Planning a visit to Mysore Palace and wondering how much the entry ticket costs, whether children need tickets, what foreigners have to pay, or whether there is a separate fee for the light show? This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Mysore Palace, including ticket prices, timings, photography rules, illumination, sound and light shows, and useful tips for first-time visitors.
Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is one of the most famous attractions in Mysuru, Karnataka. The palace is open to visitors throughout the year and attracts tourists interested in royal history, architecture, art and the famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
Mysore Palace Entry Fee 2026
The Mysore Palace entry fee has changed over the years, so you may find different prices on older travel websites. The latest reported rates from the Mysore Palace Board indicate that the regular admission price is higher than the older ₹50 or ₹100 rates that still appear on many websites.
The current reported regular ticket rates are:
| Visitor Category | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Indian Adult | ₹120 |
| Children aged 10–18 years | ₹70 |
| Children below 10 years | Free |
| School/College Students on Educational Tours | ₹50 |
| Foreign Tourists | ₹1,000 |
These revised rates were reported by the Mysore Palace authorities in October 2024.
Because palace ticket prices can be revised, it is a good idea to confirm the price at the ticket counter before planning your visit around a particular budget.
Is Mysore Palace Entry Fee the Same Every Day?
For normal palace visits, the admission fee does not generally depend on whether you visit on a weekday or weekend.
However, special events, Mysuru Dasara, illumination arrangements and sound and light shows can have separate arrangements or ticket prices.
How Much Is Mysore Palace Ticket for Adults?
For Indian visitors, the currently reported adult entry fee is ₹120 per person.
This ticket allows you to enter the palace and explore the areas open to visitors during normal visiting hours.
If you are travelling with family, remember that children have a separate age-based ticket category.
Mysore Palace Entry Fee for Children
Children do not necessarily pay the same amount as adults.
The reported rates are:
- Below 10 years: Free
- 10 to 18 years: ₹70
- School and college students on educational tours: ₹50, subject to the applicable conditions
If you are visiting with children, carrying an age or student ID can be useful, particularly when asking for a concession.
Mysore Palace Entry Fee for Foreign Tourists
Foreign visitors have a separate ticket category.
The latest reported rate from the Mysore Palace Board is ₹1,000 per foreign tourist.
Foreign visitors should check the applicable rate at the official ticket counter because tourist fees can be revised.
Some older websites quote much lower foreign-tourist prices, but those figures may no longer be current.
Mysore Palace Timings
The regular visiting hours for Mysore Palace are generally:
10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
The palace is generally open throughout the week rather than following a normal weekly closing day.
If you want to see the palace interior, it is better to arrive well before closing time. You need enough time for the ticket queue, security check and the palace visit itself.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Mysore Palace?
For a more comfortable visit, morning hours are usually a good choice.
Try to arrive around opening time if you want:
- Smaller crowds
- Easier photography around the exterior
- More time to explore the palace
- Less waiting at the ticket counter
- A more relaxed family visit
Weekends, public holidays and the Dasara season can be significantly busier.
Is Mysore Palace Open on Sunday?
Yes. Mysore Palace is generally open on Sundays for regular visitors.
Sunday is actually a popular day to visit because the palace is also known for its evening illumination.
If you want to explore the inside of the palace, visit during the normal daytime hours rather than arriving only in the evening.
Mysore Palace Illumination Timing
One of the most popular things to see in Mysuru is the illuminated Mysore Palace.
On designated Sundays and public holidays, the palace is traditionally illuminated in the evening, creating a completely different view of the building.
The commonly reported illumination period is around:
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The illumination can be viewed from outside without purchasing a regular daytime palace-entry ticket.
However, illumination schedules can change during festivals, special events and government holidays, so check the latest local announcement if the evening light display is the main reason for your visit.
Is Mysore Palace Illumination Free?
The regular Sunday/public-holiday illumination is generally free to watch from outside.
This is different from the daytime palace visit.
So, if you only want to see the palace glowing at night, you don’t necessarily have to purchase the regular museum entry ticket.
