Curiosities Of The Luxurious Palace Of Mysore, In India

If you want to know what is true in the phrase ” live like a maharaja ” then you have to travel to India. There you will find different buildings that reflect a thousand and one wonders what concept we are referring to. However, in few places can it be better understood than in the  Royal Palace of Mysore, a gigantic construction that attracts countless travelers who travel the country.

Where and when was the Mysore Palace built

This great jewel of Hindu architectural heritage is located in the south of the country. It is in the state of Karnataka, a territory where you can discover other very interesting places, such as the beaches of Gokarna or the archaeological remains of Hampi. Specifically, it is located near the tourist of Bangalore, from which one can approach the city of Mysore by train.

Despite what one might imagine at first glance, this great palace was built around 1940 and its architect was none other than an Englishman, marveling at Indian art, but who did not hesitate to merge with the forms of Muslim architecture. , Gothic art and the prestige of Rajput forms.

In this way, the result is splendid, both when entering its interior rooms and when observing its great facade, built in stone to avoid the fires that had occurred in other previous palaces in this same place. And it is that the first palace on this site was built as early as the 14th century.

The Maharajas of Mysore Royal Palace

In the Mysore area, the Wodeyar dynasty ruled for more than five centuries. However, the great vestige of his very long reign is this palace built in the 20th century, which ceased to be a royal residence in 1947, when the Republic of India was created, and the many courts of the Maharajas disappeared.

However, it is worth visiting the Royal Palace of Mysore to enter the two Durbar rooms. The most formal rooms of the Maharaja and where he received his visitors to impress them.

And any traveler who enters them is really impressed, given the opulence of all the details, their beauty and their richness, since here the most precious woods or the richest materials were used, such as ivory, and always worked by artisans. most prestigious.

Curiosities in the Royal Palace of Mysore

The visit begins by going through the Pavilion of the Dolls or Gombe Thotti. There the first thing that surprises is the presence of a mobile throne, carved in wood and totally covered by more than 80 kilos of gold. A throne designed to be placed on the back of an elephant, a common form of transportation in historic India.

Another example of opulence can be seen in a staircase that follows, since there are bronze sculptures that represent in a very spectacular way a fight between leopards. An animal scene like many others that can be seen in the exterior gardens of the palace.

In addition, another example of the opulence with which this palace was conceived can be found in the Wedding Hall. There at first the tiles on the floor attract attention, however, then impressive stained glass windows are discovered on the ceiling, which were made specifically in Scotland.

These and other curiosities are discovered down to the last detail thanks to the fact that with the price of the ticket there is an audio guide in different languages, essential to enjoy the palace and not get lost in its immensity. Of course, tourists are not allowed to take photos of the interior.

More places of interest in Mysore

It is clear that the main attraction here is the palace, both during the day to explore its interior, and at night to see it illuminated with tens of thousands of light bulbs. And even, an entertaining sound and light show is held every evening.

However, there may be other places in Mysore city worth a visit. One of them without a doubt in the temple of Chamundeshwari, or the cathedral of Saint Patrick. However, none can compete in beauty with the palace.

That is why it is better to dedicate yourself to discovering more popular and human places, such as the Dervajara market, where everything is sold and perfectly organized: food, flowers, incense, perfumes, colored powders, jewelry and clothes.