Introduction
“The City of Palaces” Mysore, also known as the cultural capital of Karnataka, is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture. The city is home to numerous landmarks and attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists. If you are interested to explore the tradition and cultures of previous Raja, Maharajas (Kings) within the Karnataka you will definitely love it and if you are foreigner you will get lot of things to explore in Mysore about the Indian Culture and also it is bad for Indians that many of the things are looted and preserved in Britain. If you only have two days to explore the city, here are the best places to visit in Mysore and the estimated time you will need to explore them. And if you have more time there are 7 palaces in Mysore and many things that mysore kings used in there daily lives there weapons, Cloths etc..
Day:1
1.Mysore Palace - 2 hours
2.Jaganmohan Palace - 1 hour
Jaganmohan Palace is another palace in Mysore that is worth a visit. The palace is now a museum that showcases an impressive collection of art and artifacts, including traditional Mysore paintings. It is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm every day except on Sundays, and you will need approximately one hour to explore the museum.
3. Chamundeshwari Temple - 2 hours
Chamundeshwari Temple is a Hindu temple located on top of Chamundi Hill, which offers a panoramic view of Mysore. The temple is dedicated to goddess Chamundeshwari, who is considered to be a powerful deity in Hindu mythology. It is open from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm every day, and you will need approximately two hours to explore the temple and the hill.
4. Brindavan Gardens - 2 hours
Day 2:
1.Mysore Zoo - 2 hours
2. St. Philomena's Church - 1 hour
3. Karanji Lake - 2 hours
4.Sand Museum
The Sand Museum in Mysore is a unique attraction that is definitely worth visiting. It is located within the premises of the Mysore Palace and is a stunning display of intricate sand sculptures. Each sculpture is made entirely out of sand and is truly a masterpiece. The Sand Museum has different themes every year, and it is interesting to see how the artists have interpreted these themes in sand.
The Sand Museum is open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm every day, and the entry fee is Rs. 40 for adults and Rs. 20 for children. It usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the Sand Museum, depending on your interest in the sculptures and the crowd.
After exploring the magnificent Mysore Palace, head over to the Chamundeshwari Temple, which is situated on the Chamundi Hills. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Goddess Durga, and is a popular religious site for Hindus. You can either climb the 1000 steps to reach the temple or take a vehicle up the hill. The climb is quite steep, and it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and carry water. The view from the top of the hill is stunning, and you can get a panoramic view of Mysore city.
After visiting the Chamundeshwari Temple, head over to the Brindavan Gardens, which is about 21 km from Mysore city. The garden is famous for its musical fountain, which is a sight to behold. The garden is spread over an area of 60 acres and is divided into various sections such as the North Brindavan, South Brindavan, and the main garden. You can spend some time strolling through the garden, and if you're lucky, you might get to see the garden in its full glory during the evening light and sound show.
If you have some more time on your hands, you can explore some of the other places in and around Mysore. The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, which is about 18 km from Mysore, is a popular spot for birdwatchers. You can take a boat ride on the Cauvery river and spot various species of birds such as herons, egrets, and kingfishers. The sanctuary is also home to crocodiles, which can be spotted basking in the sun.
Another popular spot to visit near Mysore is the Srirangapatna Island, which is about 15 km from the city. The island is a historical town and was the capital of the Mysore kingdom during the reign of Tipu Sultan. You can visit the Srirangapatna Fort, which was built by Tipu Sultan, and the Gumbaz Mausoleum, which houses the tombs of Tipu Sultan and his parents. The Ranganathaswamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is also a popular spot to visit on the island.
To summarize, a two-day trip to Mysore is an excellent way to explore some of the best places that the city has to offer. You can start your trip by visiting the Mysore Palace and then head over to the Chamundeshwari Temple and Brindavan Gardens. If you have some more time on your hands, you can explore some of the other places in and around Mysore such as the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and Srirangapatna Island. With proper planning and time management, you can cover all these places and have a memorable trip to Mysore.