Vittala Temple Complex | Stone Chariot In Hampi

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Vittala temple dates back to the 15 century and it is the grandest of all temples and monuments in Hampi. This temple complex is spread over a large area with high walls, 3-tower gateways, halls, and multiple shrines. In fact, each of these structures present in the temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture using stone. Outside of this, this temple also hosts the “Stone Chariot” which is one of the iconic symbols of Indian architecture. Not just that, it also houses one of the biggest mysteries of Indian Temples, yes we are talking about” Musical Pillars”.

Shri Vijaya Vittala Temple

Vittala temple is dedicated to Vittala who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple is built on a high ornate base and has carvings of different forms of God on its walls and pillars. Each carving on a pillar is unique and either represents the Gods and Goddesses of Hampi or has a depiction of the daily life of Hampi. However, this temple is partially ruined now and is devoid of any idols.

Stone Chariot

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Iconic Chariot is built on a rectangular platform using giant granite blocks. You can witness the carving of mythical battle scenes all around the base of the chariot. In fact, it is not a chariot, but a shrine dedicated to “Garuda” carrier of Lord Vishnu. Moreover, this is the same chariot what you normally see depicted on the 50 Rupee note

Ranga Mantapa or Saregama Pillars Mantapa

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These are a set of 56 musical pillars that produce music without any other instruments. The main pillar is surrounded by 7 minor pillars, these 7 pillars produce different musical notes when gently tapped. The mystery of how music is produced still remains unsolved.

Try visiting this place during the annual Purandaradasa festival which is organized by the Tourism department of Karnataka.

How To Reach Vijaya Vittala Temple In Hampi

This temple is at a distance of 9 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 5.5 km from Kamalapura Bus Stand. You can either hire a bicycle or bike or battery rickshaw to roam around the city of ruins.

Vittala Temple Information

Timings: 8:30 Am To 5:00 Pm

Entry Fee: Free

Photography: Allowed

Also, read: Hampi: The Architectural Gem Of Karnataka

Hampi: The Architectural Gem Of Karnataka

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Hampi, the architectural marvel and epitome of ancient civilization is situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra in Ballari, Karnataka. The city of ruins which is spread over 41.5 sq km was the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. It is an open museum with 100’s of locations surrounded by 500 odd ancient monuments or structures to explore. This place was declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1986.

Hampi was considered one of the richest and largest cities in the world during the heydays of the Vijayanagara empire from the 15th to 16th centuries. It is home to ancient temples, ruins of palaces remain of aquatic structures, monolithic structures, ancient bazaar streets, royal pavilions, bastions, royal platforms, forts, treasury buildings, and several other architectural surprises spread over a vast area. All these ancient monuments showcase the exceptional architecture and unmatched craftsmanship and Workmanship this kingdom possessed. The Virupaksha temple, Vittala temple, stone chariot, Elephant stable, Lotus Mahal, and queen’s bath should be on top of your list. Apart from this, this was also the major trading center for cotton, spices, and gemstones.

Outside of this, Hampi which is full of rugged terrains and rocky boulders has the adventurous side attached to it. You can witness adventurous activities like trekking, rock climbing, cliff jumping, coracle rides,  etc. Try climbing the small hillocks around the cities to have a better view of the ruins of the Vijayanagara kingdom.

Hampi is a delight for tourists, Backpackers as well as the people who seek religious blessings, thus is considered among the best places to visit in Karnataka.

Shopping 

If you are a shopping freak then head to Streets next to Virupaksha temple which is flooded with shops on either side. These shops offer antique coins, traditional costumes, handicrafts, artifacts, colorful bags, jewelry, silk clothes, cotton clothes, etc. Do not miss out on stuff with Lambani prints which is the specialty in this region. Also, try hitting the place in the morning to skip the hustle-bustle of travelers and tourists in the evening.

