Mysore Palace, also called Amba Vilas Palace, is the grand royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty in Mysuru, Karnataka. The building you see today was constructed between 1897 and 1912 after an earlier wooden palace was destroyed by fire in February 1897. It is one of the most visited monuments in India.
This post covers the history of Mysore Palace, from the early fort to the fire, the rebuilding, its architecture, the Dasara tradition, and visitor guidance.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka |
| Also known as | Amba Vilas Palace |
| Current building | Built 1897 to 1912 |
| Architect | Henry Irwin (British), with E. W. Fritchley |
| Style | Indo-Saracenic, with Mughal, Rajput, Hoysala and Gothic influences |
| Famous for | Dasara illuminations, the gold-plated dome, the grand durbar hall |
| Entry | Check official sources; open daily in general, with exceptions |
Early history: fort and older palaces
The site has been the heart of Mysore’s rulers for centuries. A mud-walled fort was built here in 1524. The first recorded palace was constructed in 1638, when Kanthirava Narasaraja I rebuilt the royal residence after it was struck by lightning.
Later, in 1793, the ruler Tipu Sultan had the old palace demolished. After his death in 1799 and the restoration of the Wadiyar dynasty with British assistance, a new wooden palace in a traditional Hindu style was built, taking around four years.
The fire of 1897
On 20 February 1897, during the wedding celebrations of Princess Jayalakshammanni, a fire broke out in the wooden palace. It destroyed a significant part of the building and killed eight people. Only the rear living quarters are said to have survived. Because the heir to the throne, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, was only a boy, his mother Maharani Kempananjammanni Devi, who acted as regent, decided to build a new palace.
Building the new palace (1897-1912)
The regent hired the British architect Henry Irwin, who had earlier worked on the Viceregal Lodge in Shimla, together with the engineer E. W. Fritchley. Irwin’s fee is recorded as Rs 12,000. The initial budget was set at Rs 25 lakh, but the final estimate climbed to roughly Rs 41.5 lakh. Work lasted about fifteen years and was completed in 1912.
The palace has three storeys and is built mostly of granite, with a five-storey tower at the centre topped by a gold-plated dome. Later changes were made during the 1930s, when the eastern side was extended and the durbar hall and portico were enlarged.
Architecture and style
Mysore Palace is a showpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture, a style that mixes Indian and European elements. You will notice domes, arches, and turrets that echo Mughal and Rajput design, along with decorative details drawn from Hoysala temples of Karnataka and touches of Gothic style.
Some highlights inside include:
- Durbar Hall: an open hall with ornate pillars, painted ceilings, and a view onto the gardens.
- Kalyana Mantapa: the wedding hall with a stained-glass domed ceiling and a patterned floor.
- Gombe Thotti: a doll pavilion with traditional dolls and artefacts.
- Carved doors: ornate doors with decorative inlay work. Descriptions of the materials vary, so rely on the labels in the palace.
- Paintings: large murals showing royal processions and Dasara scenes.
Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and the palace
Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV became ruler as a young adult and is remembered as a patron of the arts, education, and public works. His reign saw major developments in Mysore state, and the palace was the centre of court life. He also invited the yoga teacher Tirumalai Krishnamacharya to teach at the palace in the 1920s.
After Independence
After India’s independence, the Mysore state became part of the Indian union. The palace remained the property of the Wadiyar family, but the main parts were opened to the public and are now managed by the Karnataka government through the palace board. Part of the palace complex still serves as a residence for the royal family.
Dasara at Mysore Palace
The Mysore Dasara festival has been held at the palace since the early 19th century and is probably the most famous celebration of Navaratri in south India. During the nine nights, the palace is lit by about 100,000 light bulbs, creating a glowing silhouette that attracts huge crowds. The festival concludes on Vijayadashami with a large procession, in which a decorated elephant carries an idol of the goddess Chamundeshwari in a golden howdah.
If you want to see this spectacle, plan well ahead. Hotels fill up months in advance, and prices rise sharply during Dasara.
Visiting Mysore Palace: practical information
The palace is generally open daily from around 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except on the last two days of Navaratri, according to a source we consulted. A recent reference listed an entry fee of Rs 120 for Indian citizens and Rs 1,000 for foreigners as of December 2025. These figures change, and we could not confirm them from the official site for October 2026, so please check the Mysore Palace Board’s official website before you go.
- Visitors usually enter by the South Gate or the Varaha Gate, so ask the staff at the ticket counter.
- Photography inside the palace is typically not allowed, and you may need to deposit your phone or camera in a locker. Rules can change, so follow instructions.
- Footwear must be removed at the entrance to the palace. Shoe-keeping facilities are provided.
- Weekend and holiday crowds can be heavy. A weekday morning is often easier.
- Allow 1.5 to 2 hours inside, and more if you want to see the temples within the complex.
- Combine with Chamundi Hills, the Jaganmohan Palace art gallery, and Brindavan Gardens if you have a day in Mysuru.
On Sundays and public holidays, the palace is often lit up in the evening for a limited period, and special light shows are held on some occasions. The timings and dates vary, so check them in advance.
Mysuru is well connected to Bengaluru by road and rail, and a day trip is possible, though staying overnight allows you to see the palace at both day and night.
Why it matters
Mysore Palace is not an ancient monument. It is a 20th-century building, but it carries layers of older history: a fort, a lightning-struck palace, a ruler’s demolition, a dynasty’s revival, and a disaster that led to this masterpiece. More than a tourist spot, it is a living cultural centre, where Dasara traditions continue every year.
Conclusion
Understanding the 1897 fire and the rebuilding makes the palace feel more personal. Look for the details of its design, enjoy the evening lights if you can, and check official sources for the latest timings and tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who built the present Mysore Palace?
British architect Henry Irwin designed it for the Wadiyar dynasty. It was built between 1897 and 1912.
Why was Mysore Palace rebuilt?
The earlier wooden palace was badly damaged by a fire on 20 February 1897 during a royal wedding.
What is Mysore Palace also called?
It is also known as Amba Vilas Palace.
What architectural style is Mysore Palace?
It is Indo-Saracenic, blending Indian styles with Gothic and other influences.
When is Mysore Palace lit up?
It is illuminated during Dasara and on certain evenings such as Sundays and holidays. Check official sources for dates and timings.
