Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary in Mysore, June 2023

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

   In the morning, explore the historical Mysore Palace, the iconic landmark of the city. Enjoy the intricate carvings and grandeur of the palace, which was the residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. Take a guided tour to learn about the palace's history and see the Durbar Hall, Kalyana Mantapa, and other important parts of the palace. In the afternoon, visit the Folklore Museum, which houses a vast collection of artefacts and exhibits that showcase the culture and traditions of Karnataka. In the evening, witness the grand spectacle of the palace illuminated by thousands of lights.

2. Day 2: Mysore Zoo and Brindavan Gardens
   20 minutes (7.6 km) from Mysore Palace

   Start the day at the Mysore Zoo, which is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, and giraffes. Take a guided tour to learn about the conservation efforts and see the animals up close. In the afternoon, head to Brindavan Gardens, a beautiful landscaped garden with cascading fountains and colourful flowers. Take a boat ride on the garden's lake and watch the musical fountain show in the evening.

3. Day 3: Chamundi Hill and St. Philomena's Church
   30 minutes (12.9 km) from Brindavan Gardens

   Start the day with a visit to Chamundi Hill, a popular pilgrimage site with a beautiful view of Mysore. Take the 1,000 step climb or use the road to reach the top and see the Chamundeshwari Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Durga. In the afternoon, visit St. Philomena's Church, a neo-gothic style church that is one of the largest in India. Admire the stained glass windows and the ornate architecture. End the day by shopping at the Devaraja Market, a bustling market that sells spices, silk sarees, and other souvenirs.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Karanji Lake Nature Park, which is home to a variety of birds and butterflies. You can also take a tour of the Mysore Silk Factory to see how silk is produced. Side trips to nearby attractions like the Bandipur National Park and the Nagarhole National Park are also worth considering. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine, including the famous Mysore Masala Dosa and Mysore Pak, a sweet delicacy. Don't forget to interact with the locals to learn more about their culture and traditions.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mysore Palace (2-3 hours, INR 250 per person)
• Folklore Museum (1-2 hours, INR 40 per person)
• Mysore Zoo (3-4 hours, INR 80 per person)
• Brindavan Gardens (2-3 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Chamundi Hill (2-3 hours, free admission)
• St. Philomena's Church (1-2 hours, free admission)
• Devaraja Market (1-2 hours, varies)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 420 per person