Mysore Travel Guides

Mysore spotlight

Where to Stay in Mysore - From Budget-friendly Backpackers to Palace-hotels

Mysore has hotels to suit all tastes and budgets, ranging from opulent heritage hotels to friendly little guesthouses. Many visitors are attracted by converted palaces once used by the royal family, which offer a romantic escape alongside history and style. Meanwhile, long-stay yoga students have their pick of budget hotels and lodges to choose from, which are often family-run.

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Where to Shop for Silk, Handicrafts, and Sandalwood in Mysore

Mysore is a great place to shop for unusual and high-quality souvenirs. The city is famous the world over for its exquisite silks, which have been woven here for centuries. Also made locally are rosewood and sandalwood carvings, ranging from figures of the gods to pieces of inlaid furniture. Incense sticks, or agarbathies, are exported worldwide. Sandalwood and jasmine are the most popular scents.

Discovering Royal Mysore - History, Culture, and Temples to Explore

Mysore has museums, heritage architecture, and historic sites in abundance, but also offers sparkling lakes, spacious gardens, and several nature parks. The zoo is home to 100s of native animals, while bird-spotting at Karanji Lake is a relaxing experience. A worthwhile excursion is to Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, perched on Chamundi Hill, from where you can take in a view of all Mysore.

Mysore - South India's City of Palaces and Home of Ashtanga Yoga

The City of Palaces, the Ivory City, and - officially - Mysuru; Karnataka's second city has many names. Glorious royal mansions and impressive monuments lie on tree-lined boulevards, while the old town's rambling alleys and local markets make an intriguing contrast. It’s one of India's most popular destinations for students of Ashtanga yoga and Ayurveda, as well as being a shopping hub for silk and sandalwood.

Eating Out in Mysore - Where to Get a Delicious All-day South Indian Breakfast

Mysore is an ideal place for getting to grips with the fragrant flavors that characterize Kannada cooking. Classic South Indian breakfasts include idli (round, spongy, rice-and-lentil cakes) and vada (fried-gram doughnuts), which come accompanied by coconut and green-chilli chutneys. It’s easy to find western or regional Indian food as well, with popular items like pasta or rogan josh on many menus.

Tips for Making the Most of a Vacation in Mysore

Mysore is known as a tolerant and safe city, and has excellent transport connections to other Indian cities by plane or train. Most citizens are Hindu, but there are sizeable Muslim and Jain communities too, giving an interesting religious mix. Mysore has embraced its heritage, and this regal history is felt through its architecture and centuries-old traditions that are still celebrated and preserved.

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