Posted 31 October 2022

Planning a trip to Mysuru? Here’s what you should do

Mysuru, located in Karnataka, is one of India's most well-known cities. It is a wonderful city with a lot of diversity that draws many tourists nowadays. Aside from the prominent locations in Mysuru that showcase the city's sparkling royal legacy, there are a myriad of adventurous activities in Mysuru. From climbing hills to boating, there are numerous exciting things to do in Mysuru that will keep holidaymakers entertained for at least two to three days. A journey to Mysuru would be incomplete if you did not participate in thrill-inducing activities.

Best activities to indulge in Mysuru

1.Rafting

Rafting is a high-adrenaline river navigation sport that includes riding an inflatable raft down a river or other body of water. Lake rafting is a popular adventure activity in Mysuru, and the entire experience will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. This 20-minute voyage across the waters of Varuna Lake will be the most exhilarating event of your life. The popularity of this activity in Mysuru stems from the fact that practically anybody, including those with no prior experience, may participate. You will have the time of your life while also learning about risk and the value of teamwork.

Where to experience: Varuna Lake
Best time: September to November
Price: Starting from ₹1000 per person

2. Skydiving

A skydiving adventure would provide you with the most incredible views of Mysuru from a bird's eye perspective. Skydiving is one of Mysuru's most popular adventure activities, in which the diver leaps from a particular height from an aeroplane. You can jump from 10,000 ft with a freefall time of 40 seconds and a speed of 120 m per hour. As you descend, take in the panoramic vistas from high above. Skydiving may be done both solo and in groups. Many adventure seekers from all around the world like and pursue skydiving with zeal.

Where to experience: Near Mysore Airport
Best time to visit: October to February
Price: Starting from ₹3800

3. Safari tour

One of the finest adventurous activities in Mysuru for spotting giant animals and predators is a four by four safari tour. You may see other animals such as leopards, elephants, and tigers. This journey is ideal for nature enthusiasts since it combines comfort, pleasure, and adventure. In the Nagarhole National Park, you may embark on a wildlife safari to see wild animals in their natural environment. Unlike in a zoo, the animals on this safari are allowed to roam in their natural habitat. An expert local driver/guide will accompany you to show you the attractions of the area. A jeep safari trip in Mysuru will make you feel adventurous while also providing you with a beautiful ride.

Where to experience: Nagarhole National Park
Best time to visit: October to May
Price: Starting from ₹500

4. Jet-skiing

Jet-skiing is one of the best adventure sports in Mysuru. In this activity, a compact jet-propelled vehicle is typically ridden in the same manner as a motorcycle. The health benefits of participating in this activity include improved focus, cardiovascular strength, calorie burn, and so on. You can spend at least 15 to 20 minutes admiring the sea and beauty around you. Make the most of your jet-skiing adventure by creating memories with your loved ones.

Where to experience: Varuna Lake
Best time: September to November
Price: Starting from ₹450

5. Trekking

Trekking is one of Mysuru's top adventure activities. Mysuru is surrounded by several areas where hiking may be readily enjoyed. It is an incredible feeling to go trekking in such regions. Most hikes, ranging from simple to strenuous, may be enjoyed by both novices and professionals. With its deep woodland and beautiful sky, Chamundi Hill is the perfect area to hike in Mysuru if you are looking for some exhilarating activity.

Where to experience: Chamundi Hills
Best time: October to March
Price: Starting from ₹3199

Best places to visit in Mysuru

The Mysore Palace: The Mysore Palace, the former palace of the royal dynasty of Mysore, is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

It was erected in 1912 for the 24th ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is now one of the largest palaces in the country. It is one of the most well-known and famous tourist destinations in India.

The Brindavan Gardens: Krishnaraja Wodeyar designed and built these lovely gardens over the Kaveri river. These gardens, which cover 60 acres of land, were inspired by Kashmir's Shalimar Garden. The splendour of these gardens is enhanced in the eveningswhen the fountains glow in different hues.

Mysore Zoo: Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, generally known as Mysore Zoo, is one of India's most beautiful zoological parks. In addition to housing diverse kinds of birds, animals,and reptiles, this zoo also engages in captive breeding of exotic and endangered species. The first caesarean section birth of an elephant at Mysore Zoo brought it worldwide acclaim and renown.

Shuka Vana: Shuka Vana in Mysuru, home to nearly 2000 birds, presently holds the Guinness World Record for the most bird species in an aviary. This one-of-a-kind park, known colloquially as a parrot park, is part of Avadhoota Datta Peetham at Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Ashram and acts as a rehabilitation centre for abused, damaged,and abandoned birds.

Mysore Rail Museum: The Mysore Rail Museum is India's second of its kind, following the National Railways Museum in Delhi. The museum portrays the journey and growth of Indian railroads via a rich collection of images and several other displays, which house a wealth of knowledge and offer insights into the mechanics of the railway engine.

