Mysore is the third largest and second most populated city in the South Indian state of Karnataka. A hotspot of culture and heritage, it is situated at the hillock of Chamundi Hills. In the 16th century, Mysore was governed by the Wodeyar family. It was known as the Kingdom of Mysore at that time. The kingdom reached the peak of power and dominion in the 18th century under the rule of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan.
The rich history of Mysore laid the foundation of notable historical architectures in Mysore like Mysore Palace and Jaganmohan Palace. Renowned as the ‘City of Palaces’, Mysore still retains its opulence and old-world charm. Somanthapura, Karanji Lake & Park, Chamundi Hill, Brindavan Garden, and Rail Museum are other places to visit in Mysore that lure tourists from across the globe.
Mysore is a treasure trove for history buffs and nature lovers. It offers much to explore and spend a day with your family and friends. Here is the list of places to visit in Mysore in 1 day:
- Mysore Places to visit in 1 Day - Option 1: Mysore Palace, Trinesvaraswamy Temple, Brindavan Gardens, St. Philomena's Church, Lalitha Mahal Palace
- Mysore Places to visit in 1 Day - Option 2: Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, St. Philomena's Church, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, GRS Fantasy Park
1. Mysore Palace
The Mysore Palace is a majestic structure located in Mysore, renowned worldwide for its exceptional architecture. It is a spectacular example of Indo-Saracenic style architecture. Besides being one of the largest palaces in the country, it is also among the most visited places in South India.
It is the old palace of the royal family of Mysore and is now their formal residence. Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, Mysore Palace was constructed in 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty.
The Mysore Palace was built under the supervision of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV. His son, the last Maharaja of Mysore, Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, enlarged it. The majesty of the Mysore Palace, with the Chamundi Hills on its eastern side, is a magnificent sight to see.
2. Trinesvaraswamy Temple
The Trinesvaraswamy Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. It is located within the Mysore Palace in the northeast corner of Mysore fort. The massive temple is renowned for its exemplary Dravidian style architecture. The temple is regarded as an ancient shrine as it existed even before Raja Wodeyar's rule (1578-1617).
Originally, the temple stood on the banks of the Devaraya Sagar, also known as Doddakere. During the reigns of Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar (1638-1659) and his successor Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar (1659-1672), the Mysore fort was expanded, and the temple was included within the fort boundary.
The Maharajas of Mysore added to the temple's grandeur by expanding and renovating it. Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar built a verandah and dedicated five Lingas as well as various deities including Dakshinamurthy, Kshetrapala, Kumara, and Surya.
3. Brindavan Gardens
Mysore's Brindavan Gardens are unquestionably among the greatest terrace gardens in the world. Located at the bottom of the Krishnaraja Sagara Dam (KRS), it is situated across the river Cauvery. The well-manicured gardens are embellished with fountains and a pristine lake. The botanical park features a wide variety of plants encouraging kids and botanists to explore.
Brindavan Garden captivates visitors with its beauty and exciting activities like boating. It was established by Sir Mirza Ismail, the then diwan of Mysore, and is particularly well-known for its symmetric design and illuminated terrace gardens. The verdant garden spans more than 60 acres and is set out on three levels and culminates in a horseshoe form.
4. Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to the ferocious form of 'Shakti' known as 'Chamundi' or 'Durga.' Goddess Chamundeswari is believed to be the slayer of the demons 'Chanda' and 'Munda,' as well as the buffalo-headed monster 'Mahishasura’. She is the tutelary deity of the Mysore Maharajas and the city's main deity.
The Sri Chamundeshwari Temple is located atop the Chamundi hills and you can either drive up to the temple or take the steps. Besides offering prayers to the deity you can enjoy the splendid view of the city.
5. Jaganmohan Palace
Built under the aegis of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar in the year 1861, Jaganmohan Palace is an imperial monument built in the traditional Hindu architectural style. The stunning carvings that adorn the whole structure are its most notable feature. The palace's main gateway is a beautiful masterwork with outstanding carvings on both sides.
You will be captivated by the artistic quality of the palace's entryway. Dashavatara, one of Lord Vishnu's ten incarnations, is shown in the sculptures. Its entablatures have excellent religious decorations such as small temples and Hindu religious themes.
