7 Things to Do in Mysore & Mysore Hotels

A short Mysore travel guide: here is a catalog of activities other tourists have loved doing in the city which is abode to untold grandeur and glory. Also read about a few nice hotels in Mysore.

About Mysore - Mysore traces its history back to the mythical past, when Goddess Chamundeshwari killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. There's an old charm about the city that has never failed to impress the connoisseurs of art and culture.

See a list of hotels in Mysore available for online booking.

Here are 7 things tourists to Mysore must not miss out on.

1. Visit the Mysore Palace - Also known as the ‘Ambavilasa Palace’, the Mysore Palace stands as the ultimate example of the influences of art and culture from across the world. One must not miss the Ravi Varma collection of some of the finest Dussehra paintings.
2. Spend an afternoon / evening at the Brindavan Gardens on the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. The garden is designed based on the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir and is illustrious for its symmetric design. Its ethereal beauty, grandeur and illumination/ musical fountain wherein the water, colored lights and music are synchronized to create a water ballet controlled by an aquatic organ are worth a visit.
3. St. Philomena's Church built in the gothic style is a reminiscent of medieval architectural style and the main feature of this church is the reclining statue of St Philomena. Another church in the heart of the city is the St. Bartholomew's Church.
4. The Karanji Lake Nature Park has the biggest 'walk-through aviary' in India and a Regional Museum of Natural History displaying thematic, interactive and participatory exhibits. The tropical rain forest section in the Biological Diversity Gallery draws in a lot of curiosity.
5. The Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden has over 400 bonsai species within the precincts of the Ganapathi Sachchidananda Ashram. An interesting feature is the presence of precious stones kept here whose vibrations enhance peace and happiness.
6. Dining in Mysore - Though the all-time favorite is dosa with potato filling eaten with sambar and coconut chutney the traditional food incorporates set-dosa, rava or semolina dosa besides a range of rice-based dishes that include chitranna, vangibath (spiced rice with egg plant) and pulliyoigrae (rice flavored with tamarind juice and garnished with groundnuts).
7. Shopping in Mysore - Mysore is famous for carved sandalwood, pure silk sarees and incense and the best shopping centers are the Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium and the other craft shops on Dhanavanthri Road.

Hotels in Mysore

There are lots of nice hotels in Mysore. One of the best budget hotels in Mysore is the Royal Challet with rooms from Rs. 950 per night and a 4.5 star (out of 5) customer rating. Another good mid-luxury hotel in Mysore is the Howard Johnson Monarch. For Rs. 2500 per night, this hotel is a very good deal. See photos and reviews of hotels and make an online booking for Mysore hotels.

Howard Johnson Monarh, Mysore Hotels @HotelPushpak.com

Other things to do:

Half-way up along the stone steps of the Chamundi Hills is Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith. At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari is the gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. On the slopes of the hills is the Lalitha Mahal, a palace built exclusively to accommodate the Viceroy of India. E.W. Fritch. The Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, which has emerged as one of finest zoos in the country to breed a wide range of animals in captivity, are other star tourist peaks.

Tips from other Mysore travelers:

• The famous traditional Mysore 'gold leaf ' paintings exhibited in the Jaganmohan Palace are a treat to one’s eyes. Among the notable works is S.L. Haldekar’s “The Lady with the Lamp” and the musical clock.
• The Rail Museum situated at Krishnaraja Sagar Road is home to Chamundi Gallery that showcases a unique and appealing compilation of photographs and paintings depicting the growth of the railways. Other rare items embrace the Austin Rail Motor and Krishnaraja Wadiyar's personal telephone.
• Book hotels in advance- online booking for hotels in Mysore is available at HotelPushpak.com