Located in Karnataka, the Mysore Palace is a famous example of an Indo-Saracenic architectural style that blends Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles. It was built for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty between 1897 and 1912. This dynasty had ruled the region since 1399, and Mysore was the capital of their kingdom. When a fire destroyed the dynasty’s 16th-century palace in 1897, the Wodeyars commissioned the British architect Henry Irwin to build a new one. Today, the structure still continues to be the official residence of the royal family of Mysore.
Also known as the Amba Vilas, Mysore Palace is India’s second most visited historical monument after the Taj Mahal with over 6 million annual visitors.
The palace consists of three stories and a five-storied tower made of grey granite. The interior is fascinating with carved doors, stained glass ceilings, columns, arches, and two durbar halls (a noble court where the ruler holds the discussions). The light and sound shows at night also attract a great number of tourists to the Mysore Palace.
