If you want to know that there is truth in the phrase ” live like a maharaja ” then you have to travel to India. There you will find different buildings that reflect to a thousand and one wonders what concept we are referring to. However, in few places can it be better understood than in the Royal Palace of Mysore, a gigantic construction that attracts countless travelers who cross the country.
Where and when was Mysore Palace built ?
This great jewel of Hindu architectural heritage is located in the south of the country. It is in the state of Karnataka , a territory where you can discover other very interesting places, such as the beaches of Gokarna or the archaeological remains of Hampi. Specifically, it is close to the tourist center of Bangalore, from which one can go to the city of Mysore by train.
Mysore Palace.
Despite what one might imagine at first glance, this great palace was built around 1940 and its architect was none other than an Englishman, amazed by Indian art , but who did not hesitate to merge with the forms of Muslim architecture. , Gothic art and the prestige of Rajput forms.
In this way, the result is splendid , both when entering its interior rooms and when observing its great façade, built in stone to avoid the fires that had occurred in other previous palaces in this same place. And the fact is that the first palace on this site was already built in the 14th century.
The Maharajas of the Mysore Royal Palace
In the Mysore area, the Wodeyar dynasty ruled for more than five centuries. However, the great vestige of his very long reign is this palace built in the 20th century , and which ceased to be a royal residence in 1947, when the Republic of India was created, and the numerous courts of the Maharajas disappeared.
However, it is worth visiting the Mysore Royal Palace to enter the two Durbar rooms. The most formal rooms of the Maharaja and where he received his visitors to impress them.
Darbar Hall.
And truly impressed is any traveler who enters them, given the opulence of all the details, their beauty and their richness , since here the most precious woods or the richest materials, such as ivory, were used and always worked by craftsmen. most prestigious.
“As much as there is luxury, something will always be missing. No matter how carefully you may choose, you will never be entirely content.”
-Chuck Palahniuk-
Curiosities in the Mysore Royal Palace
The visit begins by crossing the Pavilion of the Dolls or Gombe Thotti. There, the first thing that surprises is the presence of a mobile throne, carved in wood and totally covered with more than 80 kilos of gold . A throne designed to be placed on the back of an elephant, a common means of transportation in historical India.
Mysore Palace Gardens.
Another example of opulence can be seen on a staircase that follows, as there are some bronze sculptures there that represent a fight between leopards in a very spectacular way . An animal scene like many others that can be seen in the outer gardens of the palace.
In addition, another example of the opulence with which this palace was conceived is found in the Wedding Hall. There, at first, the tiles on the floor attract attention, however, then some impressive stained glass windows are discovered on the ceiling, which were made specifically in Scotland.
These and other curiosities are discovered down to the last detail thanks to the fact that with the price of admission an audio guide is available in different languages, essential to enjoy the palace and not get lost in its immensity. Of course, tourists are not allowed to take photos of the interior.
More places of interest in Mysore
It is clear that the main attraction here is the palace, both during the day to explore its interior, and at night to see it illuminated with tens of thousands of light bulbs. And even an entertaining sound and light show is held every evening .
Lights in Mysore Palace.
However, there may be other places in Mysore city worth a visit . One of them without a doubt in the temple of Chamundeshwari, or the cathedral of San Patricio. Although, none can compete in beauty with the palace.
That is why it is better to dedicate yourself to discovering more popular and human places , such as the Dervajara market, where everything is sold and perfectly organized: food, flowers, incense, perfumes, colored powders, costume jewelery and clothes.
