The palace is Mysore’s centerpiece — ornate rooms, paintings and royal history. Visit during daytime (typically open ~10:00–17:30) to see interiors and museum.
A pleasant late-afternoon spot for lakeside strolls, the butterfly park and birdwatching; good for a relaxed hour (park roughly open till ~17:30–18:00).
Drive (~45–60 min) to Brindavan Gardens for the evening musical fountain shows; arrive early to get good viewing spots — shows typically start in the early evening (check exact show times, often around 7:00 and 7:45).
One of India’s older and well-laid-out zoos; plan 2–3 hours for animal enclosures and the park (open roughly 8:30–17:30, closed days vary — Jan 25 is fine).
On Sundays and public holidays the palace is illuminated in the evening (lights usually from ~19:00), a must-see — arrive early to view the façade and get photos.
If you must prioritize: keep Mysore Palace (day + illumination) and Chamundi Hill; consider skipping Mysore Zoo (time-consuming) and Karanji Lake if pressed for time.
Leave Mysore early (2.5–3 hours by car) to reach Lalbagh before the biggest crowds for the Jan 26 flower show; you can also take an early bus/train — plan transit time carefully.
Main reason to be in Bengaluru — the Lalbagh flower show features themed displays in the Glass House; expect large crowds and security checks on Jan 26, arrive early to avoid queues (special show hours on Republic Day — usually open early till evening).
If you have time and are not pressed to return immediately, pick one short visit: Bangalore Palace (architectural photos) or Cubbon Park for a quick walk (both can take 45–90 min).
Bengaluru → Rajahmundry is a long trip by road (10+ hours); strongly recommend an evening flight or overnight train from Bengaluru to Rajahmundry (book in advance to avoid delays after the flower show).