About Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace or the Maharaja's Palace, situated in the centre of the city, is the major attraction in Mysore. Also Known as Amba Vilas, the massive palace was the official residence of the royal family of Mysore. The original palace made from wood, burnt down in 1897, and it was rebuilt in 1912 for the 24th Wodeyar King. The three storeyed monument, 245 feet in length and 156 in breadth has several square towers with arches covered by domes. The front portion of the palace is open and surrounded by a large garden. In the centre of the palace there is an open courtyard, which is covered by a 145 feet high gold-plated dome.

Architecture of Mysore Palace

India Karnataka Mysore maharaja s Palace at nightThe palace was designed in Indo-Saracenic style, by the renowned British architect, Henry Irwin. The architecture of the palace blends the Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles of architecture. The palace built of gray granite with deep pink marble domes, depicts the exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. The palace has seven big arches and two smaller ones, flanking the central arch, which is supported by high pillars. An attractive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the deity of wealth and elephants, lies above the central arch.

Exterior of the Mysore Palace

The entrance to the Mysore palace is through the 'Gombe Thotti' (Doll's Pavilion), which is a gallery of Indian and European sculpture and ceremonial items. The main entrance to the palace is through the elephant gate, situated halfway along the Gombe Thotti. The massive gate nicely decorated with floral images, has the royal symbol of Mysore, a double headed eagle. On the north side of gate, there are dolls dating back to early 19th and 20th centuries. In addition other attractions are a ceremonial wooden elephant howdah (carriage kept on the top of the elephants to carry royalty) and several other souvenirs.

The Interior of the Palace

Kalyan Mandapa The 'Kalyan Mandapa' or the royal marriage hall, has a grand central octagonal gabled roof. The walls are lined with detailed oil paintings, depicting the royal procession and Dussehra Festival of bygone royal era. The magnificent hall itself has chandeliers, covered with multi coloured stained glass, geometrically arranged in peacock motifs.

Diwan - I- Am (Public Darbar Hall) The spectacular room situated on the second floor, was used by the king for public audience. The hall has a beautiful ceiling, a glittering floor and several gold painted sculpture pillars. The wall paintings illustrating the eight manifestations of Goddess Shakti (strength) and scenes from the Epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The hall also houses original painting of the famous painter Raja Ravi Verma. The balcony of the offer the spectacular view of the Chamundi Hills.

Diwan-E-Khas (Private Audience Hall ) The Diwan-E-Khas or the hall for private audience, has intricately carved doors with inlay work. The column shaped hall has beautiful stained glass ceiling, supported by metallic bow shaped beams and bars. The walls and ceiling of the hall have blue, red and gold coloured painted designs.

Palace Museum Palace MuseumThe Department of Archeology and Museums of the Karnataka Government, has now converted the palace into a museum. The museum displays the items possessed by the Wodeyars, such as souvenirs, paintings, jewelery, royal costumes and other items. In addition the upper floor of the museum has a small collection of weapons, used by the members of the royal family. It is also said that the palace has the largest collection of gold items, according to the quantity.

The Temples Within the palace compound there are twelve temples, built in between the 14th century and 1953 A.D. Some of the temples are built in traditional Dravidian style of architecture, that includes the Varashaswamy Temple. Other temples are Someshvara Temple, dedicated to God Shiva and Laskhmiramana Temple, dedicated to god Vishnu.

Attractions near Mysore Palace

Jaganmohan Palace Situated to the west of Mysore palace, this palace was built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar the third. Just in front of the palace, there is a beautiful mandap, which was the venue of royal marria

Vasantha Mahal The massive palace built in 1842, is located close to Mysore palace. The palace sprawling over 36 acres is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The palace has a unique facing portions made of soft iron, earlier the palace was serving as a hotel, but now it is closed for visitors.

How To Reach

Air: The nearest airport is Bangalore airport (140 Kms), which is connected to all the major cities of the country.

Rail: Mysore has its own railway station, but Bangalore is the nearest major railhead, which is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad etc. The Kaveri Express and Shatabadi Express run every day between Mysore and Bangalore.

Road: Mysore is well-connected by road to rest of the country. Regular buses ply between Mysore and Bangalore.

Local Transport: For local transport Taxis, Tongas, Auto Rickshaws, Cycle Rickshaws are available.

Accommodation

Bodh Gaya has several hotels, which offer comfortable stay. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation runs three hotels - Siddhartha Vihar, Buddha Vihar and Sujata Vihar. The Indian Tourism development Corporation run Hotel Bodhgaya Ashok.