The Mysore region was ruled by numerous Indian dynasties over a period of many centuries. The Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and the Wadiyars (or Wodeyars) were the major dynasties ruling over Mysore. The rulers of these dynasties left their mark in the form of some of the nation’s most beautiful palaces. Mysore is often referred to as the ‘City of Palaces’ as it hosts these seven palaces:
Ambavilas Palace
One of the world’s most notable palaces, the Ambavilas Palace, more popularly known as the Mysore Palace, is known for its spectacular architectural and ornamental beauty. It is the Wadiyar dynasty’s official residence and it served as the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore for many years. The palace was built sometime between 1897 and 1912. However, the structure was preceded by other palaces at the site since the 14th century. Nearly 6 million annual visitors visit the palace making it the second most popular tourist destination in India after the Taj Mahal.
Jaganmohan Palace
The Jaganmohan Palace was built in 1861 by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, the then reigning king of the Wodeyar dynasty. It served as the home of the royals of the Wodeyar dynasty during the time when the Ambavilas Palace was under construction. Today, the palace is used to host functions and also has an art gallery. It is one of the most beautiful contributions by the Wodeyar dynasty. It has three stories and is built in traditional Hindu style. The art gallery present here features one of South India’s biggest collections of art and artifacts including paintings by Raja Ravi Varma. The palace also has an auditorium that hosts traditional dance and music festivals and other cultural programs.
Chittaranjan Palace
A lesser-known palace, the Chittaranjan Palace, was built in 1916 by the Maharaja of Mysore for his sister. Later, the palace was sold to a film company by the royal family. The palace has served as the sets of the historical television serial, The Sword of Tipu Sultan. After a fire broke out in the palace, the film company abandoned it. Today, the Chittaranjan Palace hosts a hotel called the "Green Hotel” which was established in the 1970’s. The heritage hotel attracts many who love to experience a stay in a royal mansion in the 'City of Palaces', Mysore.
The Lalitha Mahal
Mysore’s second largest Palace, the Lalitha Mahal is located close to the Chamundi Hills to Mysore City’s eastern side. It was constructed in 1921 under the order of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV to host the Viceroy of India. The palace was built in the style of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. It stands today as an elegant white building that serves as a heritage hotel.
It is an epitome of luxury with exquisitely designed rooms, a dancing floor, banquet hall, marble staircase and floors, Belgian crystal chandeliers, heavy ornate furniture, Persian carpets and other objects of luxury that all add up to the regal ambiance of the Lalitha Mahal. The sprawling landscaped gardens surrounding the palace enhance its beauty even further.
Jayalakshmi Vilas
Another one of the seven palaces of Mysore, the Jayalakshmi Vilas is located on a hillock in the surroundings of the University of Mysore campus. The mansion was constructed in 1905 by Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV for a princess of the Wodeyar dynasty. After independence, the palace was neglected for a long time. It was, however, acquired by the University of Mysore to set up a campus in the building. Later, the Infosys Foundation, provided the funds necessary to restore the mansion. Today, it has 125 rooms, 287 beautifully carved doors, and 300 windows.
Image courtesy: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jayalakshmi_Vilas_Mansion.JPG
Cheluvamba Mansion
This mansion was also built by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV for Cheluvajammanni, a princess of the Wodeyar dynasty. The palace occupies a large area and is surrounded by gardens. It is located in the city’s northwestern part near the Mysore Junction railway station. Currently, the Cheluvamba Mansion houses the CFTRI, a premier research institute of India. The institute has maintained the mansion in a proper manner since it acquired the building.
The Rajendra Vilas
This palace-turned-heritage hotel is located on top of Mysore’s Chamundi Hills. However, the hotel is now closed and the palace lies in a state of neglect. It cannot be entered without prior permission from the authorities. The palace is located at a height of nearly 1,000 ft on the top of the Chamundi Hills. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV commissioned the construction of the palace in the 1920’s. Prior to that, a smaller palace stood in the place that served as the summer residence of the Wodeyars.
Ambavilas Palace
One of the world’s most notable palaces, the Ambavilas Palace, more popularly known as the Mysore Palace, is known for its spectacular architectural and ornamental beauty. It is the Wadiyar dynasty’s official residence and it served as the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore for many years. The palace was built sometime between 1897 and 1912. However, the structure was preceded by other palaces at the site since the 14th century. Nearly 6 million annual visitors visit the palace making it the second most popular tourist destination in India after the Taj Mahal.
Jaganmohan Palace
The Jaganmohan Palace was built in 1861 by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, the then reigning king of the Wodeyar dynasty. It served as the home of the royals of the Wodeyar dynasty during the time when the Ambavilas Palace was under construction. Today, the palace is used to host functions and also has an art gallery. It is one of the most beautiful contributions by the Wodeyar dynasty. It has three stories and is built in traditional Hindu style. The art gallery present here features one of South India’s biggest collections of art and artifacts including paintings by Raja Ravi Varma. The palace also has an auditorium that hosts traditional dance and music festivals and other cultural programs.
Chittaranjan Palace
A lesser-known palace, the Chittaranjan Palace, was built in 1916 by the Maharaja of Mysore for his sister. Later, the palace was sold to a film company by the royal family. The palace has served as the sets of the historical television serial, The Sword of Tipu Sultan. After a fire broke out in the palace, the film company abandoned it. Today, the Chittaranjan Palace hosts a hotel called the "Green Hotel” which was established in the 1970’s. The heritage hotel attracts many who love to experience a stay in a royal mansion in the 'City of Palaces', Mysore.
The Lalitha Mahal
Mysore’s second largest Palace, the Lalitha Mahal is located close to the Chamundi Hills to Mysore City’s eastern side. It was constructed in 1921 under the order of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV to host the Viceroy of India. The palace was built in the style of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. It stands today as an elegant white building that serves as a heritage hotel.
Jayalakshmi Vilas
Image courtesy: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jayalakshmi_Vilas_Mansion.JPG
Cheluvamba Mansion
This mansion was also built by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV for Cheluvajammanni, a princess of the Wodeyar dynasty. The palace occupies a large area and is surrounded by gardens. It is located in the city’s northwestern part near the Mysore Junction railway station. Currently, the Cheluvamba Mansion houses the CFTRI, a premier research institute of India. The institute has maintained the mansion in a proper manner since it acquired the building.
The Rajendra Vilas
This palace-turned-heritage hotel is located on top of Mysore’s Chamundi Hills. However, the hotel is now closed and the palace lies in a state of neglect. It cannot be entered without prior permission from the authorities. The palace is located at a height of nearly 1,000 ft on the top of the Chamundi Hills. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV commissioned the construction of the palace in the 1920’s. Prior to that, a smaller palace stood in the place that served as the summer residence of the Wodeyars.
Valuable for information, if there are any other blogs related to this then kindly update us
ReplyDeleteBest 5 Star Luxury Hotels in Mysore