Mysore Palace Complete Guide 2025 - Illumination, Timings, Entry Fees & Tours

History & Architecture of Mysore Palace

The Royal Legacy

The current Mysore Palace is actually the fourth structure built on the same site. The original wooden palace dating to the 14th century was destroyed multiple times by fire, with the most recent destruction in 1897. The present palace was commissioned by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and designed by British architect Henry Irwin.

Construction Marvel (1897-1912)

Construction began in 1897 and took 15 years to complete at a cost of Rs. 41.47 lakh (approximately Rs. 4,000 crores today). The palace was completed in 1912, just before King George V's visit to India. It represents the pinnacle of Indo-Saracenic architecture, blending Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles.

Indo-Saracenic Architecture

The palace showcases the Indo-Saracenic architectural style - a fusion of Indian, Islamic, and European elements:

• Domes: Islamic-style domes crown the structure
• Arches: Graceful arches throughout the palace
• Turrets: Gothic-influenced towers
• Colonnades: Classical European pillared corridors
• Decorations: Traditional Indian motifs and sculptures

The Wodeyar Dynasty

The Wodeyar dynasty ruled Mysore from 1399 to 1947, with a brief interruption during Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan's reign (1761-1799). The palace remains the official residence of the royal family, though now owned by the Karnataka government. The current titular head, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar, resides in a portion of the palace.

What Makes Mysore Palace Special

• Sunday Illumination: Spectacular light show with 100,000 bulbs every Sunday and public holiday (7-8 PM)
• Indo-Saracenic Marvel: Perfect blend of Hindu, Islamic, Rajput, and Gothic architecture
• Durbar Hall: Magnificent hall with ornate ceiling, chandeliers, and ceremonial throne
• Golden Throne: Legendary 280 kg solid gold throne (displayed only during Dasara)
• Living Heritage: Still the official residence of Mysore's royal family
• Most Visited: India's second most-visited monument after Taj Mahal (6+ million annually)
• Dasara Festival: Grand 10-day celebration in October with royal processions

Entry Fees & Timings (2025)

Entry Fees

• Indian Nationals: ₹70 per person
• Foreign Tourists: ₹200 per person
• Children: Below 10 years - Free
• Camera Fee: ₹50 extra (still cameras allowed outside palace)
• Audio Guide: ₹200 (available in multiple languages)
• Note: Photography and videography NOT allowed inside the palace

Palace Timings

• Open: 10:00 AM
• Close: 5:30 PM
• Last Entry: 5:00 PM
• Closed: Open all days (no weekly holiday)

Sunday Illumination Timings

• Every Sunday & Public Holidays: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (1 hour)
• Duration: Palace lit for 60 minutes
• Viewing: Free from outside the palace (palace interior closed)
• Best Spot: From the main road facing the palace

Important Notes

• Palace interior closes at 5:30 PM - illumination is exterior only
• Footwear must be removed before entering (free shoe custody available)
• Security checks at entrance - allow extra time
• During Dasara (October), special timings and programs apply

Best Time to Visit Mysore Palace

By Season

September to March (Best Season) ⭐

Pleasant weather with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. Perfect for comfortable exploration.

• October: Dasara Festival - spectacular 10-day royal celebration (book early!)
• November-February: Cool, comfortable weather - ideal for sightseeing

April to August (Hot & Monsoon)

Summer (April-May) can be hot (35-40°C). Monsoon (June-August) brings rain but fewer crowds and lush greenery.

By Time of Day

• Morning (10-11 AM): Fewer crowds, comfortable temperature, good lighting for exterior photos
• Midday (12-3 PM): Peak crowds, hot sun - less ideal
• Late Afternoon (4-5 PM): Pleasant temperature, softer light
• Sunday Evening (7-8 PM): Must-see illumination experience! Arrive by 6:30 PM for good viewing spot

Special Events

Dasara Festival (September/October) ⭐⭐⭐

The grandest celebration at Mysore Palace:

• Duration: 10 days (usually in October)
• Highlight: Golden Throne displayed in Durbar Hall
• Procession: Jumboo Savari - royal procession with decorated elephants
• Illumination: Palace lit every evening during Dasara
• Crowds: Massive crowds - book accommodations and tours well in advance

How to Reach Mysore Palace

The Palace is in City Center

Mysore Palace is located in the heart of Mysore city, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city.

