Mysore Palace - History and How to Reach
Mysore, formerly known as the Kingdom of Mysore, has been home to the Wadiyar Dynasty for several centuries. Today, the cleanest city in India, it is the perfect weekend getaway for 12.64 million Bangaloreans every year.
Every year, more than 5 million people visit the iconic and prehistoric city of Mysore. But, no matter where they stay, one common destination in all their itineraries is the Mysore Palace, the home of the former Wadiyar Dynasty.
If you have been planning a trip to Mysore for some time now, this article is for you as we will share with you everything you need to know about Mysore Palace and answer some of your most persistent questions about this magical city.
Quick Facts
- Address: Sayyaji Rao Road, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001
- Opening Hours: Every day from 10.00 am to 5.30 pm
- Opened In: 1912
- Popular Festival Celebrated: Dasara celebrations for nine days in September and October.
- Deity: Goddess Chamundi
Where Is It Located?
Conveniently located at the foot of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore Palace is right at the centre of the iconic city, with all other tourist places of Mysore dotting around the Palace. Built in 1897 by British Architect and Consultant to the Mysore Kingdom, the Palace and its surrounding city were designed so that all roads in the city lead to the Palace, making it convenient for locals and tourists alike to navigate its many lanes.
What Is the Significance of Mysore Palace?
If you are a fan of prehistoric India and want to witness a glimpse of history from when the most famous kings of the past ruled India, Mysore Palace would be the perfect place to start. Unlike most other palaces, either worn due to time or poor maintenance, Mysore Palace has been restored to its original glory by the keepers of the Wadiyar Dynasty.
In prehistoric times, Mysore Palace was the headquarters of the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore, which ruled over Karnataka, formally known as the State of Mysore. Being the seat of the Kingdom, the Palace served an important role both in diplomatic and governance matters of the Kingdom and, to date, is a striking representation of the glory former Indian Dynasties shared.
What Are the Different Functions/Festivals That Are Celebrated at Mysore Palace?
With one visit to Mysore Palace, you will quickly become acquainted with the fact that the Palace is lively and entertaining all year round; however, it records the highest number of attendees during the yearly Dasara Celebrations, which commences for nine days in September and October. As per a Hindu correspondence in 2018, Mysore Palace recorded the highest turnout of 1.13 lakh visitors during the nine days of Dasara celebrations, and the trend follows to date.
Along with the yearly Dasara celebrations, the city witnesses record turnouts every time a member of the royal Wadiyar family visits the Palace. Additionally, all around the year, the Palace lights up in a string of yellow fairy lights every evening for visitors and on-goers.
Locations and Bus Routes
Mysore is conveniently located 145 kilometres from Bangalore, making it the perfect place for weekend getaways.
Being a major tourist destination, the State of Karnataka has invested heavily in public transportation, and thus buses are available between Bangalore and Mysore almost daily. Both state-run buses and private operators offer their services along this route, and a typical bus journey will be three and a half hours.
You can head over to the redBus app to make bookings in TNSTC/APSRTC, which serves this region. One of the best aspects of using the redBus app is that you can make reservations for your journey entirely online right from the comfort of your home.
How to Reach Mysore Palace by Bus?
To reach Mysore Palace by bus, you can make an online booking via the redBus application and once confirmed; you can board a bus from the adjoining states that TNSTC/APSRTC serves to reach Mysore. From the Bus Stand, Mysore Palace is just a few minutes away, and you can hail an auto-rickshaw for the short journey.
How to Reach Mysore Palace from Delhi?
To visit Mysore Palace from Delhi, you must start your journey from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Kempegowda International Airport. These days, direct buses are available right at Bangalore Airport, which will take you to Mysore; however, you can choose the alternate route of staying in Bangalore for a day or two and then commencing your journey to the Mysore Bus Stand. In both cases, you can conveniently complete all your bus reservations online via the redBus app.
How to Reach Mysore Palace from Ahmedabad?
Suppose you want to visit the iconic Mysore Palace from Ahmedabad. In that case, you will need to start your journey from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and reach Kempegowda International Airport to complete the first leg of your trip. Then, from Bangalore Airport, you can take a direct bus to Mysore or alternately rest for a day or two and catch a TNSTC/APSRTC and reach the Palace.
How to Reach Mysore Palace from Dwarka?
Suppose you visit the historical Mysore Palace, view it in all its glory and stay in Dwarka. In that case, you need to start the first leg of your journey from Jamnagar airport to Kempegowda International Airport. From Bangalore airport, you can take the direct bus to Mysore or vacation in Bangalore for a day or two and visit Mysore Palace later by boarding a bus operated by TNSTC/APSRTC to Mysore Bus Stand. Then, you can book a short ride in an auto-rickshaw from the Mysore Bus Stand to reach the pristine Mysore Palace.
Mysore Palace Routes on redBus
- Hyderabad to Mysore
Start your journey from Hyderabad and reach Mysore Bus Stand, from where the Palace is only a short distance away. You can book your trip online via redBus.
- Tiruchirapalli to Mysore
Start your journey from Tiruchirapalli Bus Stand and reach Mysore Bus Stand in 8 hours, from where the Palace is a short distance away.
Although these two routes are the most frequented by tourists, there are multiple places where you can board the bus to Mysore from Bangalore, as most of them fall along the way. You can find details of all these stops and their consecutive timings in the redBus app.
