The former capital of the Wodeyar kings, known for its Indo-Saracenic palace, Chamundi Hill, sandalwood and silk, and the Devaraja market.
Mysuru sits about 145 km from Bengaluru and is the most popular day trip. The Mysore Palace, rebuilt in 1912, is the centrepiece and is lit by thousands of bulbs on Sunday and holiday evenings. Chamundi Hill above the city has a hilltop temple and a large Nandi bull carved from granite on the way down. The Devaraja Market sells flowers, spices, sandalwood and incense; St Philomena's Cathedral and the Jaganmohan Palace are further stops. Brindavan Gardens, a Cauvery-side garden near Krishnaraja Sagara, is the usual evening stop for those with a car. A long day is possible, but an overnight stay is more relaxed.
| Distance | About 145 km south-west of Bengaluru |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 2.5-3 hours each way by train or road |
| Getting there | Mode: Train or expressway; Detail: Fast trains from KSR Bengaluru City to Mysuru Junction; Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway for cars and buses |
| Cost | Palace entry is modest at roughly ₹100-300 (approx $1.04-3.12 USD) depending on nationality; verify current fees |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Mysore Palace, Sayyaji Rao Road, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001, India |
How to get there
- Train: Vande Bharat, Shatabdi and express trains from KSR Bengaluru City to Mysuru Junction in roughly 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours, fares ₹150-1,200 (approx $1.56-12 USD) depending on class
- Bus: KSRTC Airavat and Ambaari coaches from Majestic in about 3-3.5 hours, ₹300-700 (approx $3.12-7.29 USD)
- Car with driver: about ₹4,500-7,500 (approx $47-78 USD) for the day, taking 2.5-3 hours on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway (tolls apply)
- Organised tour: same-day Mysuru packages combine palace, Chamundi Hill and Brindavan Gardens
Location
Mysore Palace, Sayyaji Rao Road, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001, India
12.3052, 76.6552 View on map
Highlights
- Mysore Palace, Indo-Saracenic showpiece
- Chamundi Hill temple and monolithic Nandi
- Devaraja Market flowers and sandalwood
- Brindavan Gardens by the Krishnaraja Sagara dam
Tips for visiting
- Palaces close their inner sections in the evening and lighting is on Sundays and holidays only
- Book train tickets on IRCTC early, as popular services fill
- Photography inside the palace is restricted
- Start by 6-7am to fit palace, hill and market into one day
When to visit
Leave before 7am and see the palace first, before the tour-bus crowds.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Mysuru from Bengaluru?
About 145 km, or 2.5-3 hours by train or road.
Can Mysuru be seen in one day?
Yes, though an overnight stay allows a slower pace and evening palace lighting.
Which is faster, train or road?
Fast trains and the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway are both about 2.5-3 hours; the train avoids traffic and tolls.