Mysore Palace, located in Mysore of Karnataka, India, is considered one of the most famous and popular tourist places in India. It is so magnificent in appearance and rich in history that thousands of tourists around the world are attracted to visit this palace annually. If you are visiting the Mysore Palace, it is necessary to know about the entry fee, ticket prices, and timings so that you can have a hassle-free visit. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Mysore Palace tickets, including the price, how to book them online, and more.
Mysore Palace: A Brief Overview
The Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, was the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty ruling the Kingdom of Mysore. The grand Indo-Saracenic architecture of the palace is balanced by its lush gardens and beautiful interiors. It was one of the largest palaces in India and has been etched into the annals of the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka.
Besides its historical and architectural value, it is also renowned for its beautiful fireworks at the Dussehra festival, where the entire palace is adorned with thousands of lights, which create a stunning view. Be it the architectural beauty or the royal history that this place carries, Mysore Palace must be viewed at least once when in Karnataka.
Timings and Entrance Fee of Mysore Palace:
Before visiting the palace, it’s important to note the timings and entry fee in order to avoid confusion. Mysore Palace is open daily, including on public holidays. However, timings may vary when there are some special occasions or festivals.
Mysore Palace Timings
Morning Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Night Timings: The palace is illuminated with thousands of lights every Sunday and during major festivals like Dussehra. The evening illumination is typically from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. However, these timings may vary, so it’s a good idea to check before planning your visit.
The palace is closed on government holidays and some special festivals, so it’s recommended to check the official website for updates on such days.
Mysore Palace Entry Fee: Mysore Palace entry fee varies with visitor type. The tickets to visit the palaces differ in entry fees for Indian nationals, foreign nationals, and those who intend to visit the special areas of the palace.
Indian Nationals:
General Entry: INR 50 per person
For Children Below 10 Years: Free entry
For Students with Valid ID: INR 25 per person
For Foreign Nationals:
General Entry: ₹200 per person
For Children Below 10 Years: Free entry
Photo and Videography Charges:
Photography Ticket – ₹100 per head for Indian nationals
Photography Ticket – ₹200 per head for Foreign nationals
Videography Ticket – ₹ 500 per head
In addition to these, charges may be levied for the particular section you would like to visit, such as Audio Tour or Special Entry to Private Areas. However, there is a separate charge for all such areas, so do not forget to ask while purchasing your tickets.
Mysore Palace E-Ticket Booking
Online booking of tickets would save a significant amount of time and ensure that you have a smooth visit. The Mysore Palace has an easy-to-use online ticket-booking system. With an increasing number of visitors, booking your tickets online saves you from long queues at the ticket counters especially during peak tourist seasons or festivals like Dussehra.
Procedure to Book Mysore Palace Tickets Online:
Visit the official website of Mysore Palace or the ticketing platforms like KSTDC (Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation).
Go to the “Tickets” section where you will see various tickets for Indian and foreign visitors.
Choose the type of ticket according to your choice: general entry, photography, or videography.
Select the date and number of tickets you require.
Proceed to payment, where you can pay using your credit card, debit card, or other available online payment methods.
Once payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation email with your e-ticket, which you can show at the entrance.
Benefits of Online Ticket Booking:
Avoid Long Queues: You don’t have to wait in long lines at the ticket counter, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Instant Confirmation: You will get instant confirmation of your booking, which guarantees entry into the palace.
Easy Payment: You can pay online by using multiple options like giving you a hassle-free process.
Mysore Palace Tickets at the Counter
If you want to buy tickets at the counter, you can find the counters just at the entrance of the palace. There are two counters – one for Indian nationals and one for foreign nationals. The ticket booking process through the internet is convenient, but buying tickets at the counter also saves time in case you wish to pay by cash or are not having any internet access.
You will be able to purchase your ticket from the counters as they open with the timings of Mysore Palace. Do remember, however, that the counters might be a long line during summer seasons or any festivals, and you might end up waiting.
Ticket Price of Special Sections at Mysore Palace
If you want to explore particular parts or join an audio-guided tour, you have to pay extra for that. Here are a few of the most popular sections that charge separately.
Audio Tour: An audio-guided tour will be the prime medium that narrates and elaborates on the history, architecture, and importance of the palace. This has been provided in more than one language, such as English, Hindi, Kannada, and others.
Private Places: If you want to view the private areas of the palace that are not included in the general tour, you can choose special entry tickets.
Conclusion
The Mysore Palace is simply a wonderful manifestation of India’s royal past; visiting this colossal structure is in itself an unerasable memory. Whether as an Indian or a foreign national, there exists a ticket package that is rather affordable, but booking your ticket online saves some time and a lot of running around.
Before visiting, make sure to check the palace timings, entry fees, and any special announcements on the official website to plan your trip efficiently. Don’t forget to bring your camera along to capture the beauty of the palace, and if you’re a history enthusiast, consider opting for the audio guide for a deeper understanding of this historic monument.
The Mysore Palace is a place of great historical importance and also a masterpiece of architectural wonder. So, if you ever visit Mysore, don’t forget to visit this beautiful palace and indulge in all it has to offer!