Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace in Mysore (celebrated internationally as the Amba Vilas Palace, one of the world's most opulent, visited, and architecturally dazzling royal residences after the Taj Mahal, commissioned in 1897 by Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhana and completed in 1912 by Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV), located at the grand central nexus of Mysore in Karnataka, stands as the main attraction of Indian royal heritage.

Designed by legendary British consulting architect Henry Irwin in the grand Indo Saracenic architectural style (masterfully blending Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic engineering traditions with three storied fine grey granite stone facades, deep pink marble domes, and a soaring 145 foot central five story tower capped with a gilded dome), this royal citadel has served as the official seat of the Wadiyar dynasty who ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1950.

It's the home of the world famous Durbar Hall (Diwan i-Khas) featuring stained glass ceilings, sculpted golden pillars, and Belgian crystal chandeliers, the grand Kalyana Mantapa (Octagonal Marriage Pavilion) covered by a radiant peacock themed stained glass dome imported from Glasgow, Scotland, the legendary 200 kg pure Gold Throne (Chinnada Simhasana) assembled exclusively during the 10 day Mysuru Dasara festival, the spectacular Sunday and holiday evening illuminations when exactly 97,000 incandescent light bulbs ignite simultaneously across the entire palace facade, the royal armory museum housing over 700 historic weapons (including swords used by Tipu Sultan), twelve ancient Hindu temples within the fortified palace walls dating from the 14th century, and an intensely regal, striking royal atmosphere where centuries of Wadiyar majesty and Dasara grandeur enchant over six million travelers each year.

It represents a rich 600 year-old Wadiyar royal court legacy, Indo Saracenic architectural mastery, and Dasara pageantry where 97,000 illumination bulbs, golden thrones, stained glass domes, and royal armories unite in Mysore Palace.

Located on Sayyaji Rao Road in central Mysore, it sits just 1.5 km south of Mysore Junction Railway Station (MYS), 1 km from Central Bus Stand, 11 km from Mysuru Airport (MYQ), and 145 km from Bengaluru, easily accessible on foot, by auto rickshaw, city bus, or taxi with multi level tourist parking near Varaha Gate.

1912 Indo Saracenic Masterpiece & Henry Irwin Design

Built at a cost of ?4.1 million after the old wooden palace burned down during a royal wedding in 1897, the structure was constructed with fireproof materials including granite, iron, and marble.

The palace layout comprises ceremonial courtyards, private royal chambers, sprawling open air gardens, and a grand entrance archway decorated with the royal Mysore crest (Gandabherunda).

Truth is, standing beneath the peacock stained glass dome of the Kalyana Mantapa while sunlight streams through the Scottish glass is an unforgettable experience.

97,000 Bulb Illumination & Golden Throne

97,000 Incandescent Bulbs: On Sunday evenings and public holidays, the entire exterior is illuminated for 45 minutes using nearly 100,000 glowing bulbs maintained by full time electricians.

Golden Throne: Displayed publicly only during Dasara, this ancient bejeweled throne of the Pandavas is assembled following strict Vedic rituals inside the Durbar Hall.

Mysuru Dasara Procession & Regional Circuit

Dasara Jambu Savari: The palace is the starting point for the royal Vijayadashami elephant procession carrying the golden howdah of Goddess Chamundeshwari.

Mysore Tourism Hub: Mysore Palace pairs smoothly with Chamundi Hills (11 km), Mysore Zoo (2 km), St. Philomena's Church (2.5 km), Karanji Lake, and Brindavan Gardens (20 km).

After exploring the royal halls of Mysore Palace, climb sacred Chamundi Hills, visit the famous Mysore Zoo, or watch the musical fountains at Brindavan Gardens.