Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas): The heart of it all. Built in 1912 for the Wodeyar dynasty, this Indo-Saracenic landmark is best seen at golden hour (if you are driving by) or ticketed entry to the inside is available during the day (10am–5:30pm).
Chamundi Hills: A short drive above the city, with sweeping views, the Chamundeshwari Temple, and a striking Nandi statue partway up the climb.
Devaraja Market: Mysore’s oldest market, spilling over with flower garlands, spices, and fresh produce.
Brindavan Gardens: Terraced gardens beside the KRS Dam, with a musical fountain show in the evenings.
Srirangapatna & Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: A short trip out of town: Tipu Sultan’s island fort and summer palace, paired with one of Karnataka’s best bird sanctuaries.
Other favourites: St. Philomena’s Church, Jaganmohan Palace art gallery, and a quiet walk around Karanji or Kukkarahalli Lake.
Exploring Further
If you’re extending your trip, Karnataka and its neighbours have plenty to offer within easy reach.
Easy add-ons: a day trip or one night away
Bandipur National Park (~80 km, under 2 hrs): One of India’s best tiger reserves, home to elephants, leopards and gaur. Easily done as a day safari from Mysore.
Coorg (~120 km, 2.5–3 hrs): Misty hills, coffee and spice plantations, waterfalls, and the Golden Temple monastery at Bylakuppe en route. Two days covers the highlights nicely.
Worth a weekend: two to three nights
Wayanad, Kerala (~130–150 km, 3–4 hrs): Wildlife, waterfalls and spice estates.
Hampi (~400 km, 5–7 hrs drive): The UNESCO-listed ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, set among a dramatic boulder-strewn landscape.
If you have the extra days
Munnar & the Kerala backwaters (Alleppey, Kumarakom): Tea-carpeted hills and houseboat cruises through the backwaters, roughly 6 hours by road from Mysore.
Goa: India’s beach escape, best reached by flight from Bangalore.