Mysore Palace In Mysore
¤ About The Palace
 Located
in the heart of the city, Mysore Palace or the Maharajah's Palace is
one of the most splendid palaces in Mysore. The palace was the
residence of the Wodeyar Mahararaja's of the Mysore State, also known
as Amba Vilas.
This imposing, magnum opus is visited by hundreds of people from all
over the world daily. Initially the palace was chiseled out of wood
but was burnt down in 1897. Later in 1912 it was reconstructed by "Ranadheera
Kantheerava Narasaraja wodeyar". The masterpiece collections of
precious works of art and exquisite artifacts from all over the worlds
are the treasures of the palace, showcased in the palace museum. Other
attractions of the palace are Soundarya Vilasa, Naama Teertha and 11
canons, which are placed in the palace complex.
There is a small private palace built by Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja
Wodeyar, an ancestor of the Wodeyar rulers as well as a member of the
parliament who still resides in the palace.
¤ The Architectural Splendor
B. P. Raghavulu Naidu was the chief architect recruited for designing
the palace. He came out with marvelous palace layout with intricate
design patterns after undertaking elaborate study on architectural
eclat of Delhi, Chennai and many other places. The palace was
completed in 1912 costing about 4 million Rs.
¤ Main Attractions
On Sundays and all National holidays especially during Dasara
Navarathri Festival, contour of the Mysore Palace is illuminated with
ninety seven thousand bulbs twinkling against an ebony night. It is
one of the most enduring images of the city. Viewing the palace in
full lights at night is a feast for eyes and a life time experience.
Palace is also girdled with beautiful gardens an ideal location to
make a day with family and friends.
The Layout of the Palace
 The
palace is a three-storied complex about 245feet in length and 156 in
breadth. A gold-plated dome raised up to the height of 145 feet
nestles on a wide-open yard in the center of the palace. There are
also series of square towers with arches covered by domes. The main
gateway to the palace is 'Gombe Thotti' or the Doll's Pavilion. The
gate is bedecked with flowery designs, and bears the Mysore royal
symbol of a double headed eagle.
To the north of the gate are dolls, dating from the earlier
nineteenth and twentieth centuries, a triumphal wooden elephant. A
royal seat on top of the elephants is festooned with 84 kilogram of 24
carat gold and other souvenirs.
To the south, the magnificent 'Kalyana Mantapa' decorated by
multi-colored glass with peacock motifs compiled in geometrical
patterns and ravishing chandeliers is another breathing site. The
floor is laid with colorful translucent tiles brought from England in
elegant geometrical patterns and the walls of the palace, embellished
with most beautiful oil paintings depicting Dusshera celebrations of
the bygone royal era.
The fort housing the 'Diwan-I-am' Durbar Hall, 'Ambavilas' or
Diwan-e-khas used as a hall for private audience are beautifully
decorated with magnificently carved doors at the entrance. There are
twelve temples within the compound wall of palace, constructed in
typical Dravidian style including the Varashaswamy Temple.
The Palace Museum
The palace now has been converted into a museum under the
administration of the Department of Archaeology and Museums of the
Karnataka Government.
The museum houses the royal paintings and portraits of the rajas and
maharajas of Mysore. Royal jewelry and royal costumes, all are
displayed on the ground floor. There is also collection of arms and
weapons on the upper floor.
The museum also treasures the largest collection of gold items,
almost 200kg gold royal throne of the Wodeyars is displayed for public
viewing during the Dussera festival.
Timings: The Mysore Palace is open to visitors from 6 am to 9
am and from 3.30 PM to 6.30 PM every day. There is also a minimal
amount of entrance fees to the palace.
Highlight
Palace Illuminated on Sundays, National holidays and on festivals.
Timings : 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
¤ Best time to go
As such Mysore enjoys the pleasant weather but in summers the city
too become hot and humid. The best time to visit the city is during
Dussehra Festival in October. Dussehra also heralds the start of the
tourist season, which adds to its suitability as a time to visit the
city.
¤ Accessibility To The Palace
In Mysore, one can hire a cab for reaching the palace. It is quite
economical and convenient. Taxis are not metered and a quite a bit of
wrangle is requisite for price settlement. Auto-rickshaws work out for
short distances. Buses also runs on regular basis in and around the
city to all the major tourist destinations.
Major Circuits
Major Tour Packages To Maharashtra
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