Mysuru
Planning a short trip to Mysore? Read about Day 1 of my Mysore travel itinerary, starting from Bangalore to Mysore by train, visiting the sacred Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills, and exploring the iconic Mysore Palace with its famous evening light show. Includes budget travel tips, hotel stay cost, public transport guide, and everything you need to know about paid vs free darshan. A perfect guide for budget travelers visiting Mysore.
7/13/20251 min read
Day 1: A Spiritual and Royal Start to Mysore
📍 KSR Bengaluru → Mysore | Chamundi Hills | Mysore Palace
Morning Journey from Bengaluru
I started my Mysore trip early in the morning by taking a train from KSR Bengaluru around 7:00 AM. The journey was peaceful, and I reached Mysore around 10:00 AM. After arriving, I checked into a budget stay in the city, which cost me around ₹1200 per night—decent, comfortable, and close to major attractions.
Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills
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Post check-in, I decided to visit the famous Chamundeshwari Temple, one of the Mahashakti Peethas located atop Chamundi Hills. I took a public bus from the city, which is easily available and affordable.
💡 Important Tip:
If you plan to pay for darshan, please ensure you carry cash, as UPI payments are not accepted at the temple counters.
Free Darshan: Available, but with a long queue
Paid Darshan: Costs ₹100 (as of August 2024)
I opted for the paid darshan, and the total time it took was around 30 minutes.
After the darshan, I spent some time enjoying the hilltop view, clicked a few photos, and tasted some local street food nearby. Then, I headed back to the city using public transport again.
Evening Visit to Mysore Palace
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In the evening, I visited the grand Mysore Palace—an iconic symbol of royal heritage.
🚪 Note:
Although the palace has multiple gates, entry is only allowed through one specific gate. So, ask a local to avoid walking around the entire palace complex looking for the entrance.
🕓 Plan Ahead:
The interior of the palace closes by evening, so if you wish to explore it from inside, plan your visit earlier in the day. I stayed back for the light and sound show that happens after sunset—a beautiful spectacle of lights that brings the entire palace to life. It’s definitely a must-watch!
End of the Day
After a fulfilling day of spiritual and cultural experiences, I returned to the hotel, had dinner, and rested for the night, excited for what the next day had in store.
✅ Total Cost for the Day (Approx.):
Train: ₹ 500
Hotel: ₹1200
Paid Darshan: ₹100
Transport & Food: ₹200–300
👉 Budget-Friendly and Worth Every Penny!
Gallery
A glimpse of Day 1 in Mysuru—featuring the iconic Mysuru Railway Station, the sacred Chamundeshwari Temple, and the stunning Mysuru Palace glowing in the evening light. A perfect blend of tradition, spirituality, and royal elegance.
