24 Hours In Mysuru: What To Eat, See, And Do

There’s something about Mysuru that makes you slow down, maybe it’s the way the morning light filters through the trees, or how the scent of sandalwood seems to hang in the air. I had just 24 hours in the city, but it was enough to catch its rhythm, where history, craft, and comfort food come together seamlessly. As someone who loves visiting new places, I had no expectations from Mysuru, having never heard anything about it. But that all changed when my sister and brother-in-law made an impromptu travel plan to go around Mysuru in just 24 hours. And this is my recount.

Breakfast At Maddur Tiffany's

The early morning train from Bengaluru to Mysuru dropped us at the junction right on time. It was going to be a packed day for this party of three, which included my sister (slept all the way), my brother-in-law (had two whole nightmares in the two-hour journey), and me (hadn’t slept a wink since the night before).

As sleepy as I was, I was even hungrier. The first thing we did as soon as we made our way out of Mysuru junction was find a good breakfast spot. Maddur Tiffany’s stood out to me, with its sparkling reviews. I ordered a ghee podi masala dosa, my first time eating it, and quite frankly, I was floored.

It was crisp, with just the right amount of masala, and had the humble scent of ghee. My sister and brother-in-law got a serving of steamed idlis and chutney, which they ate together (making me a third wheel). As I am not someone who would waste a perfectly beautiful day, I decided to wake myself up with a hot, frothy cup of filter kaapi. The bill was surprisingly only around 200 rupees, which might put some Mumbai folks used to big cafes and long bills (namely me) into a complete shock. 

Chamundi Hills

With breakfast done, we headed towards Chamundi Hills. There is a shuttle service that regularly takes people up and down the hill, which made commuting so much easier for us. The winding drive up is leafy and calm, the city slowly falling away behind you. At the summit, the Chamundeshwari Temple stood in quiet grandeur, while the massive Nandi statue halfway down the hill offered its moment of pause. The view from the top stretched endlessly, soft with morning haze and temple bells echoing in the distance. 

The Palace of Mysore

Back in town, we made our way to the Mysore Palace. Even with expectations, it’s a place that stuns. The Indo-Saracenic architecture, the hand-painted ceilings, the grand halls, everything is a little larger than life. Wandering through it, I felt both dwarfed and dazzled. The stained glass and teakwood interiors still carry the memory of a time that wasn’t rushed.

There are stories of a time gone by in the air. You can look in the mirror and get a peek into the past, maybe someone stood there, just like you, going about their day. The palace needs some care, but otherwise, it is a must-visit for anyone who loves history. The paintings on the wall tell a complete story, from the childhood of the prince to the family of the king. The Wodeyar dynasty has been beautifully preserved to be observed and appreciated in the palace. And yes, we took the customary DSLR picture outside the palace; it is the only tourist tradition I respect.

Lunch At The Old House

Lunch was a simple affair, after the long walks we took around the palace. At the Old House in Chamrajpura, we tried their bestseller, the Mediterranean pasta that had olives, capers, zucchini, tomatoes, onion, and lots of cheese. Simple, filling, and just what we needed.

Cauvery Emporium & Devaraja Market

The afternoon was made for wandering. First, to the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium, where shelves of silk sarees, sandalwood figurines, and incense sticks told stories of the city’s legacy in craft. Then, on to Devaraja Market, a chaotic, fragrant stretch of flower stalls, turmeric mounds, tiny oil bottles, and fresh produce. I didn’t need anything, but I left with a cloth bag full of things anyway. 

Mysore Pak & Shopping 

Before dinner, we picked up a box of Mysore Pak, soft, ghee-laden, warm from the tray, at a nearby sweet shop. The locals suggested Guru Sweet Mart, and we followed. One bite in and I understood the hype. The softness of this sweet dish pulls you in, making it irresistible not to take one more bite. Recently opened, The World of Mysore Pak, is also a great place to get your Mysore Pak souvenirs from. 

Dinner at Spring

We wrapped up the day at Spring, where our dinner was relaxed yet elegant. The buffet service had a wide spread, but it was the local specials I gravitated toward. I filled my plate with ragi mudde, bisibele bath, and kosambari, comfort food that felt both grounding and celebratory. There was also a live counter serving hot rotis and paneer curry, and the staff, warm and unfussy, made sure our meal ended on a sweet note with South Indian desserts.

As we stepped out, the air was cooler, and the lights of Mysuru Palace shimmered in the distance. With its unhurried charm and quiet layers, Mysuru had given us a day full of memories of royalty and a newfound energy to face the rush of our lives back in metro cities. This scenic city, just a few hours away from Bengaluru, has given me enough memories to make me want to come back. Mysuru, I'll be back again.