Festival · KARNATAKA
September-October (10 days ending Vijayadashami) · Mysore
Grand 10-day festival with illuminated Mysore Palace, cultural performances, torchlight parade, and the famous Jamboo Savari procession with a golden howdah on a decorated elephant.
Why it mattersIndia's official state festival of Karnataka. Celebrated since the Vijayanagara empire, 400+ years old.
Mysore in October is when the city pivots from peak festival to clean post-monsoon walking weather. Dasara 2026 finishes October 1 with Vijayadashami (the procession-and-light-and-sound finale that closes the 10-day state festival). For the first week of October, Mysore Palace runs daily 7-10pm illumination plus the festival visitor flow; from October 2 onward the Palace returns to standard Sunday-and-festival-only…
Live in Mysore
A 1921 palace built by the Maharaja of Mysore to host the Viceroy of India, now a government heritage hotel — Renaissance architecture, Italian marble, Venetian chandeliers and a grand central dome. The most atmospheric heritage stay in Mysore, set on its own hill with palace views.
A modern 5-star hotel overlooking the Mysore race course, close to the palace and the city's main attractions — pool, spa and multiple restaurants. The reliable contemporary-comfort alternative for travellers who want full-service consistency rather than a heritage property.
SignatureWood-fired mutton pulav
There are four or five 'Hanumanthu' hotels on the same street — the original is at #1720 Akbar Road, opposite the Venus Egg Centre. It gets crowded after 12pm, so go early. Pulav is the order, not biryani. Cash and UPI.
SignatureMylari benne masala dosa
Look for the green sign reading 'The Old Original Vinayaka Mylari' in red, next to Giri Stationery. Hours are 6.30am-1.30pm and 3-9pm — it closes over lunch. Six tables only, so expect to wait and share elbow room; the dosa comes with a dollop of white butter and saagu. Cash and UPI.
SignatureOriginal Mysore Pak
The shop is tiny and famous, so it gets crowded — buy the ghee Mysore Pak fresh and warm, when it is at its melt-in-the-mouth best. It is a takeaway sweet counter, not a sit-down restaurant. Cash and UPI.
SignatureMysore-style sweets and durbar laddu
Primarily a takeaway sweet counter — buy boxes of Mysore Pak or durbar laddu to carry home. Sayyaji Rao Road is the city's sweets street, so it is easy to compare a couple of shops. Cash, UPI and cards.
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