Getting to Mysore City

By Air

Mysore Airport (Mandakalli): 10 km from city center

• Limited flights - better to fly to Bangalore
• Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore): 170 km, 3 hours drive
• Taxi from Bangalore Airport to Mysore: ₹3,000-4,500

By Train

Mysore Railway Station: 2 km from palace (10 minutes)

• Well-connected to Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi
• Shatabdi Express from Bangalore (2.5 hours) - popular option
• Station to palace: Auto-rickshaw ₹50-80, taxi ₹150-200

By Road

• From Bangalore: 150 km, 3 hours via NH275 - most common route
• From Ooty: 125 km, 3 hours
• From Coorg: 120 km, 2.5 hours

Our Mysore tour packages include comfortable AC car transportation from Bangalore with professional drivers.

Reaching Palace within Mysore City

• Walking: Most hotels within 1-2 km - walkable
• Auto-rickshaw: ₹30-80 depending on distance
• City Bus: Multiple routes stop near palace
• Taxi/Cab: Available via Ola, Uber, local taxis

Must-See Inside Mysore Palace

Plan 1.5-2 hours to explore the palace thoroughly. Remember: No photography inside!

1. Durbar Hall (Diwan-e-Khas) ⭐⭐⭐

• The Crown Jewel: Most spectacular hall in the palace
• Ceiling: Ornately painted with peacock motifs and floral designs
• Chandeliers: Massive crystal chandeliers imported from Czechoslovakia
• Flooring: Polished mosaic marble floor
• Columns: Cast iron pillars painted to look like marble
• Golden Throne Platform: Where the legendary throne is displayed during Dasara

2. Kalyana Mantapa (Marriage Hall)

• Architecture: Octagonal hall with stained glass ceiling
• Flooring: Glazed tiles from England
• Paintings: Murals depicting royal processions and ceremonies
• Use: Originally for royal weddings and special ceremonies

3. Ambavilasa (Private Durbar Hall)

• Royal Seating: Elaborately carved wooden doors
• Ceiling: Ivory-inlaid doors and peacock-motif ceiling
• Furniture: Ornate royal furniture and artifacts

4. Palace Courtyards & Gardens

• Exterior Views: Indo-Saracenic domes and turrets
• Gardens: Manicured lawns surrounding the palace
• Gateways: Ornate entrance gates

5. Royal Artifacts Collection

Throughout the palace, you'll see:

• Paintings by Raja Ravi Varma
• Royal photographs and portraits
• Ceremonial costumes and jewelry
• Weapons collection
• Musical instruments

6. The Legendary Golden Throne 👑

Note: The famous 280 kg solid gold throne (Ratna Simhasana) is displayed ONLY during Dasara festival in October. It's kept in a vault the rest of the year.

• Weight: 280 kg of pure gold
• History: Dates back to 1336
• Value: Priceless - one of India's most valuable artifacts
• Viewing: Only during 10-day Dasara festival

Photography Tips

Photography Rules (IMPORTANT!)

• ✗ Inside Palace: Absolutely NO photography or videography allowed
• ✓ Palace Exterior: Photography allowed and encouraged
• ✓ Gardens: Photography allowed
• ✓ Illumination: Perfect for evening photography

Best Photo Spots (Exterior Only)

• Main Entrance: Classic front view with domes and turrets
• Side Angle: Capture multiple domes from the side
• Gardens: Palace with manicured lawns in foreground
• Sunday Evening: Illuminated palace from across the road
• Golden Hour: Late afternoon (4-5 PM) for warm light

Sunday Illumination Photography Tips

• Arrive by 6:30 PM for good viewing spot
• Use tripod for stable night shots
• Try different exposures to capture the lights
• Wide-angle lens to capture full palace
• Best spots: From main road facing palace

Visitor Tips & Guidelines

What to Carry

• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during visit
• Cash: For entry fees, shoe custody tips
• Comfortable Footwear: Easy to remove (you'll do this multiple times)
• Light Clothes: Modest dress recommended
• Small Bag: Large bags may be checked at security

Important Rules

• Remove footwear before entering palace (mandatory)
• No photography/videography inside palace
• No touching artifacts or furniture
• Maintain silence inside halls
• Follow the designated route through palace
• No food/drinks inside palace

