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Mysore Palace
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Landmark
The Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is the official residence of the Wodeyar dynasty in Mysuru. The current structure was constructed between 1897 and 1912 after the original wooden palace was destroyed by fire during a wedding celebration. British architect Henry Irwin designed the building in the Indo-Saracenic style, which is an eclectic blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic architectural elements. The palace is famous for its magnificent interiors, including the public Durbar Hall with its ornate columns and the private audience hall featuring stained-glass ceilings. Every year during the Dasara festival, the palace exterior is illuminated by nearly 100,000 light bulbs, making it one of India's most visited landmarks after the Taj Mahal. The complex also houses a vast collection of royal artifacts, weapons, and historical paintings.
- Location: India
- Top sights: Regional Museum of Natural History Mysore · Mysore Palace · St. Philomena's Church
- Nearby: Ooty (23 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 26 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 2 | 4 | 22 | 59 | 138 | 305 | 367 | 279 | 198 | 154 | 62 | 13 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Mysore Palace is a publicly accessible historical palace in Mysore. You can visit the opulent interiors, the audience hall, and the sprawling gardens.
Typical hours
The palace typically has fixed opening hours, usually from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It is advisable to check in advance on the official website.
Photography
Photography is not allowed inside the palace, but is permitted in the exterior area and gardens. For the best shots of the facade, use the late afternoon light.
Time needed
Allow about one and a half to two hours for a thorough visit of the palace. If you also explore the gardens, plan for half a day.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Chamundi Hill and the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple. Mysore Zoo is also worth a visit.
Getting there
Mysore Palace is located in the center of Mysore and is easily reachable on foot, by rickshaw, or taxi. From the bus stand, it is about a 10-minute walk.
Insider tip
Visit the palace on a Sunday evening when it is illuminated with the famous 100,000 light bulbs. Come early to get a good spot.
Geography
Facts
- Built between 1897 and 1912
- Architect was Henry Irwin
- Indo-Saracenic architectural style
- Illuminated by 97,000 bulbs
- Seat of the Wodeyar dynasty
- Second most visited site in India
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Mysore Palace (13)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the palace illuminated?
On Sundays and public holidays from 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM, the palace is lit with nearly 100,000 light bulbs.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace, though it is allowed in the outdoor courtyard area.
Is there an audio guide option?
Yes, audio guides are available in multiple languages at the entrance for visitors.
Do I have to remove my shoes?
Yes, all visitors must remove and deposit their shoes before entering the main palace building.
When is the Dasara festival?
It usually takes place in October and is the most grand time to visit the palace.
Mysore Palace: where is it located?
Mysore Palace is located in India.
Mysore Palace: what is there to see?
Highlights include Regional Museum of Natural History Mysore, Mysore Palace, St. Philomena's Church.
Mysore Palace: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Mysore Palace: why is it worth visiting?
The Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is the official residence of the Wodeyar dynasty in Mysuru.
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