Trekking in Mysore

Also known as the Cultural Capital of Karnataka, the historical city of Mysore is full of stories and traditions that have been passed on from generations long past. The city served as the seat of power for the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1956 and is still the official residence of the royal family, the Wadiyar dynasty.  

Heritage tours in Mysore allow you to dip deep beneath the surface of this glorious city with its long lasting cultural impact. Stroll through the iconic Mysore Palace, the second most visited monument in India after the Taj Mahal and admire the pillars decorated with artwork and delicate filigree, spacious courtyards and lush gardens. At night, the palace is a sight to behold, coming to life with a thousand lights that shed a regal sheen around the city. Mysore is also home to a variety of other palaces and these architectural masterpieces give you a glimpse of how royalty in India lived in the past.  

As you embark on one of the heritage tours in Mysore, you’ll discover the global sensation of the Mysore silk sari and sandalwood products that this region is known for. Got a sweet tooth? The heritage tours in Mysore takes you into the origins of Mysore Pak, a delicious gold sweet made with ghee and sugar that originated in the kitchen of the King and has since graced the table of celebration feasts! Art enthusiasts who are passionate about the different types of painting styles will find something unique here, as you feast your eyes on Mysore paintings, inlaid with gesso work (Use of gold leaf in the paintings) that has captivated the hearts of art lovers around the world. 

Walk through the quiet streets of this urban hub and step into the pages of the history of India.  

Located just 143 km from Bangalore, Mysore boasts of an old-world charm; complete with sprawling paddy fields and the historical Mysore Palace known for its regal beauty. Around the quaint city lies lush, wooded areas, fields carefully tended by local farmers, shimmering lakes and farms filled with coconut trees that wave gently in the breeze. 

Camping in Mysore is a peaceful experience as the atmosphere is slow paced, reliving a time before IT cities started to evolve rapidly. The city features beautiful architecture with a rich heritage and winding lanes that take you in and around the city. The best part of camping in Mysore is that tourists rarely visit the lovely natural areas surrounding the city and this gives you a chance to relax in the outdoors, unbothered by other campers. 

Spend the night under the Mysore sky; the same glittering night sky that once looked down upon the Indian Kings and Queens of yesteryear. 

The winding roads of Mysore are lined with sprawling trees and these cobbled paths are perfect for exploring this cultural hub, taking you to heritage sites and shopping centres filled with exquisitely crafted handicrafts that hail from centuries past.  

Sightseeing in Mysore begins with a visit to its iconic Mysore Palace that is still the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. As you walk through the great halls and rooms, it feels as though you have opened the door to the past with delicate paintings and filigree on the walls. Other palaces in the city that are sure to delight your love for history include the Jaganmohan Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Jayalakshmi Villa and Cheluvamba Mansion. If you also want to hear the fascinating stories behind these lovely architectural masterpieces, you can embark on a heritage tour while you’re sightseeing in Mysore, and listen to the tales that will bring these monuments to life.  

Walking through the city as you gaze at its popular hotspots can make your tummy rumble. For food lovers, sightseeing isn’t complete without a quick snack at the many eateries that dot Mysore. Give your taste-buds a bite of delicious South Indian flavours with crispy vadas, bondas, fluffy idlis, Bisibelebath and Poori Saagu. Afterwards, don’t forget to buy a box of the rich, sweet Mysore Pak, that originated decades ago in the kitchen of the King of Mysore and has since become a beloved sweetmeat throughout the country.  

Drop by the shopping centres as you’re sightseeing in Mysore to purchase the fragrant sandalwood items the city is known for, silk saris, gorgeous Mysore paintings with gesso work (gold foil is used in these unique paintings) and traditional toys.  

Sightseeing in Mysore is an experience that stays with you and for good reason, as this enchanting city is known as the ‘Cultural Capital of Karnataka’.  

Immersing ourselves into wildlife can show us a different side of nature, one that is undomesticated by man and roams freely amidst lush beauty, away from the noise and pollution of urban settlements. To spot an animal in the wild requires a lot of patience and can be meditative in its own way, sharpening your sense of focus as you wait eagerly for a creature to saunter into view. Often when we go wildlife watching, we might not catch sight of any of the forest wildlife and this is part of the magic, motivating you to go back again and again.  

You might think wildlife tours in Mysore is limited to the magnificent Sri. Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, but there’s plenty to explore in and around the city that will keep your love for wildlife buzzing. It’s no surprise that wildlife is best found away from the city, in the quiet havens of towering trees, shrubs and open blue skies, so hop into your car and head to the beautiful Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary filled with vibrantly coloured species of birds or Nagarhole National Park where you can find different types of deer and the glorious Indian Tiger.  

