Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a historical palace and a royal residence. It is located in Mysore, Karnataka. It used to be the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore. It is a example of Indo - Saracenic style of architecture.

The palace has beautifully designed square towers at cardinal points, covered with domes. Mysore Palace was built in the year 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is counted amongst one of the biggest palaces in the country. The Palace has four entrances. Main entrance is called 'Jaya Maarthaanda' to the east, 'Jayarama' to the North, 'Balarama' to the South and 'Varaha' to the west.

Mysore Palace is renowned for its light & sound show and vibrant Dussehra celebrations. Mysore Palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India, after the Taj Mahal, with more than six million annual visitors.

Location: Located in the heart of Mysore, facing the Chamundi Hills eastward.

Architecture: Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, a fusion of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic architectural elements.

History: The current palace was constructed between 1897 and 1912 after the old palace was destroyed by fire.

Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Illumination: The palace is illuminated with nearly 100,000 bulbs on Sundays, Public Holidays, and during the Dasara celebrations from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Main Attractions: Durbar Hall, Kalyanamantapa (marriage pavilion), Golden Throne, Gombe Thotti (Dolls' Pavilion), and numerous temples within the complex.

Best Time to Visit: During the winter season, from October to March, for pleasant weather and sightseeing. Visiting during the Dasara festival (around October/November) is highly recommended for the vibrant festivities and the palace's stunning illumination.

Things to Keep in Mind:
Photography is not allowed inside the palace.
Visitors need to remove their shoes to enter the palace.
Audio information kits are available in multiple languages.

The last palace, now known as the Old Palace or the Wooden Palace, burned to ashes during the wedding of Jayalakshammani, the eldest daughter of Chamaraja Wodeyar in 1896. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and his mother Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi commissioned the British architect Henry Irwin to build a new palace. E.W. Fritchley worked as a consulting engineer. Meanwhile, the royal family stayed in the nearby Jaganmohan Palace. The construction cost was placed at Rs 41,47,913 and the palace was completed in 1912.

Entrance Fee:
The entrance fee to get into the palace grounds, is 120 rupees per adult, 50 rupees per child aged 7 to 18 years old, free for children younger than 7 years old and 1000 rupees for foreigners.

Light and Sound Show: A 45-minute show narrating the history of the Wadiyar dynasty is held daily except Sundays and government holidays.

Karnataka

Mysore Palace