MYSORE PALACE

The Maharajah's Palace is a magnificent three-storied structure with a five-storey tower designed by the English architect Henry Irwin, built out of local material. The colourful Dasara procession starts from the precincts of the Palace. The famous Mysore Palace also known as the Amba Villas Palace is one of the largest palaces in the country. The palace was originally built of wood, which got burnt down in 1897 and was rebuilt in 1912. Henry Irwin, the architect of the Viceregal Lodge at Shimla, designed the Mysore Palace. It is a healthy combination of Dravidian, Indo-Sarcenic, Oriental and Roman styles. Presently it is managed by the Department of Archaeology and Museums of the Government of Karnataka.
The palace is now converted into a museum that treasures the souvenirs, paintings, jewellery, royal costumes and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodeyars. It is attractive both inside and outside. It's a kaleidoscope of stained glass, mirrors; there are also beautiful carved wooden doors and mosaic floors, as well as a whole series of mediocre. The tastefully decorated and intricately carved doors open into luxuriously decorated rooms. The ground floor with an enclosed courtyard displays costumes, musical instruments, children's toys and numerous portraits. The upper floor has a small collection of weapons. The beautifully carved mahogany ceilings, solid silver doors, white marble floors and superb columned Durbar Hall are a fest to the eyes. The palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Exquisitely carved doors open into stunningly luxurious rooms. The front of the palace has an open balcony supported by massive circular columns. The frontal open space, which is wide and the open quadrangle in the middle of the building, provides natural air conditioning. Arrangements to keep the various parts of the building cool, is contemplated. The Palace is open to all. The 750 Kg golden throne is displayed during the Dasara festival. The Royal portrait gallery, which is of historical importance, is a visual treat to the visitors. This three storeyed structure has beautifully designed square towers at various cardinal points covered by domes, some of them of ochre colour. Many varieties of stones like granite, gneiss and trap of dark grey and ochre colours have been used. Craftsmen from Jaipur and Agra along with local workers were engaged for crafting them. The marriage pavilion or the Kalyana Mantapa with a centre octagonal gabled roof, covered by stained glasses, is to the south of the building. The flooring of this magnificent Kalyana Mantapa has artistic geometrical patterns created by using glittering glazed tiles imported from England. The building has gorgeous chandeliers of Czechoslovakian make. The royal throne with captivating artwork on its gold plates is displayed during the Dasara festival. The Maharajas of Mysore used to sit on the golden throne and hold durbars in the Palace Durbar Hall. The ancestry of the valuable inheritance is traced to the period of Pandavas, the epic heroes of Mahabharata. On the second floor is the Diwan-I-am Durbar Hall 155 ft. long and 42 ft. broad. The paintings of eight manifestations of Goddess Shakthi (strength) and an original painting of the renowned painter Raja Ravi Verma are displayed here. On the same floor to the south is the Ambavilas, Diwan-e-khas that has beautiful doors at the entrance with inlay work. It even has a selection of Hindu temples within the palace walls including the Varashaswamy Temple with a gopuram that set the pattern for the later Sri Chamundeswari Temple on Chamundi Hill. The palace is spectacularly illuminated by 96,000 odd bulbs on all Sunday evenings, and during the festive season of Dasara.
Location:
Situated in the heart of the city and about 10 minutes walk from the city bus stand.