Constructed in the style of Indo-Saracenic architecture, the magnificent Mysore Palace, known as Amba Vilas, was the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the throne of the Kingdom of Mysore. Its exquisite interiors, with carved mahogany ceilings, stained glass, gilded pillars, and glazed tiles, exude royalty and grandeur. The place lit with 97,000 lights, transforms into a glorious spectacle at dusk on Sundays and public holidays. It is also one of India’s few tourist places that have introduced braille guides for visually challenged tourists. That makes it one of India’s top three Prime Attractions, right after the Taj Mahal, on every traveller’s bucket list. Read the blog to learn more exciting facts about Mysore Palace.
About Mysore Palace
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One of India’s largest palaces is the Mysore Palace, known as the Amba Vilas Palace and the Mysore Aramane. Situated in the southern state of Karnataka, it was the official residence of the Wodeyar Dynasty, the rulers of Mysore from 1399 to 1950. The place is in the centre of the city of Mysore, fronting eastward at Chamundi Hills. Mysore is also called the ‘City of the Palaces’, which means there are seven palaces, including this one. However, Mysore Palace refers mainly to the one within the new fort. The site where the present palace was called Mysuru. The first palace inside the Old Fort was built in the 14th century, set ablaze, and reconstructed multiple times. The Old Fort was made of wood and quickly caught fire, whereas the current fort was made of stones, bricks, and wood. The building was constructed between 1897 and 1912 after burning the Old Palace. It is also known as New Fort. This Palace is known to be one of India’s most famous tourist spots, the second after the Taj Mahal, with over three million visitors annually as of 2014.
Besides being noted for its grandeur, the Palace also contains some important temples. The Sri Lakshmi Ramana Swami Temple is the oldest in Mysore. Other important ones include the Kodi Bhairava Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Sri Shweta Varahaswamy Temple, which reflects Hoysala architecture. The Sri Trinayaneshvara Swami Temple, lying outside the palace earlier, now forms a part of it. Prominent among them are the Sri Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple (1829), built by Krishnaraja Wadiyar III to perpetuate the memory of the dynasty, and the Kille Venkataramana Swamy Temple, related to the Wodeyars’ prosperity. Added to this are the Sri Bhuvaneshwari Temple (1951) and the Sri Gayatri Temple (1953), both built by Sri Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar to increase the spiritual and historical importance of the place.
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Mysore Palace History
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The palace was laid way back in the 14th century by the Wadiyars, the royal family of Mysore. According to legend, Yaduraya Wodeyar, the king of the Mysore Palace, built a palace in Puragiri, otherwise known as the Old Fort, during his reign. The place, believed to be the forerunner of the present palace, has been demolished and rebuilt several times during six centuries. The place, originally a wooden fortress, had been hit by lightning in 1638 before being reconstructed under the reign of Kantirava Narasa Raja Wodeyar. In 1793 AD, on assuming the Wodeyar Dynasty, Tipu Sultan demolished and rebuilt the palace. Almost immediately after the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III succeeded to the palace and redesigned it in the Hindu style of architecture.
Sadly, in 1897, this palace turned into ashes during Princess Jayalakshmmanni’s marriage. However, later, Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi and her son considered rebuilding it. This remodelling work was handed over to a British architect named Henry Irwin, who constructed this palace in 1912 and spent more than 41 lakh rupees alone. Further extensions and a block of the Public Durbar Hall wing were added to the palace in the 1930s during the reign of Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar.
Architecture Of Mysore Palace
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Mysore Palace is an Indo-Saracenic building, a fusion of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic styles with a dominating style, the Mysore Palace. This three-storied palace and a 145-foot five-storied tower were built using fine grey granite, while deep pink marble was used for the domes. The exterior of this marvellous structure is further enriched by the existence of two durbar halls, several arches, canopies, columns, and bay windows. There is also a sprawling green garden surrounding this palace.
These interiors are luxuriously designed with carved doors, stained glass ceilings, glittering glazed flooring tiles, grand Czechoslovakian chandeliers, and works of art worldwide. Every palace room is stunningly luxurious and quite an appealing sight. Above the central arch is a divine sculpture of Gajalakshmi with two elephants. Besides these three entrances on the east, south, and west sides, many secret tunnels are erected within the palace. There is also a temple group within the palace grounds, built sometime between the 14th and 20th centuries.
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Timings And Entrance Fees
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Visitors can enter the Palace from three entrances: the Varaha and Amba Vilas Entrance in the South and the Jayarama Balarama Entrance in the North.
The Mysore Palace is open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and tickets cost around Rs 100/head for adults and Rs 50/head for Children above ten and below 18.
Mysore Palace Light And Sound Show
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The light and sound show conducted in the evenings in the palace is said to be one of the prime attractions of Mysore Palace, India. The show attractively represents the 600 years of cultural heritage, history, and tradition of the Wodeyar Dynasty. Please check the availability of the show and the times and tickets for the Mysore Palace.
| Language | Kannada | Light Show in English |
| Days | Monday to Wednesday: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:15 PM to 9:15 PM |
Thursday to Saturday – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
| Sai Vishram Business Hotel | 4.5 | INR 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Duration | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Entry Ticket Price for Adults | Rs 100 | Rs 120 |
| Entry Ticket Price for Children | Rs 40 | Rs 40 |
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How To Reach
Image Credit: By Soumya Ranjan on Pexels
Travellers who want access to this palace can opt for various modes of transport.
By Air: The nearest airport is Mandakalli Airport, and alternatively, one can use Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, which is about 170 km away. After reaching the airport, one can take a cab or taxi service to Mysore city. Depending on the traffic conditions, one can reach the city within a feasible time frame of 3 to 4 hours.
By Road: Besides, direct bus routes from Bangalore bus terminal to Mysore will help travellers reach their preferred destination without worrying about connecting the bus en route. This could be attained either by an airport shuttle bus or taxi.
By Rail: In addition, rail travellers can take connecting trains running from different cities of India that terminate at its principal railway station, the famous Mysore Junction. One can take a cab or taxi to reach the palace.
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Mysore Palace is the fusion of India’s glorious royal heritage and architectural excellence. The imposing structure in the Indo-Saracenic style, with its luxuriant interior and kaleidoscopic history, has made it ever so charming to tourists worldwide. Nevertheless, it continues to enjoy the enviable distinction of being the illustrious emblem of their heritage and a critical Cultural Icon. Abode of dazzling brilliance and an evergreen historical value, Mysore Palace is one of the destinations for its magnificent view of erstwhile kingly greatness in India. So, plan a trip to Mysore and visit Mysore Palace.
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Cover Image Credit: Muhammad Mahdi Karim for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Mysore Palace
Is Mysore Palace lit every night?
Why is Mysore Palace so famous?
Mysore Palace is renowned for its stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture, rich history, and opulent interiors. It symbolizes the Wadiyar dynasty's legacy and is a major tourist attraction due to its historical significance and architectural beauty.
Who owns Mysore Palace now?
Mysore Palace is owned by the Wadiyar family, who ruled Mysore. However, it is maintained and administered by the Mysore Palace Board, a government body responsible for its conservation and public access.
Which king built Mysore Palace?
The current Mysore Palace was commissioned by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV in 1897. It replaced an earlier palace that was destroyed by fire, and the new palace was completed in 1912.
Does the royal family still live in Mysore Palace?
The royal family does not reside in Mysore Palace, which is primarily a museum and tourist attraction. However, members of the Wadiyar family occasionally visit and use the palace for ceremonial purposes.
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