About Mysuru Palace
Mysuru Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is the former royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty located in the heart of Mysuru, Karnataka. The current Indo-Saracenic structure, completed in 1912 after the old wooden palace burned in 1897, was designed by British architect Henry Irwin. Renowned for its grand domes, stained glass, carved woodwork and Durbar Hall, it is a major cultural landmark and central venue for the annual Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a grand three-storey Indo-Saracenic palace complex with domes, arches, and landscaped gardens. Inside, they can explore the ornate Durbar Hall with stained glass ceilings, the Kalyana Mantapa with Belgian stained glass dome, royal artifacts, paintings, and carved wooden doors. The exterior courtyards, temples within the complex, and evening illumination with nearly 100,000 bulbs on Sundays and public holidays are key parts of the visit. A museum section and guided audio tours explain palace history and architecture.
Key highlights
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Indo-Saracenic architecture blending Hindu, Mughal, Rajput and Gothic styles designed by Henry Irwin
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Grand Durbar Hall with ornate pillars, stained glass ceiling and royal throne
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Kalyana Mantapa (Marriage Hall) with Belgian stained glass dome and peacock mosaic floor
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Evening illumination with approximately 97,000 bulbs on Sundays and public holidays
- 05
Palace complex temples including Shweta Varahaswamy Temple and Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple
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Royal collection of paintings, jewelry, costumes and artifacts from the Wadiyar dynasty
History of Mysuru Palace
Mysuru Palace was the official residence of the Wadiyars, rulers of the Kingdom of Mysore. The original wooden palace built in the 14th century was destroyed by fire in 1897 during the wedding of Princess Jayalakshammanni. Commissioned by Maharani Kempananjammanni (Vani Vilas Sannidhana) as regent for her son Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, the present palace was designed by British architect Henry Irwin and completed in 1912 at a cost of about Rs. 41 lakhs. It remains an important example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Culture & Context
The palace is the cultural heart of Mysuru and the focal point of the annual Mysuru Dasara (Nadahabba) festival, when the palace is elaborately decorated and hosts royal processions and cultural programs. It exemplifies the patronage of the Wadiyar dynasty to art, music and architecture and showcases a blend of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput and Gothic styles, reflecting Karnataka's royal heritage.