Mysore: The City of Palaces

Mysore is a city which is located in state of Karnataka, Mysore District, India. Mysore is one of the largest districts in Karnataka. The name MYSORE is famous all over the world as it is one among the best tourist place in the world. Patrons of art and culture the Wodeyars ruled Mysore kingdom and contributed significantly to the cultural growth of Mysore city.

Mysore is located at 770 m above sea level at 12.18° N 76.42° E and Mysore is just a 3 Hours (150 km) from the Capital city of Karnataka - BANGALORE.

Mysore, the cultural capital of the Karnataka state, has many educational, commercial, administrative centers and heritage monuments. It was the home for many great musicians, music composers, dancers, Sanskrit scholars, writers and in general intellectuals.

The city with the Beautiful Mysore Palace, The Royal Mansions, Public buildings, Gardens, Markets exhibit an indelible impression of the vision of the Maharajas, their Dewans and other talented luminaries on the City Municipality as early as 1862. 

The marvelous Buildings, Lakes, Parks and Chamundi hills adds worth to city’s attraction. Mysore is called the City of Palaces as a number of palaces are situated in the city. I tried my best to give you information about Palaces in Mysore. 

JAGANMOHAN PALACE 

 This palace is towards the western part of the famous Mysore Palace and at a walkable distance. Until the completion of the main palace auditorium in 1912 the Annual Day and Dasara Festival celebration were taking place in Jaganmohan Palace. A very beautiful and artistic mantap in the front of this palace attracts all tourists to this place. Wedding ceremony of "Naalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeya" and "Shri Kantheerava Narasimharaja Wodeyar" took place in this palace.This palace was built by "Krishnaraja Wodeyar the third ".
The crowning ceremony of "Krishnaraja Wodeyar the fourth" also took place here in 1902. This place was used for staying of royal family until the new palace was built and it was used for entertainment afterwards. Now this is a famous art gallery which consists of paintings by famous Indian painter "Raja Ravivarma". The large auditorium is used for major cultural events in mysore. 

JAYALAKSHMI VILASA 

This is now the administrative office of University of Mysore. It was built in 1901 by the King of Mysore "Chamaraja Wodeyar" for his elder daughter. This palace is located to the western side of "Kukkara Halli Lake" and located approximately 4kms from Mysore Palace. Here comes Kukkara Halli Lake. I want to tell a few words about this beautiful lake.

Kukkara Halli Lake

Kukkara Halli Lake is a beautiful lake which is located approximately 3Kms from Mysore Palace. Its a huge area with beautiful parks and a way for the people who used to jog in the morning. You can see a beautiful view in the evening.

LALITHA MAHAL 

The second most Beautiful Palace in Mysore. The foundation stone was laid in November 18, 1921 by "Krishnaraja Wodeyar the fourth". This palace gets its beauty by the Chamundi hill to its backside and is located towards East of Mysore city. The palace is eye catching by its whiteness which comes from the granite stone brought from Italy for the construction. Now this palace is a five star hotel and attracts VIPs and tourists from foreign countries and rich people!.

VASANTHA MAHAL

Vasantha Mahal Palace was built in 1842 and used as "Special School" for young princess. The Palace was built in 36 acres surrounded by beautiful flower gardens. The specialty of this palace is that the facing portions of the palace is made of soft iron. After entering the palace we can see a large verandah. The first floor resembles the ground floor. This building looks beautiful and artistic. This palace was a hotel for a long time and the bad part is this palace is currently locked for visitors.

CHELUVAMBA VILASA

 This palace was built for the third princess during 1910-11 and is beautiful to view. The dome atop the palace add to the beauty of the palace. This palace is now the famous CFTRI (Central Food Technology and Research Institute) and is in very good condition.

LOKARANJAN MAHAL

Built in 1880, this palace was school for "Chamaraja Wodeyar", "Krishnaraja Wodeyar", and young prince's. This is also called as summer palace. A swimming pool has been built in a modern style and joining to this palace is the zoo garden.

RAJENDRA VILASA

 This was built during 1822 and 1838 and is atop the chamundi hills. This palace was re-constructed by "Krishnaraja Wodeyar the fourth". The royal family were visiting this palace for excursion. "Krishnaraja Wodeyar the fourth" was being taught philosophy and english here in this palace. This palace has been built in indo-british style.

Standing near the palace at the view point, one can enjoy the panoramic view of mysore city. We can also see Biligiri Rangan Hills (B. R. Hills) ranges, Nilgiri hill ranges and the backwaters of KRS dam (Brindavan Gardens) from here. This palace was a hotel for some time and currently this is crumbling without any maintenance. Visitors are not allowed to this palace.

KARANJI VILASA

This palace was built for second Princess. The construction started in 1902 and was completed in 1932, it is built in indo-greek style and encompasses 38 acres of land. This palace is located next to "Karanji Kere" lake on the way to Lalithamahal palace.

TIPPU SULTAN SUMMER PALACE

This Palace, which once existed on Chamaraja Double Road, was built by Tipu Sultan. Tipu is said to have constructed this Palace for resting, while on his journey to Madikeri (Kodagu). In 1956, this Palace was handed over to Raghavendra Swamy Mutt by the descendants of Tipu Sultan and Nizamuddin Ali Khan. The Palace now houses a primary school run by the Government. It is a matter of pride that the Palaces built by the erstwhile rulers have not been allowed to be lost in the pages of history, but maintained in excellent condition, housing vibrant institutions of research, education, culture and the hospitality industry. 

*There are some other small palaces located in Mysore city.