Mysore is the Karnataka's second biggest city, situated in Southern India. It was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar dynasty and is considered the cultural capital of the state. Mysore is the second cleanest city in India and one of the most well-planned ones. The people of Mysore are famous for their peaceful attitude and helpful nature.

Understand

The city has recorded history dating back a thousand years and a mythical history which explains the origin of the name - apparently, this was the place where the demon Mahishasura was slain by the Goddess Chamundi. You will find a statue of the demon on Chamundi hill which commemorates this event.

In recorded times, the city rose to prominence when it became the capital of a breakaway feudatory of the Vijayanagara empire named Chamaraja Wodeyar in 1584. In 1610, he shifted the capital to nearby Srirangapatna. Hyder Ali who was a commander in the army usurped power in the late 18th century. Hyder Ali was succeeded by his son Tipu Sultan, who fought and lost a war with the British, dying in battle in 1799.

The British restored the Wodeyars as their puppet rulers and shifted the capital back to Mysore. The Wodeyars had substantial internal autonomy and the princely state of Mysore (which comprised a large portion of present-day Karnataka) was probably the best administered in India. After independence, the state was merged back to the Indian Union and the capital of Mysore state was shifted to nearby Bangalore where the British maintained their army. The name of the state too was eventually changed to the more accurate "Karnataka" in 1973.

The dynasty is still well-loved and the people of Mysore are still nostalgic for the grandeur of the earlier times. The palaces built by the Wodeyars and the yearly celebration of Dusshera are holdovers of that period.

Mysore has evolved from being a quiet and sleepy city, to a city that is touted to being the most important one in the state after Bangalore. With apartment complexes, supermarkets, a couple of proposed malls, new and improved roads, the advent of IT and BPO firms and a growing young and dynamic workforce , this regal city is trying to strike a balance between the good old days while to keep up pace with the changes affecting it.

A city that is old, yet new. A modern-day paradox in the making, anyone who lives in Mysore for long enough can't help falling in love with this place.

Get in

By plane

The nearest international airport is Bangalore airport near Devanahalli (170km from Mysore) .

Mysore Airport  (MYQ) Mysore Airport, which is nearly 12 kilometers from the city, was inaugurated on May 15, 2010. Being Domestic Airport It is operational now.

Kingfisher operates daily flights from Mysore. There is one stop connecting flights from Mysore to Other key cities like Chennai, Goa, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune etc.

By train

Mysore Junction is the city's main station, and there are daily trains plying the route to Bangalore.

The fastest and possibly the most comfortable way to travel between Mysore and Chennai is by the Shatabdi Express, which covers the Mysore-Bangalore leg of the journey in 2 hours and the Mysore-Chennai section in 7 hours. Although more expensive than other trains, all the Shatabdi's coaches are air-conditioned and meals, snacks and a bottle of mineral water are included in the cost of the fare.

There are many trains available from Mysore to Bangalore and vice versa. Tippu Express being the most popular one which covers the distance of 140 km in about 2.5 hours. Tippu Express leaves Mysore at 11AM and reaches Bangalore by 1:30PM and leaves Bangalore at 3PM and reaches Mysore at 5:30PM. Chamundi Express and Yeshvantapur-Mysore Express (17303/04)are other daily trains between the cities

Apart from above Mysore is connected to Delhi through Weekly Swarnajayanthi(12781/82), Mumbai through Weekly Sharavati, Chennai by Kaveri Express(Daily)(16221/22) & Shatabdi Express(Except Wednesday)(12007/08), Trichy/Tanjore through Daily Express(16231/32, Madurai through Daily Express(6731/32), Tirupati by Fast passenger(56213/14)Daily, Ajmer through Bi-weekly Express(16201/02), Jaipur through Bi-weekly Express(12975/76), Mangalore Daily by Express(16517/18).Apart from Sharavati and swarna jayanti all other trains as above pass via Bangalore city

The track between bangalore and Mysore is in process of Doubling. work has already completed for about 60km of the strech. the entire completion of the work can reduce the running time of trains by about 15-30 minutes

By bus

Buses run every 5 minutes from Bangalore. There is a choice of airconditioned and ordinary vehicles. During the weekends, these buses can fill up, but most do not allow you to purchase your tickets in advance. However, buses to Mysore board constantly so finding a bus with seats is never a problem. The KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses are very comfortable, especially the Volvo (Luxury) buses. A one-way ticket from Bangalore to Mysore costs 270 Indian Rupees. One can get a bus for Mysore from the main city bus stand (Majestic) or the sattelite bus terminus on Mysore road.

