Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace
A sound-and-light show tells the 400-year-old history of Mysore at this magnificent palace, which is decorated with art collections and opulent Hindu temples.

Mysore Palace (aka Mysuru Palace) is among the most resplendent of the seven palaces that give Mysore the nickname of City of Palaces. Once home to the rulers of the Wadiyar dynasty, today it dazzles with its flamboyant architecture, vast courtyards, richly adorned temples and orderly gardens. Discover centuries of regional history while visiting Mysore Palace and attending light displays.

The present Indo Saracenic-style palace dates back to 1897 and replaced a wooden structure that burned to rubble during a festival. Designed by British architect Henry Irwin, the palace combines elements of Byzantine, Hindu, Islamic, Gothic and Rajput styles. Bay windows, huge arches, marble domes and a five-tiered tower dominate the façade. Above the central arch is a statue of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, alongside elephant sculptures.

Inside, carved wooden doors, chandeliers, frescoes, mosaicked floors and stained-glass ornamentations complement the palatial exterior. Brightly colored pillars, Egyptian figurines and a stucco ceiling in the Durbar Hall present an idea of the exultant lifestyle enjoyed by Wadiyar rulers. Admire the Golden Throne and paintings that portray religious festivals, royal parades and scenes from the lives of maharajas. Look inside temples dedicated to Hindu deities such as Krishna and Shiva.

Nightly multimedia displays light up the palace, accompanied by a soundtrack that recounts historical events from Mysore’s past. Shows in English take place from Thursday to Saturday. Stay after the show, when thousands of lights illuminate the palace. During the Dasara Festival, in late September, the palace is the starting point for a flamboyant procession of song and dance.

Find the palace in the area called Old Fort, in the heart of Mysore’s city center. It’s about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) southeast of Mysuru Junction train station. Travel here by taxi and rickshaw or walk for 20 minutes from the station through the lively city streets. Nearby attractions include Crawford Hall, Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery and Mysore Zoo.

Mysore Palace is open daily. Buy admission tickets online or at the palace entrance. Fees are also applicable for the sound-and-light show. Find more information on open hours and show schedules on the palace’s official website.

Reviews of Mysore Palace

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
7
" "4 - Good 43.75%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 6.25%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
12 Feb 2019

Palace is lit up with 90000 light bulbs at 7 pm on a Sunday until 7.30. Worth the 2nd visit for that display.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Kaveri Hotel
Kaveri Hotel
3 out of 5
369, Cheluvamba Agrahara, behind Shanthala Theatre, Mysore, Karnataka
Kaveri Hotel
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
5 out of 5
1 MG Road, Nazarabad Mohalla, Mysore, Karnataka
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
Grand Mercure Mysore
Grand Mercure Mysore
5 out of 5
2203 60 New Sayyaji Rao Road, Nelson Mandela Circle, Mysore, Karnataka
Grand Mercure Mysore
Fortune JP Palace - Member ITC Hotel Group
Fortune JP Palace - Member ITC Hotel Group
5 out of 5
No.3, Abba Road, Nazarbad, Mysore, Karnataka
Fortune JP Palace - Member ITC Hotel Group
Southernstar Mysore
Southernstar Mysore
4 out of 5
13-14 Vinobha Road 570005, Mysore, Karnataka
Southernstar Mysore
Ni Ambaari Suites
Ni Ambaari Suites
3 out of 5
138/139, Ramavilas Road, Near Jaganmohan Palace, Mysore, Karnataka
Ni Ambaari Suites
Hotel Loksagar
Hotel Loksagar
3 out of 5
268 Lakshmi Vilas Road, Mysore, KA
Hotel Loksagar
The Quorum
The Quorum
3.5 out of 5
2257/1, Vinobha Road, Mysore, Karnataka
The Quorum
Pai Vista
Pai Vista
3.5 out of 5
35/A, Bangalore Nilgiri Road, Mysore, Karnataka
Pai Vista
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.