Explore Mysore in 5 Days

1. Day 1: Mysore Palace
   10 minutes (3.2 km) from Mysore Railway Station

   In the morning, visit the breathtaking Mysore Palace, the official residence of the royal family of Mysore. Witness the grandeur of the palace with intricate architecture and beautiful paintings. In the afternoon, head to St. Philomena's Church, one of the oldest churches in India with Gothic architecture. In the evening, visit the Brindavan Gardens, known for its fountains and light shows.

2. Day 2: Chamundi Hill
   25 minutes (11 km) from Mysore Palace

   Start the day by visiting the Chamundi Hill, dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari. Take a panoramic view of the city from the top. In the afternoon, visit the Mysore Zoo, home to a wide range of animals, including the endangered white tiger. In the evening, visit the Railway Museum, showcasing the heritage of Indian Railways.

3. Day 3: Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery
   15 minutes (4.3 km) from Mysore Zoo

   Begin the day with a visit to Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery, known for its exquisite collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma. In the afternoon, visit the Regional Museum of Natural History, showcasing the flora and fauna of the region. In the evening, visit the Karanji Lake Nature Park, home to a wide range of bird species and a butterfly park.

4. Day 4: Shuka Vana & Kukkarahalli Lake
   30 minutes (8.5 km) from Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery

   Visit Shuka Vana, a parrot rescue and rehabilitation centre, and witness the vibrant and colourful birds. In the afternoon, head to Kukkarahalli Lake, a serene spot for bird watching and nature walks. In the evening, visit the GRS Fantasy Park, a popular amusement park with water rides and other attractions.

5. Day 5: Nanjangud & Somanathapura
   1 hour 30 minutes (35 km) from GRS Fantasy Park

   Take a day trip to Nanjangud, known for the ancient Nanjundeshwara Temple. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Hoysala architecture of Somanathapura's Chennakesava Temple. Return to Mysore in the evening and spend the rest of the night shopping for souvenirs at Devaraja Market.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the Mysore Dasara festival in October, a 10-day celebration with cultural programmes and a grand procession. If you have time, take a day trip to the nearby hill station of Coorg or the wildlife sanctuary of Nagarhole. Visit the Mysore Silk Factory to witness the process of silk weaving and shop for silk sarees. Mysore is also known for its traditional sweets like Mysore Pak and Mysore Masala Dosa.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Mysore Palace (2 hours, INR 200)
• St. Philomena's Church (1 hour, free entry)
• Brindavan Gardens (2 hours, INR 60)
• Chamundi Hill (3 hours, free entry)
• Mysore Zoo (2 hours, INR 80)
• Railway Museum (1 hour, INR 40)
• Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery (2 hours, INR 40)
• Regional Museum of Natural History (1 hour, INR 20)
• Karanji Lake Nature Park (2 hours, INR 25)
• Shuka Vana (1 hour, INR 50)
• Kukkarahalli Lake (2 hours, free entry)
• GRS Fantasy Park (3 hours, INR 600)
• Nanjangud (4 hours, free entry)
• Somanathapura (2 hours, INR 25)
• Devaraja Market (2 hours, variable costs)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1140