Mysore palace is one of India’s most royal and enormous palaces. This Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, was the residential place of the Wadiyar Dynasty.
Palace is located in the core of Mysore, in southern India. I visited this affluent place; trust me, its gloriousness blew me. The architect of this Palace was something that convinced me to lose in its beauty. And after that, I visited the Palace several times, almost every year.
My visit to Mysore Palace:
I entered the Palace, and the beauty of this Palace mesmerized me. Many paintings, souvenirs, jewelry, costumes, etc., are in the Palace. All these things are proofs of our kings’ royal yet traditional life. I wanted to capture each and everything I saw inside the Palace. Unfortunately, Inside the palace Gallery, a camera is not allowed.
The Mysore Palace is a magnificent sight to behold, with the Chamundi Hills on its eastern side. After the Taj Mahal, it is the historical place that both domestic and foreign tourists visit the most. Mysore Palace is housed inside the Old Fort and is famed for its vibrant and traditional Dasara celebrations and light and sound show.
Some of the key specialties of the Mysore Palace include:
- History and Heritage: The Mysore Palace has a rich history that dates back over a century and is an important symbol of the city’s cultural heritage.
- Stunning Architecture: The palace is a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture and blends Hindu, Islamic, Gothic, and Rajput styles. The palace features a large central dome, towers, arches, intricate carvings, and sculptures.
- Royal Splendor: The palace interior is decorated with exquisite paintings, ornate wood carvings, and elegant chandeliers, providing a glimpse into the life of royalty.
- Illumination: The palace is lit up every evening and provides a spectacular view of the illuminated palace, a treat for the eyes.
- Cultural and Religious Events: The Mysore Palace is the venue for several cultural and religious events, such as the Mysore Dasara Festival, a grand celebration held annually in the city.
- Museum: The palace also houses a museum that showcases the rich history, culture, and heritage of Mysore and its royal family.
Inside Mysore palace
Every single thing of Mysore Palace was delightfully designed. Earlier it was a ruling palace and residence of the Wadiyar family. But now it has been converted into a museum.
The first thing you will get to see is the royal gate. A total of 3 entrance gates are built for Mysore Palace. The Eastern Gate (open during Dasaraonly), the second or South gate ( for casual entry), and the West gate.
This most intricately carved door opens the way to decorated rooms. It is a three-story building. You will see the displayed costumes, musical instruments, and children’s toys on the first floor.
This Palace is plenty of dreadful craving walls, Gold and silver gates, and beautiful marble. Another iconic thing is also present in the Palace, which is the royal gallery. You will feel like a Royal king while walking in this gallery. We suggest hiring a guide to get a deep knowledge of this Palace.
The Royal artifacts inside the Palace:
It houses a collection of art treasures, including paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Venkatappa Nayaka from the Vijayanagar period. Some of the attraction points inside Mysore Palace are as below,
The Golden Howdah, or the Golden Ambari of 750 Kg – the carrier carried by the elephant during the renowned Mysore Dasara’s Jamboo Savari. During Dasara celebrations, it is the centre of attention.
The Gombe Thotti or Doll’s Pavilion, a collection of traditional dolls and a hall with an octagonal shape and a stained glass ceiling, is called the Kalyana Mantap or Marriage Pavilion.
Ambavilasa, a gorgeously built hall that the Maharajas used for their private audience, was located next to Public Durbar Hall, a vast hall from which they used to address the public.
The brass gate, Elephant Gate or Ane Bagilu, serves as the Palace’s principal entrance.
Portrait Gallery is a collection of priceless pictures and paintings of the Royal Family, including paintings of the Dasara Procession, which is a procession of royal artefacts.
Golden Throne – Chinnada Simhasana
The golden throne – Chinnada Simhasana – Ratna Simhasana -is the Maharaja’s elephant seat composed of 85 kg of Gold, 280 Kg in total. The royal throne of this Palace, the Golden Throne, is also known as “Chinnada Simhasana” or “Ratna Simhasana.”
Mysore Palace India: History
The royal family of Mysore, the Wodeyars or Wadiyars, built the Palace’s foundation centuries ago.
A palace in Puragiri, also known as the Old Fort, is said to have been constructed during the time of Yaduraya Wodeyar, the first king of the Mysore Kingdom.
Over six centuries, this Palace, considered the forerunner of the present Palace, has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The Palace was originally a wooden fortress that was rebuilt during the rule of Kantirava Narasa Raja Wodeyar after being hit by lightning in 1638. When Tipu Sultan took over control of the Wodeyar Dynasty in 1793 A.D., he destroyed the Palace and rebuilt it. After Tipu Sultan died in 1799, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III took control of the Palace and renovated it in the Hindu architectural style.