What To Eat While In Hampi

As tourists and travelers from various corners of the world pay a visit to Hampi, you can witness a variety of cuisines. However, as Hampi is a temple town, the scope for non-vegetarian food is limited. Nevertheless, don’t miss an opportunity to gobble down on Spicy south Indian dishes.

Hampi Utsav

You can visit this place during Hampi Utsav or post-monsoon in the months of October to February. Hampi Utsav is a 3-day cultural festival which is organized by the tourism department of Karnataka every year. This festival showcases the rich history and culture of Vijayanagara in the form of dance, drama, songs, music, etc. Usually, you will be able to see the whole town flooded with travelers and being lit up with colorful lights.

How To Reach Hampi

Hampi, being one of the most popular sites, is well-connected from major cities of Karnataka. The City of ruins “Hampi” is situated just 12 kilometers away from the Hospet town in the Ballari district. You can either take frequently available buses or trains from Bangalore to Hospet. From Hospet, you can hire an auto-rickshaw to reach historic town Hampi

Also, read: Places To Visit And Things To Do In Hampi

 

Monuments Of Pattadakal | UNESCO Site

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Pattadakal is a group of temples or monuments clustered on a site of  6 acres of land. This architectural beauty lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka were built by Chalukyas. Pattadakal, also known as “Raktapura” in olden days is declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in the year 1987. Mostly you can witness 7th and 8th century Hindu and Jain temples. There are 10 major temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is a blend of south Indian Dravidian style and north Indian (Nagara) style of architecture. Above all, structures here speak for themselves and tell us the Chalukyas were certainly flooded with highly skilled and blessed artisans. Apart from this, there is a  beautiful Jain temple that was built by the Rashtrakutas in the 9th century.

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The Name, Pattadakal literally means ‘coronation stone’ as it was here that many Chalukyan rulers were crowned. Besides this, this was also an important cultural as well as a creative center to share ideas. Being a Heritage site, the whole place is maintained well by the tourism department of Karnataka. Make sure you hire an authorized guide as there are plenty of inside stories to this architectural marvel. It requires at least half a day to cover all the places here.

Pattadakal finds a mention in greek philosopher and geographer Ptolemy’s book as \”Petirgal\” in his Geography section.

Virupaksha temple In Pattadakal

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Virupaksha temple is one of the most famous as well as the largest temple in Pattadakal. This temple was built by queen Lokamahadevi, to commemorate the victory of Vikramaditya 11 over Pallavas of Kanchi. Virupaksha temple built in the 8th century is inspired by the Kailasanatha temple of Kanchipuram built by Pallavas. It is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and  has inscriptions, sculptures of Hindu Gods, and stone carvings on mandapa

The government organizes the Virupaksha temple festival every year to celebrate the cultural and traditional richness this place possesses. Usually, it takes place in the month of January. You can witness the classical dance, music, songs, arts, drama,  etc being performed during this festival.

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Kashi Viswanathan temple, Sangameshwara temple, Papanatha temple, Mallikarjuna temple, Galaganatha temple, Kadasiddeshwar temple, and Jambu Lingeshwara temple are some of the other temples in Pattadakal.

How to Reach Pattadakal From Bangalore

You can hop onto a train or bus from Bangalore to Bagalkot. Pattadakal is just 42 kilometers from Bagalkot\’s main bus stand. You can take frequently available bus service from Bagalkot to Pattadakal or opt for a taxi.

Pattadakallu Information

Entry Fee: Rs 30/  person

Timings:9 Am To 5 Pm

Authorized Guides: Available

Tour Duration: 5 Hours

Nearby Places: Aihole And Badami

Location: 42 Kilometers From Bagalkot

Distance From Bangalore:  445 Kilometers

Also, read:  Aihole – The Cradle Of Indian Temple Architecture

Hampi: Places To Visit And Things To Do In Hampi

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Hampi, the architectural marvel and epitome of ancient civilization is situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra in Ballari, Karnataka. The city of ruins which is spread over 41.5 sq km was the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. It is an open museum with 100’s of locations surrounded by 500 odd ancient monuments or structures to explore. This place was declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1986. This blog post will throw light on some of the best places you can visit and things to do in Hampi.

