The Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace and Mysore Aramane, is the pride of Karnataka. It is famous for its grandeur as well as its rich history and interesting tales. Today we will tell you about the stories hidden behind this majestic palace, after listening to which your view of Mysore Palace will change even more.
Table of Contents
Mysore Palace: History
It is believed that the story of Mysore Palace starts from the 14th century itself, when the kings of the Wadiyar dynasty of Mysore built a fort here. This fort was made of wood and had to be rebuilt due to several fires.
The Play of Fire: The End of the Old Palace
In the year 1793, the king of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, decided to demolish this wooden fort and establish a new city Nazarbad. After this, a new wooden palace was built in 1803. But unfortunately in 1897, during the wedding rituals, this palace also caught fire and it was burnt to ashes.
A Queen Mother’s Dream: Birth of the Present Palace
After the palace burned down in 1897, the Queen of Mysore, Maharani Kempenanjammani Ammani Vani Vilas Sahiba dreamed of building a new grand palace. She entrusted the design to the British-Indian architect Henry Irwin and the present palace of Mysore was completed in 1912.
The Buzz of Royal Parties
Historians believe that the Mysore Palace was not only the residence of the kings, but it also used to be their place of fun and frolic. It is said that the king used to invite guests to the Mysore Palace for parties. Here music was arranged on the banks of the lake and from inside the palace, the guests enjoyed the beautiful view outside.
Mysore Palace Architecture
Looking at the architecture of the Mysore Palace, one can understand that a beautiful blend of Indian and Western styles has been used in its construction. Made of pink marble and grey granite, this palace shines in the sunlight. Its ceilings, arches and pillars are reminiscent of Indian architecture, while the carvings above the arches show a glimpse of the Gothic style.
The Story of the Durbar Hall
The most attractive part inside the Mysore Palace is its Durbar Hall. This hall was used for the court (darbar darshan) of the kings. The walls here are decorated with beautiful artworks made of Belgian glass, which narrate the stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The ceiling of the Durbar Hall is decorated with magnificent Meenakari (Meenakari – the art of enamelling) and a magnificent chandelier hangs in the middle. It is said that there are so many bulbs in this chandelier that a separate power house had to be built to light them!
The Ground for Procession of Elephants
The huge ground in front of the Mysore Palace is called the Elephant Race Ground. In earlier times, a royal procession of elephants was taken out here on the festival of Dussehra. Today, even though the elephant race has stopped, this ground is a witness to how much dominance the kings once had here.
A Treasure Trove of Art: Paintings and Sculptures
The walls inside the Mysore Palace are decorated with unique paintings. In these paintings, you will see a glimpse of the South Indian art style. Along with this, you will also get to see statues of kings and queens in different rooms of the palace. These artworks not only enhance the beauty of the palace, but also contain the royal history of Mysore.
Things to See in Mysore Palace
If you go to visit Mysore Palace, first of all you should see Amba Vilas. This used to be the private residence of kings and queens. The rooms here are decorated with the furniture and decorations of that time. While roaming in the rooms, you can feel how the kings and queens used to live.
Durbar Hall: Experience Royal Grandeur
After Amba Vilas, you must visit Durbar Hall. This huge hall was used for the court (darbar) of the kings. The artworks made of Belgian glass on the walls here and the magnificent enameling on the ceiling will leave you speechless. It is said that there are so many bulbs in the chandelier of this hall that a separate power house had to be built to light them!
The Mysterious Underground Passage
There is also a mystery in Mysore Palace, that is the underground passage beneath it. It is said that this passage has been built since the time of the fort and its other end used to open out in the forest. However, due to security reasons, common people are not allowed to see this route today.
Golden Howdah: The Symbol of Dussehra
Mysore is also very famous for Dussehra. In the Durbar Hall, you will also get to see a golden howdah (royal seat made for sitting on the back of an elephant). This howdah is made of 80 kg gold and was used in the Dussehra procession.
Magic of Lights: Mysore Palace Illumination
If you reach Mysore Palace in the evening, you will get to see a special view. Every evening after sunset, the entire palace is illuminated with about 97 thousand bulbs. This view is really worth seeing. Mysore Sightseeing and Sightseeing Mysore
Mysore Palace Light and Sound Show
- Kannada:
- Monday to Wednesday – Time 7.00 PM to 8.00 PM & Saturday – Time 8.15 PM to 9.15 PM
- Entrance Ticket in Rs. Adults 100 & Children Rs 40 / Ticket.
