Welcome to the land of royalty, where you'll feel like a king or queen for the day - the city of palaces, Mysore. If you're looking for an impromptu adventure, look no further! We recently took a spontaneous trip from Bangalore to Mysore and let us tell you, it was a royal experience like no other.
Mysore is just a 3-4 hour bus ride away from Bangalore and if you're lucky, you might even catch the city in all its glory during the annual Nadahabba festival, which takes place during the time of Dussehra and lasts for 10 days, ending on Vijayadashami.
So, what are the must-visit places in Mysore?
Mysore Palace - opens at 10 AM and closes at 5:30 PM
Chamundeshwari Temple
Brindavan Gardens - open from 7:30 AM to 9 PM
Food and Shopping
The best time to visit Mysore is from October to mid-June and trust us, you don't want to miss out on the lip-smacking food here. Dosas, Shavige Bath, Vangi Baath, Pongal, Chutneys, and Pickles are just a few of the local delights you have to try.
For those with a sweet tooth, a freshly made Mysore Pak is a must-try. The aromatic smell and flavor of this local sweet will have you falling in love with it. You can buy your share of Mysore Pak from any sweet shop in Mysore, such as Guru Sweet Mart and Sree Mahalakshmi Sweets.
Don't forget to take home a souvenir from your trip! There are several shops near the Mysore bus stand, like Ramson's House, where you can buy artifacts, wooden crafts, and even incense sticks. And, of course, you can't leave Mysore without getting your hands on the city's trademark - a Mysore silk sari.
We arrived in Mysore in the morning and kicked off our day with a delicious breakfast at Mahesh Prasad Veg Restaurant, where we savored some of the best dosas and coffee in town.
Next up on our itinerary was the Mysore Palace - a mesmerizing and perfectly splendid structure that dates back to the 14th century. After a fire incident in the 19th century, the palace was rebuilt and served as the seat of the Maharaja Wodeyar. The blend of cultures and the stunning architecture of the palace will leave you speechless, especially during the evening when the lighting adds an extra touch of magic.
We then headed to the Chamundeshwari Temple, where the story and building of the temple took us back to our roots and the rich cultural heritage of our ancestors.
If you're looking for a serene escape, the Brindavan Gardens should be your next stop. The scenic beauty of this destination will fill you with calmness and peace, and the view of the Cauvery River and Krishnaraja Dam will transport you to a picturesque film scene. The colorful flowers, greenery, and musical fountain make this place famous worldwide, and you can even go boating for a complete experience.
So, pack your bags and get ready for a royal adventure in Mysore - the city of palaces awaits!