Tips for Best Experience

• Visit on Sunday to see both palace and illumination
• Hire audio guide (₹200) for detailed history
• Visit early (10 AM) to avoid crowds
• Plan 2 hours minimum for thorough exploration
• Combine with other Mysore attractions (Chamundi Hills, Zoo)

Nearby Attractions in Mysore

Within 5 km of Palace

• St. Philomena's Cathedral: 2 km, Neo-Gothic church, one of Asia's tallest
• Devaraja Market: 1 km, vibrant local market for sandalwood, spices, flowers
• Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery: 1 km, traditional art gallery
• Mysore Zoo: 2 km, one of India's best-maintained zoos

Within 15 km

• Chamundi Hills: 13 km, hilltop temple with panoramic city views
• Brindavan Gardens: 21 km, musical fountain show in evening
• Srirangapatna: 16 km, historic fort and temples

Our Mysore full-day tours include palace + Chamundi Hills + Brindavan Gardens in one convenient package.

Where to Eat Near Mysore Palace

Famous Mysore Dishes to Try

• Mysore Masala Dosa: Spicy red chutney dosa - iconic dish
• Mysore Pak: Sweet made from ghee, sugar, and gram flour
• Bisi Bele Bath: Traditional rice dish
• Filter Coffee: Strong South Indian coffee

Restaurants Near Palace (within 2 km)

• Mylari Hotel: Famous for soft dosas (₹100-200 per person)
• RRR Restaurant: Traditional South Indian meals (₹200-400)
• Hotel Hanumanthu Mess: Authentic Karnataka cuisine
• Depth N Green: Multi-cuisine with palace views

Where to Stay in Mysore

Near Palace (1-2 km)

• Budget: ₹800-1,500/night - Zostel, Hotel Dasaprakash
• Mid-Range: ₹2,000-5,000/night - Royal Orchid, Fortune JP Palace
• Luxury: ₹6,000-15,000/night - Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, The Windflower Resorts

Unique Options

• Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel: Stay in a palace built for British Viceroy!
• Heritage properties with royal ambiance

FAQ - Mysore Palace

Q1: What is the entry fee for Mysore Palace?

A: ₹70 for Indian nationals, ₹200 for foreign tourists. Children below 10 years enter free. Camera fee is ₹50 extra (photography allowed outside only).

Q2: When does the Sunday illumination happen?

A: Every Sunday and public holiday from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (1 hour). The palace is lit with nearly 100,000 bulbs. Viewing is free from outside (palace interior closed after 5:30 PM).

Q3: Is photography allowed inside Mysore Palace?

A: NO. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the palace. You can take photos of the exterior, gardens, and illuminated palace from outside.

Q4: How much time is needed to visit Mysore Palace?

A: 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the palace thoroughly. Add 1 hour if you're also staying for Sunday illumination.

Q5: What is the best time to visit Mysore Palace?

A: Visit on Sunday to see both the palace interior (10 AM-5:30 PM) and the illumination (7-8 PM). Best season is September to March. If possible, visit during Dasara festival in October for the grandest experience.

Q6: Can we see the Golden Throne?

A: The famous 280 kg solid gold throne is displayed ONLY during the 10-day Dasara festival (usually October). It remains in the palace vault the rest of the year for security.

Q7: Do we need to remove footwear inside?

A: Yes, mandatory. Free shoe custody is available at the entrance. Wear easy-to-remove footwear for convenience.

Q8: Is Mysore Palace open every day?

A: Yes, the palace is open all 365 days without any weekly holiday. Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM daily.

Q9: How far is Mysore from Bangalore?

A: 150 km, approximately 3 hours by road via NH275. Frequent buses and trains available. Many visitors do Mysore as a day trip from Bangalore.

Q10: Are guides available at Mysore Palace?

A: Yes, audio guides are available for ₹200 in multiple languages. Licensed tour guides can also be hired at the entrance. Alternatively, book our Mysore tours with expert guides included.

Conclusion

Mysore Palace is not just a monument - it's a living testament to South India's royal heritage. The Indo-Saracenic architecture, opulent interiors, and Sunday illumination create an experience that stays with you forever. Whether you're admiring the intricate details of the Durbar Hall, exploring the royal artifacts, or watching the palace glow golden in the evening light, every moment at Mysore Palace is magical.

Visit during Dasara to witness the palace at its grandest, with the legendary Golden Throne on display and royal processions filling the streets. The combination of architectural splendor, living history, and royal traditions makes Mysore Palace an unmissable destination in South India.

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