The city of Mysore is just one hour drive from the ashram and is a must-see place to explore authentic south Indian culture. Mysore is historically known for art, music, culture, yoga and spirituality. Even today, Mysore still hangs onto its old-world charm with its slow pace, green nature with moderate climate, and friendly locals. Mysore is also rated as one of the safest places for solo travelers in India. Today, Mysore is a popular destination for ashtanga yoga which was started in this town by Krishnamacharya, the guru of both Iyengar and Pattabi Jois.
The yoga students coming to our ashram also stay in Mysore before or after their yoga retreat with us, as it is a convenient location and well-connected to Bangalore International Airport. It is also easy to travel from other popular south Indian destinations such as Coorg, Hampi, Goa, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
The climate in Mysore is very moderate, with average temperature around 27 degrees Celsius throughout the year and very mild rainy season from June through August. It is a perfect place to visit any time of year.
Check out the below list of places in Mysore we recommend visiting, where to eat, etc.
You can also access the above Google map by clicking here or scan the QR code.
Heritage
Mysore Palace – UNESCO World Heritage Site with museum, rose garden, and temple. Take a guided or audio tour through the palace to get to know its rich history and unique architectural details. Enjoy the magnificent night-time lighting of the palace from 7 – 7:45 pm on Sundays, as well as on national holidays and state festivals.
Chamundi Hill – the temple on top of this hill is popular amongst locals and pilgrims, often crowded. The temple itself is very small and you may not enjoy going inside. However, you can see the city of Mysore and surrounding area in a 360 degree panorama. It is a common practice among the devoted to climb 1008 stone steps to reach the top.
Shiva Temple Nanjangud – one of the most ancient temples in Karnataka. Nanjangud is only 40 minutes’ drive from the ashram, on the way to Mysore.
Shri Ranganathaswami Temple – an important pilgrimage site along Kaveri River, just 30 minutes’ drive north of Mysore. You can also visit this temple on the way to Bangalore.
Culture
Devaraj Market – an old-time flea market in downtown Mysore. Walk through this vibrant traditional market filled with fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, hand-rolled incense, bangles, trinkets, and everyday necessities for locals. Beware of the touts and tourist traps!
Art Gallery at Jaganmohan Palace – explore historical and modern paintings, carvings, and artifacts.
Folklore Museum – explore the unique cultural art and crafts from the state of Karnataka
Sri Ganapthy Sachchidananda Ashram – Hindu ashram with temple, bonsai garden, and museum.
Ramakrishna Ashram – quiet place near Gokulam to sit and enjoy the silence, participate in chanting (certain times of the day), and explore the bookstore.
MyCycle Bicycle Tour – take a guided bicycle tour in Mysore or in Srirangapatna (more rural) and learn unique aspects of the local culture and history, which would be missed otherwise!
Gokulam Neighborhood – Gokulam is a small residential neighbhood in Mysore, famous for quiet streets to walk, vegan and fusion cafes, organic groceries, and cute boutiques for shopping. Gokulam is where Pattabi Jois setup his yoga studio, and therefore became the hub where many yoga students hangout.
Nature
Brindavana Gardens – located 40 minutes’ drive north of Mysore city-center, this manicured park is popular among locals to escape the city and enjoy a sunset stroll, family outing, and evening snacks.
Karanji Lake – escape to nature in the middle of the city, with a beautiful stroll in a 77 acre park with an aviary, butterfly garden, and paddle boating on the lake.
Mysore Zoo – 157-acre zoo near the center of Mysore city, a popular attraction with domestic tourists. A nice place to walk in nature when needing an escape from the bustling city.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – bird watcher’s delight in Srirangapatna, about 30 minutes’ drive from Mysore city-center.
Restaurants
Gokulam Area
Aunt Lilly’s Café – Indian, Western, Fusion
Santosha Cafe – Western
Depth N Green Cafe – Indian, Western, vegan
Chakra House – Indian, vegetarian
Sapa Café – Western, Fusion, Non-veg options
RasaDhatu Organic Restaurant – Indian, vegetarian
Frosting Restaurant – Western, Fusion, veg and non-vegetarian options
Green Leaf – Indian, vegetarian, Dosa/Idli in morning and early evening
Fresh Catch Seafood – Indian, non-veg
Downtown Area
Southern Star Buffet – Indian, veg and non-veg options
Royal Orchid Metropole Hotel Buffet (weekends only) – Indian, veg and non-veg
Old House – best brick oven pizza, pasta, and salads; vegetarian
Green Heritage – Indian, vegetarian
Indian Curry House – Indian, vegetarian
*If you are very hungry and tired, a buffet lunch at Hotel Metropole or Southern Star are great options, as they have plenty of options and nice place to chill in an air conditioned restaurant.
Chamundi Hill Area
Lalitha Mahal Palace – Indian, non-veg and veg options, restaurant in an old palace
Srirangapatna Area
Poojari Fish Land – Indian, non-veg
Mahalakshmi Sweets – a popular Mysore chain with authentic Indian sweets and snacks. Try the Mysore pak, milk peda, cashew burfi, and samosa! They have multiple locations all around Mysore, including on Devaraj Urs road and near Gokulam.
Shopping
Downtown
Devaraj Urs Road – a shopping street with sidewalks to enjoy window shopping, including silks, sarees, shoes, handicrafts, eyeglasses, watches, and bakery items.
Cauvery Emporium – government owned shop for handicrafts, fixed prices.
Ramson’s Handicrafts – handicrafts, traditional board games, jewelry, silks, antiques
Gokulam Area
Jaipur Junction – cotton clothing for men and women, jewelry, home-goods, handicrafts, and knick-knacks.
Silver Nest –silver jewelry, semi-precious stone malas, sound bowls, brass statues – located in the owner’s house
Vastra – hippy-vibe yoga clothes and accessories
Fab India – organic cottons, Indian and fusion styles for men and women
Malls
Nexus Mall – shops, movie theater, grocery store
Mall of Mysore – shops, movie theater
BM Habitat Mall – small, shops, movie theater
Grocery Stores
Loyal World – local chain near Gokulam and in Nexus mall, Indian and imported products
Reliance Smart Bazaar – large chain
Swadeshi Bazaar – locally owned, Indian products
Ayuh Organic – Gokulam
Hasiru Organics – Gokulam
Kushi Organic & General Store – Gokulam
Cocoa Vault – Gokulam, best homemade chocolate in Mysore
Bookstores
Ramakrishna Ashram – Gokulam
Sapna Bookstore – Downtown
Hasiru Organics – Gokulam
Spas
Kumada Spa – Gokulam area
Flaunt Salon – Gokulam area
Silent Shores Resort & Spa – 20 minutes from Mysore city center
Pools
Southern Star Hotel – Day pass available
Silent Shores Resort & Spa – Day pass available