However, don’t confuse free illumination with the Sound and Light Show, which is a separate attraction and may require a ticket.
Mysore Palace Sound and Light Show
Mysore Palace also hosts a Sound and Light Show on selected evenings.
The show combines narration, music and illumination to tell the story of Mysuru and its royal heritage.
The schedule and ticket prices can vary, so visitors should check the current schedule before travelling specifically for the show.
Some published schedules list separate Kannada and English shows and separate adult and child prices.
Is the Sound and Light Show Included in the Palace Entry Ticket?
No.
The Sound and Light Show should be treated as a separate attraction with its own ticket.
Your normal daytime palace admission ticket does not automatically mean that you have a ticket for the evening show.
Mysore Palace Photography Rules
Photography is one of the most common questions visitors have.
You can photograph the palace exterior and certain outdoor areas, but photography restrictions apply inside the palace building.
Cameras may need to be deposited or stored before entering restricted interior areas. A camera locker facility has also been reported at the palace premises.
Because rules can vary by area and equipment, follow the instructions given by palace security staff on the day of your visit.
Can You Take Photos Inside Mysore Palace?
Photography inside the main palace interiors is restricted.
You should not assume that you can freely use your mobile phone or camera in every room.
The safest approach is simple: follow the signs and security instructions inside the palace.
You can still get excellent photographs of the palace exterior, courtyards and surrounding areas.
Do You Have to Remove Your Shoes at Mysore Palace?
Yes, visitors entering certain palace interiors are required to remove their footwear.
A shoe-deposit facility is available at the palace.
Wear comfortable footwear because you may spend a considerable amount of time walking between the entrance, courtyards and different sections of the palace.
What Can You See Inside Mysore Palace?
The entry ticket gives visitors the opportunity to explore a remarkable collection of royal architecture and historical objects.
Some of the highlights include:
Durbar Halls
The grand halls are among the most impressive parts of the palace. Their elaborate decoration, columns, ceilings and artwork give visitors an idea of the scale of royal ceremonies held here.
Royal Paintings
The palace contains historic paintings and artwork connected with the Wadiyar royal family and Mysuru’s cultural history.
Carved Wooden Doors
Detailed woodwork is one of the features that makes the palace interiors particularly impressive.
Stained Glass and Decorative Ceilings
The palace combines different architectural influences, including Indo-Saracenic elements, with elaborate decorative work.
Royal Objects and Memorabilia
Visitors can see objects associated with the former royal household, including ceremonial items, furniture, weapons and other historical collections.
Golden Throne
The famous Chinnada Simhasana, or golden throne, is closely associated with the Mysuru royal tradition and is particularly important during the Dasara celebrations.
How Long Does It Take to Visit Mysore Palace?
For a normal visit, keep approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
You may need more time if you:
- Visit with children
- Spend time photographing the exterior
- Read the information displays
- Visit during a crowded period
- Plan to attend an evening show
- Want to explore the surrounding palace grounds
If you want to see both the palace during the day and its illumination at night, plan your day accordingly instead of trying to rush through the palace.
Is Mysore Palace Worth the Entry Fee?
For most visitors, yes.
Mysore Palace is not just a building to photograph from outside. The interiors contain royal collections, decorative architecture and historical objects that make the indoor visit worthwhile.
If you are already visiting Mysuru, especially for the first time, the palace is one of the attractions that should be high on your list.
The experience becomes even more interesting if you combine a daytime palace visit with the evening illumination on a suitable Sunday or public holiday.
Mysore Palace Entry Fee vs Illumination: What’s the Difference?
This is an important distinction:
| Experience | Ticket Required? |
|---|---|
| Daytime palace visit | Yes |
| Palace interior | Included in regular entry |
| Sunday/public holiday illumination | Generally free to watch |
| Sound and Light Show | Separate ticket |
| Photography in restricted interiors | Restrictions apply |
So if your goal is to explore the palace from inside, you need a daytime admission ticket.