Mysore has two major bus stands. All KSRTC buses arrive and depart from the Central bus stand (aka sub-urb bus stand), while local buses use the City bus stand.

By car

Mysore is approximately 140 km from Bangalore, and there is a 4 lane highway (2 lanes in each direction) connecting the 2 cities. The traffic is fairly heavy but the drive is extremely comfortable if you discount the unmarked speed bumps that show up at random intervals. Probably a much easier and more comfortable way to travel to Mysore is by train (especially the Shatabdi Express - 2:15hrs). You drive through in SH-17 via Ramnagar-Mandya and takes about 2 hrs to leave Bangalore and 2 more hrs on the highway

You don't really need a car and driver to drive you from Bangalore or other desinations in India, as all the tourist sites are walking distance or a cheap ride by rickshaw. Alternatively if you must have a car and driver while there, it is very easy to arrange once you arrive.

By bicycle

Around 140 km drive for fitness freaks... Bangalore—50—> Ramnagaram—30—> Maddur—20—> Mandya—22—> Srirangapatna—13—>Mysore

Get around

Getting around in Mysore is cheaper than most Indian cities.

By bus

Frequent bus service is available to all major tourist and residential areas of the city. Volvo airconditioned buses are available to Chamundi Hills, KRS-Brindavan Garden, Infosys, and to some major residential areas.

By car

Tourist Cabs are the best choice if you want to tour the city all day or visit nearby places like Srirangapatna. Costs about Rs 9 or Rs 10 per km.

There are many car rental companies available.

By auto-rickshaw

They have meters, but drivers politely refuse to turn down the meters especially at railway stations, bus stations etc. The more your attire and luggage announce that you are a tourist the less the chances of drivers going by the meter. Price is Rs. 9.00 per km, with a minimum fare of Rs. 18. Try to insist on meter usage; threatening to call the police works sometimes when the rickshaw driver pretends that the meter is broken and wants a flat fee.

At the railway station or city bus stand, go straight to the pre-paid auto-rickshaw counter and tell them your destination (you have to pay a rupee for this service). They will give you a slip with the fare printed, along with the destination and auto rickshaw registration number. When you arrive at the destination you just pay what is printed on the slip.

You can always take the help of a traffic police to negotiate with the auto driver, they are really helpful.

See

• Mysore Palace. Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings some with inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, paintings of the members of the royal family and other objects of personal use exhibit such opulence, though age as worn them out a bit with slight discolouration. On Saturdays,Sundays and National Holidays between 7PM-8PM the palace is illuminated by close to 100,000 bulbs - a sight so magnificent that it leaves you gasping for breath. Entry is through the south side. Cameras must be left at the cloak room, now there are no charges to deposit the cameras.Shoes can must be left before the entrance for free.Out side palace photography is allowed Rs. 20 for indian nationals, Rs. 200 for foreigners.  

• Brindavan Gardens. and Musical Fountain at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. Nice garden full of fountains, in the neighbourhood of Mysore. At 7PM the "musical fountain" light and music show begins. If you want to go here via bus, name of the bus stop is : KRS. 

• Chamundi Hills, +91-821-259-0027. 24 hrs, inquire for various service timings at temple. has a temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari (or Chamundi). The huge Nandi statue on the mountain is also well known. The Hills are 3300 Feet above sea level and are known for their wild life like leopards, but trekking is safe, and facilities to climb to the top are available. Atop the hill, Goddess Chamundi's idol is placed in a beautiful temple with marvelous architecture. It is a plastic free zone. Air Conditioned Volvo buses are available to Chamundi Hill and back from the city bus stand every twenty minutes. The charges are very nominal. Rs. 20 for regular queue (typically longer) . Rs 100 for shorter queue. 

• Jagmohan Palace and Art Gallery. A former palace that has been converted into a wonderful art gallery featuring famous works by various Indian artists.  

• Lalit Mahal Palace. Also a former palace but now a five star hotel, visitors should go around afternoon tea time as they serve a great British high tea.This is outside of mysore ,some time is required to visit that place  

• St. Philomenas Church. A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style,is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the gothic style,the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers. 

