Impressive sights: Mysore Palace & Brindavan Gardens

An impressive sight of Mysore Palace in Mysore, located in the southern state of Karnataka, presents the finest example of Indo-Saracenic architecture in India. The palace was built in 1912 for the 24th ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty. Popularly known as the Amba Vilas Palace, the building is considered one of the biggest palaces in the country. Some 20 km from the palace is the gorgeous Brindavan Gardens, with its lush gardens and inviting fountains. Both places are worth exploring.

The architecture of Mysore Palace 

The British architects initiated an architectural revival movement in the 19th century, amalgamating elements from Indo-Islamic, Indian, Gothic & Neo-classical styles. The 3-storey palace looks resplendent with marble domes and has a 145-ft tall five-storey tower. The entry to the palace is through "Gombe Thotti" or Doll's Pavillion, where you can see several traditional dolls on display. The palace faces the Chamundi Hills, as the maharajas of Mysore were considered devotees of Goddess Chamundi. 

The private hall, also known as the 'Ambavilasa', is a luxurious hall with a doorway carved out of rosewood. It used to hold private meetings with ministers. The Darbar hall or the 'Diwan-I-Am' used to be a public hall, made for public announcements and hearings. 

Mysore Palace light & sound show

Every evening, the palace attracts huge crowds to enjoy the stunning light and sound show. It is a visual treat to see the palace awash in scintillating lights for 15 minutes. The 45-minute sound and light show depict the 400-year history of Mysore city. Do not miss it if you are near Mysore. You can enjoy the show every day except on Sundays and government holidays. 

Dussehra celebrations 

Vijay Dashami or Dussehra is a major festival that is celebrated with gusto, attracting many global visitors. A 10-day festival holds importance for locals as they get to witness elephants parading while the entire palace is decked up with lights. The royal sword or "Pattada Katti" is taken on a procession around the city on the 9th day of the festival. Ideally, the best time to visit the palace is around October-November, when you can enjoy an array of activities here. 

Night glory at Brindavan Gardens

Some 20 km from Mysore is the 60-acre lush Brindavan Gardens. Built across the Cauvery River in 1932, the garden attracts many tourists each year. You can enjoy several heartening experiences here such as boating, musical fountains, and fascinating flowerbeds to keep you enchanted. During the evening hours, the garden acquires a beautiful hue as the footpaths are lit by lights. Yellow lamps under the trees add a magnificent feel to the garden. At this hour, people await for the musical fountains to start their magic. 

Musical fountains

Water rhythmically dancing to the beats of music is the main highlight of the garden. Combined with laser lights, the flow of the water is digitally controlled. A variety of songs are played to keep the ambience lively and the audience engaged. The weekday timings are from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm, while during the weekends from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. The ideal time to visit the garden is October to February - when winters are not too chilly. And the evenings are the best time to enjoy the beauty of this place. 

Whenever you visit Mysore, be sure to revel in impressive sights such as Mysore Palace and the Brindavan Gardens. It is never too late to plan a vacation. Give yourself a break, you deserve it.