Top 20 Places to Visit Along the Mysore Bangalore Highway (Via Mysore Road)

Bangalore to Mysore is about 145 kilometres, and usually takes around three hours if you go via the Mysore Road. But if you’re the kind of person who likes to stop, click pics and explore, then this highway has so many hidden gems that you might just miss if you’re zooming through.

I’ll walk you through 20 cool places you can stop at on this route. This route passes through Bidadi, Ramanagara, Channapatna, Maddur, Mandya, Srirangapatna, and then you reach Mysore.

Manchanabele Dam

It’s a peaceful dam spot with water spread wide and surrounded by green hills. Birds everywhere. You can spot kingfishers and other colourful ones flying around. Just go chill and let the wind hit your face.

Dodda Alada Mara (Big Banyan Tree)

This tree is like 400 years old and massive, covering acres. A perfect picnic spot with lots of monkeys doing their thing. Don’t take food out unless you want a monkey gang attack lol.

Savanadurga Hill

One of the biggest single rock hills in Asia. If you’re into trekking, you gotta try this. It’s not easy, but it’s worth the view from the top. Take water. And good shoes.

Ramanagara

The same place where they shot the movie Sholay. Rocky hills, climbing points and cute lakes around. Famous for silk too, so consider picking up some silk items if you like.

Channapatna

Known as the Toy Town of India. The whole place smells like wood and paint. Artisans make colourful wooden toys. Good stop for gifts and cute toys. Kids will love it.

Maddur

Come here hungry. The Maddur Vada is crispy, spicy and super yum. You can smell it from the roadside stalls. Grab some with hot chai and enjoy the break.

Mandya

This area is sugarcane country. You’ll see fields all around. Also known for jaggery sweets and typical Karnataka meals. Eat and go slow here.

Srirangapatna

A historic town on an island made by the river Kaveri. Tipu Sultan ruled from here. There’s his summer palace, his tomb, and also an ancient temple. So much history packed in one small town.

Srirangapatna Fort / Dariya Daulat Bagh

Tipu Sultan’s summer house is here. It’s made from teak wood and decorated with crazy, detailed art. Gardens around it are peaceful and green.

Ranganathaswamy Temple

Super old and still peaceful. The temple is on an island and feels calm the moment you step in. If you’re the spiritual kind or just love temple vibes, this is a must.

Mysore Palace

The real deal when it comes to palaces. Huge, fancy, royal vibes all around. It lights up on Sundays and looks like a dream. Take pics and feel like royalty.

Chamundi Hill / Temple.

Climb up or drive. There’s a temple on top dedicated to Chamundeshwari, and the view of Mysore city is just wow. Go for sunrise if you can.

Mysore Zoo

Old, big and clean. Loads of animals. Great for kids or anyone who likes wildlife. Takes a few hours to see properly, but worth it.

Jaganmohan Art Gallery

The royal family turned their palace into an art place. You’ll find old paintings, sculptures and old Mysore feels.

St. Philomena’s Cathedral

Looks like it came straight outta Europe. Tall spires, coloured glass windows. Calm inside, and amazing from outside for pics.

Brindavan Gardens

Romantic AF. Go at night. The musical fountain show is cheesy but fun. You can boat around and the lights make it all dreamy.

KRS Dam

Right near Brindavan. Big dam with cool water release views. Monsoon time is the best time to see it in full action.

Dari Daulat Bagh Gardens

Peaceful garden next to Tipu’s summer palace. Good for a calm break. Just walk around and enjoy the fresh air.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

You take a little boat and see birds super close. Pelicans, storks, kingfishers and more. Very calm, nature-friendly spot.

Nanjangud / Nanjundeshwara Temple

A bit off Mysore, but a good detour. The town is small, the temple big, and the vibes holy. If you like temples, this one’s a good end stop.

Karanji Lake

Inside Mysore city, but it feels like being out in nature. Butterfly park, birds, walking trail. Come here to unwind after the palace chaos.

That’s it. This Mysore Road route has a lot more than just a highway. It’s full of history, food, temples, nature, and surprise little corners. You just gotta stop and look. Don’t rush through it. Take your time and enjoy the road as much as the destination.