subject: Visit Royal Mysore Palace for a Royal Experience! [print this page] Visit Royal Mysore Palace for a Royal Experience!
Mysore is popularly known as the city of palaces. The Maharaja Palace of Mysore is its most famous palace. Its architectural beauty and glorious history never fail to capture the hearts of tourists who come here from far and wide. As day draws to a close it glitters like a jewel as it is illuminated with thousands of light bulbs. Designed by the renowned British architect Henry Irwin, the palace was built in the year 1912.
The architecture of this royal structure is very impressive. It reflects a fine blend of the traditional Dravidian and Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. It has three stories. It boasts of beautiful marble domes in pink, huge pillars, wonderful balconies, verandahs, cupolas, arches and minarets. The architectural beauty of the palace shows the height of creativity of the artists of that era. Beautiful sculptures of goddess Gajalakshmi and her elephants have been made above the central arch. The goddess symbolizes prosperity, wealth and good fortune.
Mysore is also famous for the grand celebration of the festival of Dusshera. The festival is celebrated with great fervor in the palace. The traditional dances are performed by the renowned artists.
Some of the must-see attractions of Maharaja's Palace are:
Ambavilasa or Diwan-e-khas
It served as a venue for holding meetings for public audience. The notable attractions of this hall are ornamented steel grills, rosewood doorway inlaid with ivory, chandeliers, carved columns and stained glass ceilings.
Gombe Thotti (Doll's Pavilion)
This apartment showcases numerous traditional dolls dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries.
Kalyana Mantapa or Marriage Hall
This hall boasts of colorful glass ceiling with peacock motifs. Oil paintings adorning the walls are also notable.
