Photo: Syed Ali / UnsplashMysuru
Karnataka, India
A royal city of palaces, markets, and sandalwood, famous for the illuminated Mysore Palace and its ten-day Dasara festival.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,300–2,300
- Mid-range / day
- ₹4,700–9,100
- Best time
- October to February
- Ideal length
- 2–3 days
- Gateway
- Mysuru Junction, about 2–3 hours from Bengaluru
Mysuru was the capital of the Wodeyar kings, and it still feels like a royal city: wide avenues, gardens, and the Indo-Saracenic Mysore Palace at its centre. It's also a relaxed base for yoga, silk and sandalwood shopping, and South Indian food.
Just outside the city are Chamundi Hill, the island fortress of Srirangapatna, and one of the finest Hoysala temples at Somanathapura. It's an easy trip from Bengaluru and pairs well with Coorg.
Day by day
2-day itinerary
₹2,600–4,600per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: The palace and the market
Mysore Palace in the morning, Devaraja Market and St Philomena's Church, then back for the palace illumination if it's a Sunday or public holiday.
- 2
Day 2: Chamundi Hill and Srirangapatna
Sunrise climb up Chamundi Hill's steps past the giant Nandi, then Srirangapatna's fort and Tipu Sultan's summer palace, and Brindavan Gardens in the evening.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar—
- Apr—
- May—
- JunGood
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepGood
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec★ Best
- Oct–Feb: BestPleasant weather. Dasara (usually September or October) is spectacular, with the palace lit every night, but the city is packed.
- Mar–May: MixedHot afternoons; explore early and late.
- Jun–Sep: GoodModerate monsoon rain, green surroundings, and fewer visitors.
Getting there
- By train
- Fast trains from Bengaluru take about 2–3 hours, with direct trains from Chennai and other cities.
- By road
- The Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway takes about 2.5–3 hours; KSRTC buses run all day. Mysuru is also the gateway to Coorg.
- By air
- Bengaluru has the nearest major airport. Mysuru's own airport has only a few flights.
Budget per person per day
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (guesthouse or hotel) | ₹700–1,300 | ₹2,500–5,000 |
| Food | ₹300–600 | ₹800–1,300 |
| Local transport (auto, bus) | ₹200–400 | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Entry fees and extras | ₹150–400 | ₹400–800 |
| Typical day | ₹1,300–2,300 | ₹4,700–9,100 |
Autos and city buses cover the sights in town; hire a taxi for a combined half day to Srirangapatna and Somanathapura.
Highlights
Mysore Palace
A grand palace lit by nearly 100,000 bulbs on Sunday evenings, public holidays, and every night of Dasara.
Chamundi Hill
A temple-topped hill with about 1,000 steps and a monolithic Nandi bull.
Devaraja Market
Flowers, spices, incense, and the famous Mysore pak sweet.
Somanathapura
A beautifully carved 13th-century Hoysala temple, about an hour away.
Practical tips
- Palace illumination
- The lights usually go on for a short time after sunset on Sundays and public holidays, and nightly during Dasara. Confirm timings locally.
- Dasara crowds
- Book stays well in advance for Dasara, and expect heavy traffic around the palace.
- Footwear
- Shoes are removed at the palace and temples; wear something easy to slip off.
Mysuru FAQs
When is Mysore Palace lit up?
Usually for a short time after sunset on Sundays and public holidays, and every evening during the Dasara festival.
How many days are enough for Mysuru?
Two days covers the palace, the market, Chamundi Hill, and Srirangapatna.
Can I combine Mysuru and Coorg?
Yes. Madikeri in Coorg is about three hours from Mysuru by bus or car.
Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.