Mysore Palace (Mysuru Palace)

Mysore's star attraction, and a popular stop on most city tours, Mysore Palace, aka Amba Vilas, is a gargantuan complex featuring seven palaces, all interconnected by a series of secret tunnels. The Indo-Saracenic architecture that dominates here is eye candy enough, but it's the interiors that really stand out, with their colorful stained-glass panels, intricately carved wooden doors, and ample mirror and mosaic work, not to mention a large collection of paintings and royal artillery.

Arrive with a guide as part of a Mysore day tour or as part of longer multi-day excursion from Bangalore.

• Mysore Palace is a must-visit for architecture lovers and history buffs.

• The palace grounds are free to visit, but entering the interior requires a ticket.

• Sound-and-light shows are held every night, except Sundays.

• Note that photography is prohibited inside the palace.

• Shoes must be taken off before entering, though lockers are available at the gate.

The entrance to Mysore Palace is located at the southern end of the complex on Purandara Dasa Road. It's about a 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the city's main railway station, Mysuru Junction, making it easy to visit as a day trip via train from Bangalore (or Bengaluru) (the journey can take as little as two hours, via the Shatabdi Express). Many tour operators also offer day trips from Bangalore to Mysore specifically to visit the complex.

While Mysore is great throughout the year, with its warm winters and mild summers, travelers wishing to explore the exteriors of the palace should be prepared to get wet should they visit during the monsoon season, which runs from June through August or September. The best time to see the palace is during the annual Mysore Dasara festival in September or October.

One of the most important festivals in Mysore, the annual Mysore Dasara is a 10-day affair featuring all sorts of celebrations, including special royal assemblies, processions of elephants and idols, and a huge fair full of food and handicraft booths. Mysore Palace is also illuminated on evenings throughout the festival, thanks to nearly 100,000 light bulbs.

Entry tickets to Mysore Palace vary depending on whether you’re an Indian or a foreign citizen, but they are inexpensive. Tickets for adult Indian citizens are INR40 (about US$0.50), with cheaper child and student tickets. Tickets for foreign citizens are INR250 (around US$2.50) and include audio guides. All kids aged under 10 are free.

Yes, Mysore Palace is worth visiting. The beautiful palace dates from 1912 and was built in the hybrid, elaborate Indo-Saracenic style. The interior contains lavish rooms with murals, ornate ceilings and arches, and gilded details. The grounds are well-tended and provide views of the domed palace. The evening sound and light shows are also worth attending.

Yes, the evening sound-and-light show at Mysore Palace is worth attending. Lights and stories are projected outside the palace, accompanied by narration in Kannada, with Hindi and English translations on certain days. Shows are held from 7pm Monday to Saturday and last 40 minutes.

To tour Mysore Palace in the daytime, allow 2–3 hours. The audio-guide tour (included with the ticket cost for non-Indians, and Indians can pay extra for it) lasts an hour but can be stopped and started when needed. The evening sound-and-light shows last around 40 minutes and begin at 7pm.

To tour the inside of Mysore Palace, visit between 10am and 5:30pm, when it’s open. However, this isn’t the only worthwhile time to visit. Every Sunday and public holiday between 7pm and 7:45pm, Mysore Palace is lit up with around 100,000 bulbs. Additionally, sound-and-light shows are held Monday–Saturday evenings at 7pm.

No, there’s no dress code to visit Mysore Palace. Any tidy attire is acceptable. Mysore’s climate is generally hot year-round, and there are opportunities to explore the palace’s grounds, so most visitors will be more comfortable wearing light, loose clothing that protects them from the sun. Don’t forget a sunhat, too.