If you’re looking for a spiritual and cultural experience in Mysore, head on to Chamundeshwari temple that’s situated on Chamundi Hills. The temple is dedicated to and named after Goddess Durga. At the height of 1,000 feet, it also houses statues of Nandi and Mahishasura. The major contributions to the temple were made by three dynasties - Hoysala, Vijayanagar and rulers from the Wadiyar dynasty.
The temple has a quadrangular structure and is built in a Dravidian style with a main doorway. There is an enchanting seven-tier pyramidal tower at the entrance and a small tower that peeking out from the sanctum. If you’re looking for attractions nearby, Lalitha Palace is one of them. It belongs to the Mysore royal family and the Maharajas used to make short trips when they visited the hills. You can also see Mysore Sand sculpture museum and visit Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens.
Timings for the temple are between 7:30 AM to 9 PM with breaks in the middle. There are poojas that happen so if you want to attend those, be sure to find out when. The best time to visit the temple is from September to October because of Dasara and Diwali, and be sure to catch the sight of the city all lit after sunset. Do know that due to COVID-19, the temple is closed to the public except on days there are dedicated rituals in the temple. So if you're planning a visit, chalk your itenerary accordingly.
