The Palace of Mysore is one of India’s most iconic historical structures, located in the city of Mysore, in Karnataka. It is also the official residence and seat of the Wodeyars, the rulers of Mysore and the Royal Family of Mysore, who ruled the state from 1399 to 1950. The palace is renowned all over the world for its architectural splendour and a series of other structures within the main palace. The palace houses two large durbar halls and incorporates a mesmerizing and gigantic array of courtyards, gardens and buildings. Built by the Maharaja Rajarshi Krishnarajendra Wadiyar IV, Mysore Palace is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in India, after the Taj Mahal. Today, tourists from all over the world flock to the palace, and with a huge boom in hotels in Mysore, there is no dearth of options for visitors.
The architecture of the palace is staggering. It is described as Indo-Saracenic - blending Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic architectural elements. A three-storey structure, the Mysore Palace is imposing, with marble domes and a 145-foot tower. It is also surrounded by a sweeping garden, which is juxtaposed excellently against the magnificent architecture. The palace has three entry points, the East Gate, the South Entrance and the West Entrance, each of which is used for different occasions. Moreover, there are also a multitude of secret tunnels from the cellars, leading to other palaces and secret areas.
Mysore Palace is the venue for many special celebrations, including the famed Mysore Dasara Festival, which commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil in Hindu mythology. The festival has been celebrated since 1610, with a great deal of pomp. However, the scale of festivities has diminished now. To celebrate the festival, the Palace is decked out with over 90,000 lights for two months.
The best part about the Mysore Palace is the fact that it is easily accessible to many tourists who visit all through the year. With new hotels in Mysore popping up regularly, there is no shortage of options for tourists to enjoy a fun trip. There’s also something for every budget, with 5-star hotels in Mysore, as well as affordable homestays and inns. However, one thing is for sure – no hotels in Mysore could ever compete with the grandeur and splendour that the Mysore Palace so effortlessly exudes with its timeless architecture and style.
