Arrive at Mysore Palace south gate by 6:45 PM on Sundays to witness the magical moment when 97,000 incandescent bulbs transform the Indo-Saracenic architecture into a golden spectacle. The Mysore Palace lighting illumination timings follow a precise schedule with free viewing for all visitors during the 45-minute display.
Complete Palace Illumination Schedule 2025
Regular Schedule: Sundays and Public Holidays 7:00-7:45 PM
Dasara Season: September 22-October 2, 2025 daily 7:00-9:00 PM
Vijayadashami Special: October 2, 2025 extended 7:00-10:00 PM
Total Bulbs: 97,000 incandescent lamps outline palace architecture
Entry Cost: Free viewing from all public areas
Best Viewing Spots: South gate area, Statue Circle, North gate
Photography: Allowed from outside palace premises
Sunday Palace Lighting Timings Detailed
Every Sunday evening at exactly 7:00 PM, palace lights switch on simultaneously creating the iconic golden glow visible from kilometers away. The 45-minute illumination ends promptly at 7:45 PM. Public holidays follow the same schedule regardless of day of week.
Arrive by 6:30 PM to secure good viewing positions as hundreds gather around palace perimeter. The magical moment occurs when entire palace structure transforms from daylight appearance to brilliant golden illumination in one coordinated switch-on.
Extended Dasara Illumination Schedule
During Mysore Dasara 2025 (September 22-October 2), palace illumination extends to 2 hours nightly from 7:00-9:00 PM. This allows visitors attending cultural programs to enjoy extended viewing of the spectacular light display after palace closes for day visits.
- September 22-October 1: Daily 7:00-9:00 PM (2 hours)
- October 2 (Vijayadashami): Special 7:00-10:00 PM (3 hours)
- Cultural programs: Held in front of illuminated palace
- Sound and light show: Special 100 tickets from 6:30 PM
Best Viewing Locations for Palace Illumination
South gate area provides closest free viewing with unobstructed palace facade views. North gate (Balarama Gate) offers different perspective with New Statue Circle in foreground. Elevated positions around palace perimeter provide panoramic photography angles.
Avoid standing directly under street lights which interfere with photography. Palace illumination reflects beautifully on surrounding roads creating additional visual effects. Professional photographers prefer positions 100-200 meters from palace for complete architectural coverage.
97,000 Bulbs Technical Details
Every architectural feature gets outlined with rows of incandescent bulbs creating stunning visual definition. Domes, towers, arches, and decorative elements receive individual lighting treatment. The electrical load requires substantial power infrastructure managed by palace technical team.
- Bulb types: Traditional incandescent for warm golden glow
- Power consumption: Approximately 970 kilowatts during illumination
- Installation: Permanent fixtures requiring annual maintenance
- Switch-on: Centralized control for simultaneous activation
Sound and Light Show Additional Experience
Special sound and light program available for 100 tickets sold from 6:30 PM at Varaha Gate (south side). The 45-minute show combines palace illumination with narrated history and laser projections. Program concludes with 15-minute palace illumination viewing.
Show timing: 7:00-7:45 PM weekdays (Monday-Saturday), no shows on Sundays during regular illumination. Language alternates between Kannada and English on different days. Advance booking recommended during peak tourist season.
Photography Tips for Palace Illumination
Golden hour photography works best 15 minutes before illumination begins when daylight and artificial lights balance perfectly. Use tripod for sharp images during low light conditions. Wide-angle lenses capture complete palace architecture in single frame.
- Camera settings: ISO 400-800, aperture f/8-11, 2-8 second exposure
- Best timing: 7:00-7:15 PM for balanced ambient and artificial light
- Positioning: 100+ meters distance for full palace coverage
- Equipment: Tripod essential for sharp nighttime photography
Crowd Management and Safety
Palace illumination attracts 2,000-5,000 viewers on regular Sundays, increasing to 10,000+ during Dasara season. Police manage traffic flow and pedestrian safety around palace perimeter. Designated viewing areas prevent overcrowding while maintaining public access.
Street vendors sell snacks and drinks during illumination hours. Parking gets challenging after 6:30 PM on Sundays. Use public transport or arrive early for vehicle parking near palace area.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Illumination continues regardless of weather conditions including light rain. Monsoon season (June-September) may affect outdoor viewing comfort but lighting schedule remains unchanged. Winter months (December-February) provide most comfortable viewing conditions.
Palace lighting cancelled only during state mourning declarations for important personalities. Advance notice provided through local media when illumination suspended for special circumstances.
Nearby Attractions During Illumination Hours
Jaganmohan Palace illuminated simultaneously providing additional viewing opportunities. Chamundi Hills viewpoints offer distant palace illumination views with city lights backdrop. Local restaurants stay open late during illumination season catering to tourist crowds.
Transportation During Illumination Hours
City buses increase frequency on Sundays during illumination hours. Auto-rickshaw rates may increase 20-30% during peak viewing times. Pre-book return transportation as demand peaks after 8:00 PM when illumination ends.
Local’s Verdict on Palace Illumination
Truly magical experience that never gets old even for residents who’ve seen it hundreds of times. Free entertainment accessible to everyone regardless of economic background. The moment when 97,000 bulbs light simultaneously creates collective gasp from viewers – pure joy to witness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact Mysore Palace lighting timings?
Sundays and public holidays: 7:00-7:45 PM. Dasara season (Sept 22-Oct 2): 7:00-9:00 PM daily. Vijayadashami (Oct 2): 7:00-10:00 PM special extended illumination.
Is there any entry fee to watch palace illumination?
No entry fee for viewing illumination from public areas. Sound and light show requires 100 ticket. All viewing positions around palace perimeter are free access.
What time should we arrive for the best viewing experience?
Arrive by 6:30-6:45 PM to secure good viewing positions. The magical switch-on moment at exactly 7:00 PM should not be missed for full experience.
How many bulbs illuminate Mysore Palace?
97,000 incandescent bulbs outline every architectural feature of the palace. Traditional bulbs provide warm golden glow that has become iconic palace signature.
Can we take photographs during palace illumination?
Yes, photography allowed from all public viewing areas. Use tripod for best results. Professional cameras permitted without additional charges. Best photos 7:00-7:15 PM.
Last Updated: April 2025
Next Update: Pre-Dasara 2025 timing confirmations