Chamundeshwari, on the Chamundi hill above Mysore in Karnataka, is a famous temple of the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the family deity of the old Mysore royal family.
Your ordinary darshan is free. For a shorter wait you book a paid quick darshan, and you book sevas, on the official Karnataka government temple portal. The hilltop gives you a fine view over Mysore, and the temple is at the heart of the grand Mysore Dasara. You book on the government portal, not on a reseller.
Free and special darshan
- Your ordinary darshan of Chamundeshwari is free and open to all.
- For a shorter wait you book a paid quick darshan on the government portal.
- On weekends, on Fridays, on Ashada Fridays, and above all during Mysore Dasara the crowds are enormous, so book ahead and reach early.
[The exact darshan and seva types and amounts are shown on the official portal, itms.kar.nic.in. Last checked 14 September 2026.]
Sevas
On the official portal you book sevas and abhishekams in your name, such as the special poojas to the Goddess, each with its own time and charge. You pay online and keep your confirmation, then present it at the temple. This is the safe way to arrange a seva, rather than paying a stranger.
The Chamundi hill
The temple sits on top of the Chamundi hill, about a thousand metres up, so your visit mixes the darshan with a fine view over Mysore. You reach the top by road, or you climb the old stone steps past the giant Nandi bull, a favourite walk for the fit. Give yourself time for the hill, the Nandi, and the view, not only the darshan queue.
Dasara, in plain words
Chamundeshwari is at the heart of the world famous Mysore Dasara, the ten day Navratri festival, usually in September or October, when the city lights up, the palace glows, and a grand procession honours the Goddess. The temple and the hill are packed through the festival. If you visit for Dasara, book your darshan and stay far ahead, and be ready for enormous crowds across the city.
How to book, step by step
Open the official Karnataka government temple portal, itms.kar.nic.in, and pick Sri Chamundeshwari temple, Mysore, then a quick darshan or a seva. Add your details and pay online, then carry the confirmation. Reach the temple in good time, because the queues can be long on Fridays and festival days. Carry the confirmation and your identity, and dress modestly, as at any temple.
How to reach
Chamundeshwari is on the Chamundi hill, about thirteen kilometres from central Mysore in Karnataka. The nearest airport is Mysore, with Bengaluru the larger hub, and Mysore has a major railway station. You reach the hilltop by road, or climb the steps from the base. Many travellers pair it with the Mysore Palace and the city sights.
What to carry
Carry your booking confirmation, a photo identity, and a little cash or a card. Dress modestly. Carry water, above all if you climb the steps. Be ready for a wait on Fridays and during Dasara. Keep your belongings safe in the crowd on festival days.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Your biggest mistake would be booking on a private "VIP darshan" site, when the official channel is the government portal, itms.kar.nic.in. Next, do not come during Dasara without a plan, into enormous crowds. Do not miss the giant Nandi bull on the hill steps. Do not miss pairing the trip with the Mysore Palace.
Questions people ask
Is Chamundeshwari darshan free?
Yes, your ordinary darshan is free. A paid quick darshan and sevas are booked on the government portal.
What is the official website?
The Karnataka government temple portal, itms.kar.nic.in, for Sri Chamundeshwari temple, Mysore.
Why is it famous?
It honours Chamundeshwari, the family deity of the Mysore royal family, and it is at the heart of the grand Mysore Dasara.
When is it busiest?
On Fridays, on Ashada Fridays, and above all during Mysore Dasara in September or October.
How do I reach the temple?
By road up the Chamundi hill, about thirteen kilometres from Mysore, or on foot up the steps.