- Best time
- October to February; Dasara in September or October
- Ideal trip
- 2 days / 1 night
- Fly or arrive at
- Bengaluru airport (BLR) or Mysuru Junction
Mysuru is a royal city that never lost its manners: wide avenues, a palace that glows with nearly a hundred thousand bulbs, silk and sandalwood shops, and a market that smells of jasmine and incense. It is close enough to Bengaluru for a weekend, and its festival, Dasara, is one of the grandest celebrations in India.
The palace and the city
Mysore Palace, home of the Wadiyar dynasty, blends Hindu, Mughal and Gothic styles, with stained-glass ceilings, carved doors and a vast durbar hall. Visit by day for the interiors, then come back on a Sunday or public holiday evening, when the whole palace is lit for a short time and becomes the city's most famous sight.
Chamundi Hills rise behind the city, with the Chamundeshwari temple at the top and a giant Nandi carved from a single rock on the way up. Devaraja market, in the centre, is a riot of flowers, fruit, spices and kumkum powder in every colour.
Just outside town, Srirangapatna was Tipu Sultan's island fortress, with his summer palace, Daria Daulat Bagh, and the gumbaz where he is buried. Brindavan Gardens, below the Krishnarajasagar dam, has terraced gardens and an evening musical fountain.
Who Mysuru suits best
Families, history lovers and anyone combining a Karnataka trip with Coorg, Ooty or Bandipur. Festival lovers should plan around Dasara, when the whole city celebrates.
Where to stay in Mysuru
Hotels around the palace and Nazarbad put you near the main sights and the evening illumination. Heritage stays in old royal guest houses offer a taste of the city's past, while modern hotels near the Ring Road are convenient for drives to Coorg, Ooty or Bandipur. Book well ahead for Dasara.
What to eat
Mysuru's food is classic Karnataka. Have a masala dosa or benne dosa for breakfast at one of the old family restaurants, and Mysore Pak at the sweet shop credited with inventing it. Try a full South Indian meal on a banana leaf at lunch, and filter coffee any time. Mylari-style soft dosas have a loyal following.
Dasara and the best time to visit
The ten days of Dasara, in September or October, bring the palace lights on every night, cultural shows and the final Jamboo Savari procession with a decorated elephant carrying the goddess. Hotels fill months in advance. Otherwise, October to February is pleasant; summers are hot but manageable.
Vande Bharat and Shatabdi trains reach Mysuru from Bengaluru in about two hours, and the expressway is similar by car.
Sample itinerary (2 days / 1 night)
Day 1
Palace and market
Mysore Palace, Devaraja market, Brindavan fountain show.
Day 2
Hills and history
Chamundi Hills, Srirangapatna, then on to Coorg or back to Bengaluru.
Good to know before you go
- Buy silk saris at the government silk factory showroom for guaranteed quality.
- Try Mysore Pak where it was invented, and a masala dosa at one of the old city cafes.
- Add Coorg, Ooty or Bandipur to make a five- or six-day southern trip.
Mysuru trip questions
When is Mysore Palace lit up?
On Sundays, public holidays and every night of Dasara, for a short period in the evening. We time your visit to match.
Is Mysuru good with children?
Yes: the palace, the zoo, the railway museum and the fountain show all work well for kids.
Can we do Mysuru as a day trip from Bengaluru?
Yes, by early train or car, but staying one night lets you see the palace lights and Chamundi Hills at a relaxed pace.