Places To Visit And Things To Do In Hampi

Hemakuta Hills

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Hemakuta hills are home to a collection of a large number of shrines that belongs to pre Vijayanagar dynasty times. Once upon a time, these hills were topped with beautiful temples, mandapas, pavilions, gateways, galleries, archways, and fort walls. But, what remains now is only the ruins of the architectural wonder that sustained the attacks of various rulers.

It is a short trek of 15 minutes to climb the hill. You need to take steps carved on a humongous rock, to the north of Virupaksha temple to reach the Hilltop. After reaching the top, flat land stuffed with magnificent monuments welcomes you with open arms.

Know More About Hemakuta Hills

Vittala temple In Hampi

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Vittala temple dates back to the 15 century and it is the grandest of all temples and monuments in Hampi. This temple complex is spread over a large area with high walls, 3-tower gateways, halls, and multiple shrines. In fact, each of these structures present in the temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture using stone. Outside of this, this temple also hosts the “Stone Chariot” which is one of the iconic symbols of Indian architecture. Not just that, it also houses one of the biggest mysteries of Indian Temples, yes we are talking about” Musical Pillars”.

Read More About Vittala Temple

Stone Chariot Hampi

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Iconic Chariot is built on a rectangular platform using giant granite blocks. You can witness the carving of mythical battle scenes all around the base of the chariot. In fact, it is not a chariot, but a shrine dedicated to “Garuda” carrier of Lord Vishnu. Moreover, this is the same chariot that you normally see depicted on the 50 Rupee note.

Coracle Ride-In Hampi

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Like every great kingdom begins on the banks of the river, so did the great Vijayanagar empire on the banks of the river Tungabadra. The ancient town of Hampi is well known for its culture, architectural beauty, as well as the great and wealthy lifestyle they followed.

 The round-shaped boats or coracles made of bamboo were used by everyone to ferry people and livestock, during the heydays of the Vijayanagar empire to move across the Tungabhadra river. Even to date these coracles are being used by locals and have become immensely popular among the travelers. This little beauty carries around 6 to 8 people on a go and will take you across to ancient temples, ruins & historical places that are perched on top of rocky boulders. Try hitting this place in evenings, as sunsets in these regions are truly magical when watched from coracles as you glide through the water.

Never say never, to the merry go-arounds rides on the coracles, it is just an out of the world experience.

Kundadri Hill Trek Near Agumbe

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Standing tall at 826 meters. Kundadri is a hill that is stuck near Agumbe, amidst the western ghats of Shimoga. It is a lesser-known tourist destination, barring locals, no one is hardly aware of it. Maybe it is because of this very reason that this hill is still able to restore all its beauty and glory. On a clear day, Kundadri hill will host an amazing view of dense forests, paddy fields, a series of rolling green mountains, wandering streams, and meandering valleys. Above all,  the view of a never-ending sky filled with cotton candy-like clouds is sure to stun any individual. Last but not least, never miss an opportunity to witness the sunset or sunrise that offers a feast to the eye and soul.

Kundadri hill is home to a 17th-century Jain temple that is dedicated to Tirthankara. The 23rd Tirthankara “Parshwanath” is the main deity of this temple. There are many beautifully carved stone statues inside the temple. Besides this, there are 2 small ponds with emerald green water next to the temple beautifying the hills. Not just that, this is the place where Jain monk “Acharya Kundakunda”  meditated thousands of years ago. Hence, this place is known as the Kundadri hills.

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As the dusk settles making way for the moon and stars, try pitching in your tents next to the temple. If you are camping, then collect firewoods and put up a bonfire, as nights are breezy and cold. You can settle down comfortably on the rocks and gaze at twinkling stars by forgetting all the bitterness that life threw at you.

