The most beautiful and majestic edifice in Karnataka is Mysore Palace. Indo-Saracenic architecture attracts millions of tourists every year. The former palace of the Royal family of Mysore is also known as Amba Vilas Palace.

This palace is a salient contributor to the state’s nickname, the city of palaces. But all the seven palaces have a unique charm of their own, with some projecting a Moorish architectural style.

The 24th ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty is responsible for the construction of Mysore Maharaja Palace in 1912. The mastermind behind the orchestration of this structure was Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV.

Mahatma Gandhiji gave him the title, “Rajarishi” (saintly monarch). The recent expansion was due to the efforts of Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, the son of Rajarishi.

The blend of Hindu, Rajput, Muslim, and Gothic styles is a tiny example of unity in diversity in India. As per record, this is the second most visited monument after Taj Mahal in India. Mysore Palace is famous for its theatrical Dussehra celebrations, light shows, and sound shows.

Specialty:

The palace was the residence of the Royal Wadiyar family from 1350 to 1950 (600 years).

The major restoration began in 1897 under the order of Krishna Rajendra Wadiyar IV.

A British architect Lord Henry Irwin was responsible for the restoration process.

There is a combination of Neoclassic and Gothic style with Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture.

The stone palace with the marble dome has a 145 feet five-storey tower.

Dolls of different eras and a wooden elephant ornamented with gold is a beautiful sight to see near the entrance.

There are secret tunnels connecting Srirangapatna and other hidden zones.

Maharajas of Mysore were ardent devotees of Goddess Chamundeshwari. So, the palace is built in a way to face the Chamundi Hills.

Private meetings with ministers were held in Private Hall (Ambavilasa) while public gatherings in the Durbar Hall.

The wedding hall is full of intricate kaleidoscopic art with glazed tile floorings and glass ceilings.

The 7.00 pm to 7.45 pm light and sound show happens every day except on Sundays and public holidays.

Nearest Tourist Attractions:

Brindavan Gardens: The timeless luscious gardens, the rhythmic musical fountains, and photographic scenes throughout the garden makes it a must-visit spot. (20 km away)

Somanathapura Temple: The temple is more than 800 years old and a must-see place for Vaishnavas (Lord Vishnu Devotees). (33.1 km away)

Mysore Zoo: Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden is bliss for animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. (1.3 km away)

Chamundeshwari Temple: Devotees pray the fierce form of Sakthi, Goddess Durga here. She is a panacea to her ardent believers.

Jaganmohan Palace: Visit this palace to observe the exquisite arts of different time periods. Witness the glory of Mysore, Shantinikethan, and Mughal artforms. (1.1 km away)

Activites:

Best Time to Visit:

During Dussehra Festival, Mysore Palace gets the maximum attention. Winter is the best time to visit this edifice. The 10 days long festival falls in late September or early October. The parade of the elephants is the best part of the festival. The royal sword or “Pattada Katti” taken during the procession is an irresistible scene you can't afford to miss in this lifetime. The whole city will be into the galore of events. A golden hue is spread surrounding the palace complex. Summer from March-June carries cheaper prices for hotels while the Monsoon months from July to August is a good time to visit too. Winter temperature can go as low as 15 degrees Celcius while Monsoon ranges from 20-29-degree Celcius. Summer temperature ranges from 20-33 degrees Celcius.

Address:

Sayyaji Rao Rd, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001.

Way to Reach:

 By Air -  The city has a domestic airport (10.1 km away) connecting to Chennai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. The International Airport is in Bangalore (181.7 km away) for overseas travel.

 By Rail -  The three railway lines connect the city to Hassan, Bangalore, and Chamarajanagar. The Mysore Railway Station (1.8 km away) is in the core of the city making it easier for travelers to connect with every major Indian city.

By Road: Mysore Palace is the heart of the city. It is approximately 140 km Southwest of Bangalore, the highway rides are a beautiful warm up before sightseeing. Within 3-4 hours both of the cities in Karnataka gets connected. The Karnataka Road Transport Corporation takes good care in maintaining the vehicles and connects almost all tourist destinations.

Must-try Local Commute: Tonga was once the main mode of commuting in many parts of India. While most of the cities have lost it to urbanization, the old model of horse carriage rides like that of the Victorian Era is still afresh in Mysore. Try this for a soulful experience and listen to the stories the rider orates about the city.