Mysore Palace

Location:

Mysore Palace or the Maharajah's Palace located in the heart of the city at Mirza Road, about one km from the bus Stand, about 3 kms from city railway station. It is the most attractive monument in Mysore. History unfolded:One of the largest palaces in the country, also known as Amba Vilas, was the residence of the Wodeyar Mahararaja's of the Mysore state. The original palace built of wood, got burnt down in 1897 and was rebuilt for the twenty fourth Wodeyar Raja in 1912. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style by the well-known British architect, Henry Irwin, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.

Architecture:

The architecture of the palace boasts of the Indo-Saracenic style with arches and colonnades. The royal structure is an aesthetic blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The three storeyed building, 245 feet in length and 156 in breadth has a series of square towers with arches covered by domes. Spread across the palace are a series of galleries which contain a vast and impressive array of memorabilia- from huge paintings to imposing sculptures, weaponry to old costumes and jewellery. On Sundays, government holidays and festivals, the entire palace is illuminated with all of 50,000 light bulbs- a spectacle which is truly magnificent. The entry to the palace is through the Gombe Thotti or the Doll's Pavilion, a gallery of Indian and European sculpture and ceremonial objects. The Kalyan Mandapa or the royal wedding hall, are lined with elaborately detailed oil paintings, illustrating the great Mysore Dussehra Festival of 1930.