Enter through the Varaha Gate any morning at 10 AM, and you’ll find the Mysore Palace Museum already bustling with visitors eager to explore the royal artifacts of the Wodeyar dynasty. The museum, housed within the magnificent Amba Vilas Palace, charges 40 for Indian adults and showcases centuries of royal heritage through its impressive collection of paintings, weapons, costumes, and the famous golden throne displayed only during Dasara.
Mysore Palace Museum Visitor Information
Location: Amba Vilas Palace, Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysore
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (All days except major festivals)
Entry Fee: Indians – 40 adults, 20 children (10-18 years); Foreigners – 200 (includes audio guide)
Audio Guide: Available in 8 languages – 100 extra for Indians
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings, 10 AM to 12 PM
Average Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
Parking: 20 for two-wheelers, 50 for cars near South gate
Royal Collections in Mysore Palace Museum
The Public Durbar Hall immediately captures attention with its 44.2-meter length and 13.7-meter width. The life-size plaster of Paris statue of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, crafted by palace artist B. Basavaiah, stands at the entrance alongside a photograph of Jamedar Peer Bait, his favorite attendant. French lamp stands illuminate corners while the marble floor reflects painted ceilings depicting scenes from Hindu epics.
The Private Durbar Hall (Ambavilasa) displays rosewood doors with intricate ivory inlay work. The ceiling features stained glass imported from Belgium, casting colorful patterns on the marble floor during sunny afternoons. Gold-leafed pillars support the ornate ceiling where each panel tells stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The Golden Throne and Royal Regalia
The legendary golden throne (Chinnada Simhasana), weighing 280 kilograms, remains the museum’s most valuable artifact, displayed publicly only during Dasara festivities. Made of figwood and overlaid with gold sheets, the throne features intricate ivory work and precious stones. Valued at over 150 crores, it dates back to the Vijayanagar empire and came to Mysore through Raja Wodeyar in 1610.
Royal weapons include silver-handled swords, gem-studded daggers, and ceremonial spears. The armory section displays weapons used during Anglo-Mysore wars, including Tipu Sultan period firearms. Each weapon bears inscriptions detailing its history and the battles where it was used.
Paintings and Art Gallery
The palace museum houses over 50 paintings depicting royal processions, portraits of Wodeyar rulers, and scenes from Indian mythology. The Jumbo Savari painting stretches across three walls, showing the Dasara procession in minute detail with thousands of figures painted using vegetable dyes. Raja Ravi Varma’s works, though few, occupy prominent positions in the main gallery.
The Kalyana Mantapa (marriage hall) showcases paintings of royal weddings and ceremonies. The octagonal hall’s glass ceiling, decorated with peacock and floral motifs, filters sunlight creating a magical ambiance. The mosaic floor, made from imported tiles, depicts geometric patterns that appear three-dimensional.
Costume and Textile Collection
Royal costumes dating from the 18th century onwards fill multiple display cases. Mysore silk sarees worn by queens, embroidered with real gold thread (zardozi), weigh up to 8 kilograms each. The maharaja’s ceremonial robes, including the Dasara durbar dress, feature precious stones and gold embroidery worth several lakhs even by today’s standards.
Children’s clothing worn by young princes, miniature versions of adult royal attire, showcase the attention to detail in royal households. Turbans of various styles, each indicating different occasions and ranks, occupy an entire section with explanatory notes about their significance.
Gombe Thotti (Doll’s Pavilion)
This unique pavilion displays a collection of traditional dolls from the 19th and early 20th centuries. European porcelain dolls gifted by British officials sit alongside traditional Channapatna wooden dolls. The collection includes dolls representing various Indian communities, their traditional dresses, and occupations.
Ceremonial objects used during Navaratri celebrations, including silver and brass items, occupy special cases. Miniature kitchen sets, toys of royal children, and mechanical toys from Europe that still function demonstrate the cultural exchange during the colonial period.
Photography and Restrictions
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace museum. Security guards stationed every 50 meters ensure compliance. Visitors must deposit cameras and mobile phones at the entrance cloakroom (free service). Shoe removal is mandatory – a paid shoe-keeping service (5) operates at the entrance, though free racks are also available.
Large bags aren’t allowed inside. The cloakroom provides tokens for deposited items. Professional photographers need special permission from the Palace Board, granted rarely and only for documentation purposes.
Sound and Light Show Details
The evening sound and light show (Monday to Saturday, except public holidays) narrates Mysore’s history. Shows in Kannada at 7:00 PM and English at 7:45 PM last 45 minutes each. Tickets cost 50 for Indians and 200 for foreigners. The palace illumination follows the show for 15 minutes.
Purchase tickets at the Varaha Gate counter from 6:30 PM onwards. Seating is on the palace grounds – carry a mat or cushion for comfort. The show cancels during rain, with refunds provided.
Sunday and Holiday Illumination
Every Sunday and public holiday, 97,000 bulbs illuminate the palace from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. No entry fee for viewing from outside. The best viewing spots are from the palace grounds (requires day-visit ticket) or from Sayyaji Rao Road. Arrive by 6:30 PM to secure good positions as thousands gather for this spectacle.
Hidden Sections and Lesser-Known Facts
The palace has 12 temples within its complex, some dating to the 14th century. The Shweta Varahaswamy Temple, accessible to visitors, features unique architecture. Secret tunnels allegedly connect the palace to Srirangapatna, though these remain closed to public.
The Residential Museum, a separate section requiring additional tickets (10), displays personal items of the royal family including vintage cars, photographs, and furniture. Many visitors miss this section, unaware of its existence.
Tips for Visiting Mysore Palace Museum
Arrive at opening time to avoid crowds. School groups arrive after 11 AM, making morning visits more peaceful. The audio guide, though helpful, has a 2-hour time limit – plan accordingly. Guides offering services outside charge 300-500 but provide detailed historical context not available in audio guides.
- Wear comfortable footwear – you’ll walk barefoot on cold marble
- Carry socks during winter months for comfort
- Water bottles allowed but no food items
- Wheelchair accessible routes available on request
Special Dasara Arrangements
During Dasara (September-October), entry fees increase to 100 for Indians. The golden throne goes on display in the Durbar Hall. Special queues manage the massive crowds – expect 2-3 hour waits. VIP passes (500) offer quicker access but sell out fast.
Nearby Facilities
The palace complex has clean public toilets (5 usage fee) and drinking water facilities. No restaurants inside, but numerous eateries line Sayyaji Rao Road. The palace shop sells souvenirs, books, and postcards, though prices are 30-40% higher than outside shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we see the golden throne throughout the year?
No, the golden throne is displayed only during Dasara festivities (10 days in September-October). Regular days show a replica.
Is photography allowed inside Mysore Palace Museum?
Strictly prohibited. Cameras and phones must be deposited at entrance. Only external photography permitted.
What’s included in the foreigner ticket price?
The 200 foreign tourist ticket includes entry and audio guide in multiple languages. Indian visitors pay separately for audio guides.
Are senior citizen discounts available?
No specific senior citizen discounts. Same rates apply for all Indian adults above 18 years.
Can we re-enter the palace with the same ticket?
No, tickets are valid for single entry only. Once you exit, you need new tickets to re-enter.
Last Updated: April 2025
Next Update: Before Dasara 2025
Visit the nearby Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery for more royal collections. Explore temples within the palace complex.