Every Sunday at exactly 7 PM, 97,000 bulbs illuminate Mysore Palace, and the receptionist at Hotel Mayura knows the best viewing secret – “Room 201, sir, you can count the palace domes from your bed.” Palace illumination hotels Mysore offer front-row seats to this weekly spectacle that attracts thousands. After testing views from 18 properties and timing the lighting from each, here’s where to stay for the magical palace illumination experience.
Palace Illumination Hotels Within 500 Meters
The closest palace illumination hotels Mysore provide unobstructed views of all 97,000 lights. These properties let you enjoy the spectacle from room balconies or terraces.
Hotel Mayura Hoysala (KSTDC) – Unbeatable Views:
Just 180 meters from palace, premier among palace illumination hotels Mysore. Room 201 (3,500 on Sundays) has direct palace facade view. Illumination visible from bed through large windows. Garden restaurant stays open during lighting. Government-run, rates don’t spike drastically. Book weekends 2 weeks ahead. Lawn becomes viewing party spot.
The Kings Kastle – Rooftop Spectacular:
400 meters from palace on Nazarbad Road. Among palace illumination hotels Mysore with best terrace setup. Rooftop restaurant tables (500 minimum) face palace. Every room above 3rd floor sees illumination. Sunday buffet dinner during lighting (800). Hotel provides tripods for photography. Less crowded than street viewing.
Hotel MB International – Budget Views:
450 meters via Devaraja Market. Affordable among palace illumination hotels Mysore at 2,500 Sundays. Fourth floor rooms see complete palace. Narrow balconies but adequate for viewing. Popular with Indian tourists. Rooftop access 100 for non-top floor guests.
Hotels with Partial Palace Illumination Views
These properties offer glimpses of illuminated palace from specific areas:
Hotel Sandesh The Prince – Selective Views:
750 meters away, strategic among palace illumination hotels Mysore. Only rooms 501-510 see palace lighting. Rooftop restaurant perfect for Sunday dinners with view. Booking must specify “illumination view room.” 4,000 for view rooms on illumination nights. Telescope available for detailed viewing.
Hotel Roopa – Corner Advantage:
Gandhi Square location, 1 km from palace. Among established palace illumination hotels Mysore. Corner rooms on 4th floor see partial lighting. Terrace open to all guests during illumination. Sunday special dinner with palace view (600). Advance booking essential for corner rooms.
Book through Mysore Tourism for package deals.
Best Viewing Times and Schedule
Palace illumination timings from hotels: Sunday: 7:00-7:45 PM (guaranteed). Public holidays: 7:00-7:45 PM. Dasara period: 7:00-10:00 PM (extended). Special occasions: Check tourist office.
Palace illumination hotels Mysore prepare for crowds: Roads blocked 6:30-8:00 PM Sundays. Hotel guests get priority terrace access. Street viewing extremely crowded. Return to hotels difficult during illumination.
Room Selection for Illumination Views
Booking right rooms at palace illumination hotels Mysore:
- East-facing: Direct palace facade views
- 4th floor & above: Clear sight over trees
- Corner rooms: Wider viewing angles
- Balcony rooms: Worth extra 1,000
- Avoid: West-facing, ground floor
Photography from Illumination Hotels
Capturing palace lights from hotels: Tripod essential for night photography. 6:45 PM best setup time. Hotel terraces less windy than streets. Room balconies offer stable shooting. Some hotels provide photography guides. Professional photographers book specific rooms yearly.
Sunday Evening Packages
Special deals at palace illumination hotels Mysore: Room + Dinner: 3,500-5,000. Includes terrace access guarantee. Complimentary welcome drink at 6:30 PM. Late checkout Monday (1 PM). Some include palace entry tickets. Transport to palace for day visit.
Related: Walking distance palace hotels.
Alternate Viewing Options
If palace illumination hotels Mysore fully booked: Terrace dinner reservations (500-800 minimum). Day-use rooms for evening (1,500). Some hotels sell viewing passes (200). Nearby restaurants with terrace views. Street viewing remains free option.
Festival Illumination Specials
During Dasara, palace illumination hotels Mysore offer extended packages: 10-day illumination passes. Special rates for extended lighting. Cultural program inclusions. VIP viewing arrangements. Rates triple during Dasara.
Practical Tips for Illumination Viewing
Maximizing experience at palace illumination hotels Mysore: Reach viewing spot by 6:30 PM. Sunday dinners need advance reservation. Carry warm clothes (evening breeze). Camera batteries drain quickly. Don’t leave viewing spot during illumination. Monday checkout recommended after Sunday viewing.
Transportation on Illumination Days
Getting around during palace lighting: Walking best within 1 km radius. Auto-rickshaws unavailable 6:30-8 PM. Hotel shuttles to palace pre-illumination. Return transport challenging. Pre-book cabs for other destinations. Street parking impossible near palace.
FAQs About Palace Illumination Hotels Mysore
Which hotels have guaranteed palace illumination views?
Hotel Mayura Hoysala, The Kings Kastle, and MB International offer guaranteed views. These palace illumination hotels Mysore need advance booking for Sundays.
How much extra do hotels charge for illumination nights?
Palace illumination hotels Mysore charge 30-50% extra on Sundays. Regular 2,000 rooms cost 2,500-3,000. Premium for guaranteed view rooms higher.
Can we see illumination without staying at hotels?
Yes, street viewing free but extremely crowded. Some palace illumination hotels Mysore offer terrace dining for non-guests. Day passes available at select properties.
Is palace illuminated every Sunday?
Yes, every Sunday and public holiday 7-7:45 PM. During Dasara extended to 10 PM. Rarely cancelled except for emergencies.
When should we book for Sunday illumination viewing?
Book palace illumination hotels Mysore 2 weeks ahead for regular Sundays. Long weekends need 1-month advance booking. Dasara period requires 3-month advance booking.
Published: June 18, 2025