At 5:30 AM, devoted pilgrims begin the 1008-step climb to Chamundi Hills temple darshan, each step worn smooth by millions of feet over centuries. Chamundeshwari Temple, perched 1000 meters above sea level, serves as Mysore’s guardian deity shrine where Goddess Chamundi killed demon Mahishasura. The temple opens at 7:30 AM with darshan timings spread across three sessions, drawing 10,000+ devotees daily who arrive by foot, vehicle, or sheer determination.
Temple Darshan Timings 2025
Morning session: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM (continuous darshan). Best time 7:30-9 AM with less crowd, cool weather. Abhisheka at 8:30 AM visible from queue. Morning prayers most auspicious according to priests.
Afternoon break: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (temple closed for rituals). Priests perform afternoon services. Devotees wait in covered areas. Use time for visiting Nandi statue, Mahishasura statue.
Evening session: 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Moderate crowd. Good for families with children. Pleasant weather for exploration. Photography lighting excellent.
Night session: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Special lighting creates divine atmosphere. Friday nights extremely crowded. Last darshan at 8:45 PM sharp.
How to Reach Chamundi Hills
By steps (walking): 1008 steps from base near Lalitha Mahal Road. Takes 45-90 minutes depending on fitness. Steps have shelter every 100 steps. Water available at 4 points. Opens 6 AM, avoid after 10 AM (hot).
By road (13 km): From city center via Mysore Zoo road. Well-paved, curves need careful driving. KSRTC bus number 201 every 30 minutes (Rs 20). Auto Rs 300-400 one way. Own vehicle recommended.
By taxi/auto: Pre-paid auto from palace Rs 400 return with 1-hour waiting. Ola/Uber Rs 250-300 one way. Shared jeeps from Devaraja Market Rs 50 per person. Return transport difficult, book round trip.
Types of Darshan Available
Free darshan: Regular queue, 30-45 minutes weekdays, 2 hours weekends. Queue in covered pathway. Mobile queue during festivals. Entry through main gopuram.
Special darshan: Rs 50 per person, reduces wait to 10-15 minutes. Entry through side entrance. Available 8 AM-1 PM and 4-8 PM. Worth it during weekends/festivals.
VIP darshan: Rs 300, almost immediate entry. Prior booking required for groups. Contact temple office 0821-2596853. Political connections help but not official.
Seva options: Abhisheka Rs 500, Kumkumarchane Rs 100, vehicle pooja Rs 150. Book at counter near entrance. Performed throughout day. Prasadam included.
The 1008 Steps Experience
Starting point: Near Lalitha Mahal Palace road. Parking available (Rs 20). Small shops sell offerings. Guides available but unnecessary. Footwear stand at base (Rs 10).
Climbing strategy: Start before 7 AM to avoid heat. Carry water, light snacks. Rest at pavilions with benches. Count steps for distraction. Groups motivate each other.
Step highlights: Step 600 has Mahishasura statue. Step 700 panoramic city view. Step 900 gets steep. Handrails throughout. Monkeys present – secure belongings.
Achievement reward: Certificate available at top (Rs 50) mentioning completion. Special blessings believed for step climbers. Easier descent via road recommended.
Explore our complete trekking and adventure guide for alternative routes.
Nandi Statue and Mahishasura
Nandi monolith: 600th step location, carved from single rock. Height 15 feet, length 24 feet. Built 1659 by Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar. Photography allowed, popular selfie spot.
Mahishasura statue: Near parking area top of hill. Colorful 12-foot statue. Controversial maintenance but tourist attraction. Represents demon killed by Goddess.
Mini shrines: Mahabaleshwara temple halfway. Several small shrines on steps. Each has mythology. Devotees offer prayers during climb.
Facilities at Temple
Parking: Two-wheelers Rs 20, Cars Rs 50, Buses Rs 200. Limited space, fills by 10 AM weekends. Valet parking not available. Walking to temple 500 meters from parking.
Amenities: Free toilets maintained well. Drinking water throughout. Cloak room Rs 20 for bags. Footwear stand Rs 10 mandatory. Prasadam counter near exit.
Food options: Only prasadam inside temple. Small canteen serves snacks. Restaurants at hill top commercial area. Kamath Restaurant popular. Carry food for children.
According to Karnataka Tourism statistics, 3 million pilgrims visit annually.
Special Days and Festivals
Fridays: Dedicated to Goddess, huge crowds. Special darshan recommended. Extended hours till 9:30 PM. Parking difficult. Start early or evening visit.
Ashada Friday: Most auspicious, lakhs of devotees. Walking up steps tradition. Police deployment heavy. Temporary facilities arranged. Avoid unless religiously important.
