•The Mysore Palace, also known as Mysuru Palace, and called with names like Amba Vilas Palace, the Palace of Mysore, is a stunning landmark situated in the city of Mysore, Karnataka (a Southern state) in India.
The Mysore Palace was the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, the royal family of Mysore, for many years. The family still owns the palace but do not live in it. The Mysore Palace now serves as a museum and tourist attraction.
The Wodeyar dynasty first built the palace in the 14th century. However, it underwent several demolitions and reconstructions throughout history. The current structure, commissioned in 1897, was completed in 1912 and further expanded around 1940.
Mysore palace is now one of the most famous and visited tourist attractions in India after Taj Mahal.
Historical Facts:
Initial palace was build inside the Old Fort, in the 14th century.
The first palace was built of wood.
The Palace has been reconstructed multiple times, the current fort was built of stone, bricks and wood.
The current structure is also known as the New Fort.
Mysore Palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India, with more than 6 million annual visitors.
The Mysore Palace is a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture, a unique blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles.
The palace is a grand three-story structure and is adorned with marble domes, and intricate carvings, these are just a few examples of the palace's beautiful interior and exterior.
Although tourists are allowed to visit the palace, they are not allowed to take photographs inside the palace.
Price of admission for foreign tourists is 200 INR., and for Indians 20 INR. All visitors must remove their footwear to enter the palace.
Built & Dimentions:
There was an Old Palace, the Wooden Palace in place of the currnet palace, but the old wooden palace was burnt during the 1896 marriage event.
This tregedy led to than Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and his mother Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi, commissioned the British architect Henry Irwin to build a new palace.
• The construction cost was placed at Rs 41,47,913 (around $30 million adjusted to inflation) and was completed in 1912.
The palace was further expanded in around 1930 (including the addition of the present Public Durbar Hall wing)
• Although the construction was completed in 1912, the fort continued to be beautified and its inhabitants were slowly moved to the newer extensions built off the palace.
• The architectural style of domes of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic, with blends of the Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic styles.
It is a three-story stone structure with marble domes, and has a 145-foot five-story tower. The main complex is 245 Ft in length and also 156 Ft in width.
• The three-story stone building of a fine grey granite with deep pink marble domes has a facade with several expansive arches and two smaller ones flanking the central arch, which is supported by tall pillars.
• The palace houses two durbar halls (ceremonial meeting halls of the royal court) and incorporates an array of courtyards, gardens, and buildings.
Mysore is commonly described as the City of Palaces and there are seven palaces including this one, however, the term "Mysore Palace" specifically refers to one within the new fort.