Somnathpur Temple: Another prominent shrine near Mysuru is Prasanna ChennakesavaTemple, popularly known as Somnathpur Temple. This temple stands proudly as one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture. It is located in Somanathapura town, some 35 km from Mysuru, and is a must-see on any Mysuru trip. It has also been proposed for the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

Other interesting things to do in Mysuru

Queue at Guru Sweet Mart, a little stall at KR Circle that is regarded to be the finest sweet shop in the city, to try the legendary Mysore pak, a sweet, creamy, crumbly concoction consisting of ghee and maize flour.

If you go in October, then you will be in for a wonderful treat. The Dasara Festival exhibits elephant parades, floats, and firework displays, transforming Mysuru into a fantasy.

The Ashtanga School of Yoga is another prominent feature of Mysuru. It attracts tourists and practitioners from all over the world to engage in this Mysuru-based yoga practice.

Devaraja Market is a must-see for anybody interested in experiencing Mysuru's local life. The market is teeming with activity and you can buy anything from jewellery to clothing and fragrances.

Cycling is one of the best ways to learn about Mysuru's rich heritage, stunning architecture,and history. Typically lasting up to 4-5 days, you may begin your journey from any location and explore the roads of Mysuru.

Mysuru is also famous for sandalwood. Take a look at how sandalwooditems are made. Sandalwood oil, incense sticks, soaps, detergents, perfumes and cosmetics are among the many sandalwood goods available for purchase.

Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium should be on your itinerary if you enjoy cultural artefacts and handicrafts. The place is a repository for one-of-a-kind traditional artefacts carved from diverse materials. Rosewood inlay, traditional jewellery, sandalwood carvings, Mysuru paintings,and much more are examples of things to look

Kayaking through the waters of Varuna Lake in Mysuru is one of the most breathtaking experiences. Withthe assistance of a skilled kayaking guide, you may learn the necessary skills and techniques to escape the monotony of life.

Travelling tips for Mysuru

The first thing you must do is list all the notable locations and visit them all. The must-see attractions include Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, Somanathapura Temple, Rail Museum Temple,and Shuka Vana. You can also visit other locations depending on how long you stay in Mysuru.

Mysuru, like every other city in India, has its fair share of famous street food delights. Idlis, vada, bonda, khara bath, kesari bath, uttapam, poori saagu, shavige bath, bisibelabath, Mysore pak, payasam, and kori gassi are all popular in Mysuru.

There are many souvenir options to choose from, ranging from traditional goods displaying its history to gorgeous handicrafts demonstrating artisan talents. To get one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family, visit The Heritage, Sandalwood Oil Factory, Devaraja Market, Government Silk Factory, Ashoka Road, and other artisan emporiums.

How to reach Mysuru?

By air: Mysuru Airport, also known as Mandakalli Airport, is located 11 km from the city centre. Several IndiGo flights to Mysuru from Hyderabad also connect other major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

By train: The city's primary railway station is Mysuru Junction. Mysuru is well-connected by train to major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai. Some of the popular trains include Tippu Express, Shatabdi Express, Swarnajayanthi, and Kaveri Express.

By road: Every 5 minutes, buses run between Bengaluru and Mysuru. You may select between air-conditioned and regular KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses, both of which are affordable and comfortable.

Best time to visit Mysuru

Summers: They are pretty hot, with the average temperature ranging from 22 to 39°C. The days may be hot and bright, but they will be comfortable. May is the warmest month of the year, but the temperature cools down after dark and stays that way until morning. Put on sunglasses and a hat, dress in light cotton and bring a water bottle. This is the best time to visit the fields to see the summer blossoms.

Monsoon: You get mild rain, which makes it safe to go out for sightseeing and photography. Intermittent showers may put a damper on your plans for adventure activities such as trekking, skydiving or an extended tour across the city. If it rains, sit back in your lounge chair and enjoy a steaming cup of coffee and a sizzling hot Mysuru bonda while enjoying the rain. The temperature ranges from 19 to 29°C on average.
Winters: They are dry, mild, and somewhat cold, making them ideal for visiting Mysuru. It is the most fantastic time to explore the scenery, take unobstructed shots, and go hiking. Avid bird watchers will be pleased to discover a wealth of wild species migrating to Mysuru for the winter. The temperature ranges from 15 to 30°C on average. Carry some warm clothes and you will be fine.

Conclusion

Mysuru, also known as the Cultural Capital of Karnataka, is a city famed for its ancient sites. Mysuru's waterfalls, lakes, and various backwaters make it a popular destination for adventure seekers. If you are an adventure addict, then do not miss out on these activities when in Mysuru.