Celebrate Dussehra In Royal Style: 5 Palace Destinations To Visit This October From Mysuru To Jodhpur

Falling on October 20 with Navratri beginning on October 11, India is set to witness one of its most anticipated celebrations, Dussehra. It’s the time when the lights are set up all across the country, only to be brought down after Christmas with Diwali falling in between. Cities would be bedecked like a newlywed bride and some more than the other where the Dussehra celebrations stand out particularly. For these stand-out Dussehra celebrations, you can look at cities such as Mysuru, Jaipur, Jodhpur and a couple of others. While plenty of cities burn an effigy and leave it there, a handful still have a royal household, a palace and an old ritual calendar behind the festival. If you plan on travelling this festive season, here is a list of the top cities you should visit along with one luxurious spot to stay in each to best enjoy the celebrations.

Palace Destinations To Visit This October

Mysuru

Karnataka marks Vijayadashami on October 21, a day after much of the country, and Dasara runs here from October 11. Why Mysuru comes first in this list is owed to the fact that it has the most glorious Dussehra celebration of all. The celebration opens ritualistically with an inauguration on Chamundi Hill. On the final day the Nandi Dhwaja puja comes first, then the Jamboo Savari, in which Goddess Chamundeshwari travels in a 750-kg golden howdah. The floral tribute is scheduled for 4.10–4.35pm. The procession runs from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap, where the banni tree is worshipped, and a ticketed torchlight parade follows that evening.
If you are planning on witnessing what is one of the most iconic Dussehra celebrations in the country, you can stay at Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. It's an opulent 20th-century heritage affair built in 1921 by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV to host the Viceroy of India. It is 5.8km from the centre and is equipped with all that comes under luxury of the royal nature.

Tariff: Deluxe room, Rs 4,922 plus Rs 285 taxes a night. October is its priciest month, averaging Rs 6,708 (Kayak).

 Jaipur

In itself synonymous with royalty, Jaipur’s City Palace hosts shastra puja, the worship of weapons, on Vijayadashami. The famous Padmanabh Singh of the former royal family was photographed performing it in 2019 which was all over the internet. Maha Navami, when tools and arms are traditionally worshipped, falls on Monday, October 19.

If you plan on witnessing the elaborate yet intimate Dussehra celebrations of Jaipur, you can opt to stay at Rambagh Palace on Bhawani Singh Road, run by Taj, with 78 rooms and suites, a pool and free parking. The ornate converted palace dating from 1835 is at a close proximity to Jaipur train station as well as the extensive Albert Hall Museum.

Tariff: Rooms, including Palace Room, range from Rs 45,000 to Rs 95,000  plus Rs 7,290 taxes a night.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur does the opposite of most cities. Mandore, the old Marwar capital, is held in local belief to be where Ravana married Mandodari. Dave-Godha Shrimali Brahmin families there regard him as an ancestor, and many skip the effigy burning and mourn instead. A small Ravana temple stands behind the Shiva temple, venerated by the Dave community.
At Jodhpur, you can choose to stay at the famous Umaid Bhawan Palace, completed in 1943 by a benevolent king to provide employment to his citizenry during a severe famine. It is still the royal family's principal residence. The Taj group manages 64 rooms and suites at the palace.

Tariff: Palace Room King, Rs 68,000 to over Rs 2,00,000  plus taxes.

Udaipur

Mewar follows the Suryavanshi custom of worshipping arms on Ashwin Shukla Dashami, after nine days of Shakti worship in Navratri. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar performs shastra poojan with the family's historic weapons, and the old Mewar Lancers' flags are included. The Maharana once rode out of Hathi Pol in procession to perform Shami Pujan.
While spending your days here as you observe the city traditions of Dussehra, you can stay at Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, inside the City Palace complex on Lake Pichola, with 65 rooms. One of the key highlights here, among others, is the magnificent Darbar Hall that has hosted major historical events and state gatherings.

Tariff: From Rs 22,000 to over Rs 1,00,000 plus taxes a night.

Kota

The Kota Dussehra Mela runs from October 20 to November 6, 2026 at the Dussehra Ground. It dates to 1723, under Maharao Durjanshal Singh Hada, when processions and the Darikhana began. The Darikhana was a royal gathering of thikanedars at the palace. On Vijayadashami a representative of the former royal family shoots an arrow at the Ravana effigy. More than a lakh people from Kota and nearby villages come to watch.

If you are out to witness the Kota-style Dussehra this year, Brijraj Bhawan Palace, built around 1830 as the British Political Agent's residence, on the Chambal, would be an ideal stay. It was built by the East India Company and during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857,  Major Charles Burton (the British resident) and his sons were tragically killed inside the building. The place features a limited number of spacious, high-ceilinged heritage rooms and suites that overlook the Chambal River.

Tariff: Palace Room (double), Rs 6,450 plus 5 per cent GST a night. Breakfast is Rs 750 plus 18 per cent GST.