The biggest palace in Mysore City is called Amba Vilas Palace or more popularly Mysore Palace. This is the most opulent of all surviving palaces and it is located in the city center. The Mysore palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was completed in 1912. It is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore. Although tourists are allowed to visit the palace, they are not allowed to take photographs inside the palace. (Most frustrating!)
The history of Mysore Palace spans over 500 years. But what we see today in Mysore is the modern palace built in 1912. The architectural style of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic, and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. It is a three-storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145 ft five-storied tower. The palace is surrounded by a large garden.
The three storied stone building of fine gray granite with deep pink marble domes was designed by Henry Irwin. The facade has seven expansive arches and two smaller ones flanking the central arch, which is supported by tall pillars. Above the central arch is an impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck, and abundance with her elephants.
It is from this palace the erstwhile rulers, the Wodeyars, ruled the Mysore Kingdom.
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