Kundadri Hill Trek 

Trek to Kundadri Hill is a 7-kilometer long journey and it will take about 3 hours to reach the peak. You have to follow the rugged narrow path which will lead you to the summit, from the base of the hill. Moreover, there won’t be any confusion as the route is straightforward and easy.

In most parts of the trek, you will be hiking through wild vegetation, rugged terrains, small streams, and slippery rocks. In the midway, you will come across Varahi dam, where travelers usually make a stopover or break for lunch. While you are climbing the stunning view of natural landscapes and ever-changing sceneries is sure to keep you entertained.

Another best thing is you can drive or ride all the way up to the peak. It is an all-season road and roads are in great condition, so don’t worry about them. However, be careful while driving because the route is narrow, steep, and full of hairpin bends.

You will hardly find any shacks or shops that serve food near the temple. Moreover, if you are someone who can’t stay away from food for too long, then try carrying food or snacks.

How To Reach Kundadri Hills From Bangalore?

You can hop into frequently available government buses from Bangalore to Tirthahalli. Else you can take a train or bus to Shimoga and from there you can take another bus to Thirthahalli. From Thirthahalli hire an auto-rickshaw or jeep to drop you at Kundadri hills which is 30 Km away.

Kundadri Hills Information

Entry Fee: Free

Trek Distance:14 Km ( To And Fro)

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Difficulty Level: Easy

Camping: Allowed Near Temple

Location:  20 Km From Thirthahalli

Distance From Bangalore: 356 Km

Also, read:  Kavaledurga Fort Trek

Places To Visit In Kodagu | Things To Do In Kodagu

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Coorg, officially Known as Kodagu is an exotic hill station that lies amidst serene mountain ranges of western ghats, Karnataka. As you step into this land aromatic coffee plantations would welcome you with open arms. Surreal Kodagu hosts everything from green rolling hills to misty mountains to wandering streams to waterfalls to dense forests to caves to temples to forts to museums. Hence, this slice of heaven is also known as the “Scotland Of India”.Besides this, Kodagu is known for its unique culture and tradition people follow. People who belong to this region are called “Kodavas” and they are basically nature worshippers. No wonder why Coorg has maintained all its glory and charm all these years. Never miss an opportunity to witness Kodavas Marriage, dance, Sword Fight, and martial arts. This post will take you through the places you can visit and things you can do while in Kodagu.

Outside of this, tourists can indulge in various activities like river rafting, trekking, Hiking, Boating, Safari, bird watching, and rappelling.

Best Places To Visit In Kodagu Or Coorg

Namdroling Monastery Bylakuppe ( Golden Temple)

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Namdroling Monastery is located in camp 4 of settlement and is renowned for its Golden temple. There are 3 golden statues that are 60 ft tall and they represent 3 forms of Buddha. Temples here are vibrant, peaceful, and colorful with exotic paintings, huge halls to meditate, and tall statues. You can witness mass prayers of monks, gaze around the monasteries, and watch hundreds of monks in conversation with one other. But if you are looking for a peaceful environment certainly this is not the place. Because this place is flooded with 100’s of tourists every day.

You can explore towns that are structured similar to that of Tibet, also visit 12 monasteries and 13  Tibetian settlements areas. Among these monasteries, Namdroling, Sera Jay, Sera Mey, and Tashi Lhunpo are popular once.

Know More About:  Bylakuppe – The Tibetian Home In South India

Waterfalls In Kodagu

Irrupu Waterfalls

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Iruppu falls is a stepped waterfall that lies in the foot of the Brahmagiri hills of western ghats in Kodagu, Karnataka. Lakshmana Theertha stream which is a tributary of river Kaveri flows down from the hill to form Iruppu Waterfall. Water gushes through rocks from 170 ft on several step-like structures with a thunderous sound to form a pool. You can walk down the broken trail to the foot of the waterfalls to take a swim and beat the heat.