• Parks and Gardens. Mysore has about 180 parks and playgrounds. Most of the residential areas have their own small parks: e.g. Ambedkar Park in Jayanagar has a 500 metre perimeter footpath. The newly built Andolan Circle Park has a walking track that takes five minutes for one round. This park is near Kuvempu Nagar in South Bangalore. But many Mysoreans prefer to walk around the many lakes which pepper the landscape such as the central Kukarahalli Kere by the University where the journey around is about 4.5 kilometres. Another is the Lingabudhi Kere which has a beautiful footpath with bamboo forests and again takes more than 20 minutes for one round. This park it is a desirable neighbourhood to the southwest called Rama Krishna Nagar, 5km away from the city centre. 

• Datta Peetham. Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Avadhoota Datta Peetham is a remarkable place in the quiet city of Mysore. Upon arrival you are led into a serene and pure atmosphere, pervaded with Vedic chantings, the resonance of which speaks to your heart. This atmosphere makes all the difference, your heart sinks deeper into peaceful states, you feel relaxed. Above all, a spiritual calm and, the bottom line, a peaceful mind for a few important moments enters your life. Come and join in for a guided tour through the ashram. The Gardens in the Ashrama have developed over the past three decades. When the Ashrama began in 1966, one of the first horticultural activities was the planting of hundreds of non-hybridized coconut trees on its western boundary. These trees are still yielding coconuts today that are used for Puja and cooking. This was followed by the cultivation of roses, jasmine and other varieties of seasonal flowers for Puja use. Herbal plants were also started in different areas as time went on. In the early 80’s, the beautiful, tall and robust palm trees which now line the Ashrama’s main entrance road were planted. 

• Mysore Zoo. We-Mo 8AM-5:30PM. is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Closed on Tuesday. It was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world, and since then millions of people have enjoyed its wonderful animals and spectacular grounds. The zoo has a very successful breeding program and houses animals from more than 40 different countries and there are many native Indian animals as well, including Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, elephants, giraffe, fallow deer, Himalayan black bear, Gaur (Indian bison), white peafowl and African rhino. The zoo is also home to many other exotic creatures from around the world like Branary sheep, giraffe, hippos and gorillas. The zoo also encompasses Karanji Lake, which attracts several species of migratory birds during the breeding season including painted storks, pelicans and darters. Other attractions include the botanical Garden with 35 species of exotic ornamental plants and 85 species of trees from India and abroad.. Rs.30 for adults, Rs. 10 for children over 5. 

• Karanji Kere. is a small lake inside the city.This is a favorite spot of romantic couples.
  
  You can go for a small trip of boating.The lake is sorrounded by green trees and you can also see various variety of birds like pelicans and painted storks on the island in Karanji kere. In local language Kere means Lake and thus a Lake by the name of Karanji is called as Karanji Kere.

• Jayalakshmivilas mansion, Manasagangotri. It was built by H.H. Vani Vilasa Sannidhana ( Maharani Regent of Mysore: 1895-1902) for her daughter Jayalakshammanni. ( Eldest daughter of HH Chamaraja Wadiyar - Maharaja of Mysore:1881-1894). It has around 200 rooms, an exotic dancing hall and a kalyanmantap with intricately carved wood pillars.It is converted into a museum and it stores artefacts and archaelogical findings. Princess Jayalakshmmanni was married to her maternal uncle. Dewan Sir M. Kantha Raja Urs. After independence their son-in-law Sirdar K. Basavaraj Urs sold the property to University of Mysore for starting its post graduate center and the then Vice Chancellor Dr. K.V.Puttapa christened the place as Manasa Gangothri.  

• Happy Man Park. The Happy Man Park near Kamakshi Hospital, some three kilometers from the Railway Station, is a very popular hangout of children and parents. The park is quite compact in size but contains a mini zoo and many hens and ducks roam around the lawns freely. The park is landscaped with a little stream and ‘wooden’ bridges. Some kind of radio or music is played through little loudspeakers scattered around the park. The Park is open from 4.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. and the crowd is quite big around six p.m. It is also open for a while in the morning for the benefit of joggers. The main attraction of the park is a statue of a ‘Happy Man’ with a pot belly. The statue resembles Maitreya or Laughing Buddha, quite popular in Southeast Asian countries.  

