Mysore Palace – Introduction
After the Taj Mahal, the Mysore Palace is the most popular tourist destination in India. Located at the heart of Mysore city, this wonderful attraction attracts thousands & even millions of tourists throughout the year round.
Housed within the old fort, the Mysore palace faces the Chamunda Hills in the east and stands as the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. Mysore Palace, or else called Mysore Maharaja Palace, is one of the most visited monuments in India. It is one of the largest palaces in the country where not only Indians but also people from other nations visit every year.
This magnificent building is a substitution for the old wooden building, which was destroyed by fire in the late 19th century. It displays an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Built by Maharaja Krishnarajendra Wadiyar IV, this majestic building comprises two durbar halls, a number of colossal courtyards, buildings, and beautiful gardens that speak volumes of the grandiosity of the Wadiyars.
Mysore Palace Attractions & Events
The seat of the Wodeyar Maharajas of the Mysore kingdom stands as one of the most precious possessions of the globe. The famous palace has been converted into a museum. The beautifully ornamented/ dubbed with finely engraved doors lead to splendidly beautified rooms. Exquisitely columned Durbar Hall, fine mahogany, silver solid doors, walls, and ceilings & other embellishments of the palace make every traveler spellbound.
This gives an idea of the luxurious lifestyle of the royal people. The royal palace includes souvenirs, weapons used by the Wodeyars, superb wall paintings, royal dresses & outfits of royal people, musical instruments, etc.
*Battery-operated vehicles have been introduced to facilitate more tourists to this wonderful destination.
Mysore Palace Timings
Open on all seven days of the week between 10 am to 6 pm.
* Photography is not allowed inside the palace.
Mysore Palace Entry Fees
Adults – Rs 40
Kids – Free
Children (7-10 years) – Rs 20
Foreigners – Rs 200
NOTE: Tickets for the palace are sold at the southern gate.
Bollywood Connection
Starring Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini, two popular songs (Mere Naina and Gori Tori Paijaniya) of the hit Bollywood movie, Mehbooba, were shot at the Mysore Palace.
Sound & Light show
The sound and light show is organized on a wide scale here. Every weekend (Monday to Saturday) except Sundays, state festivals & national holidays, the sizzling light show is organized from 7-7:40 pm.
More about the Palace History
From as early as the 14th century, it is widely believed that a Mysore Palace was established as a part of a wooden fortress by the royal family of Mysore, the Wodeyars. In 1638 the palace was struck by lightning and was re-constructed by Kantirava Narasa Raja Wodeyar, who extended the existing structures & added new pavilions to this beautiful palace.
The magnificent palace got drowned the kingdom into a period of political instability after the death of Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar in the 18th century. During those hard restless times, the Mysore Palace was dropped into a state of destruction in 1793 by the son of Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan.
The last palace, now known as the Old Palace or the Wooden Palace, was burned down in a fire in 1897, Then, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV hired the British architect Henry Irwin, to build the grandiose building that stands today which was fully completed in 1912.
How to reach there
Located in the heart of Mysore city, people can easily visit the majestic destination through the following means:
By Air: The nearest airport is Bangalore International Airport about 170 km away from the city.
By Road: One can take a bus service that runs from Kempegowda Bus Station in Majestic (near the Bangalore railway junction) or can also drive on their own.
By Rail: The closest rail station is Bangalore City railway station from where the distance of the palace is not so far that one can be reached very easily without spending much time.
