It is popularly know that Mysore was once the city of demon king mahisha hence this place was known as "Mahishooru" and hence " Mysooru" or "Mysore". We planned to cover most places on the way to and near by Mysore. So, we started our trip in car early in the morning around 6 am from BTM.
Mysore Palace: 
Mysore Palace (Maharaja Palace) is one of the most unforgettable places in the city.Mysore is known for its silks, sandalwood, and beautiful palaces. The most popular attraction in Mysore is the Mysore Palace, or the Maharajah's Palace, known for its beautiful architecture, intricately designed rooms, temples, and beautiful surrounding gardens. However, the most original feature of Mysore Palace is its spectacular lights that are illuminated for only one hour each weekend (and during public holidays). There are ten thousands of lights adorn not only the palace, but the temples, three gates, and accompanying buildings that complete the palace grounds.
Krishna Raja Sagar (K.R.S Or Brindavan Gardens):
This is an important place that is not to be missed. It is located about 15 KMs towards from Mysore city. A dam has been constructed across river Kaveri and is used for irrigation purposes. This project was dream project of "Krishnaraja Wodeyar the fourth" and "Sir M. Vishweshvariah" is the Chief Engineer for this project.
A garden has been made below the dam using the water resources of the dam. You can see this garden in most of the songs in the movies made in 80’s and 90’s. The lighting is fantastic in the night, the main attraction is the "Dancing Fountain" where the fountain has been made to sprinkle water according to the music being played. People stay to see this beautiful event. Songs will from Hindi, English and local language.
Brindavan garden is open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily and during weekends the lighting are done from 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM. There will be lighting on all days during Navarathri or dasara festival.
Sriranganapattanam:
This place is located ab out 15 KM on Mysore-Bangalore State Highway. It is on the banks of river Kaveri. The specialty of this place is, it looks like an Island. Because this place is located in surrounded by Kaveri. It was capital city of Mysore kings.
Here you can find many places of interest, Sriranganatha Temple where the idol of Lord Ranganatha is seen sleeping on "Kalinga" the seven-headed serpant. There are many idols of different “avatharas” of Lord Vishnu. The carvings on the pillars of this temple belong to the Hoysala architecture. (Timings for Darshan: 7.30 AM to 1 PM and 4 pm to 8 PM.)
Tippu’s summer palace known as " Daria Doulat Bagh " , is worth watch for its paintings, and gardens. "Gumbaz" which is on the city outskirts near the small village "Ganjam", is the burial place of King Tippu sultan, his father Hyder Ali and his mother.
Sangam is the place where river Lokapavani joins Cauvery. It is a good picnic spot. From here the river flows towards Tamil Nadu’s Mettur Dam.
Nimeshamba temple is on the banks of river Cauvery, about 2 kms from Srirangapattana on the road leading to Sangam. Nimishamba is considered as the incarnation of Parvathi, the goddess wife of Lord Shiva. (Timings for Darshan: 6.00 AM to 8 PM)
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:
Ranganathittu is a small bird sanctuary around 10 kilometers from Mysore. The bird sanctuary is developed around rocky islets on the river Cauvery. It is covered with ancient mammoth trees, which are home to many exotic bird species especially during the monsoons.
Highlight in the Sanctuary is the boat ride, as you can view hundreds of birds flocking on the islets. They take ride in the lakes where you can watch many different kinds of birds. . Birds from Australia, Siberia, North America etc make their home here. There will be strict instructions not to put your hands in the lake as many crocodiles, which you can watch during your ride also many crocodiles will sleep on the bank.
The sanctuary also has a viewing tower but the birds are best viewed from the boat. In fact, make sure that the lake is open for boating before you go, because the boat ride is definitely the highlight of this place. The best season to visit this bird sanctuary is between May and November.
Gosayi Ghat:
This is an ancient temple. A lot of films are being shot here because of its picturesque beauty. This is a very good picnic spot.
St.Philomena's Church: This is one of the largest churches in India. This is built in gothic style of construction. There are two 165 Ft towers which are beautiful to watch. "Krishnaraja Wodeyar the fourth" laid the foundation stone for this church in 1933 and was completed in 1941. Do not skip watching this wonderful church as it will not consume more than 30 minutes of your time.
Chamundi Hill:This hill is in the outskirts of mysore city and 13 kms from Mysore is the temple of patron Goddess of Wodeyars, Chamundeshwari. Located on a hill 335 m high Godess Chamundeshwari is the household god of people and kings of Mysore. In front of the temple there is a statue of "Mahishasura" the demon king.
On the way to temple there is giant Nandi Bull which is 4.8 meter. This one of the largest statues of Nandi found in india. From the top of hill you have panoramic view of Mysore city.
There are plenty of Places of you can visit near Mysore
- Mysore Railway
- Museum Nanjanagud - 25 KMs towards south of Mysore on the way to Ooty
- Somanathapura
- Shivanasamudra
- Talakad
Mysore Palace (Maharaja Palace) is one of the most unforgettable places in the city.Mysore is known for its silks, sandalwood, and beautiful palaces. The most popular attraction in Mysore is the Mysore Palace, or the Maharajah's Palace, known for its beautiful architecture, intricately designed rooms, temples, and beautiful surrounding gardens. However, the most original feature of Mysore Palace is its spectacular lights that are illuminated for only one hour each weekend (and during public holidays). There are ten thousands of lights adorn not only the palace, but the temples, three gates, and accompanying buildings that complete the palace grounds.
This is an important place that is not to be missed. It is located about 15 KMs towards from Mysore city. A dam has been constructed across river Kaveri and is used for irrigation purposes. This project was dream project of "Krishnaraja Wodeyar the fourth" and "Sir M. Vishweshvariah" is the Chief Engineer for this project.
