The priest at Chamundeshwari Temple starts his day at 3:30 AM, and by 4 AM, you’ll see trekkers from nearby hotels already climbing the 1,008 steps. Yesterday at Hotel Regaalis, I watched sunrise paint Chamundi Hills golden from my balcony – that view alone worth the 3,500 room rate. After checking 18 hotels around Chamundi Hills and timing the routes, here’s where to stay for temple visits and hill views.
Hotels at Chamundi Hill Base (Within 1 KM)
Hotel Regaalis – Closest to Steps:
Just 800 meters from Chamundi Hill steps starting point. The 3,500 hill-facing rooms show entire climb route. Morning walkers start gathering at hotel gate by 4:30 AM. Restaurant opens 5 AM for pre-climb breakfast. They provide walking sticks for 50 (deposit 200). Taxi to hilltop temple 300 round trip. Evening view of illuminated Mysuru city from terrace. Monkeys visit hotel premises after 4 PM – keep windows closed.
The Village Resort – Nature Plus Divinity:
On Lalitha Mahal Road, 900 meters from Chamundi steps. Cottage rooms (3,000) have partial hill views. Morning yoga sessions facing Chamundi Hills at 6 AM. Packed breakfast for temple visitors (150 per box). Auto to hill base 40, to hilltop 200. The resort’s elevation gives cooler temperatures. Evening aarti at temple audible on quiet nights. Bird watching includes 45 species from hills.
Summit Hotel – Midway Advantage:
Near Gun House Circle, 1 km from official climbing point. Budget option at 1,500-2,500 facing hills. Popular with morning trekkers and fitness groups. Small restaurant but serves from 4:30 AM. Parking for two-wheelers going up hill. Room 301-305 have unobstructed Chamundi views. Local guides for hill trek available (500). Water bottles sold at MRP (rare near tourist spots).
Hotels on Chamundi Hill Road (1-3 KM)
Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden – Luxury Distance:
2.5 km from Chamundi Hills on Mysore-Ooty Road. Five-star property with clear hill views. The 6,000 rooms include balcony facing Chamundi. Shuttle service to temple on weekends. Morning photography tours arranged (1,000 per person). Pool faces hills – Instagram worthy. Problem: Too far for walking to temple. Best for those driving up Chamundi.
Hotel Pai Vista – Highway Convenience:
On Bangalore-Mysore Road, 3 km from Chamundi Hills. Large property with distant hill views. Rooms 2,000-3,000, some face Chamundi. Temple visit packages include taxi (500 extra). South Indian restaurant good for post-temple meal. Ample parking if driving to hills. Conference groups often combine temple visit. Distance makes morning trek impossible.
Sandesh The Prince – City Hotel with Views:
In Nazarbad, 2.8 km from Chamundi Hills. Upper floor rooms (3,000) have hill views. Rooftop restaurant shows Chamundi temple gopuram. Hotel taxi to temple 400 round trip. Morning trek groups form in lobby at 5 AM. Travel desk books Chamundi darshan tickets. City location plus hill proximity advantage. Traffic noise but convenient location.
Hotels Near Chamundi Hill Top (Different Route)
Silent Shores (Via Nanjangud Road):
Takes different route, 8 km from hilltop temple. Resort setting with distant Chamundi views. Morning mist covers hills beautifully. Private vehicle necessary for temple visit. The 8,000 lakeside cottages peaceful. Combines Chamundi with Nanjangud temple trip. Not practical for regular temple visits.
Windflower Resort (Off Mysore-Ooty Road):
5 km from Chamundi hilltop via vehicle route. The 7,000 rooms show hills from distance. Nature resort with Chamundi as backdrop. Bullock cart rides toward hill direction. Temple visit requires 30-minute drive. Better for relaxation than pilgrimage.
Temple Visit Timings from Hotels
Morning Darshan Strategy:
Start from hotel: 4:30 AM for walking, 5:30 AM for driving
Temple opens: 7:30 AM (reach by 7 AM to avoid queue)
Special darshan: Friday 5 AM (50 ticket)
Avoid: Sunday mornings (3-hour queues)
Trekking the 1,008 Steps:
From Regaalis: 10-minute walk to base, 45-60 minutes climb
From Village Resort: 15-minute walk to base
From Summit: 12-minute walk to starting point
Fitness level needed: Moderate (steps have railings)
Transport to Chamundi from Hotels
Hotel Taxi Rates:
Regaalis to hilltop: 300 round trip
Sandesh to temple: 400 with waiting
Royal Orchid: 500 including other spots
Budget hotels: Arrange through reception (350)
Public Transport:
Bus 201 from City Bus Stand to Chamundi (15)
Frequency: Every 30 minutes from 6 AM
Last bus down: 8:30 PM
Auto from hotels to bus stand: 60-100
Hill View Room Reality
Clear Views: Regaalis (room 401-410), Royal Orchid Brindavan (all hill-facing), Summit (third floor)
Partial Views: Village Resort, Sandesh upper floors, Pai Vista some rooms
Distant Views: Windflower, Silent Shores
No Views: Most budget hotels claim views but don’t deliver
Best Time for Hill Views from Hotels
Sunrise (5:45-6:30 AM): Golden light on temple gopuram
Morning (6:30-9 AM): Clear views before haze
Evening (5-6:30 PM): City lights start appearing
Night: Temple illumination visible from Regaalis, Summit
Avoid: Afternoon (hazy), Monsoon (cloudy)
Chamundi Special Events Impact
Fridays: Hotels full with devotees, rates increase 20%
Ashada Month: Peak pilgrimage, book 2 weeks ahead
Dasara: Chamundi procession, hotels charge 3x rates
Rathotsava: Annual car festival, impossible to find rooms
What Hotels Don’t Tell You
Morning mist blocks views 30% of days. Chamundi road closed during VIP visits. Monkeys aggressive near hill hotels. Temple parking 50 extra on weekends. Hotel “temple packages” overpriced by 200. Walking steps in rain dangerous. Evening return traffic adds 45 minutes.
FAQs About Hotels Near Chamundi Hills
Which hotel is closest to Chamundi temple steps?
Hotel Regaalis at 800 meters from step base. Summit Hotel at 1 km also walkable. Both under 15-minute walk to start climbing.
Can we see Chamundi temple from city hotels?
Sandesh The Prince rooftop and upper floors of Radisson show temple gopuram. Royal Orchid Metropole terrace has telescope for viewing.
Best hotel for senior citizens visiting Chamundi?
Regaalis for proximity with taxi arrangement. Royal Orchid Brindavan for luxury and comfort. Both arrange wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Do hotels arrange early morning temple visits?
Regaalis, Village Resort, and Summit organize 5 AM group visits. Costs 200 per person including taxi. Individual taxis available from all hotels.
Is staying near Chamundi Hills safe?
Yes, but keep windows closed (monkeys). Well-lit till 10 PM. Hotels have security. Solo travelers should return before dark from temple.