Karnataka · India
Mysuru
The City of Palaces — a graceful heritage city of royal Wodeyar architecture, sandalwood and silk, framed by Chamundi Hill.
Mysuru is famed for Mysore silk sarees, sandalwood, Mysore painting, and a South Indian food culture from masala dosa to Mysore pak.
Plan your trip
Mysuru Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Mysuru Photo Spots
High crowdEntry ₹15–50
Brindavan Gardens
- Best timeLate afternoon for soft light on the terraces; after dark for the coloured musical fountain.
- ColorsBright floralsWhiteTeal
High crowdEntry Free (the temple publishes its own faster-darshan arrangements)
Chamundi Hill
- Best timeEarly morning, when the air is clear and the city view below is sharp; late afternoon for warm light on the gopuram.
- ColorsSaffronYellowRed
High crowdEntry ₹70 (Indian) / ₹200 (foreign)
Mysore Palace
- Best timeSunday or public holiday evening, when the palace is lit with thousands of bulbs; morning for softer light and fewer people in the grounds.
- ColorsRoyal blueGoldIvory
Medium crowdEntry ₹100 (adult)
Mysore Zoo
- Best timeEarly morning, when the animals are more active and the shade on the paths gives soft, even light.
- ColorsCasual brightsGreenWhite
Medium crowdEntry Free
St. Philomena's Church
- Best timeMorning, when soft light falls on the front of the church and there is less traffic outside.
- ColorsWhitePastelNavy
For the feed
Trending Wear in Mysuru
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Mysuru Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Mysuru
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Mysuru
About Mysuru
Mysuru, still widely known by its old name Mysore, was the seat of the Wodeyar kings for centuries, and the city is built around their palace. Mysore Palace sits at the centre, with wide roads, old markets and heritage buildings around it, and Chamundi Hill rising to the south-east. The pace is slower than in Bengaluru, and most of the main sights are within a short auto ride of each other.
A good first day covers the palace in the morning, Devaraja Market and Sayyaji Rao Road in the afternoon, and the palace again after dark if it is a Sunday, when the whole building is lit up. Give another morning to Chamundi Hill and St. Philomena's Church, and an evening to Brindavan Gardens for the musical fountain. Between the sights, eat a Mysore masala dosa, drink filter coffee and pick up a box of Mysore pak.
Questions
Mysuru — FAQ
What is Mysuru famous for?
Mysuru is famous for Mysore Palace, the ten-day Dasara festival, Chamundi Hill, Mysore silk sarees and sandalwood. It is also where Mysore pak and the Mysore masala dosa come from.
How many days are enough for Mysuru?
2 days covers the palace, Chamundi Hill, St. Philomena's Church, the zoo and an evening at Brindavan Gardens. Add a third day for Srirangapatna or a slower look around the markets.
What is the best time to visit Mysuru?
October to March is the most comfortable time, with warm days and cool mornings. April and May are the hottest months, and Dasara in late September or October is the busiest time of year. See the best time to visit Mysuru for a month-by-month guide.
How do I reach Mysuru?
Most visitors come from Bengaluru, about 145 km away. The expressway takes around 2 hours by car, and frequent trains, including the Shatabdi, take about 2–3 hours. Bengaluru's airport is the main arrival point for flights; Mysuru's own airport has only a few routes.
When is Mysore Palace lit up?
The palace is usually lit up on Sundays and public holidays from 7 pm to 7:45 pm, and every evening during Dasara. You can watch from the palace grounds, but check the timing before you go, as it can change.