Sightseeing Cabs in Mysore

The essential Mysore sights

Mysore Palace

The Amba Vilas Palace, seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, is the city's crown jewel, with its carved doors, stained glass, durbar halls and the golden howdah. Visit in the morning, when it is less crowded. On Sunday evenings and public holidays the palace is lit up with nearly a hundred thousand bulbs for a short period, and every night during Dasara; it is a sight worth staying for.

Chamundi Hills

The Chamundeshwari temple sits on top of Chamundi Hills, about 13 km from the city centre, with views over Mysore. On the way down, stop at the giant monolithic Nandi carved into the hillside. Devotees often climb the roughly thousand steps to the top; the driver can drop you at the foot and collect you at the summit, or the other way round.

St. Philomena's Cathedral

One of the tallest churches in India, built in a neo-Gothic style with twin spires visible across the city. Inside, the crypt and stained glass are worth a quiet few minutes.

Mysore Zoo

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is among the oldest zoos in India and a favourite with families. Allow two to three hours. The zoo is closed on one weekday, traditionally Tuesday, so check before planning.

Brindavan Gardens

Terraced gardens below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam, about 20 km north of the city. The musical fountain show runs in the evening, so this is usually the last stop of the day.

Srirangapatna

Tipu Sultan's island capital, about 15 km away on the Bangalore road. See the Ranganathaswamy temple, Daria Daulat Bagh summer palace, Tipu's tomb at the Gumbaz and the dungeon where British officers were held.

Somanathapura

The Keshava temple at Somanathapura, about 35 km east, is a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture, star-shaped and covered in fine carvings. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Hoysala ensemble along with Belur and Halebidu.

A half-day tour

Four to five hours is enough to see the highlights inside the city:

• Mysore Palace
• Chamundi Hills and the Nandi statue
• St. Philomena's Cathedral
• A quick walk through Devaraja Market for flowers, sandalwood and Mysore pak

An evening half-day alternative swaps the market for Brindavan Gardens and the fountain show, with Srirangapatna on the way.

A full-day tour

Eight to ten hours lets you see the city and its surroundings in a comfortable sequence:

• Morning: Chamundi Hills, then Mysore Palace.
• Late morning: St. Philomena's Cathedral and the Zoo, or Jaganmohan Palace art gallery with its Raja Ravi Varma paintings.
• Lunch in the city.
• Afternoon: Srirangapatna's temple, summer palace and Gumbaz.
• Evening: Brindavan Gardens and the musical fountain.

For architecture lovers, swap the zoo for a trip to Somanathapura. For nature lovers, add Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary near Srirangapatna, best in the nesting season.

Beyond the classics

If you have more time, ask your driver about Karanji Lake and its butterfly park, Kukkarahalli Lake for a morning walk, the Rail Museum, the Folk Museum at Manasagangotri, the Government Silk Weaving Factory where Mysore silk sarees are made, and the Lalitha Mahal Palace, a white palace now operating as a hotel. Day trips to Talakadu, Shivanasamudra falls or Melukote are also easy from Mysore.

Timing tips from our drivers

• Monuments and the zoo get busy from late morning, especially on weekends. Start early.
• Most attractions have separate entry tickets, and some charge for cameras or parking.
• Opening hours and weekly holidays can change; your driver will check on the day.
• During Dasara, the palace area has traffic diversions and very large crowds; allow much more time.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Many temples and the palace require you to remove footwear.

Vehicles for sightseeing

A Dzire or Etios suits couples and small families. An Ertiga, Innova or Innova Crysta gives more room for families with grandparents. Groups of friends, school trips and Dasara visitors can book a Tempo Traveller 12+1, Force Urbania 16+1 or mini bus, though larger vehicles may need to park further away at busy sites.

Pricing and inclusions

Sightseeing rates by vehicle are shown in the fare table on this page. Entry tickets, camera fees and parking at attractions are paid separately. If your plan includes places outside the city, such as Somanathapura or Ranganathittu, mention it at booking.

Booking a sightseeing cab

Use the form on this page or call or WhatsApp +91 99725 37722. Share your hotel, preferred start time, number of people and the sights you most want to see. We can also pick you up from Mysore Junction railway station or the airport and start the tour straight away.