Mysore Dasara 2026 runs 13 October to 22 October, with Vijayadashami — the final procession day — falling on 22 October 2026. The Jamboo Savari procession starts at Mysore Palace at 10:00 AM and ends at Bannimantap grounds. Book accommodation and transport now. Rooms fill up 3–4 months in advance, and prices triple during the final weekend.
What exactly is Mysore Dasara?
Dasara marks the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura. Mysore has celebrated it for over 400 years. The Karnataka state government designates it the Nadahabba — the state festival. The 2026 edition is the 115th Dasara since the Mysore royal family revived the modern format in 1912.
The centrepiece is the Jamboo Savari: a 4.5-kilometre procession from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap. A decorated elephant carries the golden howdah (ambari) bearing the idol of Chamundeshwari. Around 100 elephants, tableaux from all Karnataka districts, police bands, and folk artists participate. Around 600,000 to 800,000 people line the route on procession day.
What are the key dates and schedule for Dasara 2026?
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 13 October | Dasara inauguration, Mysore Palace |
| 13–21 October | Evening cultural programmes, Palace grounds |
| 13–22 October | Palace illumination (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM nightly) |
| 20 October | Torchlight parade, Bannimantap (evening) |
| 21 October | Private Durbar at Mysore Palace (invite-only) |
| 22 October | Jamboo Savari procession, 10:00 AM sharp |
| 22 October evening | Fireworks at Bannimantap |
Note: The Karnataka government confirms exact cultural programme lineups in late September. Check the official Dasara website (dasara.mysuru.gov.in) after 20 September 2026 for the confirmed artist schedule.
What happens at the Palace during Dasara?
Mysore Palace is lit with 100,000 bulbs every evening from 7:00 PM. Entry to the Palace grounds for the illumination is free. Daytime palace entry costs ₹100 for adults. The Cultural Programme stage is set up on the palace grounds — entry is free but space is limited after 6:30 PM. Arrive by 6:00 PM to get a reasonable viewing position.
The Palace itself is about 1.5 km from the city centre. Auto-rickshaws charge ₹50–₹80 from KR Circle during non-peak hours; expect ₹150–₹200 on procession day.
What is the Jamboo Savari route and where should you stand?
The procession leaves Mysore Palace at 10:00 AM and travels along this route:
- Mysore Palace → Albert Victor Road → Sayyaji Rao Road → Bannimantap
Total distance: approximately 4.5 km. The procession moves slowly — it takes 3.5 to 4 hours to complete.
Best viewing spots:
- Sayyaji Rao Road near KR Circle: Wide footpaths, good sightlines, accessible. Fills by 7:30 AM.
- Albert Victor Road, Palace gate area: Closest to the start, best for seeing the elephant in the howdah. Extremely crowded. Be there before 7:00 AM.
- Bannimantap grounds: End point, good for the finale but you miss most of the procession.
Grandstand tickets (seated, shaded) are sold by the Mysore City Corporation. Price range in recent years: ₹200–₹500. Limited seats. Check the Mysuru Corporation website from September 2026.
How bad are the crowds, and how do you manage them?
Honest answer: procession day is genuinely chaotic. Police close vehicle access to the main route from 6:00 AM. Park at the periphery — KSRTC bus stand, Mysore University, or the exhibition grounds — and walk. Expect 45-minute waits at crossings.
The torchlight parade on 20 October evening is far less crowded, well-organised, and underrated. If you cannot handle procession-day crowds, this is the alternative.
Cultural programmes on weeknights (13–18 October) draw moderate crowds. Weekends see higher footfall.
Where should you stay for Mysore Dasara?
Stay within 2 km of the Palace if you can afford it. Anything further means navigating road closures.
Splurge options:
- Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel — Heritage property, 8.0/10 from 4,146 reviews. About 3 km from the Palace. Book 4–5 months ahead for Dasara.
- Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore — 9.1/10 from 2,541 reviews. Consistently the highest-rated 5-star in the city.
- Hotel Southern Star Mysore — 8.7/10 from 1,934 reviews. Strong mid-luxury option, central location.
Mid-range:
- Fortune JP Palace, Mysore - Member ITC Hotels' Group — 8.6/10 from 2,463 reviews. Good facilities, walking distance to major roads.
- Grand Mercure Mysore- An AccorHotels Brand — 8.4/10 from 2,230 reviews. Reliable chain quality.
- Parklane Hotel — 8.3/10 from 2,572 reviews. Three-star, good value, solid reviews.
- Jal Mahal Resort And Spa — 7.9/10 from 1,713 reviews. Quieter location, resort-style.
Budget:
- Livaana — 7.6/10 from 2,056 reviews. Clean, decent reviews for a 3-star.
- Aishwarya Residency — 7.0/10 from 2,047 reviews. Basic but functional.
Avoid Hotel M.B. International — 4.8/10 from 1,990 reviews. Rating is too low to recommend for a trip centred on this event.
Getting to Mysore for Dasara
From Bengaluru: 145 km on the Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway. Drive takes 2.5–3 hours normally; expect 4+ hours on 21–22 October. KSRTC Airavat coaches run every 15 minutes from Majestic (₹250–₹400). The Mysore Express and Shatabdi trains are fully booked by August for the final weekend — check IRCTC now.
From other cities: Mysore is accessible from Coorg/Madikeri (120 km, 3 hours) and Ooty (150 km, 4 hours via Gudalur).
For broader context on planning your visit, see the Mysore travel guide and check the best time to visit Mysore if you are flexible on dates.
FAQ
When exactly is Dasara 2026 in Mysore? Dasara runs 13–22 October 2026. The Jamboo Savari procession — the main event — is on 22 October 2026, starting at 10:00 AM from Mysore Palace.
Is Mysore Dasara free to attend? Most events are free: palace illumination, cultural programmes, roadside procession viewing. Grandstand seats for the Jamboo Savari cost ₹200–₹500 (limited availability via Mysuru City Corporation). Palace daytime entry is ₹100.
How far ahead should I book a hotel? For the final weekend (20–22 October), book by June 2026 at the latest. Many properties are already taking reservations. Mid-week stays (13–18 October) are easier to find, but do not leave it past August.
Is it worth attending on a weekday rather than procession day? Yes, if large crowds are a problem for you. The torchlight parade on 20 October and the cultural programmes on weeknights offer a genuine Dasara experience without the procession-day crush. The palace illumination looks identical every evening.