Bangalore Palace

The palace was commissioned in 1873 for the young Maharaja of Mysore, Chamarajendra Wadiyar X, on land that had belonged to John Garrett, principal of the Central High School, and completed in 1878 in Tudor revival style with battlemented towers, turrets and Gothic windows, the design commonly said to have been inspired by Windsor Castle. Inside are wood-panelled halls, painted ceilings, stained glass, Victorian furniture and a large collection of family photographs and portraits, along with a ballroom and a durbar hall with an elephant-head trophy display. It remains private property of the Mysore family, with a long legal dispute over the surrounding land, and is rented out for concerts and weddings.

History

The palace was commissioned in 1873 for Chamarajendra Wadiyar X, Maharaja of Mysore, on a plot of 454 acres owned by John Garrett, a linguist and principal of the Central High School, and it was completed in 1878 at a cost of ₹1 million (Wikipedia, Bengaluru Palace).

Highlights

• The Tudor exterior - battlements, turrets and Gothic windows.
• The panelled halls - wood interiors with painted ceilings and stained glass.
• The durbar hall - the audience room with its trophy display.
• The family collections - portraits and photographs through the rooms.

When to go

Year-round; Bengaluru's climate is mild in every season. The palace closes to visitors when events are booked, so checking ahead is worthwhile. Mornings are quietest.

What to expect

The entry fee is high by Indian standards and the camera charge separate and steep. Some rooms are closed for events. The interiors are Victorian domestic rather than Indian courtly.

Nearby

Cubbon Park lies south; Nandi Hills is north of the city.

Key facts