Sadly, the Palace caught on fire and got burnt during the marriage ceremony of Princess JayaLakshmanni, the eldest daughter of Chamaraja Wudeyar. Later, it was built in 1912 by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, also known as Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wodeyar, with a slightly different style. The Palace was designed by British architect Henry Irwin and has been described as “one of the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture.” The total cost of revamping the Palace was 41 Lakhs Indian Rupees in 1912.
People of Karnataka call this palace “Mysuru Aramane.” This Palace was made by Hindus, Muslims, and Rajput workers, so the styles of all cultures are seen in this Palace.
Mysore Palace Today:
The Royal Family of Mysore has donated the Mysore Palace to the Government of Karnataka, which the Karnataka Government currently maintains. It is open to the public but requires a guided tour to appreciate its beauty.
Mysore Palace Timing:
Mysore Palace’s timings for visitors are 10.00 am to 5.30 pm, and it is open every day of the week. Safety blockers are installed at the entrance, and officials will check thoroughly before entering the Palace.
Mysore Palace Entry fees:
Adult: 100/
Children between 10-18 years: 50/
Children below 10 years: Free of cost
It probably takes 2-3 hours to cover the Palace with the most highlighted places.
Online tickets can also be purchased without any issues.
Mysore Palace Illumination Timings
Illumination occurs every Sunday, on national or local holidays, from 7.00 pm to 7.45 pm.
Mysore palace light show and sound show
A light show occurs in the Mysore Palace every day except for Sundays, national holidays, and state holidays. It is a show of 45 minutes and 15 minutes for illumination at the show’s end.
Please note: Tickets purchased once cannot be refunded if the show stops in between due to rain or other things.
English Narration Light Show Fees:
Thursday to Saturday: 7.00 to 9.00 pm
Charges are:
Adult: Rs. 120/
Kids of 10-18 years: Rs. 50/
Kids under 10 years of age: free of cost
Kannada Narration Light Show Fees:
Monday to Wednesday: 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Saturday: 8.15 pm to 9.15 pm
Adults: Rs. 100/
Kids of 10-18 years: Rs. 50/
Kids under 10 years of age: free of cost
The famous Mysore Dasara Procession:
The Nadahabba of the Indian state of Karnataka is Mysore Dasara. It lasts ten days, with the first day being Vijayadashami and the last nine nights being Navaratri. Every year, the Nadahabba is celebrated, marking the win of good over evil Shakthi, during September/October of the Hindu calendar. Current year, 2022, Dasara procession dates are from Monday, 26 September to Wednesday, 5 October.
Dasara celebration, also known as Vijaya Dashmi, is celebrated at the grand level in Mysore. The whole Palace is lighted up with golden touch. This festival lasts for 10 days. Many parades, matches, and musical shows occur during Dasara’s celebration.
During the Dasara Celebration, Mysore Palace became the attraction point for tourists. Yearly, Mysore witnesses over 2.5 lakh people during the Dasara celebration.
Best time to Visit Mysore Palace:
The best time to visit Mysore Palace is between November to February. You can enjoy sightseeing as the Mysore weather is enjoyable during this time, with the calm and mild sun. Also, Dasara time marks the best time to visit Mysore if you want to witness the royal Dasara celebration at Mysore.
How to reach Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace is located in the centre of Mysore, one of the most significant towns in Karnataka. So it is easy to reach Mysore Palace, as Mysore has excellent bus connectivity from nearby cities. You can book a cab or hire an auto from the city bus top to the palace gate at an affordable fare( as low as 30 Rs).
You can also opt for the train journey if you are in Banglore. It will take around 3 hours to reach Mysore, and the train runs daily between Mysore and Bangalore. Every option is available there, and getting Mysore will not be challenging. You can stay at the hotels of Mysore near the Mysore Palace.
Places to Visit in Mysore:
There are many famous and heritage places to visit in and around Mysore. Some of them are,
- Chamundi Hills and Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
- Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
- Brindavan Gardens or KRS Dam
- St Philomena’s Cathedral church
- Jaganmohan Art Gallery
- Karanji Kere
- Mysore Rail Museum
The Mysore Palace is a historical heritage site and a museum. It houses the rich and diverse history of the Wadiyar dynasty, including their contributions to Indian culture. The Palace remains essential for locals and tourists because it showcases our rich heritage in Karnataka state. We hope you enjoyed learning as much about this beautiful colonial building as we did!