On the other side, the magnificent carvings on the walls of Jaganmohan Palace depict royal history, the ancestry of the Mysore royal dynasty, and paintings depicting the Mysore Dussehra.
6. St. Philomena's Church
St. Philomena's Church is well known as Asia's second tallest church. It was built to commemorate the Latin Catholic Saint of the Roman Catholic Church, Saint Philomena. Listed among the best places to visit in Mysore, it is frequently visited by tourists from all across the nation. The church is given rigorous significance for having a Neo-Gothic style of architecture, putting it even more on the map among crowds.
As one of the city's most distinctive tourist attractions, it seems significantly more wonderful in the night sky. The foundation for the congregation was established in 1933 by the then ruler of Mysore, Sri Krishnarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur IV, for the city's European occupiers. After almost eight years of planning, the congregation commenced operations in 1941. The surviving sections of Saint Philomena have been preserved and are still accessible today.
7. GRS Fantasy Park
GRS Fantasy Park is a popular tourist attraction in Mysore, luring tourists and locals alike. It is a family-friendly entertainment and water park. GRS Fantasy Park is located on the Mysore-Bangalore highway, about 15 minutes from the city of Mysore.
Sprawling across 35 acres of land, the park features beautiful flora. GRS Fantasy Park is popular among kids and adventure enthusiasts as it offers a wide variety of fun activities. The water park allows you to relax and unwind amidst its breath-taking ambiance. Featuring a wide variety of rides and slides it allows you to spend some time splashing around with your loved ones.
8. Lalitha Mahal Palace
One of the most beautiful heritage mansions in Mysore is the Lalitha Mahal Palace. Located in the panoramic garden below the Chamundi Hills, it is the second-largest palace in Mysore. The beautiful Lalitha Mahal Palace was built in 1921 by the then Maharaja of Mysore to host the stay of the then Viceroy of India. It was designed by the prominent Bombay architect E.W. Fritchley and built by B Munivenkatappa.
The two-story castle also offers a splendid view of the stunning surroundings and hills. The Lalitha Mahal Palace boasts of a pure white color scheme and an incredibly graceful stance. The architectural splendor of Lalitha Mahal Palace attracts architects, history buffs, and tourists in general. However, Lalitha Mahal Palace was transformed into a heritage hotel in 1974.
More to Explore in Mysore
Mysore has much to offer to keep tourists of varied interests entertained. After visiting and capturing the beauty of the above-mentioned tourist places, you might want to explore more of Mysore on your one-day trip.
You can visit other famous places like Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Karanji Lake, Railway Museum, and Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum.
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden presents you with some of the most beautiful animals in the area. It is India's oldest zoo, and it is home to a diverse collection of flora and wildlife.
Karanji Lake, a pure natural wonder, is nestled on the slopes of the Chamundi Hills. The location has a broad route to stroll on the lake's banks, surrounded by lovely birds and unique flora, and provides maximum relaxation to its visitors.
The Railway Museum was opened in 1979 and portrays the growth of Indian railways beginning with the pre-independence era.
Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum is a privately run museum that exhibits close to 150 sculptures based on 16 different topics such as the Dasara procession, Wildlife, Disneyland, Ancient Civilisations, and so on. The magnificent location provides a tranquil setting allowing you to view and appreciate each artwork. The major draw here is the 15-foot-tall Lord Ganesh statue made of sand.
Mysore also offers a wide range of shopping and eating options. You can shop for local handicrafts and heritage products from the city’s markets. Mysore is renowned for things such as Silk Sarees, Sandalwood products, Mysore Pak, Mysore paintings, sandalwood incense sticks, and stone sculptures. You can buy these as gifts and souvenirs from your Mysore one-day trip.
While you explore the places to visit in Mysore in 1 day you must also indulge in the local cuisine. Mysore is well known for its Dosas and Filter Coffee, and you can enjoy them at the well-known eateries on the roadside or opt for a fine dining restaurant. Churmuri, Biryani, Mysore Bonda, and Idli are some of the local delicacies you must try.
