The parking lot at the Mysuru Palace was filled with vehicles due to the year-end surge in tourists. | Photo credit: MA SRIRAM
Known to be an all-season destination, the city witnesses a surge in tourists at the end of the year.
Most hotels have reported occupancy percentages and bookings by December 28, and hoteliers expect a last-minute rush from December 28 to 31, like every year, to fill available accommodation due to sustained demand.
C. Narayana Gowda, president of the Mysuru Hotel Owners Association, said that all hotels and available accommodation within a radius of 4 km from the city center are fully booked till December 28.
”Furthermore, about 70 percent of the rooms are also booked for the period from December 28 to 31 and we expect a last-minute rush to close the bookings for the remaining rooms as well,” he added.
There are nearly 430 properties in Mysuru representing 10,500 rooms for tourists ranging from the budget category to those looking for accommodation in the luxury segment.
Almost 50 percent of the tourists come from different parts of the state, while the rest come from states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharasthra, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
Stakeholders point out that had it not been for the suspension of wildlife safaris in Bandipur and Nagarahole, the hotels would have reported 100% occupancy as early as December 15. Karnataka has banned wildlife safaris in all tiger reserves and sanctuaries following a spate of tiger attacks that led to the death of three farmers in and around Bandipur in November this year. This was attributed to habitat degradation caused by anthropogenic pressure, and the safari was therefore suspended as an ad hoc measure.
“But many tourists visit the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu – which is just a few minutes’ drive from Bandipur – and where safari operations have not been affected,” Mr Gowda said.
Tourism is one of the major economic drivers of Mysuru and is expected to generate nearly 80,000 to 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. The city is also a base for tourists who choose to explore other destinations including Wayanad in Kerala, Ooty in Tamil Nadu, etc. The neighboring district of Kodagu is also a major destination that attracts tourists who visit Mysuru.
The city receives nearly 3.5 to 4 million tourists each year according to a conservative estimate and is based on tickets sold at the palace. It is assumed that no first-time visitor will skip the palace or include it in the itinerary.
But the tourism sector in the region – which also includes Srirangapatana, Somanathpur, Nanjangud etc. – is largely fueled by domestic travellers. There are concerns that international tourists make up less than 2 to 3 percent of the annual visitor numbers, while nothing is being done to improve this segment of tourists whose spending habits can further boost the sector’s fortunes.
Published – 26 Dec 2025 20:44 IST
