Mysore Palace is a Maharaja palace located in the heart if the city which is authorized residence of the royal family of Mysore and also known as Amba Vilas Palace. It attracts large number of tourist every year and is one of the most visited attractions in India by domestic and international visitors. Photography is prohibited inside the palace and there are entry fees of INR 20 for Indian tourist and INR 200 for foreign tourist. Palace was originally built with mud and wood when Tippu Sultan’s was dead but it was burnt down in fire during weeding of the daughter of the maharaja. Palace was reconstructed in 1912 with the cost of about Rs 41 lakhs with the help of English architect Henry Irwin. Current architecture of the palace is Indo-Saracenic style and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. Palace is built from stone and dome with marble and has 145 feet storied tower. Palace is surrounded by large gardens and about 97,000 bulbs were used to decorate whole palace.
Mysore Palace is the treasure of priceless national pride of a kingdom; the Mysore Maharaja Palace is home to the famed Wodeyar Maharaja of Mysore. The palace is now a treasure of memories of the museum, paintings, jewelry, royal costumes and other items that were once owned by the Wodeyar. It is a kaleidoscope of stained glass and mirrors. Tastefully decorated doors and open finely carved decoration of luxury. On the ground floor with an enclosed courtyard displays of costumes, musical instruments, children's toys and numerous portraits. The upper floor has a small collection of weapons. The beautifully carved mahogany ceilings, solid silver doors, white marble floors and columns magnificent Durbar Hall is a feast for the eyes. The palace is a treasure trove of exquisite carvings and works of art from around the world. The carved doors open on the surprisingly luxurious rooms.
The front view of the palace has an open balcony supported by massive circular columns. The Royal Portrait Gallery, which is of historic importance, is a visual feast for visitors. This three-story structure is beautifully designed square towers at various points of the compass covered by domes. The artisans of Jaipur and Agra with the local workers were employed in their craft. The flag of marriage or Kalyana Mantap gabled roof with a central octagonal, covered with colored glass, is that the southern part of the building. The floor of this beautiful Kalyana Mantap has artistic geometric patterns created with glittering glazed tiles imported from England. The building has beautiful chandeliers from Czechoslovakia to do.
Mysore Palace is also famous for Dasara celebration associated with victory of good over evil. Mysore also has relations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century. During the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendour. Mysore palace is very famous for illuminations display as there more than 90,000 bulbs were used to lighten up the whole palace. Lighting is enabled only on Sundays, State Holidays and National Holidays between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and during the Dasara festival between 7:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M.
India Holiday is all about experiencing Indian values, traditions and variety in culture.
