Chennai to Mysore Complete Travel Guide 2026
Planning a trip from Chennai to Mysore? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 480km journey. Watch the interactive route animation above to visualize your journey, then explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
analytics Travel Comparison: Chennai to Mysore
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| directions_car Private Car | 9h 00m | ₹4,584 Fuel & Tolls |
| flight Flight | 1h 15m | ₹1,680 - ₹3,360 |
| train Train | 12h – 16h | ₹380 – ₹1,216 |
| bus Bus | 12h – 16h | ₹684 – ₹5,299 |
How to Travel: Chennai to Mysore
Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
By Car
Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips
By Flight
Speed, long distances, business travel
By Train
Comfort, scenic views, budget-friendly
By Bus
Budget travel, multiple stops
lightbulb Our Recommendation
At 480km, both driving (9h 00m) and trains are excellent options. Choose driving for flexibility and scenic stops, or trains for comfort and relaxation.
Before You Leave Chennai
Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:
Local Specialties
- local_dining Idli and Sambar - Soft, steamed rice cakes served with lentil soup and chutney (try at Murugan Idli Shop).
- local_dining Dosa - Crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with potatoes or other fillings (try at Saravana Bhavan).
- local_dining Chettinad Chicken - Spicy chicken curry with a blend of aromatic spices (try at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant).
Saravana Bhavan • Various locations
Worth Stopping: Cities Along Your Route
These cities are within 50km of your Chennai to Mysore route and offer excellent attractions worth a brief detour:
Sriperumbudur
Vellore
Kanchipuram
Yelagiri
Nagarhole
Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a prominent tiger reserve in Karnataka. It's renowned for its rich wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and diverse bird species, set against the backdrop of lush forests and the Kabini River.
attractions Top Attractions
Nagarhole National Park Safari
The core attraction is the jeep safari into the national park. These are organized by the forest department and private lodges, offering a chance to spot tigers, elephants, leopards, and various deer species.
Kabini Backwaters
The Kabini backwaters, formed by the Kabini dam, are a scenic area known for its large elephant herds and diverse birdlife. Boat safaris on the Kabini River offer a unique perspective of the park's wildlife.
Iruppu Falls
Iruppu Falls, also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, is a sacred waterfall cascading down the Brahmagiri Hills. It's a popular pilgrimage site and a scenic spot for nature lovers.
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Bisi Bele Bath - A flavorful rice and lentil dish (try at local restaurants).
Top Attractions in Mysore: What to See and Do
Once you arrive in Mysore, explore these must-visit attractions that showcase the best of the city:
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Mysore Palace
⏱ 2-3 hours • 💰 ₹70 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) • 🕐 10:00-17:30 dailyThe Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, the former rulers of Mysore. It is one of the largest palaces in India.
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit on Sunday evenings to witness the palace illuminated with thousands of lights.
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Brindavan Gardens
⏱ 2-3 hours • 💰 ₹50 • 🕐 06:30-21:00 dailyThe Brindavan Gardens are a terraced garden built across the Krishna Raja Sagara dam. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Mysore.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to enjoy the musical fountain show in the evening.
💡 Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot for viewing the musical fountain show.
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Chamundi Hills
⏱ 2-3 hours • 💰 Free • 🕐 07:30-21:00 dailyChamundi Hills is a prominent landmark in Mysore, known for the Chamundeshwari Temple located atop the hill. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi, the tutelary deity of the Mysore royal family.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
💡 Insider Tip: Consider taking a bus or taxi up the hill to avoid the steep climb, especially during hot weather.
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St. Philomena's Church
⏱ 1 hour • 💰 Free • 🕐 05:00-18:00 dailySt. Philomena's Church is a magnificent cathedral built in the Neo-Gothic style. It is one of the largest churches in India.
Best Time to Visit: Any time of day.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit during a service to experience the church's spiritual atmosphere.
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Mysore Zoo
⏱ 3-4 hours • 💰 ₹80 (Indians), ₹200 (foreigners) • 🕐 08:30-17:30 dailyMysore Zoo, officially the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is one of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos in India. It houses a diverse collection of animals from around the world.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to see the animals active.
💡 Insider Tip: Allocate at least half a day to fully explore the zoo.
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Railway Museum
⏱ 1-2 hours • 💰 ₹20 (Indians), ₹100 (foreigners) • 🕐 10:00-17:30 dailyThe Railway Museum in Mysore showcases the history of Indian Railways. It features a collection of locomotives, carriages, and railway artifacts.
Best Time to Visit: Any time of day.
💡 Insider Tip: Check the timings for the toy train ride in advance.