Know More About:   Irruppu Waterfalls

Best Trekking Places In Coorg or Kodagu

Thadiyandamol  Trek Coorg

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The highest peak in Coorg and also the best trekking spot in western ghats for beginners to start their trekking journey. No complications at all as the trail is clearly marked, the chance of you getting lost is nil. Thadiyandamol trek base starts from a small village called Kakkabe. As you start trekking into the wild, the view of Shola forests, greeny grasslands, water streams running in different directions, vegetations everywhere, colorful birds flying over you is a delight to your eyes. Apart from this what scenic beauty awaits you at the top of the peak is pure bliss.

Know More About:   Thadiyandamol Trek In Coorg

Nishani Motte Trek Coorg

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If you don’t want any crowd to follow you even on weekends then this Offbeat trekking destination near Talacauvery wildlife sanctuary, in Coorg should be on your list. You need to seek permission from the Bhagamandala forest office before you start your trek from Madenadu village base camp, which is 7 km away. You need to hire a jeep to reach the base camp.

Additionally, it is advisable to hire an experienced guide, as the paths in this region are not marked properly and there is a chance of you getting lost in the forest.

Know More About:  Nishani Motte Trek

Festivals In Kodagu

You can witness some of the popular festivals like Keil Poldhu (worship of weapons), Cauvery Sankramana (return of the river goddess), and the Huttari (harvest).

Conclusion

Indeed, Kodagu is an ideal destination for everyone, whether you are a foodie, an explorer, an adventurer, a backpacker, a shutterbug, or a peace seeker. Above all, pleasant weather here makes this a popular Honeymoon destination among the South Indians.

Please write us the names of other must-visit places of Kodagu or Coorg in the comment section below.

Kavaledurga Fort Trek In Shimoga

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Kavaledurga is a hidden gem that showcases the rich history of Karnataka and it is located near Thirthahalli town, Shimoga. This Fort in western ghats is perched on top of a hillock at about 1,541 meters above sea level. It is a beautiful fort with architectures hidden behind misty clouds and pools filled with blueish water. Not just architecture, this place is also popular among nature lovers and trekkers who wish to get lost amidst nature. Kavaledurga is a short trek of 3 Km to the peak and it might take about 2 hours to reach the summit. Above all, in most parts of the trek, you will be walking through the thick mist-filled clouds.

Kavaledurga Trek 

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Initially, you will be walking a few yards through a stretch of green paddy fields. After that, you will come across a wooden gate passed by a well-paved stone pathway that leads you to the fort entrance. All the walls of the fort are covered with green grass and patches of fungus. While hiking you will notice tiny waterfalls that join the streams beneath the hill.

After about 45 mins of the trek, you will enter the 4th entrance of the fort. And you will be stunned by the beauty of the ancient temple and the tiny pond behind it. If you move further up you will come across remains of a huge huge palace on the top of the hill. Most of the travelers don’t go beyond this point as it appears like a peak. Actually, that is not the case, the best surprise awaits you only beyond this point. 

You need to take a muddy track that is steep and narrow amidst thick forest trails to reach the peak. In fact, the view of the fort, wandering streams, panoramic view of the valley, a stretch of greenery filled rolling hills, and misty surroundings make this place look like heaven on earth.

No eateries or shops, except for a small shop near the entrance that serves snacks and water bottles. Hence, it is always better to carry your packed food when you are heading to Kavaledurga.

History And Architecture Of Kavaledurga Fort

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Kavaledurga fort acted as the fourth and last capital of the Keladi Dynasty.  This fort was built in the 9th century and was later restructured by Cheluvarangappa in the 14th century. In Total, there are about 7 entrances or gates to the fort. As you enter the gates What you can see are ruins and remnants of a long-lost kingdom that had rich cultural and traditional essence in the past.

