The twin minarets of Juma Masjid rise 225 feet above Srirangapatna, visible from KRS Road as you approach the historic town. Mosques in Mysore region trace their heritage to Tipu Sultan’s reign, with this architectural marvel built in 1784 serving as the crown jewel of Islamic heritage.
Major Mosques Near Mysore Complete List
Juma Masjid Srirangapatna: 18 km from Mysore, built 1784 by Tipu Sultan
Masjid-e-Ala: Same as Juma Masjid, official name
Apna Ghar Masjid: Bannimantap A Layout, near JSS College
Masjid-E-Sohadaul Badar: Shanthinagara North, Udayagiri
Madeena Masjid: Muhudevapura Main Road, Shanthinagara
K R Mills Colony Masjid: Mysore-Bangalore Road
Juma Masjid Srirangapatna – Tipu Sultan’s Mosque
Built in 1784 after Tipu Sultan assumed power, this masjid near Bangalore Gate of Srirangapatna Fort served as his personal prayer place. The mosque where he performed his first Imamath stretches 225 years into Islamic history of Karnataka.
Entry through the main gate costs 15 for Indians, 200 for foreigners (same as Tipu Sultan Palace ticket). Open daily 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Friday Juma prayers start 1:15 PM with congregation reaching 500+ faithful during peak season.
Architecture and Historical Features
The octagonal minarets stand on high platform with 200 steps leading to top offering bird’s eye view of Srirangapatna. Five Persian inscriptions mention 99 names of Allah, with construction date inscription visible in main prayer hall.
The century-old clock still keeps perfect time – installed during British period after Tipu’s death. Madrasa within compound serves 40 orphan children with free education and boarding. Mehrab on western wall points toward Mecca with intricate calligraphy.
How to Reach Juma Masjid from Mysore
KSRTC buses 307, 308, 366 run every 30 minutes from Mysore City Bus Stand to Srirangapatna (25 fare, 45-minute journey). Get down at Srirangapatna Bus Stand and walk 400 meters toward fort entrance.
By car via Mysore-Bangalore Highway, take Srirangapatna exit after 18 km. Parking available at fort entrance for 20. Auto from Mysore costs 300 one way, shared auto 50 per person from Mandya.
Prayer Timings and Religious Schedule
Daily five prayers: Fajr 5:30 AM, Zuhr 12:45 PM, Asr 3:30 PM, Maghrib sunset timing, Isha 7:30 PM. Friday Juma prayer 1:15 PM attracts devotees from Mysore, Mandya, and Bangalore. Ramadan Tarawih prayers 8:00 PM during holy month.
Special prayers during Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha with large congregation. Milad-un-Nabi celebrated in Rabi-ul-Awwal with qawwali programs. Annual Urs of local saints observed according to Islamic calendar.
Other Notable Mosques in Mysore City
Apna Ghar Masjid at Bannimantap A Layout near JSS College serves Muslim families in southern Mysore. The mosque compound includes beautiful park and community hall for Islamic events. Friday prayers 1:00 PM with parking for 20 cars.
Masjid-E-Sohadaul Badar in Shanthinagara North represents historical monument from Muslim rulers’ period. The mosque serves Udayagiri area Muslims with daily prayers and religious education for children.
Madeena Masjid and K R Mills Colony Masjid
Madeena Masjid on Muhudevapura Main Road in Shanthinagara draws worshippers from nearby areas. Modern facility with separate prayer area for women. Madarsah classes every evening 5:00-7:00 PM teaching Quran and Arabic.
K R Mills Colony Masjid on Mysore-Bangalore Road serves industrial area Muslims working in nearby factories. Simple structure with essential facilities, strong community participation in mosque maintenance and activities.
Islamic Heritage and Cultural Significance
Mysore’s Islamic heritage dates to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan’s rule (1761-1799). Though Muslim population is small compared to Hindu majority, these mosques preserve 240+ years of Islamic culture in royal city.
