Amba Vilas Palace, Mysore

There are several palaces at Mysore and most famous among them is Amba Vilas Palace. It is popularly known as Mysore Palace. When in city people never fail to visit this prominent tourist attraction.

This palace here is within the old fort area and it is the official residence of Wodeyars, who ruled the place for over seven centuries. This palace was built for the first time in the 14th century. In the year 1638 the original wooden palace got damaged by a lightning strike. It was repaired and extended later. 

The palace is surrounded by a large garden. The architectural style of the palace follows Indo-Saracenic, and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. 

It is a three-storied stone building of fine gray granite with deep pink marble domes that was designed by Henry Irwin. The facade has seven expansive arches and two smaller ones flanking the central arch, which are supported by tall pillars. 

Above the central arch is an impressive sculpture of the goddess of wealth, prosperity Gajalakshmi, with her elephants on either side.

The interior of Mysore Palace is richly carved, intricate, colorful and architecturally thrilling. The palace has several elegant and impressive rooms.

One enters the palace through Doll’s Pavilion where a traditional dolls from the 19th and early 20th centuries are on display. Private Durbar was used by the king for private audience and is one of the most spectacular rooms. 

Kalyana Mantapa a Octagonal shaped hall where all royal weddings, birthdays and ceremonial functions were celebrated. In this room there are 26 paintings that depict Dasara procession. In Public Durbar Hall the King would host major ceremonial gatherings in this hall. It has cool marble floor, through colonnades of cusped arches supported by intricate and elaborately painted columns. 

Although tourists are allowed to visit the palace, they are not allowed to take photographs inside the palace.