Mysuru or Mysore, known as the city of Palaces is an exceptional cultural ballpark of the state and a momentous tourist attraction we have in the country. The very essence of this city is so endeared and prized that you can’t help yourself to fall in love with it. The list of things to do in Mysore has no edge and if you wish, you can just go on and on exploring the beauty of this amazing city. On a usual note, as a tourist guide, we have Mysore Palace, Jayamahal Palace, Zoo, KRS Dam, and Balmuri falls however here we have tried to list down few offbeat places in Mysore. Come, let’s take a look.
Off-beat Things To Do in Mysore
Shukavana
Shukavana, a Rehabilitation center for birds is one of the hidden attractions of Mysore. This is a place where you can take a sight of Parrots of different species and simply wonder looking at the talking parrots. Not known to many, Shukavana is one of the must things to do in Mysore.
Where: Avadhoota Datta Peetham, SGS Ashrama, Ooty Road, Datta Nagar.
Open: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Wednesday Closed)
Meenakshipura Backwaters – Mysore Beach
You might have visited KRS but the real Mazaaaa is in its backwaters. Yes, also known as Meenakshipura, local’s call it as Mysore beach. The serene beauty of natural river flow on a bank blessed with green and shade will definitely steal your heart.
Karanji Lake
Being an abode for 5 Dozen bird species, Karanji lake is a place where one can spot lake ducklings, darters, pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, and etc. The lake is blessed with a rich natural habitat but on top of this, the park has a giant aviary, probably largest in the country.
If you look around then at an adjacent distance to Aviary, you will find Sarus Canes, the tallest flying bird in the world. Just at less than half the way through the park is the boating point where you can pedal boat or hire a boatman to row for you. Karanji lake and its entire ambiance will definitely do not fall flat to impress you.
Open: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Where: Karanji Lake, Jockey Quarters, Mysuru.
Melody World Wax Museum
This is one of the most popular sightseeing places in Mysore located only 3km away from Mysore Maharaja Palace. A museum set up in a heritage building of Mysore, say 90 years old boasts of housing the largest collection of musical instruments in Karnataka. The major attraction here is the wax statue. One can find 110 life-size wax statues and nearly 300 musical instruments displayed in the house.
Where: Vihara Marga, Siddhartha Layout, Mysuru.
Open: 9:30 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: 30 per person | Rs.10 for still camera
Silk Factory
Have you seen the famous Silk Saree being woven? At the Karnataka Silk industries corporation factory, one can see the preparation of Mysore silk saree from its scratch to fine finish. At an end of looking at the process, you will realize why the Mysore silk saree is priced so high. Right from how the silk is unspooled, spun into fibers, and loaded on bobbins and spindles to the weaving and dyeing process, a visit to Silk factory is a must among the things to do in Mysore.
Where: Mananthody Road, Mysuru.
Mysore by Night
Mysore and glittering lights of the city is an ambiance made perfect for a soothing night. If you really want to see Mysore at its best then drive up to the summit via winding hill road. The thick jungle around with a bustling city life to your down and the entire scene you witness is simply breathtaking. The palace looks stunning from the top just like a city decorated with jeweled mattress and if it is a full-moon day then nothing like it.
Also Read: 10 Key Attractions of Mysore Dasara which makes it the best of all World Festivals
Sunset at Chamundi Hills
You go to Mysore and if you don’t visit Chamundi Hills, how can that be possible? Well, a usual visit to Chamundi hills and an evening visit comes with a great contrast. Only true Mysorean knows the beauty of Chamundi hills and if you also want to experience the same then wait for the dawn.
Rail Museum
This is one of the rarest places in the country where one can know about the spectacular journey of Indian Railways with a history of more than 150 years. Located on the Krishnaraja Sagar road, the museum was established in 1979 under the supervision of Indian Railways. We have National Railway Museum in Delhi and after that, we have in Mysore and how can you afford to miss it.
The museum displays the rare collection of ancient steam locomotives and royal carriages. The major exhibits of the museum are Water Pump of 1934, Hand-operated crane of 1885, Battery operated mini trains, An Austin Railway Car, and many more.
Where: Near Mysore Railway station.
Open: 10 AM – 5:30 PM (Monday closed)
J Shaped Kukkaraahalli Lake
Kukkarahalli lake is pretty famous among the locales of Mysore which is spread across an area of 58 hectares with a shoreline of almost 5 km. If you are a nature lover looking to spend some great time in the lap of lush greenery then this is a place made for you. Kukkarahalli lake is a home for 180 different species of birds and some of them are Open-bill storks, Spoonbills, Cormorant, and Black-crowned-night herons.
Open: 6 AM – 6 PM (Wednesday Closed)
Where: Kukkarahalli Lake, Kukkarahalli, Saraswathipuram, Mysuru.
Biriyani at Hotel Hanumanthu
End your craving for the World’s best Boti (Mutton Dish), Paaya (trotter soup) and Kaima ball fry in this highly acclaimed non-veg food destination of Mysore, Hotel Hanumanthu. You feel like you are in heaven when you put the piping hot mutton pulao in your mouth if we are not exaggerating.
Read more: You should definitely drive to Mysuru for a Mind-blowing Biriyani from Hotel Hanumanthu (Since 1930)
Mahadevapura
If you are okay to travel 20 km away from Mysuru then you can spot this place which is blessed with lush green paddy field and dense forest base. You can swim, watch birds or simply sit and embrace the beauty around. They say that happiness is in little things, this place is a live testament to it.
Sandalwood Oil Factory
If you want to know how a Sandalwood oil is extracted then you should take this guided tour to Sandalwood oil factory. This Government Sandalwood oil factory was established in 1916 by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar and Diwan Sir M. Viswehwaraiah. When you are here, don’t forget to buy things made of Sandalwood.
Where: Kuvempu Nagar 2nd Stage, Ashokapuram, Mysuru.
Open: 9:30 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 5:30 PM (Sunday Closed)
Ranganathittu
Ranganathittu is an island spread on an area of 40 acres on the river Kaveri. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Karnataka. An important nesting and breeding ground for the thousands of species migrating from different parts of the world. It was declared a bird sanctuary in 1940. Every year, this place witnesses the arrival of a large number of migratory birds from Siberia, North America, and Australia.
Mylari Dose
If you want to relish the best of Mysore Dose then come to Mylari hotel. The thick Dose with a mouth-watering texture coupled with Chutney will definitely make your day. When you are here, try Mini-Dose, Alu Masala, and just find your taste. If Dose from Mylari doesn’t melt in your mouth then think that your taste buds have lost their life.
Where: Nazarbad main road, Mysuru.
So, this was our list of off-beat things to do in Mysore. If you wish to add to the list then please let us know in the comments below. (We might have missed the hidden gems).
Featured Image Credits – Guru Prasad.
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