Mysore (officially Mysuru) is a city where history whispers through its grand structures and lush landscapes. Renowned as the “City of Palaces,” Mysore seamlessly blends royal heritage with colonial influences, offering a visual feast of Indo-Saracenic splendour, vibrant gardens, and stately public buildings. Let’s embark on a journey through its architectural treasures.
Palaces: Where Royalty Resides
1. Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace)
The crown jewel of Mysore, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was rebuilt in 1912 after a fire destroyed its predecessor. Designed by British architect Henry Irwin, the palace exemplifies Indo-Saracenic architecture—a fusion of Hindu, Islamic, Rajput, and Gothic styles. Key highlights include:
-Grand Durbar Hall: Adorned with stained glass, gilded columns, and intricate frescoes depicting Mysore’s Dasara festivities.
-Illuminated Facade: Over 97,000 lights transform the palace into a golden spectacle during evenings and the Dasara festival.
-Royal Collections: Displaying weaponry, ceremonial attire, and a gem-studded golden throne.
2. Jaganmohan Palace
Built-in 1861 as a royal refuge, this palace now houses the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. Its traditional Kerala-style wooden carvings and sloping roofs contrast European influences in its stained glass and mural-adorned interiors. Notable exhibits include works by Raja Ravi Varma and a rare portrait of Tipu Sultan.
3. Lalitha Mahal Palace
Perched atop a hill, this 1921 Edwardian-style marvel was designed by E.W. Fritchley for visiting British dignitaries. Today, it is a luxury hotel. Its white facade, sweeping staircases, and Italian marble floors evoke European grandeur, while Mughal-style domes add an Indian touch.
Gardens: Nature’s Masterpieces
1. Brindavan Gardens
Spread below the Krishnarajasagara Dam (1924), these terraced gardens (1932) symphony of symmetry. Highlights include:
-Musical Fountain Shows: Evening performances synchronised with classical tunes.
-Floral Patterns and Pathways: Manicured shrubs, vibrant flowerbeds, and shaded pergolas.
2. Karanji Lake & Nature Park
A biodiversity hotspot, this 90-acre lake features a butterfly park and India’s largest walk-through aviary. The adjacentChamundi Hill offers panoramic views, though the hill is famed for the Chamundeshwari Temple and monolithic Nandi statue.
3. Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens)
Established in 1892 by Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar, this 157-acre sanctuary blends Victorian-era enclosures with modern conservation efforts. The zoo’s colonial-era structures add historical charm, like the entrance archway.
Public Buildings: Echoes of a Bygone Era
1. Mysore Town Hall
Built-in 1927 in Indo-Saracenic style, this red-and-white structure hosts cultural events. Its arched windows, domed towers, and ornate balconies reflect Mysore’s administrative pride.
2. University of Mysore
Founded in 1916, its main building boasts Gothic Revival architecture with pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, and a 175-foot clock tower. The Crawford Hall, another campus landmark, merges European and Indian motifs.
3. Mysore Railway Station
A colonial-era gem (1940s) featuring Roman arches, domes, and a blend of stone and stucco, Mysore’s facade, illuminated at night, symbolises its role as a cultural crossroads.
4. Oriental Research Institute (ORI)
Established in 1891, this repository of ancient manuscripts houses over 33,000 texts, including Kautilya’s *Arthashastra*. Its red-brick Gothic architecture underscores its scholarly legacy.
Mysore’s architecture tells stories of maharajas and British residents, of cultural synthesis and timeless beauty. From the opulent Mysore Palace to the serene Brindavan Gardens and the scholarly ORI, the city invites travellers to wander through its living museum. Whether marvelling at Dasara festivities or strolling through heritage corridors, Mysore remains a testament to India’s architectural ingenuity.
*Tip*: Visit during Dasara (October) to see the city’s most vibrant, with illuminated palaces and cultural performances.