Where to stay in Mysore
Mysuru (Mysore) is a royal city in Karnataka, famous for its palace, silk, sandalwood and the Dasara festival. It is compact and easy to explore, so most visitors stay within a short ride of the palace, with some heritage hotels and resorts towards Chamundi Hill.
Around Mysore Palace
Hotels close to the palace and the Devaraja Market let you visit the palace on foot, including on Sunday evenings and festival nights when it is lit with thousands of bulbs. Restaurants and shops are close by. It is busy but very convenient.
Jayalakshmipuram and Gokulam
Gokulam is famous for its yoga schools and has guesthouses, cafes and long-stay apartments. Jayalakshmipuram nearby is a calm residential area. Both are a short auto-rickshaw ride from the centre.
Heritage hotels and Chamundi Hill
Former royal guesthouses and mansions, such as the Lalitha Mahal Palace at the foot of Chamundi Hill, now host heritage hotels. They are a little outside the centre, but quiet, with gardens and views of the hill.
One thing to think about
Hotel prices rise sharply during Dasara in September or October, when crowds fill the city for the processions; book far ahead. Auto-rickshaws are the easiest way to get around; agree on a fare or use the meter.
Other places to stay in India: Oberoi · Trident · The Leela
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Mysore are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
When is the Mysore Dasara festival?
Dasara is held over ten days in September or October, ending with a grand procession of decorated elephants on Vijayadashami. The palace is illuminated every evening during the festival. It is the best-known celebration of its kind in India, so plan early.
How long should I stay in Mysore?
Two days are enough to see Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, St Philomena's Church, the Devaraja Market and the Brindavan Gardens. Add a day to visit Srirangapatna and the Ranganathittu bird sanctuary, or the Hoysala temples at Somanathapura.
How do I get to Mysore from Bangalore?
Trains run frequently between Bengaluru and Mysuru, taking around two to three hours. The Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway has shortened the drive, and buses are frequent. Many visitors combine Mysore with Coorg or the Nagarhole and Bandipur national parks.
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