"The Shree Chamundeshwari Devi Temple, perched atop the scenic Chamundi Hills, is more than just a religious site—it is the very heart and soul of Mysuru, offering an unforgettable blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty. My visit here was truly a highlight of exploring the city.
The temple is a revered Shakti Peetha, deeply rooted in mythology as the place where Goddess Chamundeshwari (a fierce form of Shakti) slew the demon king Mahishasura, from whom the name 'Mysuru' is derived. Dating back to the 12th century, the temple’s current magnificence is largely due to the patronage of the Wodeyar royal family, who adopted the Goddess as their tutelary deity. The temple is a stellar example of Dravidian architecture, instantly recognizable by its towering, seven-tiered Gopuram (entrance tower), which is adorned with intricate carvings and topped with seven golden Kalashas. The silver-plated entrance doors and the peaceful atmosphere inside the Navaranga Hall truly convey a sense of ancient, royal devotion.
The location itself, nearly 3,500 feet above sea level, is captivating. The drive up the hill is scenic, and the summit offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of Mysuru. From the viewpoint, you can clearly see landmarks like the Mysore Palace and Karanji Lake. For those interested in a spiritual and physical challenge, the climb up the 1,008 steps is highly recommended, as is stopping to admire the colossal monolithic Nandi statue—Lord Shiva's mount—situated halfway up the hill.
As the temple attracts devotees globally, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during the auspicious Ashada Shukravara (Fridays in Ashada month) and the spectacular Dasara festival. To ensure a smoother darshan, I highly recommend purchasing the Special Entry Ticket (₹100) or the VIP Darshan Ticket (₹300) to bypass the longer general queue. Public transport via KSRTC buses is frequent, and ample (paid) parking is available. Remember to follow the modest dress code and note that the hill area is strictly a No Plastic Zone."

Sreedevi B

"Chamundeshwari Hill Temple in Mysuru is a must-visit landmark for its striking seven-tiered gopuram, panoramic city views, and powerful spiritual vibe.

The temple’s Dravidian architecture and ancient history, with the iconic Chamundi idol symbolizing the victory over Mahishasura, create a truly atmospheric setting. Clean premises, ample space, and easy access make the visit comfortable.

The massive Nandi statue on the 700 step is a highlight not to miss alongwith mahabaleshwar and narayana temple just behind chamundi temple.

You can sit on stairs behind Mahabaleshwar Temple to enjoy sunset"

Mahesh Kalpande

"One of the beautiful looking temples situated on the chamunda hills near mysore city. The place is easily accessible by private vehicles and public transport buses. Visitors need to walk from bus parking lot to the temple entrance but private vehicles can drop the visitors near the entrance. There’re plenty of pit stops for quick bites, souvenirs, and beverages. There’s space to take off footwear outside the temple but there’s a bit of walking inside the temple premises. Photography and videography is not permitted inside the temple. The weather is generally nice due to atop hill and the views are quite amazing as well."

Sagar Khurana