Where to Eat in Mysore: Local Cuisine Guide
Must-Try Dishes in Mysore
Don't leave Mysore without tasting these local specialties:
- Mysore Masala Dosa - A crispy dosa with a unique potato filling (try at Vinayaka Chats)
- Bisi Bele Bath - A flavorful rice and lentil dish cooked with vegetables and spices
- Mysore Pak - A sweet fudge-like dessert made from gram flour, sugar, and ghee
- Idli and Vada - Classic South Indian breakfast staples served with sambar and chutney
Recommended Restaurants in Mysore
Vinayaka Chats
South Indian • ₹/₹₹ (₹200-400 for two)
Specialty: Mysore Masala Dosa
A popular local eatery known for its delicious dosas and other South Indian snacks. Simple and affordable.
📍 Devaraja Market
Mylari
South Indian • ₹/₹₹ (₹200-400 for two)
Specialty: Mylari Dosa
A legendary dosa place famous for its soft and fluffy dosas. A must-visit for dosa lovers.
📍 Near Nazarbad Police Station
The Old House
Multi-cuisine • ₹₹/₹₹₹ (₹600-1000 for two)
Specialty: Continental and Indian dishes
A charming restaurant with a colonial-era ambiance. Offers a variety of dishes to suit different tastes.
📍 KRS Road
Praveg Food Court
South Indian • ₹₹/₹₹₹ (₹500-800 for two)
Specialty: Bisi Bele Bath
Serves authentic Bisi Bele Bath and other South Indian dishes. It is a very local restaurant.
📍 Near Mysore Palace
Where to Stay in Mysore: Accommodation Options
Budget Hotels (₹500-1500/night)
Pai Vista Lite
Price: ₹1500-2500/night
Location: Near Railway Station
Clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities. Good value for money and convenient location.
Hotel MB International
Price: ₹1200-2000/night
Location: City Center
Simple and affordable accommodation in a central location. Friendly staff and essential facilities.
Mid-Range Hotels (₹2000-5000/night)
Hotel MB International
Price: ₹2500-4000/night
Location: Near Mysore Palace
Comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a good location. Offers a restaurant and room service.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mysore
Price: ₹3000-5000/night
Location: Near Brindavan Gardens
Well-appointed rooms with a swimming pool and fitness center. Offers a comfortable stay with good service.
Luxury Hotels (₹8000+/night)
Grand Mercure Mysore
Price: ₹6000+/night
Location: Near Race Course
Luxurious rooms with elegant decor and modern amenities. Offers multiple dining options, a spa, and a swimming pool.
Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel
Price: ₹8000+/night
Location: Chamundi Hills Road
A heritage hotel in a former palace with stunning architecture and opulent interiors. Offers a royal experience with excellent service.
Best Time to Travel from Chennai to Mysore
Plan your trip according to the season for the best experience in Mysore:
Best Time: October to March
Temperature: 20-30 degrees C
Weather: Pleasant and dry weather, ideal for sightseeing. Days are sunny and evenings are cool.
Why Visit: This is the peak tourist season, offering comfortable temperatures for exploring palaces and gardens. The famous Dasara festival falls during this period, offering a unique cultural experience. It's the best time for outdoor activities like yoga and cycling.
Important Note: Expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodation. Book flights and hotels well in advance.
Shoulder Season: July to September
Temperature: 25-32 degrees C
Weather: Monsoon season with occasional heavy rainfall. The landscape is lush and green.
Why Visit: The monsoon brings relief from the summer heat and the city looks refreshed. Fewer tourists visit during this time, so you can avoid crowds. However, outdoor activities might be restricted due to rain.
Important Note: Carry an umbrella or raincoat. Check for transportation disruptions due to heavy rainfall.
Avoid: April to June
Temperature: 30-38 degrees C
Weather: Hot and humid weather, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities. The heat can be exhausting.
Why Visit: The intense heat makes sightseeing unpleasant. It is not advisable to visit during this period unless you are comfortable with high temperatures.
Important Note: If you must visit, stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day. Prices may be slightly lower due to the off-season.
Practical Travel Tips for Mysore
💰 Money & Budget
Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹5000+
ATMs: ATMs are widely available in the city.
Payment Methods: Cash is preferred for small transactions. Cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants.
Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in local markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers.
🏥 Health & Safety
Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water to avoid stomach problems.
Food Safety: Eat at reputable restaurants or well-maintained street food stalls. Avoid eating raw or undercooked food.
Common Health Issues: Heatstroke, dehydration, and stomach infections are common. Carry sunscreen, water, and necessary medications.
📱 Communication
SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio offer good network coverage. SIM cards are available at the airport or local stores. You will need your passport and visa.
WiFi Availability: Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and cafes.
👕 What to Wear
Light and comfortable clothing is recommended, especially during the warmer months. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chennai to Mysore
Related Routes from Chennai
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