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5. Mysore Palace

The magnificent Palace of Mysore is situated in Southern part of India. It is also known as Amba Vilas Palace and serves as the official residence of Wadiyars. The architectural style of this beautiful palace is often described as ‘Indo Saracenic’ and is a fusion of Gothic, Hindu, Muslim and Rajput architectural style. The Palace serves as the venue of ‘Mysore Dasara’ festival every year. During this festival famous artists perform cultural program. This festival is celebrated every year to commemorate the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.

Inside the Mysore Palace, Visitorscan see Public Durbar Hall,Private Durbar Hall, Kalyana Mandapa, Portrait Gallery and Casket Room. Public Durbar hall features a plaster of Paris statue of king Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV. The Kalyana Mandapa is an octagonal shaped hall constructed for royal wedding and other celebrations. The Kalyana Mandapa is studded with beautiful paintings of birthday procession of Kind Wadiyar IV, Durga Pooja and also car festival of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The Palace of Mysore also features temples devoted to Sri Lakshmiramana Swami, Kodi Bharravasvami, Sri Shweta Varahaswamy, Sri Prasanna Krishanswami, Sri Bhuvaneshwari and Sri Gayatri.

Wadiyar dynasty ruled the kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947. This dynasty was established by Vijaya who ruled Mysore from 1399 CE to 1423 CE and then a small town. During the reign of King Krishnaraj Wadiyar III, the kingdom of Mysore came under the British rule and remained under the rule till India became Independent. Wadiyar is also pronounced as Odeyar which means king or the owner in Kannada.
Image Credits: Anamoy Sarma