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Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim, GFDL 1.2 via Wikimedia Commons
Definitely the number one attraction in Mysore. Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings, some with inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, paintings of the members of the royal family and other objects of personal use exhibit such opulence, and over time have been preserved remarkably well. The guards quick out the public from the palace premises (gardens) around 18:00 to prepare for the 'light and sound' show in the evening. It starts at 19:00, lasts 40 minutes and is in Kannada language only, making it less interesting for foreigners, were it not for the impressive illumination of the whole palace at the end (19:40-45) with 100,000 bulbs. The ticket counter opens at 16:45 for the show (₹100). Entry is on the south side. You are required to leave your shoes outside before entering at a cost of ₹2 per pair.
Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a historic palace and royal residence located in Mysore, Karnataka, India. It served as the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore, and was commissioned by Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV in August 1897 following the destruction of the previous structure in a fire. The design of the palace is attributed to Henry Irwin, a British architect who had earlier designed the Madras High Court, and Edwin Wolleston Fritchley, who would later design the Lalitha Mahal. Construction of the current structure began in 1897 and was completed in 1912. It is one of the largest palaces in India, and is a prominent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, combining Indo-Islamic, Rajput, Hoysala and Gothic architectural styles.
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A former palace that has been converted into an art gallery and function hall. The palace for some time was home to the Wodeyar dynasty. The art gallery features paintings of many styles, including Mughlai, Mysorean and European. The most prominent works are those of Raja Ravi Varma, which are over 100 years old. A big part of the exhibition is comprised of very similar portraits of members of the Royal family.
An Anglican church built for the East India Company troops stationed at Mysore. It was consecrated on 29 November 1830 by Bishop Turner of Calcutta, and the building was completed in 1832.
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
The zoo was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest in the world. Mysore Zoo has had a successful breeding program and houses animals from more than 40 different countries, along with native Indian fauna, including Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, elephants, fallow deer, Himalayan black bears, Gaur (Indian bison), white peafowl and African rhinos. The zoo is also home to many other exotic creatures from around the world, like Barbary sheep, giraffes, hippos and gorillas. The zoo encompasses Karanji Lake, which attracts several species of migratory birds during the breeding season, including painted storks, pelicans, and darters. Other attractions include the botanical garden with 35 species of exotic ornamental plants and 85 species of trees from India and abroad. Visitors can treat themselves to snacks and tender coconut that are available inside the zoo. Excellent mementoes are available in a souvenir shop. Vehicle parking is available in an open area opposite the zoo. The parking fee collected is ₹50 for buses, ₹30 for mini-buses or tempos, ₹10 for cars and ₹5 for two-wheelers.
Formerly known as the oriental library, it was started in 1891 and contains over 33,000 palm leaf manuscripts.
A horse-racing venue. The Mysore Derby season is from November to February and again from May to July. There's a golf course at the middle.
Exhibits vintage locomotives as they were in use. The second of such museums was set up after the Rail Museum in Delhi. The major attraction of the museum is the wagon used by the Queen of Mysore. There is a small toy train. The museum is a small one and can be visited while arriving or leaving Mysore during working hours.