Mysore Palace

Mysore, the celebrated city of Karnataka is known by many names like 'Cultural capital of Karnataka' and 'City of Palaces'. Heritage structures and convivial festivities make Mysore one of the most visited cities in South India. If we talk about its architectural legacy, people rightly call it 'City of Palaces'. With the invasion of multiple dynasties came its golden period of architectural evolution. The most prominent of all is Mysore Palace.

Also called Amba Vilas Palace, Mysore Palace used to be the royal residence of Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore. The constructed took place between 1897 and 1912, in the heart of the city overlooking Chamundi Hills to the east. History reveals that earlier there was an Old Fort which was accidentally burnt to ashes during Dasara festivities. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and his mother Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi then commissioned the British architect Lord Henry Irwin to build a new palace. Before the Mysore Palace completed in 1912, the royal family reposed in Jaganmohan Palace.

The grandiose encircled by a sprawling garden receives remarkable attention with its impressive size and structure. It is a wonderful Indo-Saracenic architecture, interweaving Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic styles. As you enter, the gate and arch exhibit emblem of the Kingdom of Mysore. Just around it is written the motto of the kingdom in Sanskrit. There are 3 entrances - East gate, South Entrance and West Entrance. The palace is also known to have surprising ingenious features like secret tunnels leading to Srirangapatna and other palaces. You will lose track of time with its interesting features. Stop for a while and notice the fine three-story stone structure with marble domes and a 145 ft. high five-story tower. The place complex houses two durbar halls with an array of courtyards, gardens and buildings. Every inch displays its cultural values in one or the other form like paintings, temples and more. In the evening, the palace illuminates with the twinkling decoration of nearly 10 thousand bulbs. You can’t resist but submit to its hypnotizing view lit up with lights.