Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace stands on Palace Road in Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, in grounds that once covered a much larger estate. Construction began in 1873 for the Wodeyar rulers of Mysore and continued after 1884, when the property was acquired and enlarged by the Wodeyar family. The design is Tudor revival, inspired by English castle architecture, with fortified towers, battlements, arched windows and turrets that give it the look of a small Windsor-style castle in the middle of a South Indian city. That choice reflects the Anglo-Indian tastes of the nineteenth-century Mysore royal court, which worked closely with the British Residency during the period of colonial rule. Inside, visitors can see a series of ceremonial and residential rooms, including a wood-panelled durbar hall, a ballroom and a series of galleries with portraits, photographs and furniture of the Wodeyar family. Ceiling paintings, carved wooden panels, stained glass and painted friezes decorate several of the rooms, and the upper floors hold exhibits of royal life and hunting trophies. Curation is loosely chronological and family-centred, offering an audio guide that follows the main rooms and explains the dynasty's history. The palace remains the property of the Mysore royal family and is partly used for events, concerts and weddings, which affects access on some days. Maintenance and restoration are ongoing, and the timber, plaster and paintwork require regular repair; some areas are closed or modified for events. The grounds have lawns and a modern entrance complex, and the palace is a short drive from Cubbon Park and MG Road. Visitors should allow at least an hour and a half for the interior and gardens.