Mysore Palace & Srirangapatna Day Trip from Bangalore with Lunch

Summary

Stories of Mysore’s palaces, dungeons and markets in a day

You’ll walk palace halls where kings once ruled Mysore, feel history echoing in Srirangapatna’s dungeons, taste real South Indian thali on banana leaves, and get lost in market colors and smells — all with a local guide who brings every story to life. Expect surprises and small moments you’ll remember long after heading back to Bangalore.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the drive out from Bangalore to feel so quick — maybe it was the way our guide, Pradeep, kept tossing out stories about Tipu Sultan and British battles as we passed rice fields and sleepy towns. The air changed as we reached Srirangapatna; suddenly it smelled like wet stone and frangipani. I touched the cool walls inside Dariya Daulat Bagh, Tipu’s summer palace, and tried to imagine him actually pacing those painted corridors. Pradeep pointed at a mural — “That’s the British storming these gates,” he said, and for a second I could almost hear shouting outside. It’s strange how history sticks to places like that.

Bailey’s Dungeon was next — honestly, it gave me chills. The ceiling is low and you can see where prisoners were chained. Our group got quiet for a minute there. Then Mysore Palace just sort of exploded into color: pink domes, gold trim everywhere, crowds of families snapping photos. We wandered through halls with marble floors so smooth I nearly slipped (don’t wear socks that day). There was this one room full of old dolls — kind of odd but charming in its own way. Pradeep knew every corner; he joked about getting lost as a kid during Dasara festival once. He still grins about it.

Lunch was a thali spread at some place locals love — banana leaves, sambar that made my nose tingle, something crispy I never caught the name of (I asked but probably butchered the pronunciation; everyone laughed). After that we drifted through Devaraja Market: piles of marigolds, turmeric dust in the air, people bargaining over coconuts like it was an Olympic sport. I bought some jaggery on impulse — sticky fingers all afternoon.

We finished at St Philomena’s Church — gothic arches against the sky, echoey inside with kids’ footsteps bouncing off the stone. On the drive back to Bangalore I kept thinking about how many layers this city has: palaces, temples, dungeons… all in one day trip from Bangalore. If you’re even half curious about Mysore’s past (or just want good food), this tour is worth it. I still think about that thali sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mysore historical sites and market

• Travel to Sri Rangapatnam
• Visit Dariya Daulat Bagh palace
• Explore Colonel Bailey Dungeon
• Tour Mysore Palace
• Visit Devraja market bazaar
• See St Philomena Church
• Choose visit to Somnathpura temple or Srirangapatna sites

Top questions

How long is the Mysore day trip from Bangalore?

The tour lasts a full day with pickup and drop-off at your Bangalore hotel included.

Is lunch included on this Mysore tour?

Yes, a traditional vegetarian South Indian lunch is part of the experience.

What are the main stops on this day trip?

You’ll visit Mysore Palace, Srirangapatna (Dariya Daulat Bagh & Bailey Dungeon), Devaraja Market, and St Philomena’s Church.

Can I choose between Somnathpura or Srirangapatna?

Yes, you can select either Srirangapatna or Somnathpura when booking; just mention your choice under remarks.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your Bangalore hotel are included.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entry charges are included in your booking price.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The itinerary is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Who leads the tour?

A knowledgeable local guide approved by India’s tourism ministry leads each group.

What’s included

Your day includes private car transport with pickup and drop-off from your Bangalore hotel, entry fees to all sites like Mysore Palace and Srirangapatna or Somnathpura temple (your choice), guidance from a local expert throughout the journey, plus a classic vegetarian South Indian lunch served on banana leaves before heading back in comfort at sunset.