Mysore in Southern India stole a little piece of our hearts and sucked us into staying there an entire month. It’s not necessarily that there are so many places to visit in Mysore but the relaxed vibes, amazing food and culture of this city that make you feel like you’re at home and discovering vibrant, new cultures all at the same time.
Mysore is famous for silk and sandalwood but there are many more exciting things to do in Mysore than avoiding the tourist scams at the silk markets. From the stunning Mysore Palace to creating crafts with local artisans you’ll want to spend weeks eating, discovering and exploring your way through all the places to visit in Mysore.
The palace is the reason most tourists visit Mysore and it’s one attraction that is truly deserving of its fame. The Mysore Palace was built in 1912 and for just 50 INR you can enjoy feeling like royalty and you wander through the ornately decorated halls and corridors. The palace is definitely one of the best places to visit in Mysore and should be top of your Mysore attractions list!
Ok technically this is the same attraction as number one but it‘s a whole different experience. Every Sunday evening from 7 pm Mysore Palace is illuminated by nearly 100,000 light bulbs creating a spectacularly magical feel. Join the crowds of tourists and locals to wander the grounds of the palace and see it in a new light… literally. Be there on time because the illumination only lasts about half an hour.
The markets in Mysore lack a lot of the hustle and bustle of other Indian cities but this makes them a pleasant place to wander and look without being crushed in a throng of people. Deveraja market is popular for fruit/veg, spices and oils. The area nearby has a huge collection of silk shops but beware of tourist scams. Mandi market is also interesting to wander with flowers, fruit and some handicrafts. If you feel like going somewhere a little crazy have a look for the metal market which sells the most impressive array of used car parts, old gates, doors and metal poles.
Mysore is known for its local artisans who specialise in everything from woodwork and marquetry to copper work and embroidery. Skillstourism offer a brilliant tour where you can see all the artisans at work and learn about their crafts. Watch the intricacy of a scene being created from tiny wooden pieces in the marquetry workshop or gaze in awe at the hundreds of hand-carved wooden blocks used for printing saris on the 16ft long table. What seems like an ordinary neighbourhood comes alive as you go behind the scenes and see the locals at work. If you’re into art or local life and are looking for some different places to see in Mysore this is definitely worth doing.