The Mysore Palace, officially known as Mysuru Palace and Amba Vilas Palace, is one of the most magnificent and largest palaces in India. It is a historical palace and the royal residence (house) at Mysore in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore. The palace is in the centre of Mysore, and faces the Chamundi Hills eastward. Mysore is commonly described as the ‘City of Palaces’, and there are seven palaces including this one; however, ‘Mysore Palace’ refers specifically to this one within the Old fort.
Constructed in Indo-Saracenic style, the magnificent Mysuru Palace also known as Amba Vilas is the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysuru. Its exquisite interiors – replete with carved mahogany ceilings, stained glass, gilded pillars and glazed tiles – epitomizes royalty and grandeur. The palace, illuminated with 97,000 lights, turns into a glorious spectacle at dusk on Sundays and public holidays. It is arguably the most visited palace in India.
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History Of Mysore Palace:
The Wodeyars whose roots trace back to Dv?rak?, Gujarat’s Yadava community came to Karnataka and settled in Mysore getting enthralled by its natural beauty. Starting with Yaduraya Wodeyar who founded the Wodeyar dynasty in 1399, the Yadavas ruled the area for around six centuries. He was first to build a palace within Mysore’s Old Fort in the 14th century, but that was dismantled and built several times later. Immediately after the death of Tipu Sultan in May 1799, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III made Mysore his capital and eventually came under the control of the British. The spelling of the royal name of the dynasty was changed to Wadiyar from Wodeyar by his successors.
Mysore Palace was built in the early 14th century by the royal family of Wodeyars. Mysuru palace was originally built in wood and was destroyed once by lightning (in 1638 AD), once by Tipu Sultan (in 1739 AD) and once again by fire in 1897 AD. Current Mysuru Palace is the fourth reconstruction, completed in 1912 and designed by British architect, Henry Irwin. In 1912 the construction of the palace was completed at a cost of Rs. 4147913. It was expanded in 1940 under the rule of last Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar.
Architecture:
One of the most eminent features of the palace is its mix of styles when it comes to its architecture. Mysore Palace borrows heavily from the Indo-Saracenic and then blends in elements from the gothic, Rajput and Muslim styles. This is mostly because of the ample no of times the palace has been renovated and restructured. A three-storied structure, the palace borrows from the Islamic style of architecture which reflects in its deep pink domes. The Mysore palace does a fantastic job of integrating India’s cultural richness in its design.
A three-storied structure, the palace borrows from the Islamic style of architecture which reflects in its deep pink domes. The Mysore palace does a fantastic job of integrating India’s cultural richness in its design.
The architect of the famed heritage was Henry Irwin who primarily covered the palace with seven expansive arches. The central arc has an exquisitely sculpted image of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The palace is a kaleidoscope of painted glass and mirrors that capture the beauty of the various paintings hung around the palace and reflect them across the hallways and corridors. Also, exotic mahogany gates and doors with intricate carvings along walls and chandeliers of Czechoslovakian make for a perfect visual treat.
Timings :
10:00 am to 5:30 pm; every day
How to Reach:
By Road:
Bengaluru – 140 km. KSRTC and private operators have regular services to all important parts of the state and country.
By Rail:
Mysuru is well connected to Bengaluru, Chennai and other towns with numerous passenger and express trains. The city’s only 3 hours away from Bengaluru.
By Air:
Mysuru Airport – 10 km, Bengaluru – 140 km. KSRTC runs Flybus airport service to Mysuru from Bengaluru Airport