Welcome to Mysore, the City of Palaces! If you are visiting this historical gem, there is a classic itinerary that almost every traveler follows, and for good reason. It begins with immersing yourself in the royal grandeur of the Mysore Palace during the day and ends with the mesmerizing sights and sounds of the Brindavan Gardens in the evening.
However, bridging the gap between these two iconic attractions—located about 20 kilometers apart—requires some planning. The difference between a stressful rush and a magical evening often comes down to knowing the best route and, crucially, the right timing.
At Mysore Travelo, we help hundreds of tourists navigate this exact route every week. We’ve compiled this user-friendly guide to ensure your transition from historical royalty to botanical magic is seamless and enjoyable. Let’s plan your perfect Mysore day out.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Approximate Distance | 20 – 22 Kilometers (approx. 12-14 miles) |
| Typical Travel Time | 45 minutes to 1 Hour (depending on traffic) |
| Best Time to Leave Palace | Between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM |
| Brindavan Light Show | Typically starts at 7:00 PM (check seasonal timings) |
| Best Mode of Transport | Private Taxi/Cab for comfort and timing reliability |
For those in a hurry, here are the essential details you need for the journey from Mysore Palace to Brindavan Gardens.
1. Starting Your Day: The Mysore Palace
Before we talk about getting to the gardens, we need to manage your time at the Palace. The Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace) is massive. You can easily spend 3 to 4 hours here if you enjoy history and architecture.
Practical Tips for the Palace Leg:
- Start Early: Try to reach the Palace by 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM to beat the midday crowds and heat.
- Footwear: You will need to remove your shoes to enter the main palace complex. Wear something easy to slip on and off.
- The Goal: To ensure you catch the evening show at Brindavan Gardens, you should aim to wrap up your Palace visit and lunch by 4:00 PM.
2. The Journey: Mysore Palace to Brindavan Gardens Routes
The Brindavan Gardens are located adjacent to the Krishnarajasagara Dam (KRS Dam), quite a distance out of the main city center. Choosing the right mode of transport and route is vital.
The Best Route (Via KRS Road)
The most direct and commonly used route is relatively straightforward, but traffic conditions in Mysore city can affect travel time significantly.
- Exit the City Core: From the Palace, your driver will head northwest, eventually connecting onto the Hunsur Road or cutting through towards Vontikoppal, depending on immediate traffic around the city center circles.
- The Main Stretch (KRS Road): The majority of the journey happens on the dedicated KRS Road leading out of the city. This road is generally in good condition, but it can get bottlenecked during peak tourist hours (evenings and weekends).
- Arrival: The road leads directly to the KRS Dam complex entrance.
Note: While Google Maps might show alternate backroads, stick to the main KRS road unless your driver is a very experienced local who knows a definite shortcut around a major jam. The main road is safer and better lit.
Transport Options Compared
- Public Bus:
- Pros: Very economical.
- Cons: Time-consuming. You may need to switch buses at the main city bus stand. They get incredibly crowded in the evenings, and you are tied to their schedule, not yours.
- Auto Rickshaw:
- Pros: Readily available.
- Cons: Not recommended for this 20km journey. It will be a bumpy, noisy, and dusty ride on the open highway. Negotiating a fair return fare can also be difficult.
- Private Taxi/Cab (Recommended):
- Pros: Comfort (AC), reliability, door-to-door service, and the ability to leave exactly when you need to. You also have a secured ride back to your hotel after the show ends in the dark.
- Why it matters: After walking for hours in the Palace, the 45-minute comfortable drive to the Gardens serves as a necessary recharge period.
3. Timing is Everything: The “Golden Window.”
This is the most crucial section of this guide. The entire Brindavan Gardens experience revolves around the Musical Fountain Show in the evening.
If you arrive too early, you’ll be waiting around in the heat. If you arrive too late, you’ll miss the main event and get stuck in incredible traffic jams leaving the venue.
The Strategy: Aim for the 7:00 PM Show
The musical fountain show usually runs in the evening between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM (timings can vary slightly by season, so always double-check locally).
Your Ideal Timeline:
- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Depart from Mysore Palace area. This allows a buffer for city traffic.
- 5:45 PM – 6:00 PM: Arrive at Brindavan Gardens parking.
- 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Buy tickets, enter the gardens, walk across the dam bridge (it’s a bit of a walk!), explore the botanical sections in the twilight, and find a good spot near the musical fountain gallery.
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy the show!
- 8:00 PM: Begin your exit.
Warning: If you leave the Palace after 5:30 PM during peak tourist season, you risk getting stuck in traffic on KRS road and missing the start of the show.
4. The Destination: Brindavan Gardens Essentials
Once you arrive, here is what you need to know to maximize your experience.
- The Walk: Be prepared for walking. From the parking lot to the actual musical fountain area involves crossing the Cauvery River via a bridge below the dam. It can take 15-20 minutes just to walk it, especially with crowds.
- The Show: The musical fountain is a synchronized dance of water, colored lights, and music. It’s charming and nostalgic.
- Boating: There is a boating facility at the lake before sunset. If this interests you, you need to arrive closer to 5:00 PM.
- Entry Fees (Subject to Change):
- Adult: Approx. ₹50
- Child: Approx. ₹10
- Camera charges may apply.
FAQ: Common Concerns for Travelers
Q: Can I do both the Palace and the Gardens in half a day? A: It’s rushed. The Palace deserves at least 3 hours. The commute is a 2-hour round trip. The Gardens need 2 hours. It’s best done as a full-day itinerary.
Q: Is it safe to return from Brindavan Gardens late at night? A: The road is busy, but it gets very dark outside the city limits. Relying on finding a random auto for the return journey is risky. Having a pre-booked cab is highly recommended for safety and peace of mind.
Q: Are there places to eat near Brindavan Gardens? A: There are small snack stalls inside, and some local eateries outside the gate, but hygienic, high-quality dining options are limited. It is better to have a heavy late lunch in Mysore city before leaving, or plan for dinner back in the city after your return.
Conclusion
The journey from the historical majesty of the Mysore Palace to the playful fountains of Brindavan Gardens is the quintessential Mysore experience. It’s a long day, but one filled with incredible sights.
The key to enjoying it without stress lies entirely in managing the transit between these two points. Don’t let the hassle of finding parking, navigating evening traffic, or haggling with rickshaws ruin the magic of the evening.
Ensuring you have reliable transportation is the best investment for a smooth day.
Mysore Travelo provides the best taxi services in Mysore—book full-day taxi services in Mysore. We offer cabs in Mysore and taxi services to outstation locations with fast pickup. Let us handle the driving while you handle the sightseeing. Enjoy the magic of Mysore!
