The cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysuru, requires no intro. Existing in some structure or form since the fourteenth century with the initial title of Mahishuru, Mysuru is a grand town absorbed in history and situated among verdant wildernesses, emerald meadows, and nurturing rivers.
Once the capital of the State of Mysore, it maintains relevance even today, entrusting its name to multiple timeless traditional indulgences like the unusual sweet dish Mysore Pak, the crisp and spicy Mysore masala dosa, the flower Mysore mallige, the tender Mysore kudi yele, the aromatic Mysore sandal soap, the gorgeous Mysore silk, etc. And of course, Mysore Dasara and Jumbo Safari are well-known all over the world.
Some unheard facts about Mysore:
1. Mysore is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to the famous Mysore Palace, which is one of the most visited tourist attractions in India.
2. Mysore was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947, and it played a significant role in the history of South India.
3. The city is famous for its silk production, and Mysore silk saris are considered to be among the finest in the world.
4. Mysore is also known for its vibrant and colorful Dasara festival, which is celebrated annually in the month of September or October.
5. The city is also home to the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Indian and European paintings and sculptures.
6. Mysore is known for its sweet delicacies, such as Mysore Pak, which is a sweet dish made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar.
7. Mysore was also the first city in India to have electricity from hydroelectric power station, which was set up by the Maharaja of Mysore in 1902.
8. Mysore is also home to the world-renowned yoga institute, the Sri Krishnamachar Yoga Mandiram, which was established in 1933.
9. Mysore is also known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a number of protected areas such as Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park.
10. The city is also home to the Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum, which is the only sand sculpture museum in India and houses some of the finest sculptures made from sand
Palaces in Mysore:
Mysore, the second-largest city in Karnataka, is famous for its legacy and culture. Once the seat of the emperors of Mysore, the heritage town or city of palaces is presently a world notable tourist location. The days of the Raj are long gone, and the city of Mysuru has made several jumps in technological and industrial development.
Regardless, it still preserves the old day's enchantment of the bygone era and appears to be a dreamy city. Life moves at a quieter pace here in this town of elegant palaces, ancient temples, monuments, and historical rituals and culture.
The emperors of the Wadiyar regime left their impression on the town in the structure of many magnificent palaces. No traveler should take off the town without observing these magnificent palaces.
This city is popularly recognized as the City of Palaces for the impeccable and grand palaces that were constructed primarily under the regime of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. These seven palaces in Mysore belonging to the Wodeyar dynasty speak for the skillful, architectural, and artistic prowess of the past emperors of the town.
Most of the palaces have been repurposed for other practices and are presently portion and territory of governmental heritage estate. They are a must-visit halt at Mysore because it is through these magnificent palaces, villas, and castles that Mysore bolsters its regal heritage and historical prominence in today's urban community.
Here is the list of 7 Palaces in Mysore for a Walk through Time
The heritage city, also recognized as the City of Palaces is dwelling on 7 palaces. The Wadiyar emperors and queens were incredible supporters of the arts and employed the best crafters in the nation to labor on these palaces. A stop to Mysuru is incomplete without a stop to these palaces that are architectural wonders.
Several of these royal estates are presently a portion of government heritage properties. The constructions have been repurposed and utilized as government departments and access is prohibited. However, you can nonetheless explore those where the public is permitted.
Mysore Palace
An exceptionally astonishing case of Indo - Saracenic technique of architecture, the Mysore Palace is a spectacular construction arranged in Mysore in the territory of Karnataka.
Furthermore recognized as the Amba Vilas Palace, it is the old palace of the royal house of Mysore and is still their official estate. Mysore Palace was developed in the year 1912 for the 24th Emperor of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is figured among probably the greatest palaces in the country.
Jaganmohan Palace
Located in the royal city of Mysore, the Jaganmohan Palace is an astonishing structure that has a glorious history connected to its title. It was utilized by the Wodeyars of Mysore when their primary estate Amba Vilas Palace was under renovations after a fire occurrence.
It is one of the seven palaces that are located in the town and is recorded as one of the greatly glorious tributes of the Wodeyar Kings of the town during their empire. The Jaganmohan Palace was revamped into a spectacular art gallery and today hosts some of the extensively fascinating articles of artwork for the world to observe.
Lalitha Mahal Palace
The white painted Lalitha Mahal Palace at the ground of the Chamundi Hills is one of the vastly beautiful palaces in Mysore. Constructed in 1921, the Lalitha Mahal Palace is the second biggest of the palaces in Mysore.
Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV authorized E.W. Fritchley, an architect from Mumbai to construct the palace. It was constructed for the deluxe stay of the then Viceroy of India. Later it was utilized as a guest house for the Maharaja's European guests.
Cheluvamba Mansion
The Cheluvamba Mansion is located on the Mysore-Krishnaraja Sagar road is in the northwest portion of the town. The palace, which is close to Mysore Railway Station, was constructed in 1911 for Princess Cheluvajammanni, the third daughter of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.
Like the different constructions of the Wadiyar dynasty, the establishment is stretched over a vast region and encircled by glamorous landscaped gardens. Presently, it is residence to the Central Food Technological Research Institute. For the common public, access to the Central Food Technological Research Institute is constrained.
Jayalakshmi Vilas
Jayalakshmi Vilas was built in 1905 by Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar for his eldest daughter, Princess Jayalakshmi Ammani. The palace was originally recognized as the First Rajkumari Mansion.
It's situated on a huge estate on a hillock, west of Kukkarahalli lake. It's presently a portion of the University of Mysore. It was obtained by the University to organize Manasagangotri, the postgraduate centre on the campus.
Rajendra Vilas
The Rajendra Vilas Palace on top of Chamundi Hills was utilized as a summer palace by the Wodeyar kings. At a height of 1000 feet, the palace proposed incredible perspectives of the town below.
Its building was commenced in 1920. Though, a tinier building stood in the region since 1822. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV authorized the formation in the place where he was once taught philosophy and English.
Chittaranjan Palace
The Chittaranjan Palace was initially developed for one of the princesses of the Wadiyar system by the Maharaja of Mysore. Built-in 1916, it was traded to a Mysorean family, who transformed it into the famous Premier Studios, the division of a film company.
Various movies and TV shows have been shot in the studio, comprising the prominent TV serial The Sword of Tipu Sultan'.
Though, the department was closed after a fire broke out. Presently, the palace has been transformed into an eco-friendly heritage hotel. Its 31 rooms operate on solar energy and don't have any air conditioning or televisions. The green hotel furthermore bestows all its profits to charity.
All of these palaces wield symbolic significance not simply because of their history but furthermore since they are one of the architectural wonders in the nation. Mysore is complete with these palaces. Explore the city and fall in love with its heritage culture and art.