Amid the glittering IT world of Bangalore, a magnificent heritage is hidden – Bangalore Palace. This palace is not only a witness to history, but is also known for its architectural beauty and unique stories. So let us travel today in the corridors of this majestic palace, where history will tell us stories!
Table of Contents
Bangalore Palace: History
It is the year 1860. At that time, Bangalore was a beautiful cantonment. During that time, the Maharaja Chamarajaendra Wadiyar X got the idea of building a magnificent palace for the British to live in. But the Maharaja’s dream was not just to build a guest house, but he wanted a royal place that would tell the glory of the princely state of Bangalore.
Inspired by England, Touched by India
The responsibility of building the palace was given to John Cameron, who was also the creator of the beautiful gardens of Lalbagh. John Sahib was very impressed with England, so he built the palace in the English Tudor style. But at the same time, they did not forget to include the beauty of Indian architecture. That is why, in the palace you will get to see high towers, arches and carved windows.
Untold Stories of Queens
Many stories are hidden behind the walls of Bangalore Palace. Here the queens used to decorate the royal court, entertain the royal guests and teach their children the tricks of governance. It is said that in one part of the palace, there was a living arrangement for the queens, where they used to meet each other and share their joys and sorrows. Today, even though those queens do not live here, their stories keep the charm of this palace intact.
Past Glory, Present Delights
Bangalore Palace is now a museum, where you can see things, photographs and weapons related to the royal family. Also, after visiting here, you can also enjoy delicious food by going to the wonderful restaurant built inside the palace. Imagine the delicious food you can enjoy while sitting in a royal atmosphere!
Bangalore Palace Information
| Location | Vasanth Nagar |
| Timings | 10:00 am to 5:30 pm |
| Entry Fee | ₹ 230 for Indians; ₹ 460 for foreigners |
| Still Camera | ₹ 685 |
| Video Camera | ₹ 1,485 |
| Mobile Camera | ₹ 285 |
| Nearest Metro Station | Sampige Road (on Green Line); Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, and Sir M Visveshwarya (on Purple Line) |
| Year of Establishment | 1874 |
| Commissioned by | Wadiyar Dynasty |
| Architectural Style | Tudor Revival style |
| Status | A palace under the ownership of the Mysore Royal Family |
Bangalore Palace Architecture
The Bangalore Palace is standing with history in the glittering streets of Bangalore. This palace is not only a symbol of royal splendor, but is also a confluence of art and craft of two countries. Today we will take you on a tour of this confluence, where the luxurious style of England touched the land of India!
English Salute, Indian Aadaab
It was the year 1860, when the idea of building a grand palace in the environment of Bangalore came up. Since the British had a lot of dominance in those times, Maharaja Chamarajaendra Wadiyar X decided to build the palace in the English Tudor style. In this style, high pointed towers, wide verandahs and beautiful arches are made. This is why this palace looks like an English palace when seen from a distance.
But the story does not end here
Instead of copying England, the Maharaja wanted this palace to also become the identity of the princely state of Karnataka. So he ordered to add a tadka of Indian architecture to the English style. That is why, if you look carefully, you will find that Indian artworks are made on the walls of the palace. The jaali work on the windows and the carvings of elephants and horses on the doors, all this is the wonder of Indian craftsmanship.
Two Worlds Under One Roof ( Bangalore Palace Sightseeing )
Actually, Bangalore Palace is such a confluence, where you can feel the grandeur of England and the elegance of India together. You can imagine what the atmosphere would have been like inside this palace. From outside it would look like an English fort, but as soon as the guests go inside, they would feel like Indian guests. In the courts, there would probably be conversations in both English and Kannada languages.
A Legacy of the Past, A Sight for Today
Today this grand palace has been converted into a museum. By coming here, you can see things related to the royal family and admire the artworks of that era. But the special thing about the palace is that the beauty of its architectural style still attracts people. Coming here not only gives information about history, but also a unique view of the union of England and India is seen.
Things to See in the Bangalore Palace Complex
- Palace interiors, including the Durbar Hall and the Ballroom
- The Palace Grounds, sprawling open area
- Fun World, an amusement park situated within the Palace Grounds
Lesser Known Facts about Bangalore Palace
You must have heard a lot about the grandeur of Bangalore Palace. But do you know that some unique secrets are also hidden in this majestic palace? So let us reveal those secrets today, where history will tell us the stories of the personal life of the kings!
The King’s Weight Was Always a Question!
It is said that kings were also worried about their fitness. But in Bangalore Palace, you will get to see a sofa, which will definitely shock you. This sofa looks very common, but its specialty is that it used to tell the weight of the person sitting on it! Yes, you read it right! A special machine was installed in this sofa, which used to tell the weight of the king immediately. Imagine, how royally the king must have checked his weight!
The King and His Love for Hunting
While visiting Bangalore Palace, you may find it a bit strange to know this, but King Chamarajaendra Wadiyar was very fond of hunting. Yes, hunting was also included in the royal hobbies in those times. That is why, in one part of the palace, you will find their hunting trophies. Deer heads, tiger skins, all these are signs of that hobby. Although hunting is illegal in today’s era, but these trophies tell us a lot about the life of the kings of that time.
The Mystery of the Padded Elephant
If you look carefully, an elephant’s head is decorated at the main entrance of the palace. But this is not an ordinary elephant’s head, but it is made of real elephant leather. It is said that this elephant was very ferocious and had troubled many people. Eventually, it was hunted on the king’s orders. Then the king ordered that the elephant’s skin be stuffed and decorated at the palace gate, so that it becomes a warning for others in the future.
Stories Peeking Through the Windows of History
These were just some of the unique secrets of the Bangalore Palace. There is some story hidden on every wall, in every corner of this grand palace. By coming here, you can not only learn about the splendor of the kings, but can also find out a lot about their lifestyle and hobbies.
Top Attractions Near Bangalore Palace
- National Gallery of Modern Art (1.9 km)
- Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium (2 km)
- Mary’s Basilica (2.8 km)
- Vidhana Soudha (2.8 km)
- Sankey Tank (2.8 km)
- Cubbon Park (3.4 km))
- Ulsoor Lake (4 km)
- Commercial Street (4 km)
- Venkatappa Art Gallery (4.6 km)
- Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (4.7 km)
- Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens (7.3 km)
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace (7.7 km)