Tourist places around Mysore or Mysuru include some prominent palaces which define the traditional background of the city of Mysore.
The city of Mysuru is one of the ancient cities of India which is based on the legends of Goddess Durga and her fight with Mahi Shasur, a terrible demon (Demon Mahisha) who was vanquished by Goddess Durga. Some of the popular tourism destinations near Mysore or Mysuru are Chamundi hill, Krishnarajasagar Dam, Brindavan Gardens, Ranganathaswamy Temple, Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Bandipura National Park.
Chamundi Hill
Chamundi hill is located just behind the city of Mysore or Mysuru. With an average elevation of 1000 metres, this hill is located 13 kms from the Mysuru. According to the legend of the area, the notorious demon Mahishasura, who used to rule this area which is presently known as Mysore or Mysuru. He was killed by Goddess Chamundeswari (also Known as Chandi) after the tremendous war which is mentioned in the texts of Chandi.
Shirangapattam
The historic city of Shirangapattam was the erstwhile capital of Tipu Sultan`s Empire. The place is mainly marked by the palace of Tipu Sultan which is located between two streams of Kaveri River. The city of Shirangapattam also includes a museum, the dungeons or a dark prison located along with the palace and the tomb of Tipu`s father Hyder Ali.
Ranganatha Temple
The famous temple of Sri Ranganatha was worshipped by the ancient sage Gautama. Since then this place is considered to be one of the important place of worship located at the outskirts of Mysore or Mysuru. Besides this there is a bird sanctuary located at some distance from the Mysuru.
Ranganathittoo Wild life Sanctuary
Ranganathittoo Wild Life Sanctuary is one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries, located at a distance of 3 kms from Shrirangapattam. This place is surrounded with group of islets in the Kaveri River which attracts a large number of migratory birds towards the water bodies which leaves an aromatic view behind.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is sanctuary which is located 80 kms from Mysuru. This is one of the well known tiger reserves that were developed under the Tiger Project of India.
Somnathpur
Somnathpur is located around 35 kms away from Mysore. This place is popular for the presence of the ancient temple with exquisite decorations. The architecture of the temples in Somnathpur includes 3 pyramidal dooms which are surmounted by triple shrines. These temples follow the medieval Hindu sculpture. The temples of Somnathpur are dated back to 13th century.
Shivasamudram
There is another picturesque sight for tourism- Shivasamudram. Located at a distance of 80kms this appears like an island which divided by the Kaveri River. This is well known for the two ancient temples and India`s first hydro power project that makes it valuable not only in the past but also at present.