Museums

• National Museum on Natural History. Has exhibits on plants, animals and geology of the southern region of India  

• Folk Art Museum. Founded in 1968 and located in the university of Mysore campus, the museum has over 6500 folk art and folklore articles on display and exhibits arts and crafts from all over the state of Karnataka. 

• Rail Museum. Exhibits vintage locomotives as they were in use. The second of such museum set up after the Rail museum in Delhi. 

• Oriental Research Institute. Formerly known as the oriental library is was started in 1891 and contains over 33,000 palm leaf manuscripts... 

• Melody World. Estd.in October 2010, this unique wax museum is based on musicians and musical instruments from all over the World.

Do

• Dasara (also spelt as Dusshera). This is the state festival of Karnataka, carried over from the time when it was celebrated by the Wodeyars in grand style. On the last day, of the 10 day festival celebrated during the month of September and October, a procession of the state's guards lead the Goddess Chamundi seated on a golden howdah mounted on an elephant. The procession is followed by various tableaux, a visual treat rarely seen anywhere else in the world. 

• Climb up Chamundi Hills. via the steps, starting early in the morning to get a good view of the city as it rises from slumber while getting good exercise at the same time. 

• Kukkarahalli lake stroll. Those spending a long time in this city can also take nice early morning or late evening strolls at either Kukkarahalli lake or Karanji lake, though the latter is recommended, since the entrance has a fee and thus will reduce any potential nuisance in the form of beggars or vendors that might come and disturb your stroll. Karanji lake also has a butterfly park worth checking out. 
• Planet X, Maharana Pratapsingh Road, Nazarbad,  +91-821-243-1043‎ +91-821-652-2100‎ +91-99452-88888. 4PM-11PM Mo-Sa 12PM-11PM Su. A recreation centre with bowling alleys, go carting and various other games. Prices are reasonable considering the options available - Rs.100 will buy you 10 frames at the bowling alley. Features various eating options for snacks or dinner. Entry free, rides charged.  
• Royal Mysore Walks, 96320 44188. Go on a Walking Tour, Get to know about Mysore's glorious past in an informative and interesting manner.

Learn

Mysore is a significant educational hub, the foundations for which were laid by King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV during his enlightened rule. Today, the city can boast of 7 Engineering and 2 Medical Colleges. Engineering education started in Mysore with the establishment of the National Institute of Engineering in 1946, the Second Oldest engineering college in the state (After UVCE Bangalore). Medical education started in 1930 when the Mysore Medical College was transferred from Bangalore to Mysore.

• Mysore University. Mysore University has the distinction of being the first university established in Karnataka, the sixth oldest in the country, and the first one in the country established outside of a British province. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV took the lead in establishing the university. It was named Manasagangotri (literally meaning "fountainhead of the Ganges of the mind") by the poet laureate, Kuvempu. Mysore University is the only university in the state of Karnataka to get a grade of A+ from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council of India.  

• Central Food and Technological Research Institute. 

• Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL).  

• All India Institute of Speech and Hearing. 

• DFRL.  

Buy

Mysore is famous for silk sarees (Mysore Silk), sandalwood carvings and the many varities of perfumed incense sticks. Mysore's market places can be a good place to start, like Ashoka Road, Sayyaji Rao Road and for a mix of Western and Indian traditional shopping head to Devaraj Urs Road . To experience one of India's best markets head to Devaraja Market where tourists and locals alike shop for daily fruit and vegetables as well as the rows and rows of flowers and various spices. Devaraja market is on Dhanwanthri Road. On the east row of the Devaraja Market there is an oil shop with two brothers, Azam and Adil, who always pull in tourists for a nice conversation and maybe some chai. They have some good recommendations for food and things around the city so give them a visit. Their shop has a row of the watercolor powder, about 1/3rd from the north end.

Be warned however. There are quite a lot of perfume sellers that sell inferior goods, don't be tempted by nice boxes and free gifts. As a rule, if it looks like a bargain, the perfume is poor quality. The real stuff is normally found further from the centre, but is mostly for export.

• Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium, Sayaji Road - Sandal wood figurines and caskets
• Agarbathis (Incense)
• Chenapatna Dolls and Wooden Toys
• Traditional Deck of playing cards

Eat

Mysore is famous for its most famous traditional sweet, the Mysore Pak. Mysore Pak is a sweet dish generally cut into rectangular pieces and is made out of Gram Flour, Sugar (or Jaggery) and lots of Ghee (clarified butter). You can find it all over the city.

