We visited Mysore Palace Karnataka in December during a flower show — lights, music, and chaos blended into one unforgettable royal night.
When “just a weekend trip” turned royal
Honestly, we didn’t plan anything fancy. It was one of those “let’s just go somewhere” weekends. My husband said Mysore, I said okay, and by the time the coffee brewed, Google Maps was already yelling “Head southwest.”
Three hours later, I’m sitting in the car, baby asleep, playlist stuck on old Kannada hits, and sugarcane fields flying by. We had no idea that Mysore Palace Karnataka would literally glow that night — not metaphorically, like actually glow.
The memorable drive to Mysore Palace Karnataka
If you’ve ever done Hyderabad → Mysore, you know the NH275 road. Smooth most of the way.
We left around 7 AM from Hyderabad, stopped twice for chai (because priorities) and reached around 8 PM. My husband said it is the best road he ever drove though he was very tired.
However, the drive? Beautiful. Tiny villages, coconut trees, and boards that read “Fresh Tender Coconut — Best in Karnataka.” (We believed them. We stopped. Twice.)
December Surprise for us in Mysore Palace Karnataka
Cool breeze. A bit of winter sun. The kind of weather that makes you crave hot corn and peanuts.
Turns out we’d stumbled into a flower show week inside the palace grounds. Total coincidence. The place looked like a postcard — marigolds everywhere, fairy lights tangled on the fences, folk dancers setting up near the gate.
The guard told us, “Evening lighting is special today, madam.”
We smiled politely. We had no idea what he meant. Later when we saw huge crowd we were surprised.
Inside Mysore Palace — and that first gasp
From the outside, it already looked regal. Once you step in, though, it’s pure time travel. The scent of polished wood and incense mixes with old marble — I swear you can almost hear silk rustling and footsteps echoing from another century.
Since we reached at evening , we were not allowed to go inside the palace, however there was beautiful cultural program we saw that was so fortunate to witness.
Outside, though — cameras out, filters off. The lawns and pathways are perfect for a Mysore Palace photoshoot. Kids running, couples posing, and photographers whispering, “Wait, wait, cultural show time soon!”
The evening that made me go silent
Around 8:30 pm, the crowd started gathering. Families, tourists, locals — everyone waiting.
And then — click. One switch. Two. Ten. Suddenly, the whole Mysore Palace lighting came alive. I’m not exaggerating — it looked like a golden castle from a dream.
People gasped. Someone clapped. A kid shouted “wow!” and everyone laughed. Even my usually chill husband went “whoa.”
The palace glowed for about 45 minutes — warm, soft light spilling over the gardens. You could actually feel the hum of happiness around. I stood there eating roasted corn, baby asleep in my arms, and thought — this is what memories look like.
All the useful stuff to note while visiting Mysore Palace Karnataka
- Mysore Palace entry timings: 10 am – 5:30 pm, every day.
- Mysore Palace opening time: same — gates open 10 am sharp.
- Lighting time: Sundays & holidays, 7 pm – 7:45 pm. During Dussehra, it’s on every night till 10 pm.
- Sound & Light Show: Mon–Sat, 7 pm–8 pm.
We reached early and got lucky with Mysore Palace parking, but by 9:30 pm it was a circus.
Tips if you want that perfect picture
- Go before sunset — the sky turns pastel and it’s gorgeous.
- Skip the crowd at the main gate; try side lawns for wide shots.
- If you’re planning a Mysore Palace photoshoot, wear something bright (pastels pop against the stone).
- Tripod helps if you’re into long-exposure shots.
- Don’t carry drones — they’ll stop you right at the gate.
Food (aka my second favorite part)
After all that walking, hunger hit hard. We headed to a restaurant — their biryani deserves its own fan club. Then came hot corn from a roadside stall — smoky, buttery, salty heaven.
If you’re a foodie:
- Try local tiffin joints near KR Circle. Filter coffee is a must.
- Mysore Pak from any local sweet shop — melts in seconds.
- For something fancier, rooftop cafés near the palace give you a night view of the lights.
Travel notes (from the road-tripper in me)
Getting there:
- Car: 3–3.5 hrs from Bangalore via NH275.
- Train: Mysore Junction — clean and convenient.
- Bus: KSRTC Volvo buses every hour.
- Flight: Mysore Airport (small, but neat).
Quick FAQs
Q1. What are the Mysore Palace entry timings?
10 am – 5:30 pm daily.
Q2. When does the Mysore Palace lighting happen?
Every Sunday & public holiday, 7 pm – 7:45 pm.
Q3. Can we do a Mysore Palace photoshoot inside?
Nope, only outside. Inside is strictly no-camera zone.
Q4. What’s the Mysore Palace parking fee?
₹60 for cars, ₹150 for buses.
Q5. What’s the best time to visit Mysore Palace, Karnataka?
December–February for cool weather; Dussehra if you love crowds and grandeur.
Q6. How long to explore?
At least two hours inside + 45 minutes for lighting.
Before we left…
When the lights finally started dimming, people clapped softly — like saying goodbye. I remember thinking how strange it was that a building could make you emotional. But that’s what Mysore Palace Karnataka does. It’s not just architecture; it’s mood, memory, rhythm.
We drove back late, sleepy baby, cold night air, one last look at the palace in the rearview mirror — tiny but still glowing.
If you’re reading this wondering whether to go — just go. Don’t plan too much. Reach early, eat the corn, stay for the lights. Trust me, some trips don’t need itineraries; they just need you to show up.
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If you want to explore some hidden gems in hyderabad do visit : Kondapochamma sagar
