Situated on the base of the Chamundi Hills in Karnataka state of India, Mysore is a city of gardens abounding in awe-inspiring scenic beauty. Considered to be one of the major tourist destinations in Karnataka, lots of tourists from all over India and around the world visit the city to experience its magical charm. As Mysore was an official capital of the Maharajas in the past, you can still feel the royal charm and grandeur in the city. The ornate temples and palaces built in the city are some of the exquisite examples of Dravidian architecture that display the lavish lifestyle of the Mysore kings during the bygone era.

Your itinerary must include a visit to following tourist attractions in Mysore.

Mysore Palace

You cannot give a miss to the spectacular Mysore Palace which was once the official residence of the royal family (the Wodeyars) of Mysore. Located in the heart of Mysore city, this palace is an invaluable national treasure that reminds of the rich cultural heritage of India. Intricate inlay work inside the palace is something one cannot find everywhere. Main highlights of the palace are the Elephant Gate, Royal Elephant Throne that is embellished with 84 kilograms of 24 karat gold, the Kalyan Madapam (royal wedding hall) and Diwan-I-am. The palace looks even more splendid and vibrant when it is illuminated with thousands of LED bulbs on Sunday evenings, and Dasara festival; a view not to be missed by any one visiting Mysore.  

Brindavan Garden

Laid out in an area of around 60 acres, the Brindavan Garden in Mysore is one of its kind terrace garden in India. Cascading water channels, lush green lawns, flower beds planted with colourful Roses and perennial flowers, and pathways lined up with ornamental hedges; adorn these beautiful gardens. Tourists coming to Mysore look forward spending a memorable evening in these gardens when the pathways get lit up with colourful lights and hundreds of illuminated fountains dance to the tunes of soothing instrumental music.

Tourists can also go for a boat ride in the lake that flows between the North and South Brindavan Gardens. Adjoining the garden, are the sprawling fruit orchard and two horticultural farms; the sites not to be missed if you have some extra time.

Chamundi Temple

Perched on top of the Chamundi Hill, the temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari is a site of significant religious importance in the state of Karnataka. Owing to the presence of the Chamunda devi temple on the Chamundi Hill, this hill is counted amongst the 7 sacred hills of South India. The temple can be reached by climbing almost 1000 stone steps carved out of steep hill. As you climb the stairway, you will cross a 16 ft. tall statue of Nandi bull, the vahana of Lord Shiva. Once you reach the hilltop, you can get panaromic views of the Mysore city. 

Tranquillity of the place, pleasant weather, chirping of birds and breathtaking scenic beauty of the surroundings take you to a different world that is full of peace, harmony and serenity.

Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum

Located at the base of Chamundi Hills, the Sand Sculpture Museum is another unique tourist attraction in Mysore where you can get to see around 150 huge sculptures crafted out from sand. This museum is the work of M.N. Gowri, the only female sand sculptor artists in India. Her passion for this craft shows in her work. As you enter the museum, you will be welcomed by a 15 ft tall sand statue of lord Ganesha. Some of the most beautiful sand sculptures on display are of Dasara procession, Goddess Chamundi, Lord Krishna giving Gitopadesha to Arjuna, Laughing Buddha, zodiac wheel, Christmas tree, and Santa Claus. You will be amazed to know that around 15 tonnes of sand was used to create these incredible sand sculptures. If you are an admirer of art and craft, then this place is a must visit.

Kukkarahali Lake

The Kukkarahali Lake area is a famous picnic spot for both the localites and tourists. Located inside the Mysore university campus, this is a serene place where you can get a breath of fresh air, hear the chirping of birds and watch tiny ripples of water touching the edges of the lake. You can also take a walk along the walkway lined up with tall trees and plants like bougainvilleas, roses and jasmine. Early in the morning, you can see lots of people indulged in walking, jogging and exercising. This lake is also a paradise for bird watchers as they can get to see a huge variety of birds here. Lots of migratory birds can be seen flocking here during winters.

Apart from the above listed tourist attractions, there is much more to see in Mysore. For people living in South India, this place is a perfect tourist getaway destination.