South Indian breakfast favourites like idlis, sambars, masala dosas are widely available and quite good. It is not clear if the Mysore Masala Dosa actually origininated in Mysore, but you can try asking. You can find some of Karnataka's speciality dishes like:

• Bisibele Baath - Made of rice and lentils with a lot of local spices. This is one of the most sought after dishes of Mysore. It is served hot and usually costs Rs.25.00 in an average restaurant.
• Raagi and Akki Rotis - They are similar to tortillas but made of raagi (English: coracan, finger Millet) or rice flour along with black cumin, asafoetida, fresh coriander, green chillies and finely chopped onions.
• Raagi Mudde – It is a staple food in some of Kannadiga households in the Cauvery Basin. It is made by cooking raagi flour in water and later rolling it into thick-consistency balls. Raagi Mudde is swallowed and not chewed after dipping it into ghee and sambar.
• Idli Sambar - This is a delicious combination of Idli and Sambar but the resultant thing is totally different. Since the idlis are put in a bowl with steaming sambar poured over them, the aroma and spicy effect is really marvellous. And they charge less than Rs. 20.00 for the whole thing.
• Masala Poori - This is the most favourite food item of the Mysorean people. You can see young boys selling these 'chat' items on the sides of the pavement with all the ingredients beautifully arranged on wicker stools. Just for 15 rupees, you get crispy poories along with some ten to twelve spices mixed in a hot 'pani' background. The whole thing is an experience to undergo. Some restaurants have separate 'chat' sections selling Pani Poori, Masala Poori, Bombay Chat and other varieties.

Restaurants

• Hotel Mylari, Ittigegud, Nazarbad Main Road and Kuvempunagar (from ksrtc busstand towards nazarbad police station). Good South Indian vegetarian snacks and coffee famous for dosa  

• Gayathri Tiffin Room (GTR), Chamundipuram. Good South Indian vegetarian snacks and coffee. Nice taste.  

• Shilpashri Rooftop Restaurant, Ghandi Square. Popular foreigner hangout, nice outdoor rooftop environment and cold beers. Try the Gobi Manchurian and the Chicken Noodles  

• Veg Kourt, Sri Harsha Road. 

• Hotel Govardhan, Sri Harsha Road. 

• Nakshathra (Hotel Roopa), B.N. Road, Mysore. 

• Hotel Siddhartha, Guest House Road, Nazarbad. 

• Bombay Indra Bhavan, Sayyaji Rao Road. 

• Bombay Tiffany's, Sayajji Rao Road & Devaraja Urs Road.

• Raghavendra Bhavan, Near Prabha Talkies.

• Nalpak Restaurant - Kuvempunagar
• Hotel Shree Guru Residency, JLB Road
• Hotel Indra Bhavan - Dhanvanthri Road, Mysore
• Penguin Ice Creams - Dhanvanthri Road, Mysore
• Khatta Metta - Dhanvanthri Road, Mysore
• Samrat Vegetarian Restaurant - Dhanvanthri Road, Mysore.
• Hotel Shringar - Shivrampet, Mysore
• Indra Sweet 'n Spice - 42, Kalidasa Road, VV Mohalla, Mysore
• Green Leaf - Kalidasa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore
• Nalpak Restaurant - Gokulam Main Road, V.V. Mohalla
• Ramya Drive-in-Restaurant - # 995/1, Radhakrishna Avenue, Mysore
• Shri Shanthi Sagar - 1014, Udaya Ravi Road, Kuvempunagar,
• Hotel Mylari - Udaya Ravi Road, Kuvempunagar, Mysore
• Indradhanush - Hotel Airlines Complex, Geetha Road, Mysore
• Hotel Sapthagiri - Siddappa Square, Mysore
• Iyengar's Tiffin Center - Chamaraja Double Road
• Hotel Mahesh Prasad - New Kantaraj Urs Road, Ballal Circle
• Hotel Kamat Yatrinivas - Nanjangud Road, Mysore
• Kafe Mallige - Nageetha Complex, Vishwa Manava Double Road, Saraswathipurm, Mysore
• Kamat Nalpad - Highway Circle, Mysore
• Dasaprakash near the city bus-stand.
• Nalapak, Mylary and Gayathri Tiffin Room(GTR) are places to find very good dosas.
• Iyer's Mess near RTO circle. The perfect place for authentic Home cooked South Indian food served on a plantain leaf. Service is hospitable. All this at a humble price of Rs.25 per meal. Open only in the afternoons
• Santhosh Hotel,Near Sangam theater
• Vishnu Bhavan-Opp to Main Bus Stand

