In short
- October to February is the ideal window for comfortable weather.
- The palace lights up on Sundays, holidays, and during Dasara from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- The Dasara festival draws massive crowds but features the Golden Throne display.
In this article
Mysore Palace is open year-round, drawing over 3.9 million visitors annually. However, your experience changes depending on the season and the day of the week you arrive.
When is the best time to visit Mysore Palace?
October to February is the best time to go.
These months offer comfortable temperatures for walking between the heritage sites. Autumn is particularly popular due to the grand Mysore Dasara festival. If you prefer smaller crowds, aim for late November or February.
What time does Mysore Palace light up?
The palace illumination happens from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
This event uses about 97,000 electric bulbs to light the exterior. It only occurs on Sundays, public holidays, and throughout the Dasara festival. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot on the grounds.
What to expect during Mysore Dasara?
Dasara brings large crowds and exclusive palace displays.
The Golden Throne (Ratna Simhasana) is heavily guarded. It is only assembled and fully displayed to the public during this autumn festival. You will also see the palace illuminated every night of the festival.
When is the flower market best for photography?
Early morning is the optimal time for the Devaraja Market.
Visit the Flower Market Section early for the freshest blooms and the best lighting. This centuries-old market gets busy as the day progresses. The early hours let you observe the fast-paced traditional trading.
How much time is needed to visit Mysore Palace?
Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours at the main palace.
You will need about 20 minutes for the Durbar Hall and 15 minutes for the Kalyana Mantapa. If you stay for the evening illumination, allocate an extra 45 minutes. Walking between the palace and nearby sites takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Are heritage sites open year-round?
Yes, Mysore Palace and the surrounding sites operate all year.
While October to February is ideal, you can tour the indoor galleries any month. The Jaganmohan Palace art collection is fully indoors. Pack an umbrella if visiting during the monsoon season for sudden showers.
Questions travellers ask
What are the timings for Mysore Palace illumination?
The palace lights up from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sundays, public holidays, and during the Dasara festival.
Is the golden throne of Mysore Palace always on display?
No, the Golden Throne is only assembled and displayed during the grand Dasara festival in autumn.
Which is the best time to visit Mysore?
October to February is the best window. This period offers pleasant weather and includes the famous Dasara festival.
