Mysore at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Karnataka |
| Famous For | Mysore Palace, Dasara, Yoga |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Ideal Duration | 2-3 days minimum |
| Language | Kannada, English, Hindi |
| Nearest Airport | Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), 170km from city |
| Nearest Railway | Mysuru Junction (MYS) |
| From Bandipur | 75 km · 2h 00m |
| Entry Fee | Free – ₹70+ (varies) |
| Best For | all travellers |
Mysore: What Makes It Worth Visiting
Mysore, also known as Mysuru, is a city in Karnataka, South India, renowned for its rich history, magnificent palaces, and vibrant culture. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore and retains its royal charm.
Mysore offers a captivating blend of heritage and modern life. The city's biggest draw is its stunning palaces, but it's also a major yoga center and known for silk sarees and sandalwood products. However, be prepared for crowds, especially during festivals, and the city can feel a bit overwhelming at times. It is also a little far from the nearest airport.
Mysore: Temples & Religious Site Opening Hours
| Name | Hours | Entry Fee | Best Time | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Philomena's Church | 05:00-18:00 daily | Free | Any time of day. | Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) |
How to Reach Mysore: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
directions_car Driving to Mysore: Road Routes & Highways
| From | Distance | Drive Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandipur | 75 km | 2h 00m | NH-150A, NH-150A;NH275, NH-150A;NH275K |
| Nagarhole | 90 km | 2h 15m | NH-150A, NH-150A;NH275, NH-150A;NH275K |
| Hassan | 118 km | 2h 00m | NH-150A, NH-150A;NH275, NH-150A;NH275K |
| Ooty | 125 km | 2h 30m | NH-150A, NH-150A;NH275, NH-150A;NH275K |
| Waynad | 130 km | 3h 15m | NH-150A, NH-150A;NH275, NH-150A;NH275K |
train Train to Mysore: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Mysuru Junction (MYS) — Main railway station in Mysore. Connects to major cities in India.
- From Delhi: 30-35 hours (₹1500-4000)
- From Mumbai: 20-24 hours (₹1200-3500)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Mysore: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), 170km from city
- Delhi: 2.5 hours (₹4000-8000)
- Mumbai: 1.5 hours (₹3000-6000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹2500-3500
- Uber/Ola: ₹2000-3000
directions_bus Bus to Mysore: Services & Timings
- From Bangalore: 3-4 hours (₹400-800)
Trains more comfortable
Best Time to Visit Mysore: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: October to March
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: October to March | 20-30 degrees C | This is the peak tourist season, offering comfortable temperatures for exploring | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: July to September | 25-32 degrees C | The monsoon brings relief from the summer heat and the city looks refreshed. Few | Carry an umbrella or raincoat. Chec |
| Avoid: April to June | 30-38 degrees C | The intense heat makes sightseeing unpleasant. It is not advisable to visit duri | If you must visit, stay hydrated an |
Peak season note: Expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodation. Book flights and hotels well in advance.
2-Day Mysore Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Top Highlights
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
🏛️ Mysore Palace
The Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, the former rulers of Mysore.…
💡 Tip: Visit on Sunday evenings to witness the palace illuminated with thousands of lights.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
📍 Brindavan Gardens
The Brindavan Gardens are a terraced garden built across the Krishna Raja Sagara dam. It is one of the most popular tourist attrac…
💡 Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot for viewing the musical fountain show.
Day 2 — Nature & Local Culture
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
⛰️ Chamundi Hills
Chamundi Hills is a prominent landmark in Mysore, known for the Chamundeshwari Temple located atop the hill. The temple is dedicat…
💡 Consider taking a bus or taxi up the hill to avoid the steep climb, especially during hot weather.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🙏 St. Philomena's Church
St. Philomena's Church is a magnificent cathedral built in the Neo-Gothic style. It is one of the largest churches in India.…
💡 Visit during a service to experience the church's spiritual atmosphere.
📍 Mysore Zoo
Mysore Zoo, officially the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is one of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos in India. It h…
💡 Allocate at least half a day to fully explore the zoo.