Wildlife tours in Mysore aren’t complete without a stop at Sri. Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens which is one of the oldest zoos in India. Mysore’s iconic zoo is home to a variety of indigenous and exotic amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. The zoo was created from the King’s private menagerie and has completed over a 100 years of existence so dropping by its spectacular enclosures is a must.  

Whether you go on a short drive around the city or walk through its zoo, the wildlife tours in Mysore will give you a satisfying glimpse into the bounty of Karnataka’s wildlife.  

The historical city of Mysore is popular for its dearth of heritage sites and quiet streets lined with mango trees that sweetly scent the air. Old bungalows still dot the lanes of the suburbs in the city with families that have dwelled in these rooms for decades past, keeping traditions alive.  

The homestays in Mysore are quaint and soulful and the interiors reflect the majesty of the ancient Kingdom of Mysore. Warm bohemian interiors with hardwood floors, unique Mysore paintings and sturdy teak furniture, invite you in for a pleasant stay as you set out to explore one of the most beloved cities in Karnataka.  

Spend your day exploring the iconic Mysore Palace, complete with great halls, lush, regal courtyards, and pillars embedded with artwork and delicate filigree. At night, the palace is lit up by thousands of lights and this sight can leave you enthralled, even from a distance. You can spot this night-time visual treat from your balcony at one of the homestays in Mysore and fall asleep to the flickering lights of this architectural masterpiece.  

After a long day of walking through a city and uncovering its hidden secrets, you want to relax away from dust and noise, without traveling too far. The homestays in Mysore give you large green gardens for you to sink back and unwind as you enjoy a delicious hot cup of chai and crispy snacks. And after all, what better way to complete a long day of exploring on foot than to sink into a fluffy, cozy bed at the end of the day?  

Are you yearning for a getaway that perfectly blends regal heritage with modern luxury? Look no further than Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka! Situated in the heart of Karnataka, Mysore, known as the 'City of Palaces,' offers an enchanting escape into the opulent world of Maharajas and the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture. But where should you stay to fully immerse yourself in this regal atmosphere?

Mysore, with its majestic Mysore Palace, the spiritual Chamundi Hill, and the mesmerizing Brindavan Gardens, is a treasure trove of architectural wonders and cultural heritage. This city, once the seat of the Wodeyar dynasty, invites you to stroll through its bustling markets, savor the iconic Mysore Pak, and witness the traditional Dasara celebrations that light up the city with festivity and joy.

To make your stay as memorable as the city itself, we’ve curated a list of the best resorts in Mysore. These havens of luxury offer unparalleled comfort and impeccable service, ensuring that your experience in this historic city is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature or a lavish resort with all the modern amenities, Mysore’s finest resorts promise to cater to your every need. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the royal splendor of Mysore, all while enjoying the finest accommodations the city has to offer!

Bangalore is so much more than its vibrant city life. Amongst travellers and locals, the key draws of this urban hub seem to be its diverse shopping localities, rhythmic nightclubs and pubs with a laid-back ambience. However, if you love spending your days soaking up the sun in the midst of nature, trekking in Bangalore should be at the top of your list.

If you are a trekking connoisseur or simply a thrill-seeker, there are plenty of options for trekking in Bangalore. Make your way to the summit of spectacular rock formations that give you a birds-eye view of the city’s rich, vibrant landscape. Looking for a one-day trip out of the city? Trekking in Bangalore can be completed over the weekend with your loved ones. As a bonus, you could even pack a picnic and feast on home-made food in the enchanting outdoors.

A hill fortress in Karnataka, Nandi Hills is a well known trekking spot that is great for beginners that are looking for a new thrill. The hill is home to Tipu Sultan Fort, a summer retreat that was constructed for the 18th century ruler after whom it was named after. This lovely fort features stone carvings and wall paintings that will delight any history buff.

The sunrise from the Nandi Hills is what attracts many visitors to its summit. To reach its peak, you would need to cover approximately 12000 steps on foot. However, the luxuriant greenery and verdant foliage that overflows on the ground makes it a pleasant hike and time passes by quickly until you emerge at the top.

Take a day trip to these beautiful hills and have an enjoyable trek under the sun.

Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate

Best Time to Visit: September to April (Moderate weather and lush green environment)

Duration: All day long

Distance from Bangalore: 60 km

Highlights: Sunrise View, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, 1000-year-old sculpture of Nandi, Tipu Drop, Tipu's Summer Residence

Elevation: 4850 feet.