Location : Mysore,
Karnataka
Major Attractions : Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas
Best time to Visit : September - October
About Mysore Palace
The
Maharaja's Palace situated at Mirza Road in Mysore is one of the most
attractive monuments in the state of Karnataka. Also known as Amba Vilas,
the present structure was built in 1912 by the fourth Wodeyar king after the
original structure made of wood got burnt down in a major fire in 1897. The
opulent palace designed by British architect Henry Erwin is a treasure trove
of rare artifacts and exquisite work of art brought here from around the
world.
The huge structure is a three storeyed building measuring over 240 feet in
length and 150 feet wide with a number of square towers covered with
intricately carved domes. Entry to the outside complex is through the Gombe
Thotti, a gallery consisting of a collection of Indian and European
sculptures while the Elephant Gate leads to the centre of the palace.
Towards the north of this beautifully decorated gate is a wooden elephant
decorated with over 80 kilograms of pure gold while the southern end houses
the Kalyana Mandapa or marriage pavilion adorned with stained glass motifs
and large chandeliers brought in from Czechoslovakia. Wrought iron pillars
from Scotland and beautiful tiles from England are other things of tourist
interest. The walls are lined with murals and oil paintings portraying
festival celebrations from ancient India.
The second floor of the palace houses the
Diwan-e-Aam or the house of public audience, which is a 150 feet long hall
adorned with an intricately carved ceiling and numerous sculpted pillars
believed to have been painted with gold. Murals done by the well known
painter Raja Ravi Verma can be seen on the walls while the balcony of the
hall offers a splendid view of the lush Chamundi Hills. Towards the south on
the same floor lies the Diwan-e-Khas or the hall of private audience. The
ceiling of the hall is decorated in a colorful hue of blue, red and gold.
The mammoth walls of the palace houses twelve temples inside, built in
typical Dravidian style of architecture with intricate carvings and large
gopurams which later became an integral part of all such architectural
masterpieces. The temples are still used by devotees to offer prayers on
special occasions. Some portions of the palace have now been converted into
a museum with such rare items on display as the personal belongings of the
Wodeyars, gold and silver jewellery and other articles of tourist interest.
The palace adorns a special flavour during the festival of Dussehra held
each year during the month of September or October when the entire structure
is illuminated by large bulbs. The gold throne of the Wodeyars weighing over
200 kilograms is also displayed on the occasion.
Stay At
Mysore houses a number of good quality hotels which offer comfortable
accommodation and hygienic food. Some of the best staying options at Mysore
are Hotel Lalitha Mahal Palace (five star), Quality Inn Southern Star (four
star), Kaynes Hotel (three star), Ramashree Comforts (three star), The
Viceroy (three star), Hotel Metropole (two star) and Mysore Dasaprakash (one
star).
Getting There
By Air : Bangalore, situated at a distance of 130 km from
Mysore is the nearest airport, which is well connected to other major cities
in India through regular flights. Indian Airlines operates several flights
daily between Delhi and Bangalore.
By Rail : Mysore has its own railway station located at a
short distance from the city centre. The city is well connected to other
major cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Kochi, Chennai and
Hyderabad through regular trains. Daily trains between Mysore and Bangalore
are the Kaveri Express and Shatabdi Express.
By Road : State transport buses run regularly between
Mysore and other major cities in Karnataka as well as Kerala. Another option
is to hire a taxi from any of the neighbouring cities.
Important Information for Visitors
- The palace is illuminated on Sundays, national holidays and festivals
from 7 PM to 9 PM.
- The palace remains open everyday from 6 AM to 9AM and 3:30 PM to 6:30
PM.
