Mysuru Dasara by train: palace procession and itinerary

Mysuru Dasara is Karnataka's state festival, a 10-day celebration that ends with the Jamboo Savari, the grand procession of decorated elephants from Mysore Palace on Vijayadashami. The city and palace are lit up through the festival. The train from Bengaluru (SBC) takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, which makes Mysuru an easy festival trip.

Getting there by train

The easiest route is from Bengaluru. KSR Bengaluru (SBC) has the most trains to Mysuru Junction (MYS). Two daily trains on our data are the Wodeyar SF Express (12614), leaving Bengaluru at 15:15 and arriving at 17:45, and the Chamundi Express (16216), leaving at 18:25 and arriving at 21:10. There are many more trains through the day. Our data also lists a few trains from SMVT Bengaluru (SMVB), so check the one that suits your timing.

Use the trip planner to see all options, with seat availability, confirmation chances, alternative boarding stations and two-train connections. From cities such as Delhi, Mumbai or Hyderabad, the usual route is to reach Bengaluru and then take a train to Mysuru, though some cities have direct trains, so check the planner.

Which Dasara day to attend

Dasara runs for 10 days and follows the lunar calendar. In 2026 it falls in mid October, ending with Vijayadashami a few days after the middle of the month. Check the exact dates on the official Karnataka or Mysuru Dasara website. The Jamboo Savari takes place only on Vijayadashami, so if the procession is your main goal, that is the day to plan around. It is also the most crowded day.

On the other days of the festival, the palace is lit up in the evenings and there are cultural programmes in various venues, so a visit on an earlier day is a calmer way to see the city.

Watching the procession

The Jamboo Savari starts from Mysore Palace in the afternoon and moves through the city streets. Timings and the exact route are announced by the authorities each year, so check them before you go.

Ticketed seating

The district administration usually offers ticketed seating near the palace for the procession and other events. Sales and prices are announced each year on the official website, and tickets can sell out, so check early.

Public viewing along the route

People also watch from the roadside along the route. Arrive well before the procession, as the crowd builds up many hours earlier, and expect to stand for a long time.

Hotels on the route

Some hotels near the route may offer rooms or terraces with a view. Ask when you book, and confirm what is included in writing.

A full Dasara day plan

Morning

Take an early train from Bengaluru, check in at your hotel, and have breakfast.

Late morning and afternoon

Visit Mysore Palace before the crowd builds up. Opening hours can change during the festival, so check the official palace website. Allow a couple of hours for the palace itself. Lunch is easy to find around the old city, and Devaraja Market is a good place to walk through.

Evening

See the illuminated palace and the festival lights. If it is Vijayadashami, plan your viewing spot around the procession time announced by the authorities.

Night

Have dinner in town, then take a train back to Bengaluru or stay overnight. Check train timings in advance, as late return trains can be crowded.

What to see beyond the procession

Mysuru has more to offer for a second day. Read about places near Mysuru railway station, plan two days in Mysuru from Bengaluru, or combine it with the Mysuru and Coorg trip.

Before you travel: a checklist

• Confirm the Dasara dates and the procession timings on the official website.
• Book the outbound and return trains together, and keep a backup option from the trip planner.
• Check your train's live running status on its page on the day of travel.
• Save your hotel address and keep some cash and a power bank with you.
• Reach the station early, because platforms and approach roads are busy during the festival.
• Plan how you will return after the evening events, as late roads and trains can be crowded.

Booking hotels

Hotels in Mysuru fill up quickly for Dasara and prices rise, so book as early as you can. Check the cancellation terms before paying.

What to pack

October weather in Mysuru is usually mild, but the afternoons can be warm and rain is possible. Carry light clothes, comfortable shoes, an umbrella, water and a phone charger.

Extending your trip

If you have more time, you can combine Mysuru with Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a separate trip from Bengaluru.