If you are looking forward to spend quality time with your kith and kin and confused about a nice place to visit in the country, then let’s solve your dilemma. A trip to Mysore will quench your travel lust and you will return home blissful, with a kaleidoscope of sweet memories to cherish your trip forever.
Mysore is just at your doorstep with various flights connecting to all the major cities of India. Since Maharashtra is the nearest state, the Mumbai to Mysore flight are very common and run every other day. You can even opt for the rail route, with Mysore Railway Station centered in the city. The ‘City of Palaces’ is dotted with seven magnificent and extravagant palaces, of which the Mysore Palace dazzles out, and is even considered one of the seven wonders of India. Let’s delve in the exquisiteness of this splendid palace.
A trifle pride of the nation, and the treasure of Mysore, the Mysore Maharaja Palace was built by the Wodeyar Maharaja of Mysore. It is the largest surviving palace of India and is also renowned by the name of Amba Vilas Palace. Dressed with ornate chandeliers, there are two darbar halls for meetings and the royal court, and an array of splendid courtyards, gardens and other structures. Earlier the palace was built entirely of wood, but after it was gulped down by a massive fire, it was rebuilt with a blend of Hindu, Rajput, Muslim and Gothic style architecture. It has three stories and a marble dome. The palace is embellished with stained glass and mirror work, and the doors and windows of it are very intricately carved. So, one gets to soak in the gorgeous grandeur of the palaces of the bygone era. There is a beautiful sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth above the central arch. The palace seems to sit amidst a large garden, well maintained even today.
The palace, today houses the treasures, souvenirs, royal jewelry, paintings, and grand costumes of the Wodeyars. There are also a collection of the armor and weapons of that time. So, get ready to kiss the royalty of ancient India. One must also visit the world renowned Mysore Dasara Festival, a treat for everyone. Here, one can satiate his senses, viewing the stage performances of leading artists in the palace grounds. If you happen to visit here, on the occasion of Dussehra, then you can experience a parade of elephants.
The royal throne or the Ratna Simhasana, with its mind-boggling artwork on its gold plates, is displayed during the Dasara festival. Over the years it has been an integral part of Mysore tourism and has continued to woo tourists from all over the world. This is the reason, why the annual footfall of the palace is a breathtaking 3.5 million!
Here’s another perk for the tourists. They can even enjoy exploring the magnificent palace, without tiring them up! Battery operated tours can be taken in the palace premises, at a very meager cost.
The palace also flaunts of its 12 Hindu temples, of which the Lakshmi Ramana Temple and the Someshvara Temple are the most trotted by.
So, come and bask in the grandeur of the Mysore Palace.
