Mysore is a city of palaces, but the most magnificent of them all is the Mysore Palace sometimes known as the Main Palace as well. Mysore palace is one of the most famous tourist attraction in Karnataka. This historically famous palace also has many interesting facts about its. Though this palace was incepted in the 14th century, but due to natural calamities it was reconstructed and restored in 1638. however, due to negligence it dilapidated and was demolished in 1793 and a new palace was built which too came down in the year 1897 due to fire. Work again started and the structure that we found today was constructed in the year 1912. this palace has always been ruled by the Woodeyar dynasty.
Built In : 14th Century
Architecture : Indo Sarcenic Style (Mix of Hindu, Islamic and Gothic Style)
Major Attractions : Unique Carved Rooms, Doll's Gallery
Best Time to Visit : October (During Dussehra Festival)
Architecture : Indo Sarcenic Style (Mix of Hindu, Islamic and Gothic Style)
Major Attractions : Unique Carved Rooms, Doll's Gallery
Best Time to Visit : October (During Dussehra Festival)
This palace marks the Indo Saracenic style of architecture and has a blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. This is a three story palace attraction that has marble domes and a 145 ft five storied tower. Designed by Henry Irwin, the grey and pink marble domes is worth watching. Above the central arch is an impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck, and abundance with her elephants.
The best time to visit Mysore Palace is during the months of October when the annual Dussehra festival when the religious fervency encapsulates every brick of the mansion. During this festival, the royal throne of the Woodeyar kings is also displayed. To celebrate this festival the Palace of Mysore is illuminated with more than 10,000 lights during that month. Leading maestros perform musical performances in the ground of the palace.
Mysore palace is one of the largest palace in the country. Having various rooms that are nonpareil in construction, there are many events that too make this palace a unique attraction. The hall for the private (Diwan-e-khas) is the most spectacular room. Enter through the opulent doorway that is made of caved rosewood. The central knave of the hall has ornately gilded columns, stained glass ceilings, decorative steel grills, and chandeliers with fine floral motifs, mirrored in the pietra dura mosaic floor embellished with semi-precious stones. Then there is the Doll's pavillion (Gombe Thotti), that is a gallery of traditional dolls. The Kalyana Mantapa (Marriage Hall) is a grand room of whom the entire structure was wrought in Glasgow, Scotland. The palace also houses 12 Hindu temples.
The Palace is illuminated on Sundays, national holidays and state festivals between 7.00 pm and 8.00 pm and every Saturday 07:30 pm to 08:00 pm and during the Dasara festivities from 7 pm to 9 pm. You can hire a Mysore Palace Board certified guide for a nominal fee and he will take you on a guided tour of the whole Palace.
