Top 10 Places to Visit in Mysore in 1 Day

So you have a day in Mysore and are wondering if I will be able to see enough of the city to make it worth it, the answer is 100% yes. Mysore is one of those places where you will get to see so much beauty. It is not one of those places where you spend half your day stuck in traffic. The vibe here is slow and sweet. In this blog, I will tell you about 10 amazing places to visit in Mysore in one day, and trust me, you will not feel rushed if you plan to visit here. It is a day that will fill you with memories and photos for your Instagram feed.

Can You Explore Mysore in Just One Day?

Absolutely! Mysore’s charm lies in its compactness. Most of the must-see spots are within 30 minutes of each other, making it a dream city for a quick yet satisfying trip. Whether you’re into heritage buildings, nature, or local flavors, you can soak up the best of Mysore without rushing (too much).

How to Plan Your Route for the Day

The trick to covering Mysore in a day is smart planning. Start early, group nearby places together, and keep commute times in mind. If you’re using autos or cabs, try pre-booking through apps like Ola to save time. And don’t forget to sneak in a few food stops—Mysore’s got some serious local flavor.

1. Mysore Palace 

Alright, no matter how little time you’ve got, you cannot skip the Mysore Palace. It’s the crown jewel of the city.

I recommend getting there early, around 9:30 AM, when it opens. That way, you beat the crowd and get better lighting for pics. The interiors? Pure royalty. Glass ceilings, intricate woodwork, massive halls—it’s like stepping into a royal Netflix set.

Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the palace illumination if you’re staying till evening (Sundays & holidays, 7–7:45 PM).

2. Chamundi Hills – For That Epic City View

Next up, grab a quick cab or auto and head to Chamundi Hills. It’s about a 20–30 minute drive from the palace, and the view from the top? Worth it.

There’s a temple (Chamundeshwari Temple), and if you’re feeling a bit energetic, you can climb the 1,000 steps. But if you’re short on time (or energy), just drive up and take in the panoramic views of Mysore.

Fun Fact: There’s a giant Nandi statue halfway up the hill—great selfie spot!

3. St. Philomena’s Church

This one might surprise you. In a city of temples and palaces, St. Philomena’s Church brings European-style architecture right into the mix.

Built in neo-Gothic style with towering spires, this church looks straight outta Germany. It’s peaceful, quiet, and makes for a nice 15–20 minute stop before lunch.

Good to Know: It’s one of the largest churches in India. And yes, you can take photos inside—just be respectful.

4. Devaraja Market

Alright, time for something a little more local and raw—Devaraja Market. It’s not a touristy mall kinda place, but a real, functioning local market. Think flower sellers, spice stacks, banana bunches, and tons of colors everywhere.

If you like clicking street photos or picking up little souvenirs (like sandalwood oil or kumkum powder), this is your jam.

Time Needed: 30–45 mins
Tip: Don’t forget to bargain. It’s half the fun.

5. Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery

Honestly, this is not a place frequented by many tourists, but if you are a person who loves culture and likes to see art, Jaganmohan Palace might be just what you’re looking for. In the museum, you can find some of the greatest paintings in South India, which were created by the most famous and oldest artists, one of them was Raja Ravi Varma.

Even if you’re not an “art person,” just walking around the palace feels kinda magical.

Entry Fee: ₹70 approx
Near the Mysore Palace—so it fits right into your day route!

6. Karanji Lake – Chill Break, With Birds and Butterflies

Need a little breather? Head to Karanji Lake. It’s not touristy like the palace, but honestly, that’s what makes it nice. You can walk around, spot a few birds, or just sit by the water and chill for a bit.

There’s also a butterfly park and an aviary if you’re into nature-y stuff.

Best Time: Late morning or just before lunch
Mood: Relaxed, nature-lover zone.

7. Mysore Zoo

I know what you’re thinking—“A zoo? Really?”
Just listen: Mysore Zoo is honestly one of the most wonderful in India. It’s kept clean and in good condition, and you’ll have the chance to see from lions to giraffes to foreign birds there.

If you are travelling with kids or simply like animals, be sure to stop here. It can take you about 1.5-2 hours to see everything, so decide when to do it according to your speed.

Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults
Bonus: It’s right next to Karanji Lake, so you can combine the two.

8. Railway Museum

Here’s a fun one if you’ve got a thing for old-school trains—Mysore Railway Museum. It’s not huge, but it’s got vintage locomotives and carriages you can climb into, read about, and even take some cool throwback pics.

Perfect for: Travel geeks and Insta reels
Time Needed: 30 mins tops

9. Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) & Brindavan Gardens

You should visit the Brindavan Gardens if you are in Mysore and cannot leave without doing so, particularly in the evening. The garden is located about 40 minutes from the city and is an ideal place to end your day of local sightseeing.

The garden is massive, beautifully lit, and has a musical fountain show that’s kinda iconic. Families, couples, kids—everyone loves it here.

Fountain Show Timing: Around 6:30 PM (check local timing just in case)

10. St. Philomena’s Church

Now this one’s a total stunner. St. Philomena’s Church is one of the tallest churches in all of Asia, and yeah—it’s as grand as it sounds. The neo-Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and peaceful vibe make it a lovely break from the palace-hopping.

Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just want a quiet spot to sit and take it all in, this place delivers.

Location: Ashoka Road, Mysore

Timings: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tip: Visit in the early morning or around sunset for amazing lighting if you’re into photography.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in South India

Conclusion

Despite being a small town, Mysore has a lot of attractions. In a day alone, you can witness the history of royalty, walk around quiet gardens, shop for local products, and even have a bite of Mysore dosa and chamomile coffee.

Plan your way, get some shots, and feel the essence of the city—as usual, it has something special in every corner.

It may seem like one day isn’t enough… but for a fact, it is enough for you to be crazy about Mysore.

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