Mysore 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Center

Morning: Arrive in Mysore and check into your hotel. Take a leisurely walk to the iconic Mysore Palace to admire its illuminated façade and start your journey with a glimpse of royal architecture.

Afternoon: After a light lunch, explore the bustling Devaraja Market, where you can sample fresh fruits, fragrant spices, and traditional silk fabrics. A short stroll leads you to the historic St. Philomena's Cathedral, a neo‑Gothic marvel.

Evening: Head to Brindavan Gardens for a spectacular musical fountain show set against illuminated terraces. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant serving Mysore masala dosa.

Day 2: Palaces & Gardens

Morning: Begin with a guided tour of the grand Jaganmohan Palace, home to an impressive collection of Mysore paintings and artefacts. Continue to the serene Chamundi Hill to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple and enjoy panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Descend to the Railway Museum for a nostalgic look at vintage locomotives. Afterwards, unwind in the lush Karanji Lake, spotting colorful birds and walking the canopy walkway.

Evening: Experience the cultural vibrancy at Ravindra Bhavan with a traditional dance or music performance. Dine at a heritage restaurant offering the famed Mysore pak dessert.

Day 3: Culture & Departure

Morning: Visit the fragrant Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, one of India’s oldest zoos, to see native wildlife and the exotic butterfly park.

Afternoon: Explore the artisanal lanes of Mysore Handicraft Centre where you can purchase intricate sandalwood carvings and silk sarees. Take a short trip to the nearby Somanathapura Temple, a pristine example of Hoysala architecture.

Evening: Relax with a sunset boat ride on Lake Kukkarahalli before heading back to your hotel to collect luggage and depart.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Mysore Palace – 2 hrs – $12 entry
• Devaraja Market – 1.5 hrs – Free (shopping optional)
• St. Philomena's Cathedral – 45 min – Free
• Brindavan Gardens (Fountain Show) – 2 hrs – $8 entry
• Jaganmohan Palace – 1.5 hrs – $6 entry
• Chamundi Hill & Temple – 2 hrs – $5 entry (ropeway optional)
• Railway Museum – 1 hr – $4 entry
• Karanji Lake – 1.5 hrs – $3 entry
• Ravindra Bhavan Performance – 2 hrs – $10 ticket
• Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens – 2 hrs – $7 entry
• Mysore Handicraft Centre – 1 hr – Free (purchases extra)
• Somanathapura Temple – 2 hrs – $4 entry
• Lake Kukkarahalli – 1 hr – Free
• Meals & Miscellaneous Transport – – $60
• Total Estimated Cost: $126

Tips

If you have extra time, add a day to explore the nearby vineyards of Gundlupet or take a sunrise trek to Ramanagara for stunning scenery. For a shorter stay, skip the railway museum and the lake boat ride, focusing on the main palaces and Brindavan Gardens to keep the experience concise yet fulfilling.