Mysore Palace
Mysore, India
- Explore the palace architecture
- Stroll through the palace gardens
- Visit the residential museum
- Witness the light and sound show
Known for:
Description:
Mysore Palace, officially known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a historical palace and the royal residence at Mysore, Karnataka, India. It is the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore. The palace is in the centre of Mysore, facing the Chamundi Hills eastward. Mysore is commonly described as the 'City of Palaces', and there are seven palaces including this one; however, 'Mysore Palace' refers specifically to this building. The palace is a major tourist destination and is lit up on Sundays and public holidays. The new palace was built between 1897 and 1912, after the old wooden one was destroyed by fire. It is a three-storied stone structure with marble domes and a 145-foot five-storied tower. The palace is surrounded by a large garden.
History:
The original Mysore Palace was built by Yaduraya in the 14th century. It was demolished and reconstructed multiple times. The current structure was built after the old palace was gutted by fire during the 1897 Dasara festivities. Construction of the present palace was overseen by the British architect Henry Irwin and completed in 1912. The architectural style is predominantly Indo-Saracenic, incorporating elements of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles. The palace houses a number of durbar halls, including the Ambavilasa, the Kalyana Mantapa, and the Gombe Thotta (Doll's Pavilion). It also has a collection of weapons, paintings, and sculptures. The palace is illuminated with nearly 100,000 light bulbs on Sundays and during festivals like Dasara, attracting thousands of visitors.