Chamundi Hills, Mysore

Visitor Information

• Famous For: Tourism, Temple, Nature, Panorama and Photography
• Entrance Fee: The entry is free.
• Visiting Time: (i) 7:30 am to 2:00 (ii) 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm (iii) 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm – The Chamundi hills houses the Sri Chamundeswari Temple which is open from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm every day, while it closes during lunch time and at twilight.
• Visit Duration: The visit duration is estimated to be an hour or two.

Mysore is one of the largest cities in the state of Karnataka and is a major factor that adds to the state’s tourism industry. Mysore, the city of palaces, has a rich history and has several tourist attractions. The Chamundi hills in Mysore, is a top tourist magnet that draws in photographers, nature lovers and Hindu devotees, every day of the year.

Traveller Tips

• The Chamundi hills is a splendid viewpoint that covers a wide angle of the Mysore city. Take your camera and binoculars with you to admire the panorama to the fullest.
• Maintain silence within the temples, located on the hill.
• Be prepared to wait in queue, to visit the temple. The hills get overly crowded sometimes, especially during Dussehra which falls sometime in September or October.
• The place might get windy at times. Ensure you wear comfortable and cozy clothing.
• If you are planning to reach the summit of the hill, by the stone stairway, ensure that you wear proper footwear. Carry your water bottle with you.

Things to Do

• The Chamundi hill top provides a breathtaking view of the Mysore city and one can very well identify the Mysore Maharaja Palace and the Karanji Lake, from the hill top.
• The picturesque landscape surrounding the hills, deserves to make its way to your photo album. Click the most scenic shots with friends and family, right at the summit of the hills.
• The hill summit can be reached via road or by taking the stairs. If you are adventurous, prefer taking the stone stairs. It might be tedious but once you reach the hill’s summit, you realize how much worth the sweat was.
• Devotees and tourists can spend some time in the temples located on the hill, to feel the divinity.

Availability of Guides

Local guides are available for assistance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Chamundi hills is dawn and dusk. In the late hours of the day, during the Dussehra festival, a view of Mysore from the top of Chamundi hills is like a dream that makes you wonder at the immense beauty of the fully lit up city.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to Mysore is the Bangalore International Airport. Bangalore is one of the most prominent Indian cities which is well connected to the rest of the country by road, rail and air. It is easy to reach Mysore from Bangalore and takes only 3 hours. Mysore is connected by buses and trains to all prominent cities in South India. After reaching Mysore, one can take a taxi or local bus to the foot of the Chamundi hills.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About Chamundi Hills

• Chamundi hills is located thirteen kilometers off the city of Mysore.
• The hills are elevated about a kilometer from the sea level.
• The Chamundeswari temple is located at the hill top. As legends say, goddess Chamundi Devi (Chamundeswari) killed a demon in this place and that is how the place got its name.
• The very ancient Mahabaleshvara temple is also present in the Chamundi hills and is a pilgrimage site,
• Mahabalachala is the real name of the Chamundi hills, according to mythology.
• A statue of demon Mahishasura, is present in the Chamundeswari temple.
• The sanctum of the temple houses the uniquely posed sculpture of goddess Chamundi Devi.
• The old stone stairway that leads to the summit of the hill, has one thousand and eight steps.
• The statue of bull Nandi is present about halfway to the hill top. This bull is considered as the vehicle of Lord Shiva. This statue is carved from a single stone of black granite. The statue is 490 centimeters in height and has a length of 760 centimeters.

Nearby Attractions

• Mysore Palace
• Philomena’s Cathedral
• Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum
• Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery
• Brindavan Gardens
• Mysore Zoo
• Jaganmohan Palace
• Karanji Lake

Nearby Restaurants

• Vinayaka Mylari
• Kamat Madhuvan
• Durga Restaurant
• Olive Garden
• Café D
• Gufha
• Om Shanthi
• The Foodie Restaurant
• RRR Restaurant
• The Old House
• Spring

The Chamundi Hills is a must visit if you are travelling to Mysore. The serene hills are a nature lover’s delight, and the temple located on the hills beckons all devotees to its peaceful abode. So, ensure you check out this fabulous spot, the next time you make your way to Mysore.