- English:
- Thursday to Saturday – Time 7.00 PM to 8.00 PM
- Entrance Ticket in Rs. Adults 120 & Children Rs 50 / Ticket.
- Duration: 45 minutes
- No refund of tickets if the show is stopped in between due to rain or any other reasons
Mysore Palace Illumination and Dasara Celebration
How can we talk about the colourful streets of Mysore without mentioning the celebration of Dussehra? Dussehra (Durga Puja) of Mysore is a unique festival in itself, but the real magic begins when the Mysore Palace is bathed in lights every day during the nine days of Dussehra. Come, today we tell you the story of this festival of lights and the fun of Dussehra.
The Magical Palace of Lights
Every year on the festival of Dussehra, the Mysore Palace remains lit up for about ten days. About 97,000 small and big bulbs are decorated in such a way that the entire palace shines like Diwali. Arched windows, high towers, carved walls – everything looks beautiful bathed in light. People come from far and wide to see this sight. Sometimes it becomes so crowded that there is no space left to even put a foot on the road!
Children’s Joy and Hawkers’ Buzz
The atmosphere around Mysore Palace during Dussehra is also worth seeing. The streets are decorated with colorful lights and the noise of hawkers is heard everywhere. Children dance happily with colorful balloons and shining bangles. Some people get photographed wearing traditional Kannada dress. The entire atmosphere is full of celebration and joy.
Daytime Festivities and Nighttime Illumination
Many events are held during the day as well during Dussehra. A royal procession is taken out, which includes elephants, horses and camels. Some people perform traditional dances, while wrestling matches are also seen. This magic of lights starts as soon as the evening falls, which continues till late night.
The Story of Lights, But a Festival of Dussehra
These lights are not just for decorating the palace. They symbolize that good has won over evil. The story behind Dussehra is the same – Goddess Durga killed the ten-headed demon Ravana. So this festival of lights lasting for ten days reminds us of this festival of Dussehra.
So, if you are ever planning to visit South India, try to visit Mysore around Dussehra. Seeing the glitter of Mysore Palace and the fun of Dussehra will make your heart dance with joy.
- Timings:
- Sundays, public holidays, and during Dasara – 7:00 pm to 7:45 pm
- Weekdays – 7:40 pm to 7:45 pm
- Tickets: Not required
Attractions near Mysore Palace India
- Dodda Gadiyaara (260 m)
- Badsha Bazaar – the silk route (800 m)
- Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery And Auditorium (900 m)
- Devaraja Market (950 m)
- Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (1.5 km)
- Karanji Lake (2.3 km)
- Philomena Church (2.1 km)
- Mysore Railway Museum (3.5 km)
- Jayalakshmi Vilas Complex Museum (4.4 km)
Facilities at Mysore Palace India
- Free Wheel Chair Facility
- Free Stand for Footwear
- Hygenic Toilet Facility
- Drinking Water Facility
- Parking Facility
- Restaurants
Mysore Palace Information
| Location | Sayyaji Rao Road, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001 |
| Timings | 10:00 am to 5:30 pm; every day |
| Entry Fee | ₹ 100 for adults; ₹ 50 for kids above 7 years and below 12 years |
| Still and Video Cameras | Not allowed inside the palace |
| How to Reach | Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport and Kempegowda International AirportNearest Railway Station: Mysore Junction (2 km)Nearest Bus Station: KSRTC Bus Station |
| Places to Stay | Hotels in Mysore |
| Also Known as | Amba Vilas Palace, Mysuru Palace, Mysore Aramane |
| Year of Establishment | 1912 |
| Commissioned by | Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi and Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV |
| Architect | Henry Irwin |
| Architectural Style | Indo-Saracenic |
| Status | A palace managed by the Government of Karnataka and the official residence of the Wadiyar Dynasty |
| Cost of Construction | 41.47 lakhs (in 1912) |
| Dimensions (Main Complex) | 245 feet (length) x 156 feet (width) x 145 feet (height of the gold plated dome from the ground) |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February and during Dasara celebrations |