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The two durbar halls inside the Mysore Palace were once the ceremonial meeting houses of the royal court. Built in the Indo-Sarcenian form of architecture, the Mysore Palace is considered to be the second most visited tourist destination in the country, after Taj Mahal. This three storied stone structure is a fine blend of the Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic forms of architectural styles. The Mysore Palace which is surrounded by a spectacular garden has domes made out of marble and a 145 feet tall tower which has five stories. Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace is one of the most magnificent palaces in the tourism store house of the Karnataka state. Situated in the city of Mysore, the Mysore Palace is the official residence of the Woodayar Dynasty, now known as the Woodayars who were once the rulers of Mysore. This residence of the ancient royal family houses two durbar halls which are considered to be architectural splendors. The structure built in Grey granite stone which has domes made of Pink marble was designed by an architecture named Henry Irwin. The façade of this masterpiece has seven large arches and two smaller ones supported by tall pillars. The central arch has the sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity along with a number of elephants, above it. Tourists flock to the Mysore Palace during the two month long festival of Mysore Dussehra. The palace gets decorated with a large number of lights which come unto about 96000 and more. Leading artists and performers perform during this festival on a stage set up in the palace ground. The festival of Dussehra is celebrated in the months of September and October each year. This festival of Dussehra which was first celebrated in as early as 1610, continues till today every year and has become an integral part of the life and culture of Mysore. The Palace complex also houses about 12 temples inside which are dedicated to various Hindu Gods like Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Varahaswami. The special rooms or structures inside the Palace include the Ambavilasa, the Gompe Thotti or the Doll’s Pavilion and the Kalyana Mandapa or the wedding hall. Entry to the palace is through the Gombe Thotti, a gallery of traditional dolls from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The pavilion also houses a fine collection of Indian and European sculpture decorated with gold. The Kalyana Mantapa is an octagonal-shaped pavilion with a multi-colored glass ceiling. The floor of the Mantapa continues the peacock theme on the ceiling with a mosaic, designed with tiles from England. There are oil paintings, illustrating the royal procession and Dussehra celebrations of the ancient years on the side walls. For More Info: Mysore Palace Mysore and Places to Visit in Mysore
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