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At night, the bright gold lighting makes the Mysore Palace shine like a diamond! In the morning, its red coloured domes and the sprawling campus comes into the picture. Without visiting this amazing architecture, a tour in Mysore is incomplete. Here are some interesting facts about Mysore Palace which will make your jaw-drop!
The Main Entrance of Mysore Palace
Photo Courtesy: Evan Lovely
Fact #1:
The Wooden Palace
When the Wodeyars took over Mysore in the 14th century, they built a Wooden Palace inside the Old Fort. This original palace underwent renovation several times.
Old Palace
Photo Courtesy: Unknown
Fact #2:
Burnt Palace
The Wooden Palace is said to have got burnt during the time of the wedding of the Princess Jayalakshammanni. It is only in 1897 that a plan was commissioned to build a new palace.
Fact #3:
15 Years of Hard Work
A plan for constructing an exotic palace was commissioned by the Maharaja Krishnarajendra Wodeyar IV to the British Architect Henry Irving. It took 15 long years to finish the architecture. Finally, the grand Mysore Palace was complete in 1912.
Mysore Palace Shining With Lights
Photo Courtesy: Muhammad Mahdi Karim
Fact #4:
Most Visited
The Mysore Palace gets more than 6 million visitors every year. It is one of the most visited tourist places in India.
The Facade of Mysore Palace
Photo Courtesy: Debashis pradhan
Fact #5:
Potpourri of Styles
The Mysore Palace has an amalgamation of architectural styles. Guess, that is why it's called unique. The main Indo-Saracenic architecture has a blend of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput and Gothic Styles.
Fact #6:
The Extravaganza of Dasara
The age-old tradition of Dasara festival is celebrated in the Mysore Palace even to this day. Mysore Dasara is one of the famous festivals which even attracts the global audience to Karnataka.
Mysore Palace is the venue for the Mysore Dasara
Photo Courtesy: Jim Ankan Deka
Fact #7:
Museum in Palace
After the Indian Independence, the Royal Family had to shift to another palace. So, the Mysore Palace was turned into a museum. Museum holds the artefacts, pictures, royal clothing, etc. of the Wodeyars.
Varahaswamy Temple in Mysore Palace premises
Photo Courtesy: Dineshkannambadi
Fact #8:
Palace With 14 Temples
Before Kings used to build temples inside the fort or palace premises. Likewise, there are 14 temples inside the Mysore Palace, do not miss to see them during your visit
Fact #9:
Golden Ambari
Earlier, the Maharajas sat on the Golden Ambari (Palanquin) which was carried by an elephant during the Dasara procession. Now Goddess Durga's idol is placed in this Ambari at the time of Dasara festivities.
Interior view of the Mysore Palace
Photo Courtesy: Harsh
Haven't you visited the Mysore Palace yet? Then, it is high time that you explore one of the beautiful architectures in Mysore. The sprawling courtyards, gardens surrounding this exotic five-storeyed architecture is a visual treat. The ornate interiors and structure portray its grandeur.
Mysore is 160km from Bengaluru. It is well connected to other major cities in South India. It's a great place to hang-out during weekends.
Note: Palace will be closed for the public from June 24 - June 30 2016 on the account of Royal Wedding.
- By Bus: Every day several buses go to Mysore from Bangalore.
- By Train: Mysore Railway Station is also connected to all major cities.
- By Air: Bengaluru International Airport is the nearest airport to Mysore.
- Cabs, autos and buses are available in the Mysore city to reach the Mysore Palace.
