Chamundi Hill & Chamundeshwari Temple
ಚಾಮುಂಡೇಶ್ವರಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ
A sacred hill 1,060 metres high on the edge of the city. The temple on the summit is dedicated to the goddess who protects the royal family, and it offers views over the whole city.
Chamundi Hill lies about 13 km southeast of the city centre. The Chamundeshwari Temple on the summit enshrines an incarnation of Durga, the guardian goddess of the Mysore royal family. Its seven-tiered gateway tower is about 40 metres high. Legend says the goddess slew the buffalo demon Mahishasura here, and the city's name is said to derive from this story. In front of the temple stands a colourful statue of the buffalo demon holding a snake. The temple is open about 07:30 to 14:00, 15:30 to 18:00, and 19:30 to 21:00. Entry in the regular queue is free, and a paid fast-track costs about INR 100. You can reach the top by bus or taxi, or climb about 1,000 steps in roughly an hour. Weekends and festivals bring very long queues.
Opening hours
approx. 07:30–14:00, 15:30–18:00, 19:30–21:00
Nearby sights
- Nandi Statue, Chamundi Hill
- Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum
- Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysore Zoo)
- Karanji Lake
- KSIC Mysore Silk Factory
- Lalitha Mahal Palace
- Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas)
- Jaganmohan Palace (Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery)