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Chamundi Hill
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · India

Chamundi Hill

Getting around: About 13km from central Mysore, roughly 25-30 minutes by road. Reached by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus; a long flight of over a thousand steps also exists for those wanting to climb rather than drive.
Hours: The Chamundeshwari Temple is open daily, roughly 7:30am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm (temples typically close for a few hours at midday); the hilltop viewpoint area has broader general access hours.

Chamundi Hill overlooks Mysore city and is home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, an important Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari (a form of Durga), considered the deity of the Mysore royal family and the source of the city's name. A massive statue of the demon Mahishasura, whom the goddess is said to have slain, stands near the temple, and a giant Nandi bull statue sits partway up the hill along the traditional stone-step route.

The hilltop also offers sweeping views over Mysore city below, making it a worthwhile stop for the views alone even for visitors less focused on the temple itself. Many pilgrims choose to climb the roughly 1,000 steps as a devotional act, though driving up is the more common option for casual visitors.

Chamundi Hill FAQs

Can I drive to the top of Chamundi Hill?

Yes, a road leads to the top, accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus; alternatively, a long flight of over a thousand steps offers a traditional pilgrimage route on foot.

What is the significance of Chamundeshwari Temple?

It's dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari, considered the tutelary deity of the Mysore royal family, and the city's name is believed to derive from this goddess.

How long does a visit take?

1.5-2 hours for the temple and viewpoint.

What's the giant statue near the temple?

A large statue of the demon Mahishasura, associated with the mythological story of the goddess Chamundeshwari's victory over him.

Is there a good view from the hill?

Yes, the hilltop offers sweeping views over Mysore city, worthwhile even independent of the temple visit.

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