The city of incense makers and essential oils, Mysore will immerse you in the fragrances of India. At the heart of the city, you'll also discover a landmark of character that will undoubtedly captivate you: the Mysore Palace, the former residence of the maharajas of the Odeyar dynasty.

History

Once the capital of the princely state of Mysore, founded in 1399 by the Odeyar dynasty, this kingdom was long a vassal of the Vijayanagar empire before gaining independence in 1585. Shortly after, Seringapatnam took Mysore's place as the capital of the dynasty.

Between 1765 and 1799, the Odeyar rule was interrupted when soldier Haider Ali seized power. Following his death, his son, Sultan Tipu, ascended the throne. Known as the "Tiger of Mysore," he is renowned as one of the fiercest opponents of British rule. After the establishment of the British Raj, the Odeyar regained control of Mysore until 1947, focusing their efforts on the advancement of arts and patronage.

Mysore houses a multitude of picturesque monuments dating from the 18th century, honoring the Sultan Tipu. You'll also find a sumptuous 19th-century palace linked to the Odeyar maharajahs, blending Indian and Muslim architectural styles.

Today

Mysore stands today as the second city of Karnataka State. Over the years, the city has built its reputation around the manufacture of perfumes, incense sticks, and body oils. Silk weaving is also among the key activities at the heart of the city.

Most merchants in Mysore will tell you that their products are exclusively handcrafted and of high quality. As proof, they may present you with a list of testimonials in various languages praising their creations. In Mysore, you'll see that competition is fierce among artisans. Some won't hesitate to show you negative reviews from tourists about rival shops! In any case, take your time to compare prices and merchandise quality. If needed, tell them you'll return later. Identify those who respect your decisions without insisting, and politely steer clear of overly aggressive merchants.

For shopping, you have two market options. Though rarely mentioned in travel guides, the Mandi market proves to be the perfect spot for shopping and sourcing regional fruits and vegetables. Dotting the neighboring alleys, craft boutiques will enchant you with their authentic items. On a larger scale, the Devaraja market is a true hive of activity, with hundreds of shops. Along the narrow lanes, merchants will call out to you to take a look at their displays and, of course, make a purchase. Savor the aroma of essential oils permeating the market and let yourself be seduced by flower garland stalls and vividly colored spice stands.

Apart from the markets, Mysore is home to a monument steeped in history and boasting sumptuous architecture: the Mysore Palace, one of India's most imposing royal residences. The Odeyar once held court within this palace. The granite building features a series of tall pillars supporting multiple arches, as well as pink marble domes. Comprising three stories, the palace houses two vast and luxurious ceremonial halls known as "durbars," as well as eighteen distinctive temples. The décor is a subtle blend of mirrors, stained glass, chandeliers, mosaics, sculptures, and more. The building opens onto a spacious garden perfect for leisurely strolls. The best time to visit Mysore Palace? Weekend evenings, without question, when the residence is illuminated by over a hundred thousand lights—a truly breathtaking spectacle!

Climate

Mysore is located in a region with a savanna climate characterized by dry winters, classified as type Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger criteria. Rainfall is less significant during winter than in summer. As for temperature, the annual average is 23.7°C.

Mysore has a regional airport approximately 10 km from the city center. If arriving from abroad, you can connect through international airports in India located roughly 170 km from the city and then board a regional flight. Taxis and buses await you at Mysore Airport to complete your journey to the city center. The city is also served by a railway line.

In Mysore, buses and auto-rickshaws are among the most popular modes of transport. Their routes cover the entire city with affordable fares. However, you always have the option to rent a taxi or hire a car with driver for personalized journeys and a certain level of comfort. Your travel agency Active India will advise you on availability and arrange a vehicle for you.

What to Do in Mysore?

• Shop at the city's markets
• Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace
• Stroll and relax in the Mysore Palace gardens
• Taste regional cuisine
• Explore the city by auto-rickshaw, and more