There is a popular Kashi Vishwanatha Temple with two huge pillars on the top of the hill, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is built in a typical Keladi style of architecture. This temple has carvings of snakes, elephants, warriors, birds, sun, and moon on the outer walls. 

In addition to that, you can spot a lot of ponds filled with blueish-green water at various stages of Fort. In fact, these ponds were used to store water in the olden days. These ponds have well laid out steps, to make the process of water fetching easy.

You will even come across a cave that holds years of freshwater in it. Apparently, as per legends, Bheema of Pandavas during their exile period had dug the cave using his “Gadaa”.Hence, these caves are known as” Gadaa Theertha”.

Apart from this, you will also come across the ruins of a huge palace. You can witness remains of the palace in the form of hundreds of stone pillars that are widely spread over a large area. By observing it properly, you will be able to easily distinguish between darbar hall, ammunition room, jail, kitchen, pooja room, and swimming pool in the backyard of the Palace.

How To Reach Kavaledurga Trek Point

Thirthahalli is 18 Km away from Kavaledurga and it is the only major town near Fort. There are plenty of buses to Thirthahalli from Agumbe, Shimoga, or Udupi. After you reach Thirthahalli you can hire an auto-rickshaw or jeep to reach the fort.

Kavaledurga Trek Information

Entry Fee: NA

Timings:  7 Am to 5:30 Pm

Trek DURATION: 3 TO 4 Hours

Trek Distance: 6 Km( to & fro)

Camping: Not Allowed.

Location:  18 Km From Thirthahalli

Distance From Bangalore: 365 Km

Also, read: Hidlumane Falls Trek

Sringeri- The Temple Town | Sharada Peetham | Mutt

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Sringeri is a small hill town on the banks of river Tunga in Chikmagalur, Karnataka. This holy place is set amidst Western ghats and is at an altitude of 2789 ft above sea level. Sringeri got its name from a nearby hill called” Rishya Shringa Giri”, which in turn is named after a sage: “Rishyashringa”. It is the major hub for Vedic learning and it attracts a lot of students from various corners of India. Besides this, Sringeri is also known for its picture-perfect landscapes and peaceful surroundings that bring in nature lovers and travelers.

Sringeri Mutt or Sharada Peetham

In fact. This place is popular for Sharada Peetham or Mutt dedicated to Goddess “Saraswathi” was established by Sir Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Sharada Mutt in south India was established first of 4 Peetham in 4 directions. Other Mutts are Jyotir Mutt near Badrinath in North, Govardhana Mutt In Puri in the east, and Kalika Mutt near Dwarka in the West.

Apart from this, there are 4 guardian temples on all four sides established by Adi Shankaracharya. Kalabhairava temple dedicated to lord shiva in the east, Kere Anjaneya temple in west, Kali Kamba temple in the north, and Devigamba temple in the south to protect the mutt.

Story About What Made Adi Shankaracharya Establish Peetham In Sringeri

As per the legends, Adi Shankaracharya in his early teens had visited Sringeri while in search of a place to establish Vedic institute and spread his teachings. He happened to notice a pregnant frog suffering from the scorching sun and all of a sudden a snake appeared and spread his hood to protect the frog. Shankaracharya was awestruck to see a snake protect the frog instead of eating it and was spellbound by the kindness of the land. Hence, he decided to start a Sharada Peetham in Sringeri.

Sharada Temple

This temple was established by Acharya Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada. Initially, the Sharada temple had a sandalwood statue of Sharada but it was replaced by the golden statue in the 14th century. This temple is built in the South Indian style of architecture with a raja gopuram. There are multiple stone pillars that display the carvings of the various goddesses.

Vidya Shankara temple

Unquestionably, one of the most beautiful Architectural Marvels in the Pilgrimage center Sringeri. This was built by the rulers Vijayanagar Empire in the 14th century and it is a mixture of Vijayanagar and Hoysala style of architecture. Vidya Shankara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has 12 pillars or Stumbas that display the 12 different zodiac signs carved on it.

