Mysore Palace or the Mysore Maharaja Palace is located in the heart of the city. Mysore Palace is one of the most visited monuments in India. And is one of the largest palaces in the country, it is also known as Amba Vilas Palace, which was the residence of the Wodeyar Maharajas of the Mysore state. Locally in Kannada, it is called Mysuru Aramane.
The original palace built of wood got burnt down in 1897, during the wedding of Jayalakshammanni, the eldest daughter of Chamaraja Wodeyar, and was rebuilt in 1912 at the cost of Rs. 42 lakhs. The present Palace is built in Indo-Saracenic style and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. It is a three-storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145 ft five-storied tower. Above the central arch is an impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck, and abundance with her elephants. The palace is surrounded by a large garden. Designed by the well-known British architect, Henry Irwin, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.
Mysore Palace is a priceless national treasure and the pride of a kingdom, the Mysore Maharaja Palace is the seat of the famed Wodeyar Maharajas of Mysore. The palace is now converted into a museum that treasures souvenirs, paintings, jewelry, royal costumes, and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodeyars. It's a kaleidoscope of stained glass & mirrors. The tastefully decorated and intricately carved doors open into luxuriously decorated rooms. The ground floor with an enclosed courtyard displays 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 superb columned Durbar Hall are a feast to the eyes. The palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Exquisitely carved doors open into stunningly luxurious rooms. The front of the Amba Vilas Palace has an open balcony supported by massive circular columns. The Royal portrait gallery, which is of historical importance, is a visual treat for visitors. This three-storied structure has beautifully designed square towers at various cardinal points covered by domes. Craftsmen from Jaipur and Agra along with local workers were engaged in crafting them. The marriage pavilion or the Kalyana Mantapa with a center octagonal gabled roof, covered by stained glasses, is to the south of the building. The flooring of this magnificent Kalyana Mantapa has artistic geometrical patterns created by using glittering glazed tiles imported from England. The building has gorgeous chandeliers of Czechoslovakian make.
The royal throne, the regal seat of the is called the Chinnada Simhasana or Ratna Simahasana with captivating artwork on its gold plates displayed during the Dasara festival. The Maharajas of Mysore used to sit on the golden throne and hold durbars in the Palace Durbar Hall. The paintings of eight manifestations of Goddess Shakthi (strength) and an original painting of the renowned painter Raja Ravi Verma are also on display.
The Mysore Palace complex has a selection of twelve Hindu temples. The oldest of these was built in the 14th century, while the most recent was built in 1953. Someshvara Temple, dedicated to God Lord Shiva, and Lakshmiramana Temple, dedicated to God Lord Vishnu are some of the more famous temples.
The erstwhile Royal family continues to live in a portion of the Palace. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar is the twenty-seventh head of the erstwhile ruling family of the Kingdom of Mysore and head of the Wadiyar dynasty. Although he has no official title or role, he is known as Maharaja of Mysore.
A silhouette of the Mysore Palace illuminated with 98,260 bulbs, shimmering against an inky black night is one of the most enduring images of the city. Tourists are allowed to visit inside the palace's designated parts that have been converted into has Mysore Palace museum. Since 2019 tourists are allowed to take photographs inside the Mysore palace which was restricted before. The annual footfall to this royal attraction is 3.5 million.
Mysore Palace is the venue for the famous Mysore Dasara Festival, during which leading artists perform on a stage set up on the palace grounds. On the tenth day of the festival Vijaya Dashami, a parade with caparisoned elephants and other floats originates from the palace grounds.
Tourists visiting the Amba Vilas Palace during Mysore Dasara get additional entertainment as they can watch the activities of Mysore Dasara 2025 elephants sheltered inside the Mysore palace compound. Palace authorities have introduced battery-operated vehicles to have a ‘tour’ in the Palace premises, it is available between 10 am and 6 pm at the entrance of Mysore Palace and priced at Rs. 40 for adults and Rs. 20 for children.
Mysore Palace is one of the main attractions in all our Mysore Tour Packages and Mysore Sightseeing Package Itinerary.
Mysore Palace Timings
Day | Timings |
Monday | 10.00 am - 05.30 pm |
Tuesday | 10.00 am - 05.30 pm |
Wednesday | 10.00 am - 05.30 pm |
Thursday | 10.00 am - 05.30 pm |
Friday | 10.00 am - 05.30 pm |
Saturday | 10.00 am - 05.30 pm |
Sunday | 10.00 am - 05.30 pm |
Mysore Maharaja Palace is open all days of the week
Mysore Palace Entry Charges
Adults (Indian / Foreign) Rs. 100/-
Children between 10 - 18 Years: Rs. 50/-
Children below 10 years: Free Entrance
Tickets are sold at the southern gate and northern gate of the Mysore Palace.
Mysore Palace Illumination Timings
07.00 pm - 07.45 pm on Sundays, National Holidays, and State Festivals.
There are no charges to watch Mysore Palace lighting
Mysore Palace Sound and Light Show
07.00 pm - 07.40 pm
On weekdays (Monday to Saturday) except Sundays, National Holidays, and State Festivals.
Sound and Light Show Entry Charges
Sound and light show depicting the 400-year history of Mysore for 45 Mins. After the Sound and Light Program Show, Mysore Palace will be Illuminated for 15 Minutes.
Kannada Sound and light show narration:
Monday to Wednesday - Time 07.00 PM to 08.00 PM
Saturday - Time 08.15 PM to 09.15 PM
Adults (Indian / Foreign) Rs. 100/-
Children between 10 - 18 years: Rs. 50/-
Children below 10 years: Free Entrance
English Sound and light show narration:
Thursday to Saturday - Time 7.00 PM to 8.00 PM
Adults (Indian / Foreign) Rs. 120/-
Children between 10 - 18 years: Rs. 50/-
Children below 10 years: Free Entrance
Tickets will be issued only at Varaha Gate Counter (South Side) from 06.30 pm onwards
How to Reach Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace is centrally located in the city of Mysore.
The Mysore city bus stand is right behind the Mysore Palace.
If you are looking to explore Mysore tourist places best option will be to book a Mysore Sightseeing - One Day Cab Package.
Mysore Palace Location Map
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