Mysore Palace or the Maharajah's Palace located in the heart of the city of Mysore, in the southern state of Karnataka in India, is the most attractive monument in Mysore.
One of the largest palaces in the country, it was also known as Amba Vilas and was the residence of the Woodeyar Mahararajas of the Mysore state.
The three storeyed building has a series of square towers with arches covered by domes. The open courtyard in the centre is covered by a gold-plated dome about 145 feet from the ground.
The entry to the palace is through the Doll's Pavilion, a gallery of Indian and European sculpture and ceremonial objects. To the north of the elephant gate are dolls, dating from the earlier 19th and 20th centuries, a ceremonial wooden elephant howdah (carriage kept on top of the elephants to carry royalty) decorated with 84 kilogram of 24 carat gold and other souvenirs.
The magnificent marriage pavilion has a centre octagonal ceiling, covered by multi coloured stained glass with peacock motifs arranged in geometrical patterns and beautiful chandeliers. The floor is laid with glittering glazed tiles in artistic geometrical patterns and the walls are lined with oil paintings. There are twelve temples surrounding the palace within the compound.
The palace now under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology and Museums has been converted into a museum. The paintings and portraits, jewellery, royal costumes and other items possessed by the Woodeyars are displayed on the ground floor and a small collection of weapons on the upper floor. The 200kg gold royal throne of the Woodeyars is displayed during the Dussera festival. The palace is spectacularly illuminated on Sunday nights, and during the festive season of Dussera.
