Mysore can easily be covered in a day especially if you stay in Bangalore. It is just 150 km and is an ideal place for a one day trip. We set out to discover Mysore on one fine Sunday morning. We made an early start to avoid traffic. By 7 am we hit the road. The rich cultural heritage of Karnataka can be seen in Mysore. Our first stop was at Mysore Palace. It is the most visited destination in India after Taj Mahal. Home to the Wadiyar dynasty for more than 500 years, this place is an epitome of charm and grandeur. The place still retains a quaint charm and you can feel it once you step into the palace.
Mysore Palace
The palace has survived several disasters and destructions in olden times and the present fourth structure was designed by a British architect in 1897 after its predecessor was destroyed in a fire during a wedding ceremony of the princess. The still standing masterpiece was completed in 1912 at a cost of 41 lakhs. Over the years the structure has been beautified and the inhabitants were slowly moved to other palaces in the same courtyard. The architectural style followed is Indo-Saracenic with blends of Mughal and Rajput styles. It is a beautiful structure and its brilliance can mesmerize anyone. Marble domes and the marble floors will take your breath away.
Side View
We reached around 9:30 am at the palace premises. There is ample parking space and after parking, we entered the palace grounds. In front of the entrance gate, there are many small scale street sellers and if you are a good bargainer you can get several articles for a good deal. After paying the entrance fee and security check we ventured into the garden. The palace is surrounded by a well-maintained garden and is apt for photography. Photographs are not permitted inside the palace so click photos when you are outside and make use of the opportunity. Just outside the palace, small activities like elephant riding and camel riding are arranged and you can take part in those. We made our way directly to the palace premises.
Side View
We bought our tickets and left our footwear at the counter and waited patiently to go inside. After the security check, we entered and instantly I was lost in the beauty of the interiors. The place was huge and each detailing be it the wall paintings or the floors radiated glory or magnificence. There are no words to describe the grandeur of the place. Many articles of the King were on display like their dresses, jewelry, books, arms and taxidermied animals. All these things portrayed the luxurious lifestyle of the King.
Side View
The next thing which caught my eye was the throne and the durbar hall where the King used to meet his subjects. The durbar hall was huge and a great view of the gardens. Most of the areas are sealed off and admission is restricted. But we were satisfied to have seen some of the places inside the palace. It is hard to believe that such a place was constructed 100 years ago. We spent some more time in the premises and left the palace with some fond memories.
Side View
When to Visit
The palace grounds are open from 10 am to 5:30 pm but can enter inside the palace only between 11 am to 3 pm. Children below 7 years can enter free and between 7 to 12 years are charged Rs 25. For adults, the entrance fee is Rs 50.
What to do
The palace is illuminated on all Sundays and Government holidays between 7 to 8 pm. The light and sound show is conducted between 7 to 7:45 pm on all days and entrance tickets are priced at Rs 50 for adults and Rs 30 for children above 10 years.
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