What To See-------------

Mysore Palace

Built in Indo-Saracenic style, with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Known as Amba Vilas Palace, it was designed by Henry Irwin, the British consultant architect of Madras State, and completed in 1912 on the site of the old wooden palace that was destroyed by fire in 1897.

The majestic Durbar Hall with its ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars, and the Marriage Pavilion with its chandeliers, cast-iron pillars, and Belgian stained glass arranged in peacock designs on the domed ceilings, are the main attractions. Make sure you see the magnificent jewel-studded golden throne, the pride of the Wadiyars and the symbol of their sovereignty, displayed here during the Dasara festival in October.

A row of souvenir shops leads to the Residential Museum, which houses musical instruments, Tanjore and Mysore paintings, and an array of personal effects belonging to the Maharajas family. The palace, illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.

Mysore Zoo

Also known as the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, it was established under royal patronage in the 19th century. The zoos collection of fauna includes rare and exotic species housed in lush green environs. Timings: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Open daily, except on Tuesdays

St. Philomena's Church

Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV laid the foundation for this Catholic Church in 1933 which resembles the Cologne Cathedral. This imposing Gothic structure with beautiful stained glass windows and lofty towers is a must see.

Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery

The art gallery in the Jaganmohan Palace houses an excellent collection of ceramics, sandalwood, ivory, stone, antique furniture, and ancient musical instruments. You can also gaze at paintings by reputed artists like Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich, as well as traditional Mysore gold leaf paintings.

Rail Museum

Located behind the railway station is the little-known but impressive Rail Museum with its priceless locomotives, coaches, collection of paintings and photographs narrating the Rail Story. The prize exhibit of the museum is the Maharanis Saloon built in the U.K.

Folklore Museum

Located in the imposing Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion in the Mysore University campus in Manasagangotri, the Folklore Museum is an impressive repository of folk culture. With 6500 folklore articles on display, the museum is acclaimed to be one of the biggest of its kind in Asia.

Chamundi Hills

Perched atop a hill 13km outside Mysore City is the temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the patron deity of the Wadiyars. The 4.8m tall monolith of Nandi, enroute, and the gigantic Mahishasura statue are added attractions.

Mysore Urban Haat

Mysore Urban Haat designed on the lines of Dilli Haat, is promoted by JSS Mahavidyapeetha with assistance from the Union Textiles Ministry and the Karnataka Industries & Commerce Department. Its aim has been to develop a Tourist and Marketing Centre. An Export Guidance and Counselling Cell has been set up to identify importers and gain international exposure. The organization also conducts the annual Crafts Bazaar, through which it invites over 150 artisans from all across the country to display their products, a truly innovative approach to reach international tourists while capturing local interest.

Brindavan Gardens

Visit the famous gardens at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam after sundown, when musical fountains and coloured lights transform this place into a magical fairyland. Best Season: September to May