Mysuru unveils its ‘hidden gems’

The ‘Discover Mysuru’ Bloggers Meet 2024, hosted by the MOT, Bengaluru Office, and Karnataka Tourism Department, just before the Dussehra festival, aimed to spotlight not only the city of Mysuru, but also the offbeat destinations surrounding it.

Amita Pandey from Mysuru

Mysuru, a city renowned for its royal heritage, beckons travellers eager to experience the vibrant culture of Karnataka. This October, as the city transforms into a glittering spectacle for the Dussehra festivities, it is time to explore not just Mysuru but the offbeat wonders surrounding it.

To shine a spotlight on Mysuru’s lesser-known gems, the Ministry of Tourism, Bengaluru Office, in collaboration with the Department of Karnataka Tourism, hosted the ‘Discover Mysuru’ Bloggers Meet 2024. The event brought together key stakeholders to showcase the city’s rich, often overlooked treasures—revealing corners of Mysuru that remain hidden from the usual Karnataka itineraries. Notably, Mysuru has been recently identified for tourism development under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. Speaking about the meet, Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Regional Director (South), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (GoI), said, “With this tour, we aim to showcase the unknown and untold stories of Mysore, almost every street, every place around. Mysore in itself is a living museum for any tourist.”

Highlighting three major attractions that inspire a traveller to Mysuru, Mohamed Farouk, Director, Ministry of Tourism, Bengaluru Office, GoI, said, “One, the heritage of Mysore is scintillating enough. It is one district in the state of Karnataka that has more to offer in terms of heritage and culture.
It is also famous as a yoga capital of South India. Finally, Mysore is also known for its cuisine. So, if I have to highlight three important things, it is heritage, yoga, and authentic cuisine.”

Places of interest & activities

Formerly called Mysore State, Karnataka has long recognised Mysuru as a jewel in its tourism crown. Each year, around 3.5 million travellers are drawn to this city, tucked among stunning landscapes just waiting to be discovered. Here are a few must-see attractions to add to your itinerary:

Bandipura Tiger Reserve: Nestled in the scenic embrace of the towering Western Ghats along the Mysore-Ooty highway, Bandipur Tiger Reserve is home to over 140 tigers.

Temples: Mysuru boasts countless shrines, including 120-foot-tall Nanjundeshwara Temple in Nanjanagudu, 13th-century Chennakesava Temple in Somanathapura and Chamundeshwari Temple, perched atop Chamundi Hills, just 13 km from Mysuru.

Mysore Palace: The crown jewel of Mysuru, the Mysore Palace, offers travellers an unforgettable glimpse into royal grandeur.