Mysore Palace - The Royal Residence of the Wodeyars

Mysore, KarnatakaPALACE

Explore the magnificent Mysore Palace, the former seat of the Wodeyar dynasty, known for its grand Indo-Saracenic architecture and stunning Sunday illuminations.

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Info

PALACE

Info

2-3 hours

Accessibility

Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

The Mysore Palace, officially known as Amba Vilas Palace, is the former residence of the Wodeyar dynasty, the royal family of Mysore. Its grand Indo-Saracenic architecture, a mix of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic styles, dominates the city's skyline. As you walk through its gates, the sheer scale of the three-storied stone structure with its marble domes and a 145-foot five-story tower is impressive. Inside, the palace is a series of opulent halls, courtyards, and galleries. Key areas include the Kalyana Mantapa (Marriage Hall), known for its grand cast-iron pillars and a multi-coloured stained glass ceiling, and the Public Durbar Hall, which has a vast open area offering a view of the grounds and the city beyond. The walls are covered with intricate paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the famous Mysore Dasara procession. Visitors experience a journey back to the time of Maharajas, surrounded by detailed craftsmanship, from the glistening golden howdah to the finely carved wooden doors.

Contact Information

Phone: -2421781

Email: ddmysorepalace@gmail.com

Why This Place is Special

• Indo-Saracenic architectural style
• Spectacular illumination with nearly 100,000 light bulbs on Sundays and public holidays
• The grand Public Durbar Hall with its ornate columns and painted ceiling
• The Kalyana Mantapa (Marriage Pavilion) with its cast-iron pillars and stained-glass ceiling
• Being the focal point of the annual Mysore Dasara festival procession
• The Golden Howdah (Chinnada Ambari), a 750 kg gold elephant seat
• A collection of royal paintings, costumes, and armoury

Ideal For

FamiliesCouplesSolo travelersGroupsHistory enthusiastsPhotographersArt lovers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Drinking water
• Audio guides
• Lockers
• Cloakroom
• First aid
• Wheelchair access
• Souvenir shops
• Information center
• Seating areas

Visitor Tips

• Visit on a Sunday or public holiday evening between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM to witness the palace illumination.
• To avoid large crowds, plan your visit for a weekday morning, right after it opens at 10:00 AM.
• You must remove your footwear to enter the main palace building. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
• Rent an audio guide available at the entrance. It provides detailed explanations about the history and architecture of different sections.
• Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main palace building. You can take pictures of the exterior and in the grounds.
• The Sound and Light show, held on weekday evenings, narrates the history of the palace and is worth attending.
• Carry a water bottle, but be prepared to leave it in the cloakroom before entering the main building as food and drinks are not allowed inside.
• Combine your visit with the residential museum within the palace complex for a more complete experience.

Rules & Restrictions

• Remove shoes at entrance of the main palace building
• No photography or videography inside the main palace
• No food or drinks allowed inside
• Large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside
• use the free cloakroom facility
• Do not touch the exhibits or walls
• Maintain silence and decorum inside the halls

Safety Information

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas, especially near the ticket counters and entrance.
• Hire only government-approved guides or use the official audio guide to avoid misinformation and scams.
• Stay hydrated, particularly if you are visiting during the summer months.
• The floor inside the palace can be slippery
• walk carefully, especially with kids and senior citizens.
• A first-aid station is available within the complex for minor medical needs.
• Follow the designated visitor paths and do not enter restricted areas.
• In case of emergency, contact the palace security personnel who are stationed throughout the premises.

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Location & Address

Sayyaji Rao Rd, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001, City Center, Agrahara, Mysore, Karnataka, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. This period is ideal for sightseeing. The palace is the center of activity during the Dasara festival in September or October, which offers a unique cultural experience but comes with massive crowds. Summers, from March to May, are very hot. The monsoon season, from June to September, sees regular rainfall but the surroundings are green and beautiful, with fewer tourists on weekdays.
Peak Crowd: October (during Dasara festival), December-January, all weekends, and public holidays due to holidays and pleasant weather.
Moderate Crowd: November, February-March, and weekday afternoons.
Low Crowd: April-June due to summer heat, and July-September on weekdays during the monsoon season.

How to Reach

Air

The nearest major airport is Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), about 170 km away (3-4 hours by road). Mysore also has a smaller airport (MYQ) with limited flights from major Indian cities.

Train

Mysuru Junction (MYS) is the city's main railway station, located just 2 km from the palace. It is well-connected by regular trains to Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and other cities. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available at the station.

Road

Mysore is well-connected by road via NH275. Regular KSRTC and private bus services operate from Bangalore (approx. 140 km, 3-4 hours) and other cities in Karnataka and neighboring states.

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws are a common mode of transport within the city. Ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber are widely available. The local city bus network is efficient and has stops near the palace.