If your goal is simply to see the illuminated palace, the evening public illumination may be enough.
Can You Visit Mysore Palace at Night?
You cannot normally enter and explore the palace interiors during the regular daytime visit after closing.
However, the palace becomes a major evening attraction during illumination events and Sound and Light Shows.
The evening experience is very different from the daytime visit: instead of exploring the interiors, visitors mainly enjoy the illuminated exterior and scheduled performances.
Mysore Palace During Dasara
Mysore Palace becomes especially spectacular during Mysuru Dasara, one of Karnataka’s most famous festivals.
During Dasara, the palace is decorated and illuminated as part of the celebrations. The festival also brings large crowds, cultural programmes and royal traditions to Mysuru.
The palace board carries out extensive electrical and maintenance work ahead of the festival. In 2025, thousands of damaged bulbs were replaced in preparation for the Dasara illumination.
If you are planning a Dasara trip, book accommodation and transport early because Mysuru becomes much busier during the festival period.
Tips for Visiting Mysore Palace
Here are some simple tips that can make your visit easier:
1. Visit Early
Morning is generally more comfortable than the busiest afternoon period.
2. Keep Some Extra Time
Don’t plan your palace visit too close to closing time. Queues and security checks can take time.
3. Carry Identification
If you are using a student or child concession, having appropriate identification can help.
4. Follow Photography Rules
Do not take photographs in areas where photography is prohibited.
5. Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will have to remove footwear in certain sections and may do considerable walking.
6. Visit the Illumination if Your Schedule Allows
If you are visiting on a Sunday or public holiday, consider returning in the evening for the illuminated palace.
7. Expect Larger Crowds During Dasara
Dasara is one of the busiest periods of the year in Mysuru.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mysore Palace Entry Fee
What is the Mysore Palace entry fee for adults?
The currently reported entry fee for an Indian adult is ₹120.
What is the Mysore Palace entry fee for children?
Children aged 10 to 18 years are charged ₹70, while children below 10 years are reported to have free entry.
Is Mysore Palace free for children?
Children below 10 years are reported to be eligible for free entry under the current published fee structure.
Is Mysore Palace free on Sunday?
The palace is not free for its normal daytime interior visit simply because it is Sunday. However, the Sunday evening illumination is generally free to watch.
What are Mysore Palace timings?
The regular palace visiting hours are generally 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, all days.
Is Mysore Palace open every day?
Yes, it is generally open throughout the week, including Sundays and public holidays, although special-event schedules can differ.
Is there a separate ticket for the Mysore Palace light show?
Yes. The Sound and Light Show is a separate attraction and requires its own ticket.
Can I take my camera inside Mysore Palace?
Photography restrictions apply inside the palace. Cameras may need to be deposited before entering restricted interior areas.
How long should I spend at Mysore Palace?
Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours is a comfortable amount of time for most visitors.
What is the best time to visit Mysore Palace?
Morning is generally a good choice for exploring the palace interior. For illumination, visit on a suitable Sunday or public holiday evening.
Final Word
The Mysore Palace entry fee is only one part of planning your visit. You should also consider the palace timings, child ticket rules, photography restrictions and the separate evening illumination or Sound and Light Show.
For an Indian adult, the currently reported regular admission fee is ₹120, with different rates for children, students and foreign tourists. Since ticket prices and special-event schedules can change, verify the final price at the palace ticket counter before your visit.
If you have enough time in Mysuru, a great plan is to visit the palace during the day to explore the interiors and return in the evening to see the illuminated exterior. This gives you two very different experiences of one of Karnataka’s most famous landmarks.
Read Also: Mysore Dasara 2026: Dates, Jamboo Savari, Events, Timings, Tickets & Complete Travel Guide
Chavi Devi is the founder and author of Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Based in Bengaluru, she has been documenting Lalbagh for the last 2 years – from ticket prices and timings to hidden rules and photography permissions. She visits the garden regularly to verify information and creates simple, practical guides for first-time visitors.
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