Photo spot in Mysuru
Mysore Palace
Mysuru, Karnataka
The dazzling Indo-Saracenic Wodeyar palace, spectacular by day and ablaze with ~100,000 bulbs on Sunday and Dussehra nights.
Best time
Sunday or public holiday evening, when the palace is lit with thousands of bulbs; morning for softer light and fewer people in the grounds.
Best angle
Stand back in the front courtyard and take a straight-on photo of the whole palace with the central tower in the middle of the frame.
Entry fee
₹70 (Indian) / ₹200 (foreign)
Opening hours
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Mysore Palace
Sunday or public holiday evening, when the palace is lit with thousands of bulbs; morning for softer light and fewer people in the grounds. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Mysore Palace
Stand back in the front courtyard and take a straight-on photo of the whole palace with the central tower in the middle of the frame. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
Before the lit palace at night
In the courtyard by day
Outfit guide
What to wear at Mysore Palace
For photos at Mysore Palace, royal blue, gold and ivory work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Mysore Palace.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Mysore Palace.
Eat nearby
Food near Mysore Palace
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for mysore masala dosa and mysore pak nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Plan your visit for a Sunday or public holiday evening to see the palace lit up.
Arrive before 7 pm to find a good spot in the grounds before the lights switch on.
Leave your shoes at the counter outside, as footwear is not allowed inside the palace.
Do not take photos inside the palace, as photography is not allowed in the building.
Visit the inside in the morning, when the halls are less crowded.
Look up in the marriage hall to see the coloured glass ceiling.
Walk to Devaraja Market and Sayyaji Rao Road afterwards for food and shopping.
About Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace was the official home of the Wodeyar kings and is the heart of Mysuru. The current building was completed in 1912, after an older wooden palace burnt down, and mixes Hindu, Mughal, Rajput and Gothic styles, with domes, arches and a tall central tower.
Inside, visitors walk through the marriage hall, with its coloured glass ceiling, and the public and private durbar halls. On Sunday and public holiday evenings, and every night during Dasara, the whole palace is lit with close to 100,000 bulbs, which is the sight most people come to Mysuru for.
Questions
Mysore Palace — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Mysore Palace?
Sunday or public holiday evening, when the palace is lit with thousands of bulbs; morning for softer light and fewer people in the grounds. Stand back in the front courtyard and take a straight-on photo of the whole palace with the central tower in the middle of the frame.
Is there an entry fee at Mysore Palace?
Entry to Mysore Palace costs ₹70 (Indian) / ₹200 (foreign). Prices change, so treat that as a guide and confirm at the counter.
What are the opening hours of Mysore Palace?
Mysore Palace is open 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
What should I wear at Mysore Palace?
Royal blue, gold and ivory photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Mysore Palace get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: Sunday or public holiday evening, when the palace is lit with thousands of bulbs; morning for softer light and fewer people in the grounds.
What food should I try near Mysore Palace?
Try mysore masala dosa and mysore pak, available at nearby restaurants.
What is Mysore Palace famous for?
Mysore Palace is famous as the home of the Wodeyar kings, for its mix of Indian and Gothic architecture, and for the illumination, when the whole building is lit with thousands of bulbs.
When is Mysore Palace lit up?
The palace is usually lit on Sundays and public holidays from 7 pm to 7:45 pm, and every evening during Dasara. Check the timing before you go.
Can I take photos inside Mysore Palace?
No. Photography is not allowed inside the palace. You can take photos of the outside and in the grounds.
How much time do I need at Mysore Palace?
Allow 1.5–2 hours to see the inside and walk the grounds. Stay longer if you are waiting for the Sunday illumination.