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Mysore Palace
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · India

Mysore Palace

Getting around: In central Mysore, easily reached by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or on foot if staying nearby.
Hours: Open daily, roughly 10am to 5:30pm; the palace is illuminated with nearly 100,000 lights on Sundays and public holidays, roughly 7-7:45pm.

Mysore Palace is the former royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, rebuilt in its current Indo-Saracenic form in the early 20th century after a fire destroyed the previous wooden structure, blending Hindu, Islamic, Rajput, and Gothic architectural elements. Its interior features ornately decorated halls, stained glass ceilings, and elaborate wood carving, reflecting the considerable wealth of the Mysore royal family.

The palace is spectacularly illuminated with tens of thousands of lights on Sunday and public holiday evenings, a genuinely striking sight and one of Mysore's signature experiences, drawing large crowds specifically for the lighting. It remains one of India's most-visited palaces given its architectural detail and the Wadiyar family's cultural prominence.

Mysore Palace FAQs

When is Mysore Palace illuminated?

Sunday evenings and public holidays, typically around 7-7:45pm, when nearly 100,000 lights are switched on across the palace facade.

How long does a visit take?

1.5-2 hours for the interior galleries.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, a standard ticket fee applies, with an additional camera fee for photography inside.

Can I photograph the interior?

Photography restrictions can apply inside certain halls; check current rules and any camera fee requirements on arrival.

Is the illuminated palace worth planning around?

Yes, many visitors specifically time their trip to see the Sunday evening illumination, considered one of Mysore's most memorable sights.

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