Mysore Palace

In the center of the city of Mysore at Mirza Road stands in the former residence of the royal family of Mysore. The Mysore Palace is one of the chief Mysore tourists attractions and is a living exponent of the Indo Saracenic style of architecture. The palace was constructed in the year 1912 for the twenty fourth king of the Wodeyar dynasty. Designed by the British architect, Henry Irwin, the palace of Mysore is one of the biggest palaces of the country.

The palatial building is also reputed as the Amba Vilas. It was built after the former wooden palace was destroyed by fire in the year 1897. The three storied building of the palace stretches across a length of 245 feet and 156 feet in breadth. The avenue standing in front of the palace is covered with a dome that rises to a height of 145 feet and is decorated in gold. The main entrance of the palace is the royal elephant gate that is decorated with motifs and bears the royal symbol of the double headed eagle. A stroll down the Kalyana Mantapa or the pavilion for the royal marriages will reveal the stained glasses, chandeliers, glazed tiles and the iron pillars gathered from different parts of the world. The tourists may visit the Diwan-e-Aam and the Diwan-e Khas. A number of temples surround the palace complex.

The palace has now been converted into a museum that is a repository of the art and architecture of the Wodeyar dynasty. The museum is supervised by the Department of Archeology and Museums. The best time to visit the Mysore Palace is on the national holidays and the festive days when the palace is illuminated with lights in the evening. The palace remains open to the visitors from 6 A.M to 9 A.M in the morning and 3.30 P.M to 6.30 P.M in the evening.