Henry Irwin. You can take photographs of the beautiful architecture from outside as it is restricted inside the palace. If you can, visit the palace during major festivals like Dusherra, when the palace glows with almost 100,000 light bulbs looking like nothing but a magical architecture.
Jaganmohan Palace is yet another landmark in Mysore which is equally fascinating but isn’t very popular. It was built in 1861 and is now a treasure of art collections. The palace has been turned into an art gallery which houses one of the largest South Indian art collections. Another historical landmark is the Lalitha Mahal Palace in Mysore. It is a regal architecture built in 1921 and styled after St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. The Italian marble staircases, sprawling lawns, and white domes of this palace makes it feel like entering another world. Now this palace has been turned into a luxury hotel. Even if you don’t stay here, you can enjoy the high tea or a proper meal at their restaurant and soak in the world of age-old style grandeur.
Discover the Temples of Mysore
Mysore is a deeply spiritual city which is surrounded by temples and other religious landmarks, each of them holding centuries of devotion. One of the most famous temples in the city is Chamundeshwari Temple at the Chamundi Hill. This temple is solely dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, who was the patron deity of the royal family of Mysore. You can easily reach the temple by road or by climbing the 1000 steps, which feels like a pilgrimage in itself. You will also encounter a Nandi statue on your way to the temple, which is carved from a single block of granite. Once you reach the temple, you will witness the breathtaking panoramic view of Mysore city.
Another beautiful temple is the Somnathpur Temple which is nestled about 35 kilometers away from Mysore. It was built in the 13th century and is said to be a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Keshava, who is a form of Lord Vishnu. This star-shaped temple is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list and is extremely popular for its astonishing symmetrical beauty.
Immerse Deeply in the Cultural Experiences
Mysore is a city where culture is deeply lived by the people living there. When you explore the city, you can easily feel the music, crafts, dance, and daily rhythm of life in you. One of the best times to be in Mysore is during its Dasara festival. It is usually celebrated in September or October and is the state festival of Karnataka. Mysore becomes a grand stage for the major cultural performances, processions, and other rituals. The royal families participate in these celebrations, Mysore Palace is lit up for 10 days every night and the grand procession on Vijayadashmi is performed. It includes the caparisoned elephants carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari with music troupes and folk dances.
Mysore has had a long tradition of Bharatanatyam dance form and Carnatic music. Along with this, it is also popular for the Mysore style painting, which includes delicate brushwork and gold leafing that is said to bring the Hindu deities to life. The cultural experiences in Mysore are very special and one of the best things you will witness during your entire trip.
Yoga and Wellness Culture in Mysore
Mysore is the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga, which is a dynamic yoga style that is physically demanding and emphasizes on breathing linked movements. This yoga style was introduced to the world by K. Pattabhi Jois and was carried across the nation by his students. Even today, this city attracts yoga enthusiasts from all over the world to practice authentic yoga.
What makes Mysore special for yoga is not just its history but the way the traditions are woven into the lives of everyone. There are many yoga destinations in the world but most of them have become commercial and offer diluted knowledge to its students. Whereas Mysore is one of the rare cities where yoga is presented in its most authentic form, which is also known as Mysore Style practice. There are many yoga schools in the city that offer Yoga Alliance certified YTT programs as well as wellness retreats in order to enhance your overall wellness. You can enroll yourself in the sessions according to the needs of your body and learn from the highly experienced instructors.
Other than the yogashalas, Mysore has a natural environment that supports wellness. You can easily find ayurvedic clinics, vegetarian cafes, nature-friendly staying options, open spaces for yoga practices in nature, and a global network of practitioners from different backgrounds. In other words, the traditions of Mysore are deeply rooted in the philosophy and teachings of ancient texts and are modified according to the modern comforts.
Discover the Nature-friendly Landmarks and Parks
Mysore is majorly known for its royal palaces and temples but it is also home to an abundance of natural attractions and green spaces which can be your refreshing break from sightseeing. Brindavan Gardens is one of such landmarks which is located about 21 kilometers away from Mysore. It is nestled right next to the Krishnaraja Sagar dam and is one of the most famous gardens in India. Spread across 60 acres of land, it is the best example of symmetrical design with flower beds, illuminated fountains, and terraced lawns.
Karanji Lake is yet another hidden gem of Mysore, especially for nature lovers. With over 90 species of birds, this lake covers 90 hectares of land and is fully surrounded by lush greenery. The walk-through aviary here is the largest in India, where you can easily spot peacocks, hornbills and other interesting birds. Mysore Zoo is also a major attraction in the city, which was founded in 1892. It is one of the oldest and most respected zoological parks in India and is spread over 157 acres of land. Mysore zoo is extremely spacious, clean, and focuses on animal welfare, which makes it special from other zoos.
Cuisine of Mysore
Food culture is the best way to understand any city and Mysore is no exception in that. The cuisine of this city is a mix of royal heritage, everyday comfort food, and temple traditions. Whether you are enjoying the street side food items or a sampling dish in a grand palace, this city’s flavours are so exquisite that they will stay with you.
One of the most famous dishes of Mysore is its Masala Dosa. Unlike the plain dosa, this one consists of a fiery red chutney spread before filling it with the spicy potatoes. The crispy golden brown Mysore Masala dosa is the perfect balance of tang and spice, especially when served with authentic coconut chutney and sambar. Another amazing dish is Idli Vada with Filter Coffee in Mysore. Breakfast in this city is considered to be incomplete without consuming this dish. The taste of South Indian filter coffee is so aromatic that it stays with you forever.
The world famous Mysore Pak is one of the main dishes in Mysore. It is an extremely sweet yet rich and decadent dish that has become a legacy in the state. It is made of only three ingredients, gram flour, sugar, and ghee. This was first created in the kitchen of the Wodeyar kings and is said to be a specialty since then. The meals in Mysore are mostly served in banana leaves, especially when there is a festival or you are visiting a traditional restaurant. The right gesture to eat food is by eating it with your hands as it is believed that this gesture deepens your connection with food.
Mysore is a special destination, which not just to tick off your checklist but to immerse into. This city is far away from the attention like the bigger Indian cities and invites you to slow down and unwind yourself completely. The culture and yogic traditions here are extremely authentic. Take your time to explore each place and understand the history of Mysore.
You will find a rare balance of modern as well as age-old traditions which are not overstepping into each other. Mysore gives you space to wander, learn and reflect in your life. Whether you are seeking spirituality or just wish to pause from the hustle and bustle of life, this is the ideal destination to choose.
