Boosts local business; Mysore Palace retains status as the prime attraction

Mysuru: With four consecutive holidays — Deepavali, Kannada Rajyotsava and the weekend — Mysuru transformed into a bustling hub of cultural and tourist activity.

From Thursday Oct. 31 to Sunday Nov. 3, the city welcomed a massive wave of visitors, drawing in locals, people from various districts and international tourists, who flocked to iconic sites across the cultural capital.

This surge in tourists breathed new life into Mysuru’s key attractions, including the Mysore Palace, Zoo and Karanji Lake Nature Park and the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill which were filled to capacity.

St. Philomena’s Church, the Railway Museum and Nanjangud’s Srikanteshwara Swamy Temple also saw streams of visitors, as holiday-goers embraced the festive atmosphere. The early rush began on Thursday causing heavy traffic around Mysuru’s popular landmarks.

Tourists, many accompanied by family and friends, explored the city’s historic and scenic spots, spurring a vibrant local economy. Toy vendors set up around the Palace and the Zoo enjoyed brisk sales as children, captivated by the colourful toys, persuaded their parents to buy souvenirs. This weekend rush not only celebrated the city’s heritage but also brought significant economic cheer to local businesses.

Mysore Palace, the city’s crown jewel, once again proved its status as a prime attraction, drawing in a flood of tourists eager to experience the grandeur of Mysuru’s royal heritage. From Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, the Palace saw an impressive 92,475 visitors, taking advantage of the extended holiday that included Deepavali, Kannada Rajyotsava and the weekend.

The Palace, which had already hosted 1,35,456 visitors during the Dasara celebrations (Oct. 1-10), continued to attract crowds in the holiday period.

Visitors arrived from across Karnataka, neighbouring States, and overseas, with ticketed entries recorded between 10 am and 5.30 pm. Evening visitors during Dasara, who viewed the golden hued illumination of the Palace from 7 pm to 8 pm for free, were not part of this official count, making the actual footfall likely much higher.

Daily attendance surged throughout the last four days. On Oct. 31, the Palace welcomed 16,042 visitors. Nov. 1 saw an increase with 27,203 visitors and Nov. 2 peaked at 28,021. The holiday weekend concluded on Nov. 3 with 21,209 visitors.

Other major tourist attractions, such as the Zoo and Karanji Lake Nature Park, were also packed, contributing to bustling business for local vendors.

The surge in visitors not only celebrated Mysuru’s rich heritage but also provided a boost to the city’s economy, underscoring Mysuru’s enduring appeal as a holiday destination.