Non Veg Restaurants

• Hotel RRR - near the Woodland theatr is a lovely place for biriyani
• Hotel RRR - Gandhi Square, Mysore
• Hotel Vybhav - New Sayajji Rao Road, Mysore
• Mughal-E-Durbar - New Sayyaji Rao Road, Bamboo bazaar, Mysore
• Biryani Paradise - Near Mysore Medical College, Rifah Complex, New Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysore
• Hanumanthu Mess - Mandi Mohalla, Mysore
• Shree Devi Restaurant - Rajkamal Talkies Road, Mysore
• Hotel Annapoorna - N. S. Road, Mysore
• Tegu Mess - Adi Pampa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore
• Biriyaniwalla - Adi Pampa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore
• Lemon Tree - Adi Pampa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore
• Top Stuff - Kalidasa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore
• Temptations - Kalidasa Road, V.V. Mohalla, Mysore
• Kuttera - Kuvempunagar, Mysore
• Kafe Biryani - Vishwa Manava Double Road, Kuvempunagar, Mysore

Hang Out

• Mysore has 7 Cafe Coffee Days, one on Kalidasa road, one on Kanthraj Urs road, one on Devraj Urs road,one on Vasanth Mahal road(Ginger Hotel),and 3 outlets in Hootagalli Infosys Campus
• Mysore has 1 Barista Outlet, on temple Road V.V.Mohalla
• Pizza Outlets------ Pizza Corner(Near Harding Circle), Pizza Hut(On Temple Road-V.V.Mohalla), Dominos(On Temple Road-V.V.Mohalla and Infosys Campus), U.S.Pizza(On Ramavilas Road Near Marimallapa College)
• Corner House in Vontikoppal is a nice place for ice creams
• Edelweiss The Austrian Cafe parallel to Kalidasa Road, has great food at very affordable prices and authentic, heavenly cakes baked by an Austrian. The kitchen is open so you can see your food being cooked.
• Tina's Cafe at Gokulam Main road offers delicious home cooked Indian food. The decor is artistic.
• Sixth Main is a restaurant and Coffee Shop parallel to Kalidasa Road. You would always find more foreigners than localites especially at the weekends. The ambiance is quite relaxing with jazz playing in the background. Definitely worth the Money!
• Kalidasa road in Jayalakshmipuram has fairly good restaurants like Green leaf, Tao. Everybody seems to like the shawarma at Casino park and Lemon Tree

Drink

Mysore is part of Karnataka state where the liquor laws are one of the most liberal in the sub continent. Most international brands are readily available. The city is lined with bars and other restaurants serving liquor, there are Around 10 pubs in the city. Some of the recommended places include:

• Road Pub,Hotel Sandesh The Prince, Nazarbad
• Pelican Pub, Hunsur Road, near St.Joseph's state school.
• Bopy's Pub, Hunsur Road, behind Infant Jesus church.
• Lobo's, Kuvempunagar Double Road, opposite Bake Point, Saraswathipuram.
• Opium Pub, Pai Vista, Opposite to the Suburb Bus Stand.
• Keg Pub, Just Opposite to the Suburb Bus Stand.
• Purple Haze, in Vijayanagar.
• Tunes N Tonic,Lounge Bar,Chandragupta Road
• Embassy Restaurant & Bar
• Jewel Rock Restaurant -- Sri Harsha Road
• Roof TOP Restaurant-- Sri Harsha Road
• Olive Garden Restaurant -Near Race Course
• Gufha --B N Road
• Dynasty Restaurant --Sri Harsha Road
• Theme Bar --B N Road
• Khedda Lounge Bar Nazarbad
• Cocktail Circuit Lounge Bar Near Mysore University
• Le Meredian.  
• Planet X, Maharana Prathap Singh Road, Nazarbad (Behind Mysore Race Course),  08216522100. 3 pm to 11 pm. A Multi Cuisine Restaurant with Bar Facility having the maximum seating capacity in Mysore City. Liked by many as the best Hotel in Quality and service. This is just 5 Kms away from Mysore City Palace. 
• fluid pub, near hsbc bank, kalidasa road. 

