Holding the meaning of a ‘fountain’- Karanji Lake is another place of extreme tourist attraction in this city of palaces. It is situated at the foot of Chamundi hills and was constructed by one of the kings of Mysore.

It is the largest lake in the state of Karnataka with the total area of about 90 acres.It qualifies as one of the best tourist places in Mysore because of its scenic beauty. It is also a home for different birds that make your visit to this lake all the more blissful and exciting.

Location: Chamundipuram, Mysore, India

Timings: 08.30 AM to 05.30 PM(Closed on Tuesdays)

Chamundi Hills is one of the most popular places to visit in Mysore with nature lovers, religious travellers, and photographers pouring in from all over the world. It is also one of the best points for a panoramic view of Mysore city. You can reach the hill summit either via road or for something more adventurous, take the stone stairs.

If you are on a spiritual journey, spend some time at the temple on the summit. Mahabaleshwara Temple, the oldest one in the city, was established roughly around the 9th century to commemorate the mythological goddess, Mahishasurmardini, who killed the demon Mahishasur to save the world.

Location: 13 kilometres east of Mysore

Timings: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM; 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM; 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
The temple is open from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM every day

Set in the heart of the city, Kukkarahalli Lake is a J-shaped lake spread over 58 hectares and has a shoreline of 5 kilometres. Oozing with an awe-inspiring natural landscape, the lake is one of the best tourist places in Mysore to get away from the bustling city and catch a breath.

With the magnificent Chamundi Hills as a backdrop, the hills have been an inspiration to many authors and poets in the past including R.K. Narayan, T.S. Venkannaiah, and G.S. Shivarudrappa. The lake is home to approximately 180 bird species and several migratory birds.

Location: Kukkarahalli lake, Saraswathipuram, Mysore, Karnataka, 570011, India

Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

A glistening freshwater lake in the City of Palaces, Lingambudhi lake is a hotspot for rich biodiversity. Engulfed in a blanket of lush greenery, it is a favourite hangout spot for nature lovers in the city. Among the peaceful places to visit in Mysore, the lake’s surrounding is a great place to come for calmness and tranquillity.

The presence of several bird species is the main attraction here, mostly because the surroundings provide refuge to many exclusive types of birds, even those from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. You can expect to spot Verditer Flycatcher, Pied Avocet, Brown-headed Gull and Common Teal.

Location: Srirampura, 8 Km from Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, 570008, India

Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Take a tour to the birth place of Cauvery River as you also visit the nearby tourist spots like Shivanasamudra, a water fall that originates from the Cauvery River. The two falls that together make Shivanasamudra are named as Gaganachukki and Bharachukki.

It is also one of the most popular water falls not just in the south but the whole of India. It is known for being Asia’s first hydroelectric power station.

Location: Distance from Mysore: 73.3 Kms

Timings: Open 24 Hours

Melukote is a home for one of the most ancient and exotic temples in the state of Karnataka. Not so far from Mysore, it is a one-day-trip destination that should definitely make it to your list. Melukote is also famous for several temples and its festivals attract tourist from across the country.

Folk dances, ethnic cuisines and several cultural activities make it an exciting tourist destination to be explored. This place is also a well-known location to film makers for shooting as the surrounding contains lot of scenic areas..

Location: Distance from Mysore: 54.2 Kms

Krishna Raja Sagara dam and the Mysore palace is what this city of palaces is best known for. Built in 1924, this is one of the major tourist place near Mysore. Almost all the tourist that make it to the palace in Mysore, visit the KRS dam and refresh in its soothing atmosphere.

The Dam also holds the honour of being the first irrigation dam in India. The back waters of Krishna Raja Sagara dam is also accounted to be one of the most beautiful tourist spots around Mysore.

Location: Distance from Mysore: 19.9 Kms