A Weekend in Mysore: City Experiences

Saturday, September 30:

Start your first day in Mysore by exploring the iconic Mysore Palace in the morning. This magnificent palace is a symbol of the city and showcases a blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic architectural styles. Enjoy the intricate details, colorful frescoes, and beautiful gardens surrounding the palace. Afterward, head to the Devaraja Market, located in the heart of the city, to experience the vibrant local atmosphere. Browse through the stalls filled with spices, silk sarees, handicrafts, and fresh produce. In the afternoon, visit the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, which houses a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. As the evening approaches, make your way to the Chamundi Hill to witness a breathtaking sunset and visit the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Durga.

• Mysore Palace: Estimated Cost - INR 200, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Devaraja Market: Free Entry, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery: Estimated Cost - INR 30, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Chamundi Hill and Chamundeshwari Temple: Free Entry, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Hotel Mylari serves delicious authentic Mysore-style dosas and idlis for breakfast. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• Malgudi Cafe offers a wide range of traditional South Indian dishes for lunch. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Parsi Dhaba is a popular dinner spot, known for its mouth-watering Parsi cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Sunday, October 1:

On your second day, start with a visit to the Brindavan Gardens. Located near the Krishnarajasagara Dam, these beautiful gardens are known for their symmetrical design, vibrant flower beds, and musical fountains. Spend the morning exploring the various terraces, enjoying the scenic views, and capturing memorable pictures. In the afternoon, head to the Mysore Zoo, one of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos in India. Witness a diverse range of wildlife including tigers, elephants, giraffes, and many more. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the tree-lined streets of the VV Puram Food Street, popularly known as "Thindi Beedi" among the locals. Indulge in delicious street food such as masala dosa, vada pav, and other mouthwatering snacks.

• Brindavan Gardens: Estimated Cost - INR 30, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Mysore Zoo: Estimated Cost - INR 60, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• VV Puram Food Street: Cost varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Mylari Dosa. Known for their crispy, golden dosas served with a variety of chutneys, this restaurant is a local favorite. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Hotel RRR, a popular vegetarian restaurant in Mysore. They offer a wide range of traditional South Indian thalis and curries that are both flavorful and reasonably priced. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• End the day with a delightful dinner at Vinayaka Mylari. This restaurant is famous for its authentic Mysore-style meals, featuring a delicious spread of curries, rice dishes, and desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you're looking for off the beaten path attractions, be sure to explore the St. Philomena's Cathedral, a stunning Gothic-style church with beautiful stained glass windows and tall spires. Another hidden gem is the Karanji Lake, a peaceful retreat where you can go for a boat ride, spot migratory birds, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Lastly, don't miss the chance to try Mysore's famous Mysore Pak, a sweet delicacy made of gram flour, ghee, and sugar, available in various sweet shops across the city.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.