Sleep

Budget

Scam Alert! - If you arrive by bus or train, you will most likely be approached by a number of young boys who tend to speak fantastic English who will try to lead you to their relative's hotel. The hotel is most often poor quality. These children are very chatty and good salesmen and you may like them, but they should be in school instead.

• Hotel Govardhan, Sri Harsha Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2434118, 2429422, 2431960

• Green House Valley Service Apartment, Near Infosys, Opposite to Damden Solarium Apartment, on Ring Road, Vijay Nagara II stage, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 9886594321, 0821-6527802, 8880777033.

• Hotel Airlines, 1064, CH 16, Jayalakshmi VIlas Road, Chamaraja Puram, Mysore 570 005, Phone: 0821.2330745, 2330475

• Hotel Prakash Deluxe, Opposite Medical College, 1474 - Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysore - 570 021, Tel : 0821-2521676, 2529434

• Hotel Bombay Tiffanys, No. 313, Sayyaji Rao Road Cross (Opposite Main Bata Showrooms),  +91-0821-2435255, 2435256. checkin: 24 hours. Very clean A/C or non-A/C rooms. Avoid the room service food, it is not safe. Rs. 600 and above.  

• Hotel Luciya International, Near Dasprakash, No. 1771, Old Bank Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2420261

• Hotel Darshan Palace, Lokaranjan Mahal Road, Opposite to Regency Theatre, Nazarbad, Mysore – 570 010, Tel : 0821-2520794, 2564083

• Hotel Sri Nandini Lodge, Next to Bus Stand, Irwin Road, Mysore, Phone : 0821.2447085, 2447155

• Hotel Dasharath, No. 1159, Ramsons House, Near Zoo Garden, Mysore - 570 010, Tel : 0821-2449121

• Hotel Ritz, B N Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2422668, 2429082, What this small, colonial-era four-room hotel lacks in cleanliness and upkeep, it makes up in charm and friendly staff. The front desk will help you book further travel, such as buses to Ooty.

• Hotel Aashraya, Dhanvantri Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2427088, 2426570

• Hotel Indra Bhavan, Dhanvantri Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2423933, 2423755

• Hotel Kalinga, K R Circle, Opposite City Bus Stand, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2431310, 070, 019

• Shiva Guru Comforts, Halladakeri, Behind Suburb Bus Stand, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2538974

• Hotel Gayathri, New Gayathri Building, Opposite Railway Station, Dhanavantri Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2425654.

• Hotel Roopa, Very close to Mysore Palace. B.N. Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2443770.

Mid-range

• KSTDC Mayura Hoysala, Come out of the Railway station and walk straight for roughly 500 meters. You will find it on the left hand side. No. 2, Jhansi Laxmi Bai Road, Mysore – 570 005, Tel : 0821-2425349, 2425597

• Hotel Siddhartha,Offers good variety of South and North Indian Vegetarian food.No. 73/1, Guest House Road, Nazarbad, Mysore – 570 010 Tel : 0821-2522999, 888, Fax: 0821-2520692

• Hotel Palace Plaza, No. 2716, Sri Harsha Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2440875, 2430034, Fax: 0821-2421070

• The Green Hotel, A comfortable Heritage Hotel located in an old princess house at the Chittaranjan Palace. The hotel has a lovely cafe, and the bar and restaurant on the lawn is a delight. Profits of the hotel are donated for various causes in and around Mysore, No. 2270, Vinoba Road, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysore – 570 012, Tel : 0821-2512536, 2414635, 2516134, Fax: 0821-25126139

• The Maurya Residency, Sri Harsha Road, Mysore, Tel : 0821.2523375

• KSTDC Mayura Yatri Nivas, No. 2, Jhansi Laxmi Bai Road, Mysore – 570 005, Tel : 0821-2423492

• Park Lane Hotel,Perfect place to enjoy your drink and try out some spicy Indian food No. 2720, Sri Harsha Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2430400, 2434340

• Hotel Royale Heritage, 2930, Bangalore - Nilgiri Road, Mysore,Phone : 0821.5265330

• Hotel Vyshak International, Phone : 0821.2421777

• Maurya Palace, Sri Harsha Road, Phone : 0821.2435912

• Sri Hari Iyengar's Plaza, Phone : 0821.2439123
• Hotel Maharaja, Phone : 0821.2426665
• Sri Guru Residency, JLB Road, Near Railway Station, Mysore.
• Tranquil Blues (Serviced Apartment), #18, 4th Main, 3rd Block, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysore - 570012 (Next to Chinmaya School),  9901293343, . checkin: 24hrs; checkout: 24hrs. Hygiene & Service is our main motto.We welcome you to a world of comfort & elegance at one of the best,quiet & serene localities Mysore has. 1500-2500. 