Navaratri: Nine days celebration September/October. Cultural programs daily. Darshan till 10 PM. Special decorations. Advance planning essential.
Chamundi Jayanti: Temple anniversary celebrations. Free meals for devotees. Special poojas throughout day. Local holiday atmosphere.
View Points and Photography
Temple viewpoint: Behind main temple, city panorama. Best sunrise/sunset views. Telescopes available Rs 10. Benches for elderly. Wind strong, hold belongings.
Halfway viewpoint: On steps route, 600th step area. Rest area with shops. City view partially visible. Good for photography break.
Parking area view: Near Mahishasura statue. Entire Mysore visible. Lalitha Mahal Palace prominent. Night views spectacular. Tripod photography allowed.
Photography rules: Allowed outside temple. Prohibited inside sanctum. Drone photography banned. Professional shoots need permission. Best light early morning.
Shopping and Prasadam
Temple prasadam: Laddu Rs 20, Puliyogare Rs 30, Kumkum free. Packed professionally. Buy at counter after darshan. Quality good, reasonably priced.
Shopping complex: Government handicrafts emporium. Sandalwood items (verify authenticity). Religious items, photos. Fixed prices, no bargaining.
Street vendors: Near parking and steps. Negotiate 40-50%. Toys, trinkets for children. Avoid food items. Check quality before buying.
Tips for Families with Children
Preparation: Carry snacks, water, wet wipes. Baby carriers for steps not recommended. Strollers useless on steps. Plan road route for young children.
Safety: Hold hands on steps. Monkeys snatch food. Stay together in crowds. Emergency medical room available. Keep contact number handy.
Engagement: Count steps as game. Stories about goddess. Point out city landmarks. Rest frequently. Promise prasadam reward.
Senior Citizens and Accessibility
Vehicle access: Drop-off point near temple. Golf cart service occasionally available. Wheelchair access limited. Assistant allowed free entry.
Step climbing: Not recommended unless fit. Handrails throughout helpful. Rest pavilions every 100 steps. Many seniors accomplish with breaks.
Facilities: Separate queue sometimes arranged. Seating areas available. Medical room with basic facilities. Temple priests considerate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Timing errors: Reaching during 2-3:30 PM closure. Friday evening without preparation. Festival days without research. Monday assuming less crowd (school trips).
Clothing mistakes: Wearing shorts/sleeveless (denied entry). High heels for steps. Heavy jewelry (monkey risk). Not carrying shawl for wind.
Transport issues: No return vehicle booking. Parking full, no alternative. Underestimating climb difficulty. Starting climb after 10 AM.
Combination with Other Attractions
Morning combo: Chamundi Hills 7:30 AM darshan. Return by 10 AM. Palace visit 10:30 AM. Zoo after lunch. Efficient single day.
Evening combo: Day sightseeing city. Chamundi Hills evening 4 PM. Sunset viewing. Night darshan 7:30 PM. City lights viewing.
Trekking combo: Early morning steps climb. Temple darshan. Trek down via alternative route. Visit Lalitha Mahal Palace. Adventure plus devotion.
Weather Considerations
Summer (March-May): Very hot for climbing. Carry sun protection. Evening visits better. Hydration crucial. Temple cooler inside.
Monsoon (June-September): Steps slippery, dangerous. Road visibility poor. Crowds less. Carry raincoat. Beautiful green views.
Winter (October-February): Perfect weather. Festival season crowds. Early morning cold. Carry light jacket. Best photography conditions.
FAQs About Chamundi Hills Temple Darshan
How long does darshan take at Chamundi temple?
Weekdays: 30-45 minutes free darshan. Weekends: 1.5-2 hours. Special darshan: 15 minutes. Fridays: 2-3 hours. Festival days: 3-4 hours or more.
Can we drive up to Chamundi temple?
Yes, 13 km motorable road available. KSRTC buses every 30 minutes. Own vehicle recommended. Parking 500 meters from temple. Road has sharp curves, drive carefully.
Is climbing 1008 steps difficult?
Moderate difficulty for average fitness. Takes 45-90 minutes with breaks. Rest pavilions every 100 steps. Not recommended for heart patients, very elderly. Children above 8 usually manage.
What is special darshan at Chamundi temple?
Rs 50 ticket for quicker darshan. Separate queue, saves 30-60 minutes. Available specific timings. Worth it on crowded days. Book at counter near entrance.
Best time to visit Chamundi Hills?
Early morning 7:30 AM for peaceful darshan. Evening 5 PM for sunset views. Avoid Fridays unless necessary. October-February best weather. Weekdays over weekends.
Published: March 2025 | Next Update: After festival season review