Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a palace? If you are visiting Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, you can get a glimpse of the royal lifestyle at Bangalore Palace, one of the most stunning and historic attractions in the city.
Bangalore Palace is a splendid edifice that stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and royal legacy of Bengaluru. Located in the heart of the city, the palace is a blend of Tudor and Gothic styles, adorned with elegant wood carvings, paintings, and furniture. The palace also boasts of a sprawling garden, a ballroom, a durbar hall, and a museum that showcase the history and lifestyle of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore. In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and attractions of Bangalore Palace, as well as provide you with some useful information on how to plan your visit.
History of Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace was built by Rev. J. Garrett, the first principal of the Central High School in Bengaluru, in 1862. He bought 45 acres of land from Chamaraja Wodeyar, the Maharaja of Mysore, and commissioned an English architect to design the palace. The palace was inspired by Windsor Castle in England and incorporated elements of Tudor and Gothic styles.
With over 35 rooms, each with its own unique theme and design, the walls are decorated with paintings by famous artists like Raja Ravi Varma and others. The furniture is made of teak wood and rosewood, with intricate carvings and motifs and the chandeliers are imported from England and France.
The palace underwent several changes and modifications over the years, as it passed from one owner to another. In 1970, Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar, the scion of the Mysore royal family, inherited the palace from his father. He decided to restore and preserve the palace as a heritage site and opened it to the public in 2005, when some parts were converted into a museum that displays memorabilia and artifacts related to his ancestors.
Did you know that Bangalore Palace was once used as a venue for rock concerts? Some of the legendary bands that have performed at the palace grounds include Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Metallica, and Guns N’ Roses.
Architecture of Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace is a rectangular structure that covers an area of 45,000 square feet. It has two floors and a basement. The facade is painted in yellow and white, with red accents. The palace has four towers at each corner, with turrets and battlements. The walls are fortified with granite stones and flanked by lush green lawns.
Bangalore Palace is often compared to Mysore Palace, the official residence of the Wodeyars of Mysore. Both palaces are built in a similar style, with a blend of Tudor and Gothic elements. However, Bangalore Palace is smaller and less ornate than Mysore Palace, which is one of the largest and most lavish palaces in India.
Attractions of Bangalore Palace
1. Ballroom: One of the most impressive attractions of Bangalore Palace is the ballroom, which is located on the ground floor. The ballroom is a spacious and elegant hall that was used for hosting parties and dances by the royal family. The ballroom has a wooden floor, a high ceiling, and a grand piano. The walls are adorned with paintings and mirrors, while the windows offer a view of view with a secret tunnel that leads to the basement, where the wine cellar is located.
2. Durbar hall: Another attraction of Bangalore Palace is the durbar hall, which is located on the first floor. The durbar hall is a majestic and ornate hall that was used for holding ceremonies and receptions by the royal family. The durbar hall has a wooden floor, a vaulted ceiling, and a huge chandelier. The walls are covered with paintings and tapestries, while the windows have stained glass panels. The durbar hall also has a balcony that overlooks the garden.
3. Museum: The museum of Bangalore Palace is a treasure trove of history and culture that displays various items related to the royal family, such as costumes, jewellery, weapons, trophies, etc. The museum also has a collection of rare photographs and documents that depict the life and times of the Wodeyars of Mysore.
The museum is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm on all days except Sundays and public holidays.
4. Garden: The garden of Bangalore Palace is a beautiful and tranquil oasis that surrounds the palace. The garden has a variety of plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs that create a colourful and fragrant landscape. The garden also has a fountain that adds to the charm and splendor of the palace. The garden is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the nature.
5. Photography: If you are a photography enthusiast, you will find plenty of opportunities to capture some stunning shots of Bangalore Palace and its surroundings. You can take photos of the exterior and interior of the palace, as well as the garden and the fountain.
However, you will have to pay an extra fee for using your camera or video recorder inside the palace.
6. You can also explore the museum that displays various items related to the royal family, such as costumes, jewellery, weapons, trophies, etc.
7. You can also attend some of the events and concerts that are held at the palace grounds from time to time. You can check the official website or social media pages of Bangalore Palace for more information on upcoming events.
8. You can also visit some of the nearby attractions that are within walking distance from the palace, such as Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, etc.
How to plan your visit to Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace is easily accessible from any part of Bangalore or outside.
By Air: You can take a flight to Kempegowda International Airport, which is about 35 km away from the palace. You can then take a taxi or a bus to reach the palace.
By train: You can take a train to Bengaluru City Railway Station or Bengaluru Cantonment Railway Station, which are about 5 km and 2 km away from the palace respectively. You can then take an auto-rickshaw or a cab to reach the palace.
By bus: You can take a bus to Majestic Bus Stand or Shivajinagar Bus Stand, which are about 4 km and 3 km away from the palace respectively. You can then take an auto-rickshaw or a cab to reach the palace.
By car: You can drive to Vasanth Nagar Road or Jayamahal Road, which are adjacent to the palace. You can park your car at the designated parking area near the palace entrance.
By metro: You can take a metro to Cubbon Park Metro Station or MG Road Metro Station, which are about 3 km and 4 km away from the palace respectively. You can then take an auto-rickshaw or a cab to reach the palace.
Timings: Bangalore Palace is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm on all days of the week except Sundays and public holidays.
Entry fee: Rs. 230 per person and for foreigners is Rs. 460 per person.
The entry fee includes an audio guide that narrates the history and features of the palace in different languages.
Entry fee for photography: The entry fee for photography is Rs. 685 per camera and for videography is Rs. 1485 per camera.
You can pay the entry fee by cash or card at the ticket counter near the palace entrance.
Parking area: Bangalore Palace has a spacious parking area where you can park your car or bike for a nominal fee. The palace also has clean and well-maintained restrooms for the convenience of the visitors.
Cafeteria: You can also find a cafeteria inside the palace premises where you can enjoy some snacks and beverages at reasonable prices.
Shopping: You can also buy some souvenirs and memorabilia from the souvenir shop near the exit gate.
Bangalore Palace is a magnificent landmark that showcases the royal heritage and cultural legacy of Bengaluru. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone who wants to experience the charm and elegance of a bygone era. In this article, we have explored the history, architecture, and attractions of Bangalore Palace, as well as provided you with some useful information on how to plan your visit.
