Srirangapatna
14 km north-east of Mysore on the Bangalore-Mysore highway is Srirangapatna, the island fortress that was once the capital of the warrior-kings Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore. Tipu's summer palace, Daria Daulat, built in 1784, was his favourite retreat. Now a museum, it tells eloquently of his valour and his losing battle against British expansion. It has ornate and beautiful frescoes. Tipu's Fort at Srirangapatna holds within it a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Outside the fort is the Gumbaz, the tiger's tomb, with doors of ebony inlaid with ivory.
Bandipur
Situated 80 kms from Mysore, the Bandipur National park is one of the most beautiful wildlife centres. Rare species of animals and birds can be seen in this natural habitat. Bandipur has also been chosen as a centre for the Project Tiger scheme launched i 1973 by the WWF to save the tiger.
Somnathpur Temple
35 kms east is famous for its 13th century Hoysala Temple. The Temple is in excellent condition, has frescoed exteriors depicting episodes from the epics.
Chamundi Hills
Towering over the city, these hills are 13 kms away from Mysore. Half way up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8 m monolith. Right on top is the 2000-year-old Chamundeswari Temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of the royal family.
Brindavan Gardens
19 km. northwest of Mysore is the KRS Dam and the ornamental Brindavan Gardens. The musical fountains and colorful lights transform this place into a fairyland in the evenings.
Cauvery Fishing Camp
82 km. from Mysore Bheemeshwari is a paradise is a paradise for anglers. Mahasheer, the finest game fish found here. This camp is also accessible from Bangalore 100 kms.
Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole national park and Kabini River Lodge are perfect get-away for nature lovers. Abounding in rich variety of wildlife, one can find elephants, tigers, antelopes and even leopards here.
B.R. Hills
This picturesque hill range, at a height of 5091 ft. is 120 kms from Mysore and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The temple on the hill, dedicated to Billgiri Rangaswamy attracts devotees round the year.
Jumma Masjid
This Mosque is where Tipu offered his ‘Namaz’. Persian inscription tell us the 99 names of Allah and date the period of construction of the mosque to 1787AD.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Ranganathittu, 18 kms from Mysore, is a Bird Sanctuary that houses exotic birds. It is a group of small islands in the Kaveri River. It is home to a variety of water birds, including comorants, herons, egrets and spoonbills.