Top Places to Visit in Mysore: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🏛️ Mysore Palace | ₹70 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) | 2-3 hours | 10:00-17:30 daily |
| 2 | 📍 Brindavan Gardens | ₹50 | 2-3 hours | 06:30-21:00 daily |
| 3 | ⛰️ Chamundi Hills | Free | 2-3 hours | 07:30-21:00 daily |
| 4 | 🙏 St. Philomena's Church | Free | 1 hour | 05:00-18:00 daily |
| 5 | 📍 Mysore Zoo | ₹80 (Indians), ₹200 (foreigners) | 3-4 hours | 08:30-17:30 daily |
| 6 | 🎨 Railway Museum | ₹20 (Indians), ₹100 (foreigners) | 1-2 hours | 10:00-17:30 daily |
🏛️ 1. Mysore Palace
The Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, the former rulers of Mysore. It is one of the largest palaces in India.
Honest take: Can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Worth the visit for its grandeur and historical significance.
📍 Getting there: Easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi from anywhere in the city.
📍 2. Brindavan Gardens
The Brindavan Gardens are a terraced garden built across the Krishna Raja Sagara dam. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Mysore.
Honest take: Can be crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Worth the visit for the musical fountain show and the overall beauty of the gardens.
📍 Getting there: Located near the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam, about 20 km from Mysore city. Easily accessible by taxi or bus.
⛰️ 3. Chamundi Hills
Chamundi Hills is a prominent landmark in Mysore, known for the Chamundeshwari Temple located atop the hill. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi, the tutelary deity of the Mysore royal family.
Honest take: Worth the visit for the religious significance and the panoramic views. The climb can be strenuous for some.
📍 Getting there: Located about 13 km from Mysore city. Can be reached by bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw. There are steps leading up to the temple, or you can drive up.
Food & Restaurants in Mysore: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Mysore Masala Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Mysore Pak, Idli and Vada
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Mysore Masala Dosa | ₹/₹₹ (₹200-400 for two) | Devaraja Market |
| Mylari Dosa | ₹/₹₹ (₹200-400 for two) | Near Nazarbad Police Station |
| Continental and Indian dishes | ₹₹/₹₹₹ (₹600-1000 for two) | KRS Road |
🛺 Street Food: Devaraja Market — Chaat, dosas, fruit juices (₹50-150 per person)
Mysore Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹1500-2500/night | ₹2500-4000/night | ₹6000+/night |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Hotels in Mysore: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Pai Vista Lite
₹1500-2500/night
Near Railway Station
Hotel MB International
₹1200-2000/night
City Center
🏨 Mid-Range
Hotel MB International
₹2500-4000/night
Near Mysore Palace
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mysore
₹3000-5000/night
Near Brindavan Gardens
⭐ Luxury
Grand Mercure Mysore
₹6000+/night
Near Race Course
Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel
₹8000+/night
Chamundi Hills Road
Mysore Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Overcharging by auto-rickshaw drivers: Always negotiate the fare before starting the journey. Use ride-hailing apps for more transparency.
- ✓ Fake sandalwood products: Purchase sandalwood products only from reputable stores or government-approved outlets. Be wary of cheap imitations.
- ✓ Light and comfortable clothing is recommended, especially during the warmer months. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- ✓ ATMs are widely available in the city.
- ✓ Airtel and Jio offer good network coverage. SIM cards are available at the airport or local stores. You will need your passport and visa.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Mysore
How many days are enough for Mysore?
2-3 days minimum is ideal for Mysore. Day 1 covers Mysore Palace and Brindavan Gardens, while Day 2 explores Chamundi Hills and St. Philomena's Church.
What is Mysore famous for?
Mysore is famous for Mysore Palace, Dasara, Yoga.
What is the best time to visit Mysore?
The best time to visit Mysore is October to March. Pleasant and dry weather, ideal for sightseeing. Days are sunny and evenings are cool.
How do I reach Mysore from Bandipur?
Mysore is 75 km from Bandipur by road, approximately 2h 00m drive via NH-150A, NH-150A;NH275, NH-150A;NH275K. The nearest railway station is Mysuru Junction (MYS). The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), 170km from city.
Is Mysore worth visiting?
Yes, Mysore is worth visiting for Mysore Palace, Dasara, Yoga. It is especially recommended for all travellers and can be combined with a visit to Bangalore.
What is the budget for a trip to Mysore?
A 2-day trip to Mysore costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹1500-2500/night per night.
What are the timings of St. Philomena's Church?
St. Philomena's Church is open 05:00-18:00 daily. Best time to visit: Any time of day..
What is the entry fee for St. Philomena's Church?
Entry fee at St. Philomena's Church: Free.
What is the dress code for St. Philomena's Church?
Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) when visiting St. Philomena's Church.
Is photography allowed at St. Philomena's Church?
Photography is not allowed inside at St. Philomena's Church.