Friday, May 18, 2007

Mysore Palace or the Maharajah's Palace Karnataka India

Mysore Palace or the Maharajah's Palace at nightMysore Palace or the Maharajah's Palace located in the heart of the city Mysore, southern India at Mirza Road, is the most attractive monument in Mysore. One of the largest palaces in the country, also known as Amba Vilas, was the residence of the Wodeyar Mahararaja's of the Mysore state. The original palace built of wood, got burnt down in 1897 and was rebuilt for the twenty fourth Wodeyar Raja in 1912. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style by the well-known British architect, Henry Irwin, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. A silhouette of the Mysore Palace illuminated with ninety seven thousand bulbs shimmering against an inky black night is one of the most enduring images of the city.

Mysore Palace or the Maharajah's PalaceA priceless national treasure and the pride of a kingdom, the Mysore Palace is the seat of the famed Wodeyar Maharajas of Mysore. An eclectic synthesis of architectural styles the palace is one of India’s most dramatic national monuments. Today it is a museum housing treasures from across the world reflecting the rich and colorful history of the erstwhile princely state of Mysore.


The Mysore Palace is open all days of the week, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The palace is illuminated on Sundays, national holidays and state festivals from 7:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. The palace is illuminated between 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. only during the Dasare festival.

If you would like to treat yourself to a private guided tour of the entire palace complex, Mysore Palace Board certified he tour guides can be found at entrance to the palace. The guides will steer you to the highlights of the Mysore Palace at a nominal fee.