Mysore Palace 🇮🇳

Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, stands as a grand royal residence in Mysore, Karnataka. As the official home of the Wadiyar dynasty and former seat of the Kingdom of Mysore, this magnificent three-story monument was commissioned in 1897 after a devastating fire destroyed the previous wooden structure, with construction completing in 1912. Designed by British architect Henry Irwin alongside E.W.

Fritchley, it is the largest of Mysore's seven palaces and a striking masterclass in Indo-Saracenic architecture—blending Indo-Islamic, Rajput, Hoysala, and Gothic styles. As you explore, you will admire its main facade constructed of red and grey-green granite, topped by a five-story central tower with a gold-plated dome, alongside corner towers crowned with pink marble domes. Today, the complex attracts over four million annual visitors.

You can tour a public museum within the palace, see original fort walls, wander through large gardens, and visit several historic Hindu temples, some predating the palace itself. The main palace also houses the living quarters of the current ceremonial head of the dynasty, giving you an extraordinary look into India's royal heritage.

What to see at Mysore Palace

• Indo-Saracenic architecture combining Mughal, Rajput, Hoysala, and Gothic elements
• A five-story central tower featuring a gold-plated onion-shaped dome
• Public museum located on the lower two floors of the main palace
• Sprawling grounds featuring historic Hindu temples, fort walls, and gardens
• Ane Bagilu, the iconic wrought-iron 'elephant gate' opening to the courtyard

Visiting tips

Take time to stroll the broader palace grounds to view the old fort walls and ancient Hindu temples, some of which predated the present palace building.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: During the annual Mysore Dasara festival

How to get there & what’s nearby

Mysore Palace is easy to reach on Mysore’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Mysore travel guide.