Also, try catching a glimpse of Chennakeshava temple, Shri Parshwanath Jain Tirthankara, Siriimane waterfall, and Hanumangundi falls, where you are in Sringeri.

Navarathri Festival In Sringeri

Navarathri is one of the most popular festivals that is celebrated for 11 days in a grandeur way. The whole town comes alive with a lot of colorful lights, huge processions, and fireworks. You can witness thousands of devotees all dressed in traditional attire paying a visit during Navratri.

What to eat in Sringeri

The town is flooded with eateries that serve local and popular vegetarian dishes of Karnataka. Since it is a temple town, you will not find any non-vegetarian restaurants in and around the corner. If you have a sweet tooth then do not miss out on Sringeri Halwa the special dish prepared here. Also, you can try out Ghee Mysore Pak and Chiroti with Badam milk. You will find most of the local delicacies like idli, dosa, vada, Bisi bele bath, akki roti, Jolada rotti, Kesari bath, Uppittu, pickles, and Ragi mudde. Apart from this, never miss an opportunity to lay your hands-on hot fried banana and jack fruit chips that are available in shops.

Kigga Town

Kigga is a small town that is 10 km away from Sringeri. This is known for its greenery and picturesque landscapes. You can head to Sirimane falls and Saint Rishyashringa temple that is near Kigga.

How To Reach Sringeri

This is possibly one of the most famous pilgrimage centers of Karnataka. Hence, this place is well connected with a lot of frequent buses from all major cities of Karnataka. Be it Bangalore, Mangalore, Chikmagalur, Shimoga, etc, you will find direct buses to Sringeri from here.

Also, read: Murudeshwara Beach Town

Majestic Mysore Palace And It\\\’s Royalness

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If there is another word for grandeur then that is gotta be Mysore Palace. Also known as Amba Vilas Palace it is one of the biggest palaces in the whole of India. This royal residence in Mysore stands tall facing the Chamundi Hills in the east. Literally speaking, there are no words in a dictionary that can describe the beauty of Mysore Palace.

 The 24th ruler of Wodeyar dynasty “ Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar 4” built this palace in the year 1912, Later the palace was expanded by his son Jayachamaraja Wodeyar. The palace is designed by British Architect Henry Irwin in Indo-Saracenic style, which is a blend of Hindu, Mughals, Rajputs, and Gothic style. Some of the finest craftsmen across the country have joined hands to create this architectural marvel. The major portion of the Mysore palace remains with the government. However, a small portion is still being used as the official residence of the royal family. 

Structure Of Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace is a 3 storeyed stone palace with marble domes and 145 ft tall 5 storeyed watchtowers. There are 2 colourful darbar halls with ornate ceilings, sculpted pillars, and beautiful paintings that tell stories about the culture and traditions of the royal family. 

Near the entrance of the palace, there is a “Gombe Totti”. Where the traditional dolls of different times have been displayed. Most of the dolls in here are a personal collection of rulers of the Wodeyar dynasty. A major highlight is a wooden elephant decorated with 84 kg worth of gold on it.

You can witness a peacock themed Kalyanamantapa with stained glass windows of different shades and floral mandalas. Moreover.this is the place where the royal family celebrate their birthdays, marriage ceremonies, baby showers, etc.

There are large lush green gardens surrounding the palace, where you can click a pic, having the palace in the backdrop. Besides this, there are 12 Hindu temples in the complex that dates back from the 14th century till 1950.

Usually, on Sundays and other public holidays, you can witness the whole palace being lit with 97,000 golden hues of light. 

Mysore Palace is the 2nd most visited site in India by locals as well as foreigners after “Taj Mahal”.As per the stats, nearly 6 million travellers visit this place every year.

There is a light and music show that happens every evening for tourists, except on Sundays and public holidays.

Usually, on Sundays and other public holidays, you can witness the whole palace being lit with 97,000 golden hues of light. 

