India is known for its historical forts and palaces, some of which have managed to create a distinct identity in tourism due to their grandeur. One such palace is in Mysore whose beauty and grandeur are a sight to behold both during the day and at night. Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a historic building located in the city of Mysore in the state of Karnataka, India. During the day, in the sunlight, you can see the amazing view of its red colored dome and the huge complex. At night, the decoration of Mysore Palace with colorful lights makes it shine like a diamond. This palace is much more liked by the people than other tourist places located in Karnataka. Today in this episode we are going to tell you about interesting information related to Mysore Palace.
History of Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace has a rich history having been built by the Wadiyar dynasty in the 14th century. In the year 1638, the palace was badly damaged due to lightning falling from the sky, it was renovated by the rulers there. In 1793, the Wadiyar king was ousted from power in Mysore by Hyder Ali's son Tipu Sultan, during whose rule the palace was adapted to the Muslim architectural style. When Tipu Sultan died in 1799, Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, a five-year-old prince of the Wadiyar dynasty, was installed on the throne, after which he rebuilt the palace in the Hindu architectural style, which was completed by 1803. In 1897, during the marriage ceremony of Princess Jayalakshmani, this palace caught fire due to which the entire palace was ruined. For the reconstruction of which Queen Kempa Nanjamani Devi appointed the famous British architect Henry Irwin. Henry Irwin started building the palace in 1897 and after about 15 years, it was completely built and handed over to the Queen in 1912.
Structure of Mysore Palace
The architectural style of the domes in Mysore Palace is Indo-Saracenic with a blend of Hindu, Rajput, Mughal, and Gothic styles. This three-story building of Mysore Fort has a marble dome and a 145 feet high stone structure. The fort is surrounded by a magnificent garden. In the structure of the palace, the length of the main complex is estimated at 245 feet and the width is 156 feet. The palace has three gates – the East Gate, South Entrance, and West Entrance. There are many important tunnels inside the Mysore Palace. Apart from this, the idol of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune is also situated.
The dome located at the upper part of this palace is made of pinkish-gray stone. The dome of a big fort built inside this palace is decorated with gold sheets. In this Mysore Palace, there are separate rooms for the kings to live and separate rooms for the common man. The first rays of morning falling on the palace enhance its beauty. A collection of many mythological dolls can also be seen in a part of this Mysore Palace. At present, there are approximately 97000 bulbs installed in this entire Mysore Palace, which enhances the beauty of this palace with its light.
Earlier this palace was made of wood
The way this palace appears in its present form, it was not the same as in its original form. Earlier this palace was completely made of wood. It is believed that this palace was burnt down during the marriage of Princess Jayalakshmi in 1897. It is believed that at that time Darasa Utsav was being celebrated in Mysore.
There are 12 temples built inside the palace
There are some 12 temples built in this Royal Palace and one temple is more than 14th century old. Prominent among them are Kodi Bharravaswamy Temple, White Varahaswamy Temple, and Trinayashwara Swamy Temple. The architecture of these temples also attracts a lot.
Second most visited palace in India
Mysore Palace is also known as Amba Vilas Palace. It is the second most visited palace in the country after the Taj Mahal. Except for the time of lockdown due to Corona infection, there is an influx of tourists throughout the year to see this grand historical building. Especially during Dasara celebrations, the enthusiasm of the tourists here is palpable.
The best time to visit Mysore Palace
If you are thinking of visiting Mysore Palace, then you should go here during Dussehra. Because Dussehra is celebrated with great pomp here. The good time to visit here is from October and March. Apart from this, if you want to see the beauty of Mysore Palace, then you should come here in the evening, you will see this palace in a different form. It is open daily for visitors and its timing is from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Its illumination time is from 7 pm to 7:45 pm.
How to reach Mysore Palace
By Air: The nearest airport to Mysore is New Bengaluru International Airport, which is located at a distance of about 170 kilometers from the Palace.
By Train: If you have chosen train to visit Mysore Palace. So let us tell you that Mysore city is well connected to all the major railway stations of India through rail route. Mysore Railway Station is located at a distance of about 2 kilometers from the city center.
By car or cab: If you go to Mysore from Bangalore by car or cab, it takes only 3 hours. If you want, you can take the bus, train, or taxi from Bangalore. If you want to drive yourself from Bangalore to Mysore, then take Mysore Road i.e. SH 17 route. Apart from this, you can also take the route of Kanakpura Road (NH 209).
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