Mysuru
Mysuru Travel Guide — Palace and Yoga Capital on a Budget
Best months
Per-day budget
₹750–1,500/day
Getting there
Mysuru, also known as Mysore, is the cultural capital of Karnataka and the former seat of the Wodeyar dynasty. The Mysore Palace, one of India's grandest royal buildings, dominates the city centre with its Indo-Saracenic domes and towers. The palace is best seen on Sunday nights when it is illuminated with 1,00,000 lights. Mysuru is also a global centre for Ashtanga yoga — the neighbourhood of Gokulam is full of yoga shalas where practitioners from around the world come to study. The city is clean, well planned, and one of the most pleasant big cities in South India for walking and cycling. The Devaraja Market, Chamundi Hill and the nearby Srirangapatna all make for excellent day trips. Mysuru is an easy 3-hour train ride from Bengaluru.
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Why go
The Mysore Palace complex includes the main palace, a museum, a temple and several smaller buildings spread across manicured lawns. The interior has carved wooden ceilings, stained glass and an impressive Durbar Hall. The Sunday night illumination at 7 PM is the quintessential Mysuru experience. The Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill, 13 km from the city, has a towering gopuram and panoramic views of the city. The Devaraja Market, near the palace, is a vibrant covered market selling flowers, vegetables, incense and Mysuru silk. The Srirangapatna island, 20 km away, has the Ranganathaswamy temple and the Daria Daulat Bagh — Tipu Sultan's summer palace.
Mysuru is one of the world's most important centres for Ashtanga yoga. The neighbourhood of Gokulam is where most yoga schools and practitioners are based. The KPJAYI (Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram) is the original Ashtanga shala founded by K. Pattabhi Jois. Drop-in classes are available at many shalas for ₹300-500. Month-long intensive courses and teacher training programmes are also available. The yoga community in Gokulam has created a supportive ecosystem of organic cafes, Ayurvedic massage centres and bookshops. Mysuru is a more disciplined yoga destination than Goa or Rishikesh — the focus here is on the practice itself.
How to reach
Mysuru is well connected to Bengaluru by train and bus. From Bengaluru's KSR railway station, trains to Mysuru run every 30-60 minutes and take about 2.5-3 hours (₹100-300 depending on class). Check live timings on IRCTC or a train app before booking. Buses from Bengaluru to Mysuru take about 3-4 hours (₹150-250). The nearest airport is Bengaluru, about 170 km from Mysuru, with flights from Delhi under ₹5,000. The nearest airport with direct flights is Mysuru Airport itself, with limited flights from Bengaluru and Chennai. Once in Mysuru, the palace area and Gokulam are connected by auto-rickshaws (₹100-200 between them).
What a day costs
| Dorm bed / budget hotel | ₹400–700 |
| Food (Karnataka meals / cafe) | ₹200–400 |
| Local transport (auto / bus) | ₹50–200 |
| Palace entry fee | ₹100–200 |
When to go
October to February is the best time. The weather is cool and pleasant for walking around the palace and the market. March to May is warm to hot (30°C-35°C). June to September is monsoon — the city gets moderate rain and the gardens are at their greenest. The Dasara festival in September-October is Mysuru's biggest celebration — the palace is illuminated for 10 days, cultural performances are held, and the city is at its most festive. If visiting during Dasara, book accommodation well in advance. The Sunday night palace illumination (7 PM) is a year-round event and the best time to see the palace.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Palace Visit
Arrive in Mysuru from Bengaluru by train. Check into a hotel in the Gokulam area or near the palace. Visit the Mysore Palace in the afternoon — allocate 2-3 hours for the interior. Walk through the palace gardens. Return for the Sunday night palace illumination if it is a Sunday (7 PM). Have dinner in the Gokulam area for the yoga-community cafe scene.
Day 2: Chamundi Hill and Market
Take a bus or auto to Chamundi Hill (₹200-300 auto from the city, or ₹30 bus). Visit the Chamundeshwari temple and walk around the hill. Return to the city by midday. Visit the Devaraja Market in the afternoon — the flower section is particularly spectacular. Visit the Mysuru Palace again for the evening views if you missed it on day 1.
Day 3: Srirangapatna or Yoga
If interested in yoga, take a drop-in class at a Gokulam shala (₹300-500). Otherwise, take a bus or auto to Srirangapatna (20 km, ₹50-100 bus) for the temple and Tipu Sultan's palace. Return to Mysuru by afternoon and depart by train.
Student hacks
- ▸The Mysore Palace entry for Indians is ₹100 — the foreign rate is ₹500, so carry your Indian ID at the ticket counter.
- ▸Trains from Bengaluru to Mysuru cost ₹100-300 and take 2.5-3 hours — the most convenient and scenic way to arrive.
- ▸Gokulam has the best budget cafes and hostels in Mysuru — it is slightly outside the city centre but worth the auto ride.
- ▸Drop-in yoga classes in Gokulam cost ₹300-500 — no need to commit to a full course unless you want a more intensive programme.
- ▸Devaraja Market is best visited in the morning (before 11 AM) when the flower and vegetable stalls are at their most stocked and colourful.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit for Mysuru. The Mysore Palace entry fee for Indians is about ₹100. Foreign nationals pay ₹500. Confirm current fares and frequency locally before setting out. The palace interiors have strict no-photography rules inside certain sections. Sunday night illumination viewing is free and open to all from the palace grounds. Chamundi Hill temple is free. The Devaraja Market is safe but watch for pickpockets in the crowded sections. Mysuru is very safe for solo travellers, including women. Gokulam is a quiet neighbourhood popular with yoga students. ATMs and UPI are widely available. Public transport is reliable.
FAQs
How do I reach Mysuru from Delhi?
Take a flight from Delhi to Bengaluru (₹4,000-6,000, 3 hours), then a train from Bengaluru to Mysuru (₹100-300, 2.5-3 hours). This is the most practical option.
What is the Mysore Palace entry fee?
The entry fee for Indian nationals is about ₹100. The Sunday night illumination is free to watch from the palace grounds. The palace is open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
Where can I do Ashtanga yoga in Mysuru?
Gokulam is the yoga neighbourhood with multiple shalas offering drop-in classes and month-long courses. KPJAYI is the most famous shala but has a waitlist system.
Is Mysuru safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Mysuru is one of the safest cities in India. It is clean, well lit and has a strong police presence. Gokulam is particularly safe for women travellers.
What is the Dasara festival in Mysuru?
Dasara is a 10-day festival in September-October celebrating the victory of good over evil. The Mysore Palace is illuminated, there are cultural performances and a grand procession. It is the city's biggest event.
How many days do I need in Mysuru?
Two full days is enough — one day for the palace, Chamundi Hill and the market, one day for Srirangapatna or yoga. The Sunday visit is ideal for the palace illumination.