The second most famous attraction in India, first being the Taj Mahal, Mysore Palace is easily one of the most imposing architectural buildings in the country. It is amazing that the palace was only built in the 20th century and is the fourth structure to be constructed on the same location.
Also known as Amba Vilas Palace, it is one of the seven palaces in the City of Palaces. Often mistaken for a Gothic structure, the Palace is, in fact, an exemplary showcase of Indo-Saracenic architecture with a blend of Gothic, Rajput, Hindu and Muslim styles and it is one of the famous places to visit in Mysore.
There are four awe-inspiring arched gates to enter the massive garden area that engulfs the Palace. Some of the important places to visit here are the Ambavilasa, the Durbar Hall, and the Royal Howdah. The Palace is a spectacle come every evening when it is lit with approximately 97,000 lights.

Location: Sayyaji Rao Road, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001, India

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Once famous as a home to the kings of Mysore, Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery and Auditorium is housed within the Jaganmohan Palace which was established in 1861. It is one of the seven palaces in the city. Regarded as one of the most impeccable contributions of Wodeyar Kings, the palace, one of the most important Mysore tourist places, is now an art gallery as well as a function hall.

The gallery boasts of one of the largest artefacts collections in southern India which makes it one of the significant tourist places in Mysore. There are over 2,000 paintings in the gallery denoting different styles of painting, including Shantiniketan and some Mysore style paintings.

Location: Deshika Rd, opp. City Bus Stand, Devaraja Mohalla, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570024, India

Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

The second largest palace in Mysore, Lalitha Mahal Palace is situated near Chamundi Hills and has been in existence since 1921. Constructed to serve as the exclusive resting place of the then Viceroy of India, Lalitha Mahal was designed to imitate St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Pure white in colour, the Palace was transformed into a heritage hotel in 1974 and is now maintained by the Government of Karnataka. Enclosed by sprawling gardens, the Palace balcony offers a spectacular view of Chamundi Hills to the left and Mysore City to the front.

Location: Lalitha Mahal Palace Road, Lalithmahal Nagar, Siddhartha Layout, Mysuru, Karnataka 570028, India

Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Initially known as the First Rjakumari Mansion, Jayalakshmi Vilas was constructed in 1905 for princess Jayalakshmi Ammani, the sister of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. It was renovated and inaugurated in 2016 by the government. It now functions as a museum for priceless collections of artefacts in the University of Mysore campus surrounding their postgraduate wing, Manasagangotri.
Founded in 1968, it is located within the campus grounds of University of Mysore and has played a major role in the studies of folk arts and crafts in the state.
Boasting over 6500 unique memorabilia dedicated to dance, music, literature, art and much more, the museum also presents an intriguing collection of puppets, props, masks, and other folk objects which have been a common aspect of folk drama.

Location: Manasa Gangothiri, Mysuru, Karnataka 570006, India

Timings: 10:15 AM to 1:15 PM; 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, closed on Sunday