Introduction to Bangalore Palace
The Bangalore Palace belonging to the Wodeyar Kings of Mysore is a majestic structure built in Tudor Style. The Palace has fortified towers, battlements and turrets. Interiors look regal with elegant wood carvings, floral motifs, and relief paintings. With furniture in Edwardian and Victorian themes, the Bangalore Palace has a striking resemblance to the Windsor Castle of England. The audio tour provides a rich detail of the life and times of the Wodeyar Kings and their relationship with the British Empire.
Directions for Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace is located between Sadashiv Nagar and Jaya Mahal. While coming from Golf Course side, one needs to pass the ITC Windsor Bridge and take the road that goes to the right.
Timings of Bangalore Palace
The Bangalore Palace is open from 10am to 6pm on all days except Sundays.
Traveler’s Tips for getting the best out of Bangalore Palace
The audio tour is the best way to experience the Bangalore Palace. All major exhibits have been marked by numerals and one needs to press the corresponding number on the audio machine. The commentary is rich and covers the history and significance behind the artifact.A ride on the Royal Horse Carriage is the best way to finish the tour of the Museum. The appropriately attired Horseman takes you on a joy ride all around the Palace Ground. There is an old watch tower at one of the ends of the Palace Grounds which can be climbed for a good aerial view of the Palace and its vicinity.
Brief History of Bangalore Palace
The Bangalore Palace was built by Rev. Garrett, the first principal of the Central High School. Construction began in 1862 and it was completed by 1944. The King of Mysore, Chamaraja Wodeyar, purchased it in 1884. The Palace has 35 bedrooms. The large ground surrounding the Palace is currently being used for holding musical concerts including Heavy Metal bands and public events. Currently there is a dispute on this property between the Government of Karnataka and Srikanta Datta Narsimharaja Wadiyar the current Regent.
What to see in Bangalore Palace
The Bangalore Palace is built over 45000 sq. ft. and is set upon a 454 acre plot. Built in Tudor Style, the Bangalore Palace looks magnificent with Fortified towers, Gothic windows, battlements and turrets. The ground floor has a Square with Granite Seats adorned with fluorescent blue ceramic tiles. There is a grandiose Ball Room which used to play host to Royal Parties.
The first floor is dominated by the Durbar Hall which is approached through a spiral staircase. This is the hall where the King used to address his assembly. The most striking object in the hall is a large and elegant Elephant Head. Stain glass windows in one side of the Hall provide a classical look.
Towards the far side of the Hall is a wooden gallery meant for womenfolk to witness the Assembly proceedings.
The Bangalore Palace has numerous Paintings adorning its walls. Some of the Paintings are Dutch, some Greek and there are a few from the famed Raja Ravi Verma as well. An object worth having a look is a Dining Table of Sir Mirza Ismail, Diwan of Mysore. It contains a mother-of-pearl inlay with Chinese lacquer work.
Rock Music Connection
The Grounds surrounding the Palace have played host to many concerts by Rock Stars. Some of the shows conducted here were from Aerosmith, Iron Maiden (Backstreet Boys, Elton John, Megadeth, Deep Purple, Amon Amarth, Lamb Of God, Mark Knopfler, Akon, Black Eyed Peas, The Rolling Stones, MLTR, Roger Waters,The Prodigy, No Doubt, The Scorpions, Enrique Iglesias, Machine Head and Cradle of filth.The Metallica show at Bangalore Palace Grounds in Oct’2011 attracted nearly 40000 fans, some even from Europe and US.
(A Jockey weighing Machine)
(Elephant Leg Seats)
Nearby Places to See: Vishveswariah Museum
The Vishweshwariah Museum nearby, is a fascinating place for spend a few hours for all age groups. For my travelogue visit Vishweshwariah Museum.