Introduction

The Bangalore Palace, which stands between Sadashivanagar and Jayamahal, is the outcome of King Chamaraja Wodeyar’s visit to London. So impressed was he with Windsor Castle that he returned home to build a similar one, complete with woodcarvings, towers and parapets, lawns and formal gardens.

Built in the 1880s at the princely amount of Rs 1 million, the structure sprawls across 147,466 sq foot. There’s a ballroom where the king’s private parties were held and a Durbar Hall where he addressed the assembly. There’s a screen behind which the womenfolk would hear the king’s address and a set of windows with lovely stained glass.

The walls bear exquisite paintings, including those by Raja Ravi Varma. There’s a gallery of nearly a thousand historical photos, including those of viceroys, maharajas and other famous personalities. Another attraction is a dining table belonging to the Diwan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail.

However, after its glory days, the palace fell into disrepair post-1949 when the government and the ruling Wodeyars fought for ownership. It has since been restored to the Wodeyars and is rented out for weddings, music concerts and film shoots.

In 2005 Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar, scion of the Wodeyar family, decided to open the palace to the public to meet the cost of upkeep.

Special Attributes

The Bangalore Palace is modeled after the Windsor Castle. Rock concerts take place on its grounds.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable

Connectivity

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Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

You will mostly be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Washrooms

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Combine a visit to Bangalore Palace with Fun World. They are not too far away.

Type of site

Historical Monument