Dasara Celebrations In Mysore

Mysore palace is the epicentre of Dasara festival and is celebrated in a grandeur way for 10 days. The whole town comes alive with colourful lights, fireworks, small eateries, small stones that sell handicrafts, and people flooding the streets. The main attraction of the festival is the parade march of elephants that are decorated with paint and jewels. In fact, an elephant will carry the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari on the fabled Golden Howdah that weighs 750 kgs. Interestingly, you can see lakhs of travellers and tourists from India and all around the world hoping to witness the Dasara celebrations. Apart from this, there are  a lot of sports and games organized 

Mysore Palace Information

Entry Fee for Adults: Rs 70/ person

Entry Fee for Children: Rs 30

Timings: 10 Am to 5:30 Pm

Location: Close To Mysore Main Bus stand.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Also, read: Sringeri Sharada Temple

Majestic Mysore Palace And It\’s Royalness

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If there is another word for grandeur then that is gotta be Mysore Palace. Also known as Amba Vilas Palace it is one of the biggest palaces in the whole of India. This royal residence in Mysore stands tall facing the Chamundi Hills in the east. Literally speaking, there are no words in a dictionary that can describe the beauty of Mysore Palace.

 The 24th ruler of Wodeyar dynasty “ Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar 4” built this palace in the year 1912, Later the palace was expanded by his son Jayachamaraja Wodeyar. The palace is designed by British Architect Henry Irwin in Indo-Saracenic style, which is a blend of Hindu, Mughals, Rajputs, and Gothic style. Some of the finest craftsmen across the country have joined hands to create this architectural marvel. The major portion of the Mysore palace remains with the government. However, a small portion is still being used as the official residence of the royal family. 

Structure Of Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace is a 3 storeyed stone palace with marble domes and 145 ft tall 5 storeyed watchtowers. There are 2 colourful darbar halls with ornate ceilings, sculpted pillars, and beautiful paintings that tell stories about the culture and traditions of the royal family. 

Near the entrance of the palace, there is a “Gombe Totti”. Where the traditional dolls of different times have been displayed. Most of the dolls in here are a personal collection of rulers of the Wodeyar dynasty. A major highlight is a wooden elephant decorated with 84 kg worth of gold on it.

You can witness a peacock themed Kalyanamantapa with stained glass windows of different shades and floral mandalas. Moreover.this is the place where the royal family celebrate their birthdays, marriage ceremonies, baby showers, etc.

There are large lush green gardens surrounding the palace, where you can click a pic, having the palace in the backdrop. Besides this, there are 12 Hindu temples in the complex that dates back from the 14th century till 1950.

Usually, on Sundays and other public holidays, you can witness the whole palace being lit with 97,000 golden hues of light. 

Mysore Palace is the 2nd most visited site in India by locals as well as foreigners after “Taj Mahal”.As per the stats, nearly 6 million travellers visit this place every year.

There is a light and music show that happens every evening for tourists, except on Sundays and public holidays.

Usually, on Sundays and other public holidays, you can witness the whole palace being lit with 97,000 golden hues of light. 

Dasara Celebrations In Mysore

Mysore palace is the epicentre of Dasara festival and is celebrated in a grandeur way for 10 days. The whole town comes alive with colourful lights, fireworks, small eateries, small stones that sell handicrafts, and people flooding the streets. The main attraction of the festival is the parade march of elephants that are decorated with paint and jewels. In fact, an elephant will carry the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari on the fabled Golden Howdah that weighs 750 kgs. Interestingly, you can see lakhs of travellers and tourists from India and all around the world hoping to witness the Dasara celebrations. Apart from this, there are  a lot of sports and games organized 

Mysore Palace Information

Entry Fee for Adults: Rs 70/ person

Entry Fee for Children: Rs 30

Timings: 10 Am to 5:30 Pm

Location: Close To Mysore Main Bus stand.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Also, read: Sringeri Sharada Temple

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