Weekend getaway from Bengaluru · #5 of 10
Mysuru
The City of Palaces: a Wadiyar palace lit by nearly a hundred thousand bulbs on Sunday nights, a hilltop temple, a sandalwood-scented market and the best-organised weekend in south Karnataka.
Just three hours down a smooth road lies the old Wadiyar capital, south Karnataka's most effortless weekend escape. Come for the grand palace glowing with nearly 100,000 bulbs on Sunday night, but stay for the bustling markets, hilltop views, and legendary food.
Getting there
Ten tolled lanes mean smooth sailing all the way. The dreaded six-hour crawl is officially history!
Beats driving traffic and drops you right in the city center. Grab your weekend tickets early before they sell out!
Day 1 - Saturday
Palaces, market buzz, and glowing evening lights- 17:00 AMDrive
Drive down NH275
Hit the road early to beat the Mysuru palace crowds. You will find fantastic breakfast spots lined up around Bidadi and Maddur.
📍 NH275, Mandya
Tip · Pull over in Maddur for an iconic Maddur vada - it was born right here and tastes best piping hot.
- 210:00 AMSight
Mysore Palace
Explore the stunning Indo-Saracenic palace rebuilt in 1912 after fire destroyed the wooden original. Budget two hours for the durbar hall, marriage pavilion, and painted gallery.
📍 Mysore Palace, Mysuru
Tip · Kick off your shoes at the entrance and leave cameras behind. Grab online tickets ahead of time to skip the line!
- 312:30 PMSight
Devaraja Market
Dive into a lively Wadiyar-era market overflowing with vibrant kumkum pyramids, meters of fresh jasmine, and the famous local sandalwood.
📍 Devaraja Market, Mysuru
Tip · Always agree on the price upfront before anything hits the scale, especially when buying sandalwood oil.
- 41:30 PMFood
Lunch at a Mysuru mess
Feast on a proper south Karnataka thali at an old-school local eatery. This proud foodie city is the birthplace of Mysore masala dosa and Mysore pak!
📍 Vinayaka Mylari, Mysuru
- 53:30 PMSight
Jaganmohan Palace art gallery
Wander through the family's temporary home during the palace rebuild, now an art gallery showcasing the royal collection and priceless Raja Ravi Varma masterpieces.
📍 Jaganmohan Palace, Mysuru
- 65:00 PMActivity
Karanji Lake and the aviary
Unwind at this peaceful lake below Chamundi Hills featuring a walk-through aviary and butterfly park. It is a relaxing 1-hour prelude to the evening show.
📍 Karanji Lake, Mysuru
- 77:00 PMSight
Palace illumination
Watch nearly 100,000 lightbulbs transform the palace facade into a breathtaking spectacle for an hour on Sunday nights and holidays. It easily lives up to the photos!
📍 Mysore Palace, Mysuru
Tip · Illumination happens only on Sundays and public holidays from 7 to 8 PM. Double check dates beforehand, as this is the absolute highlight of your trip!
- 88:30 PMFood
Dinner in the old town
Wrap up your night with a casual meal along Sayyaji Rao Road, where late-night eateries are just a short stroll from the palace gates.
📍 Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysuru
Day 2 - Sunday
Hilltop views, sweet treats, and heading home- 97:00 AMSight
Chamundi Hills at dawn
Head 13 km up to Chamundi Hills to visit the grand temple dedicated to Chamundeshwari, the fierce form of Shakti revered as the royal family's guardian deity.
📍 Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi Hills
Tip · Arrive right at opening to dodge massive queues. If you are feeling energetic early in the morning, take the famous 1,000 steps instead of driving!
- 108:30 AMSight
The Nandi on the hill road
Stop by the impressive 4.9-meter monolithic Nandi bull carved back in 1659, resting halfway down the hill steps and traditionally decked in flower garlands.
📍 Nandi Statue, Chamundi Hills
- 119:30 AMFood
Breakfast back in town
Treat yourself to a signature Mylari-style dosa, which is famously softer and richer with butter than Bengaluru's version, or soft idlis at a classic spot.
📍 Hotel RRR, Mysuru
- 1211:00 AMSight
St Philomena's Cathedral
Marvel at this breathtaking neo-Gothic cathedral completed in 1956. Inspired by Cologne Cathedral, it stands as one of the tallest church structures in Asia.
📍 St Philomena's Cathedral, Mysuru
- 1312:30 PMActivity
Brindavan Gardens or the zoo
Choose your afternoon adventure: explore the lush terraced gardens 20 km out below KRS dam, or visit one of India's oldest and finest zoos right in town.
📍 Brindavan Gardens, Mandya
Tip · Brindavan's musical fountain show happens in the evening, so stay an extra night if you want to catch it live!
- 142:30 PMFood
Buy sweets for the road
Stock up on melt-in-your-mouth Mysore pak from vintage sweet stalls near the market, and grab authentic sandalwood soaps from the government emporium.
📍 Guru Sweet Mart, Mysuru
Tip · Rich, ghee-soaked Mysore pak can melt quickly in summer heat, so dig in and enjoy it the very same day!
- 154:00 PMDrive
Drive back
Enjoy a smooth 3-hour drive back on the expressway, though starting after 5 PM on Sunday will likely add extra travel time.
📍 Bengaluru, Karnataka
Where to eat
The iconic Mysuru dosa: impossibly soft, cloud-like, slathered with fresh butter, and served simply with coconut chutney.
Home to the original palace kitchen recipe! Exceptionally ghee-rich, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
The ultimate road trip snack along the highway or at Maddur station - deliciously crisp, packed with onions, and served scalding hot.
Snack on fresh fruits and warm roasted groundnuts amidst sweet jasmine aromas and vibrant market energy.
When to go
Mysuru's legendary 10-day grand festival featuring magnificent royal elephant processions. Absolutely spectacular, so reserve accommodation months in advance!
Pleasantly crisp weather, perfect for strolling around the expansive palace grounds and climbing the hill steps.
Middays get quite warm, but it is easy to manage if you schedule your explorations for early mornings and breezy evenings.
Good to know
- The palace illumination takes place only on Sundays and public holidays - build your itinerary around it so you do not miss the magical show!
- Cameras are strictly prohibited inside the palace and shoes must be removed; bring a small tote bag to keep your footwear handy.
- If traveling solo or as a duo, express trains are faster and land you right in the center - the Shatabdi takes just about 2.5 hours.
- Dasara week brings massive crowds and soaring prices. Either book early to immerse yourself in the festival or pick another weekend altogether.