Splurge

• Lalit Mahal Palace Hotel - Royal Heritage
• Hotel Sandesh Prince. It is a Four Star Hotel and offers good variety of food.
• Hotel Regaalis. This too is a Four Star Hotel and is a part of the Usha Lexus Group.
• Hotel Royal Orchid. Overlooking Brindavan Gardens - offers clean, fresh, multi-cuisine food in a very good setting.
• Nalapad Residency, Dr. Nelson Mandela Road, New Bannimantap Extn, Mysore 570 015, Phone : 0821.2491117
• Royal Inn, Mysore Phone : 0821.2402210
• The Viceroy, Sri Harsha Road, Mysore – 570 001, Tel : 0821-2424001, 2428001, Fax: 0821-2433391

Spa hotels

• Golden Landmark --KRS Road
• Grand Maurya --Madikeri Road
• Young Island --In between Srirangapatna n Mysore
• White Orchid Resorts --In between Srirangapatna n Mysore
• Fort View--Srirangapatna
• Amblee Holiday Resort, Mysore-Bangalore Road, Srirangapatna, Tel : 0821-3092475, Mobile : 9845002665
• Chitravana Resorts-H.D.Kote road,Kalawadi Gate,Mysore-570008,Phone - 0821 2597794 / 9343989990 / www.chitravanaresorts.co.in
• Fort View Resorts, Srirangapatna
• The Palmyrah Tenements,Plot No.5,Contour Road, Hebbal
• Windflower Resort and Spa , Maharanapratap Rd, Nazarbad, Phone +91 821 2522500

Contact

• The area code for Mysore is 0821. When calling from overseas, dial +91 821 XXX XXXX

Stay safe

Mysore is known to be a reasonably safe city. But, if you are planning to take a late night stroll, it is recommended that you keep watch, since a few incidents of Chain/Purse snatching are reported every month. It is also not safe to take an Auto-Rickshaw during late evenings. You also have to be careful in dealing the amount of money paid to the Auto-Rickshaw drivers, as it is the means of transport for the poor, if you are a foreigner, they will make an attempt to take more money from you, its not generalizing, they have created that reputation for themselves. It is better to travel using a hired taxi service, there are many available, with very good drivers. The drivers of Taxis have to be very good, as it is one of the important means of transport for the rich tourists. Might get conflicting information (hours of operations etc.) from locals around touristy places as they will attempt to offer some services.

The police are generally friendly especially towards foreigners. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can reach the police control room by dialing 100 from land line telephone booth or by dialing 108 if you have access to a cell phone.

People in Mysore are generally hospitable, ready to help. Although you will not find such people in the up-market areas, where one person does not care for the other. Good-looking women should stay away from colleges if you don't enjoy friendly flirting.

Annapoorna Orthopaedic & Speciality Hospital in Lakshmipuram is a good place for Accident and Trauma Care in case of untoward incidents.

Getting out of Mysore

• Bangalore - Karnataka state capital
• Bylakupee - The largest Tibetan settlement outside of Tibet.
• Ooty - hill station resort
• Tala Cauvery (Coorg Region) - The source of the River Cauvery
• Kabini reservoir and Game lodge
• Bandipur and Nagarahole Forest Safari
• Srirangapatna - Tippu Sultan's summer palace, Tippu Drop and the nearby Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
• The Keshava temple of Somanathapura.
• Kokkare Bellur - A small village and a bird sanctuary.
• Shivanasamudram - Twin falls formed by Cauvery river and place of Hydroelectric power plant.
• Coorg: A pleasant hill station with two beautiful places to stay in, Orange County & Club mahindra's RCI Gold crown resort.
• Wayanad - A scenic district in Kerala about 140 kms away.
• Bandipur National Park - A tiger reserve around 90 kms away.

We organize tours to get out of Mysore call 09379115685 or 09342256593 for details