The long facade
Towers and red domes.
Basavaraj M — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Basavaraj M — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Basavaraj M — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Shailee Mehendale — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Basavaraj M — CC BY-SA 4.0
Mysore Palace, or Amba Vilas Palace, is a historic palace in Mysuru in Karnataka and the former official residence of the ruling Wadiyar dynasty. One of India's largest palaces and top attractions, with more than four million visitors a year as of 2024, it is known for its red domes and evening lights. After fire destroyed the previous palace, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV commissioned the present one in 1897, and it was finished in 1912. The British architect Henry Irwin designed it, blending Indo-Islamic, Rajput, Hoysala and Gothic elements. A small fort stood here from the late 14th century, and the Mysore Dasara festival has been held on the grounds since the early 19th century. From the vast square you see a long facade with towers, red domes and arches, backed by gardens and grand gates. Inside is a public museum with ornate halls of coloured columns and glass ceilings, and part of the family lives in a private wing. The walls also enclose Hindu temples, some older than the palace, whose towers rise at the corners. It stands in the heart of the city and takes about two hours. The square gets crowded on holidays, so arrive at opening. The palace is lit on set evenings, so ask about the schedule before going. Shoes come off inside, and visitors report no photography indoors. Tipu Sultan's Gumbaz is 13 km away in a straight line.
Towers and red domes.
Coloured columns and glass ceilings.
On set evenings.
Central Mysuru, Karnataka
On set evenings, so ask about the schedule first.
Visitors say not, so ask on entry.