Mysore is a must stop if your in the state of Karnataka. It’s only a 2-3 hour bus ride from Bangalore and is often referred to as the “City of Palaces.” You need 2-3 days to see most things here and coming on a weekend is best if you want to see the main palace lit up. I spent a total of eight days here and really liked Mysore for it’s many tourist sites, cheap accommodations and different markets. It was a nice welcome from the overly expensive city of Bangalore.
Tips on Mysore:
Transport: A rickshaw can be rented for the whole day from 300Rs-500Rs ($6.75-$11.25 USD). If you want a guide as well, expect to pay another 300Rs. To be honest, I don’t really think you need a guide as long as you know where you want to go.
Accommodation: Hostels are cheap and you should be able to find something from 300Rs-500Rs rather easily for a private bedroom with private bathroom. Hotels will costs more and start at around 1000+Rs. Don’t expect Internet in most hostels but some hotels will have it. Worth noting: My first hostel room cost me 400Rs per-night and it was infested with bed bugs. I moved out the next day and was able to find a better room for only 350Rs. So take your time and look at more then one option and not be like me and grab the first room someone offered you.
Non-Business Days: Nothing much is open on Sunday. Most shops will be closed so if you need something make sure you do it beforehand or can handle it on Monday.
Food: One of the best deals I found in Mysore food wise was at Domino’s Pizza. A small 7” pizza was only 39Rs ($0.88 USD). I got 3-4 at a time when there and loved it. Dosa meals will be about 20Rs-30Rs and a tally meal start at 30rs.
Internet: There isn’t a lot of Internet cafes here but you can find one across from the main bus terminal at the shopping complex there.
Chamundeshwari Temple
“According to legend, the demon Mahishasura (see photo above of statue with sword), king of the area that is currently Mysore, was killed by the Goddess Chamundeswari (also Chamundi) after a fierce battle. The hills are named after the goddess, and a temple honors her in the hills.” ~ Wikipedia
Chamundi Hills is only a 15min rickshaw ride away from the Mysore city center. This is a major temple for Indians to visit and will always have large crowds waiting in line to enter the temple. It also offers great aerial views of Mysore, as it’s the highest point in the area.
Nandi at Chamundi Hills
It took the artist 30 years of training in sculpting to be able to take on the task of this statue. It then took him 20 years to actually complete it. This statue of Nandi is considered the best piece in all of India. From this statue, there are 600 steps that go to the top of Chamundi Hills, where the temple is. If you don’t want to walk it, just have your driver take you by road to the top, it’s a lot easier (believe me)!
Mysore Palace
Bronze leopard at the gate of the Mysore Palace. I stopped counting how many there were after eight.
Mysore Palace
The main attraction of Mysore is the main palace. Open daily, entrance is 200Rs ($4.50 USD) for foreigners. You can take photos anywhere outside but you will not be able to take your camera inside the palace. There are paid storage lockers for this and other bags next to the entrance. On weekends and major holidays they light up the palace from 7-8pm. Entry to this in the evening is free but make sure you get there early. From what I experienced, they turned the lights on at 7pm, but were turned off by 7:35pm and had everyone out of the palace by 8pm. So find your spot and move quickly outside to get the photographs you want, as it’s a limited window to do so.
Hindu temple inside the grounds of the Mysore Palace
Mysore Zoo
Built in 1892, it is one of the oldest zoos in the world. I was really surprised at what they all had here and it’s well worth a stop to see. They have white Bengal Tigers, white peacocks, elephants, lions, lots of different bird species and monkeys to even giraffes. Entry was 100Rs ($2.25 USD) for foreigners, plus extra for video or a camera. This has been one of the better zoos I have visited in all my travels.
Lalitha Mahal Hotel Palace
HDR photograph of the Lalitha Mahal Hotel. Built in 1921 it is the 2nd largest palace in Mysore. This is a fully functional hotel now but visitors can visit here any time during the day. Be sure to check out the inside of the hotel as anyone is welcomed to, plus if you arrive after 12-noon you can have a drink at there private bar.
Incense Market
India supplies half the worlds demand for incense sticks and Mysore is a hub for prodcuing it. Every rickshaw driver and tour guide will try and get you to visit the incense market, which is basically peoples home that have contracts with the government to make them. Well worth a look and don’t feel pressured to buy any but odds are you already have, you just didn’t know it.
Exotic Fragrant Oil Market
Again, like the incenses, most people will produce oils as well. From sandalwood, rose, almonds to Jasmine and many more. The man will go through his speech and test each one out by placing a small amount on your hands or forearm. They smell great and some have medical uses as well. At the end, he’ll try and get you to buy some but you are not required, so don’t feel pressured to. I personally ended up buying some (and I never buy anything) that was an aftershave or sorts. It works just as the man said it would and can notice a big difference when I don’t use.
Fruit & Vegetable Markets (and everything in between)
Devaraja Market is one of the best market in Mysore. Try to go early in the morning when most of the locals are buying their goods for the day/week. It’s large but full of life and the display of produce shown is mesmerizing. One of the better markets I have visited in India!
Other Things To See In Mysore, India
- Brindavan Gardens: 35km away from Mysore and best to visit in the evening to see the fountains lit up at night.
- St. Philomena’s Church: Free but no photos allowed inside
- Regional Museum of Natural History: Free and photos are ok
- Rail Museum: The first of it’s kind in India
- Silver Jubilee Clock Tower: located at the south entrance of the palace.
- Wax Museum – Melody World: Not worth the money and the biggest tourist trap in Mysore.
|
Asia, India, Mysore, Photo Essay |
Pingback: Featured Tourist Site: Lalitha Mahal Hotel Palace in Mysore, India