The current Amba Vilas Palace was designed by British architect Henry Irwin and completed in 1912 after fire destroyed the wooden palace that preceded it, blending Hindu, Islamic, Rajput and Gothic elements beneath grey granite domes and a marble facade. Still the ceremonial seat of the Wadiyar family, it forms the focal point of Mysuru’s renowned Dasara celebrations each autumn, when a formally caparisoned elephant procession passes before it, and on Sunday nights and during Dasara the palace is illuminated by close to 100,000 incandescent bulbs. Mysore Palace sits at an elevation of 752 m. The most favourable months to visit are January, December, June, and July, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Palace North Gate, Royal Portrait Gallery, and Ambavilasa. Other notable highlights include 100,000 bulbs glowing on Sunday night, golden Durbar Hall’s stained-glass ceiling, and ivory howdah in the private audience hall. It falls within Karnataka, India.
State: Karnataka
Ideal Duration: 2-3 Hours
January, December, June, July
The palace is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, including Sundays and most public holidays. However, it remains closed on specific days like Dussehra (when the royal family performs private rituals) and a few other festival days—always check the official website or local tour desk a day before your visit. The illuminated palace (Sunday and holiday evenings, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM) is a separate viewing, and entry for that is through the main gate only.
The palace is busiest between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so arrive right at 10:00 AM or after 3:30 PM for a quieter experience. Official audio guides (available in English, Hindi, and Kannada) cost around 100 rupees and are very informative. Alternatively, the palace’s own heritage walk (offered at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM) is led by trained guides and provides deeper historical context—book at the ticket counter on arrival.
Mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the main palace building, but you can keep them in your bag. Bags, including small backpacks, are not allowed inside—you must deposit them at the free cloakroom near the ticket counter. The cloakroom is safe and monitored, but carry only essentials (wallet, medicine, and a small water bottle) to avoid long queues at the deposit counter.
Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main halls, courtyards, and the small museum inside. The palace has ramps at the main entrance and a few lifts for upper floors, but many corridors have uneven stone floors and steps—so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come basis, but you must ask at the information desk; also, there are frequent benches for resting.
Yes, the entry fee for Indian citizens is around 50 rupees, while foreign nationals pay about 200 rupees. Senior citizens (above 60) get a 20% discount on the Indian ticket, but you must carry a valid photo ID. For groups of 10 or more, there is no bulk discount, but you can hire an official guide for a flat fee (around 300 rupees) which is worth splitting among your group.