Most Muslims in Mysore speak Urdu as first language, with Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada speakers forming smaller communities. Business families dominate, running textile shops on Ashoka Road and Sayyaji Rao Road.
Visiting Guidelines for Non-Muslims
Non-Muslims welcome to visit mosques outside prayer times with proper etiquette. Remove shoes at entrance, wear modest clothing covering arms and legs. Women should cover head with dupatta or provided cloth.
Photography allowed in courtyard but not inside main prayer hall. Maintain silence during prayer times. Friday 12:30-2:00 PM and during five daily prayers, entry restricted for tourists. Guides available at Juma Masjid for 100.
Transportation Between Mosques
City buses 201, 216 connect Bannimantap and Shanthinagara mosques from city center (12 fare). Auto-rickshaw costs 80-120 for mosque hopping tour within city limits. Shared auto from City Bus Stand to Srirangapatna 50 per person.
For comprehensive mosque tour, hire taxi for 1,500 covering Juma Masjid Srirangapatna plus 3 city mosques in 6 hours including waiting time and driver charges.
Community Services and Social Activities
Most mosques run evening madrasas teaching Quran, Arabic, and Urdu to children. Free meals during Ramadan Iftar, Eid celebrations with community feasts. Zakat collection for poor families during holy months.
Blood donation camps, medical checkups by volunteer doctors, and educational scholarships for underprivileged Muslim students form part of mosque social services. Women’s Quran classes every Thursday morning at major mosques.
Historical Context and Decline
During Tipu Sultan’s reign, Mysore had dozens of mosques serving large Muslim population. British victory in 1799 led to exodus of many Muslim families. Today’s mosques represent survivors maintaining Islamic traditions despite changed demographics.
Juma Masjid Srirangapatna remains most significant, attracting Muslim pilgrims nationwide. Recent renovation by Archaeological Survey of India preserves Tipu Sultan’s architectural legacy for future generations.
Best Time to Visit and Photography
Early morning 7:00-10:00 AM ideal for photography with soft light on minarets. Avoid Friday afternoon prayer times for tourist visits. Evening 4:00-6:00 PM offers beautiful sunset views from Juma Masjid minarets.
Ramadan season (Islamic calendar dependent) provides authentic experience with Iftar preparations and community spirit. Eid celebrations showcase colorful festival atmosphere with special decorations.
Accommodation Near Mosques
Hotel Mayura River View Srirangapatna (2,500/night) closest to Juma Masjid. Budget lodges near City Bus Stand for 800-1,200. Homestays in Muslim families available through mosque contacts for authentic experience.
Bangalore-Mysore highway hotels provide convenient base for mosque visits. Book in advance during Eid seasons when accommodation fills quickly with pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main mosques to visit near Mysore?
Juma Masjid Srirangapatna (Tipu Sultan’s mosque) is primary attraction. In city: Apna Ghar Masjid Bannimantap, Madeena Masjid Shanthinagara, and K R Mills Colony Masjid represent active Muslim community centers.
Can non-Muslims visit these mosques and what’s the protocol?
Yes, outside prayer times with proper dress code. Remove shoes, cover head/arms, maintain silence. Photography allowed in courtyards but not prayer halls. Avoid Friday 12:30-2:00 PM prayer times.
How to reach Juma Masjid Srirangapatna from Mysore?
KSRTC buses 307/308/366 every 30 minutes, 25 fare, 45-minute journey. By car 18 km via Bangalore Highway. Auto 300 one way or shared auto 50 per person.
What are the prayer timings at major mosques?
Daily: Fajr 5:30 AM, Zuhr 12:45 PM, Asr 3:30 PM, Maghrib sunset, Isha 7:30 PM. Friday Juma prayer 1:15 PM at all mosques. Ramadan Tarawih 8:00 PM during holy month.
Is there any entry fee or guided tours available?
Juma Masjid: 15 Indians, 200 foreigners (combined with palace ticket). City mosques free entry. Guides available at Juma Masjid 100. Photography 25 extra at heritage sites.
Last Updated: August 2025
Next Update: Ramadan Timings 2026