Bengaluru Palace

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The interior walls are adorned with paintings by the renowned artist Raja Ravi Varma.

2. 2

   The construction materials, including the wood and tiles, were largely imported from England.

3. 3

   The ballroom features an intricate floor layout specifically designed for the royal family's private gatherings.

4. 4

   The palace grounds house a private amusement park known as Fun World.

5. 5

   A significant portion of the palace remains the private residence of the Mysore royal family and is cordoned off from public access.

6. 6

   The architecture uniquely blends English Tudor style with Indian structural elements like granite seats and pillars.

7. 7

   The courtyard features a fountain gifted to the Wodeyars by the Spanish royal family.

8. 8

   The palace has hosted high-profile international musical acts including Guns N' Roses and Metallica.

Overview

Bengaluru Palace is a royal residence modeled after Windsor Castle, featuring Tudor-style architecture, fortified towers, and crenelated parapets. It was commissioned by Chamaraja Wodeyar in 1878 and completed in 1944. The interior is characterized by expansive wood carvings, Victorian-era furniture, and a collection of over 30,000 photographs documenting the Wodeyar dynasty. The palace grounds encompass 454 acres, including significant forested areas and open spaces used for large-scale concerts and private events. Visitors can tour the Durbar Hall, which features stained glass windows and a prominent elephant head mounting. The building retains original features such as fluorescent lights from the early 20th century and antique ceramic tiles imported from England. It remains under the ownership of the erstwhile royal family of Mysore.

Insider tips

• Audio guides are provided with entry; utilize them to understand the specific historical context of the interior galleries.

• Wear comfortable, slip-on shoes, as you will be required to remove them before entering specific interior sections of the palace.

• Check the official event calendar before planning your visit, as the palace grounds are frequently closed to the public during large private events or concerts.