



1) The Coat of Arms at the Bangalore Palace

The Maharaja of Mysore was awarded a Coat of Arms by the British. The Coat of Arms includes the symbol of the Wadiyars known as the Ganda Bherunda. This is the two-headed bird in the center. Along with the same, check out the sides for mythical creatures with the head of the elephant and the body of a lion. These are to represent power and royalty.
2) The Ballroom at Bangalore Palace
I will not lie and say that this is one of the most amazing ball rooms that I have seen. It sure is not but then, this palace isn’t one of the biggest that I have seen.

However, having said that, this ballroom is impressive with its colors and lighting and is an important part of the Bangalore Palace. As the audio guide informed me, there were plenty of ballroom parties and dancing that this hall has witnessed.
3) The Spiral staircase

An ordinary wooden spiral staircase but with some lovely artifacts and decor on it – the lovely lamps and the antique vases kept along the corner. One thing that I found unusual here were the custom-made three legged stools. Notice one leg is longer than the others – just to accommodate them on the staircase.

There was something charming about the brown intricately carved, wooden staircase – something antique, something different. 🙂 I can’t explain that feeling except that is how I feel around heritage properties that I have encountered in Old Mumbai.
4) Durbar Hall

Now this was really, impressive. With its amazing chandeliers, yellow and gold decor, stained glass and majestic looking furniture. Unfortunately, you have to watch it from the sides and are not allowed to enter it.

There is a separate partition for the women as they were not allowed to be part of the proceedings directly. Unlike the palaces up North India, these did not have any jhalis or jharokas but was just a partition covered with curtains.
5) Corridors with its antique cases and pictures

Throughout the palace are corridors lined with beautiful paintings and artifacts from the palace. Be it the painting of the Maharajas or the black and white photos of him and his family on various occasions, it is indeed fun to observe them.


Here are some dressing tables and desks that were used by the Royalty.

6) Wildlife spoils

Now here are some exhibits that I am not really fond of but well, they are unique to the Bangalore Palace. These are made of real animal hides – like the one above which is a stool made from Elephant’s legs and the one below which is a vase made of the elephant’s trunks.
- The Maharaja Jayachamrajendra Wadiyar was an avid hunter, rumored to have killed over 300 tigers. His wildlife expeditions are well chronicled through the audio guides and the pictures on the wall. Something that really did not impress me, for I really felt sad after listening to it. The irony of it all is that when he quit hunting, he was elected the president of the Indian Board of Wildlife !!!
7) Maharani’s courtyard at Bangalore Palace

This one had a few open rooms for you to explore. Though there isn’t much in the room, it did satisfy my curiosity piqued by the closed doors of the palace. I wondered how big the rooms were, what colors, etc etc. I have to say that they were fairly big, not as small as the ones that I happen to see in some of the famed palaces of Rajasthan. Most of them had a high ceiling with some impressive chandeliers within them.

8) Maharaja’s courtyard at Bangalore Palace

The Maharaja’s courtyard was Colorful!!! No other adjective springs to my mind except that!

A unique tiled bench is the first thing that you see. The same is made of Spanish tiles and has a picture of a stag being attacked by dogs while the birds watch. There is no partition around it and you are welcome to sit on it and rest. A few seconds of Royal pleasure for you. 😀

The bench along with the fountain above was a gift from the King of Spain. The entire courtyard looks vibrant, thanks to these gifts. Along the corridors are kept some lovely curios from the Western world like the ones below.

9) The Jockey’s chair

Kept along the Maharaja’s courtyard is a wooden chair with a small weighing scale attached. This isn’t any chair but a chair to measure the weight of a jockey. Right next to it is a wooden stand to measure the height of the jockey. The Royal family of Mysore was heavily into horse racing as you can guess. 🙂
10) The Chandeliers

Throughout the palace are amazing and colorful chandeliers. While some of you may argue, what is the big deal about them for they are not the largest or the most intricate. But for me, these chandeliers added to the charm of the Bangalore Palace. They lit up the place – not just literally but in terms of the vibrancy and decor. I would have loved to see them at night.

Having come back from my recent visits to the Royal Rajasthan palaces, I cannot but draw some comparisons. Yes, the Bangalore Palace is not as big or majestic as the Rajasthan ones or even for that matter, the Mysore palace, but it is charming nonetheless. I felt shameful about not seeing it earlier.
Here is hoping that the rest of you don’t make that mistake. If you are in Bangalore, keep aside just two hours to see the small but unique Bangalore Palace. Leaving you with a panorama of the Bangalore Palace.

Getting here:
- Bangalore or Bengaluru is the silicon city of India and one of the major metros in India. With an international airport, it is well-connected to the world. You can even hop into the city through domestic flights from any part of India.
- Bangalore is well- connected to all the major cities in India through railways and roads.
- One can use any of the public transport options – autos, buses or cabs to reach the Bangalore Palace. It is located within the Palace grounds, near Mount Carmel College.
Travel Tips:
- Bangalore Palace is still owned by the Royal family and is open to public on all days between  10 am to 6 pm.
- The entrance tickets to Bangalore Palace is INR 225 for Indians and INR 450 for foreign tourists. This includes the audio guide to the palace. The audio guide is available in English, Hindi, Kannada, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
- Photography is charged for. You need to shell out INR 675 for still camera, INR 1000 for Video cameras and INR 100 for mobile cameras. Anyone without the permit is fined and they are quite strict about it. You will find guards and officials within the premises checking for the same.
- The audio tour lasts for 40 minutes and the officials do expect you to finish within that time. I spend a tad bit of extra time and well, they did not really say much as it was a weekday. However, I suspect I would have been shooed out if it were any other day.
- There are rest-rooms within the Palace for public use. However, there are no cafes or restaurants here. Though there are plenty of them outside the palace grounds. Hence, do plan your visit accordingly.
My other posts on Bangalore:
- Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan and his armoury
- Bangalore Fort
- Blooms of Lalbagh
- 3 Places in Bengaluru for Kids
Arun Prasadh
Beautiful pictures. I too haven't been here. The entry and camera cost are too high.
ArchanaC Kapoor
Beautiful palace and gorgeous you! 🙂 I didn't know something like this existed in BLR… thanks for sharing my dear 🙂
Ami Bhat
They sure are but since I treated myself to it 😀
Ami Bhat
Thanks Archana. Not many realise the precious treasure that we have in Bangalore. It took me years to get here and see it.
Bushra Muzaffar
This palace is drenched in vibrant colors inside while the outside looks familiar…similar to the building where a part of Amir Khan-starred Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander was shot as the 'residence of buisness tycoon Thapar' in the movie. I wonder if it is the same. Excellent clicks, Ami. Loved the panorama shot:)
Rajesh
Beautiful coverage of the Bangalore Palace.
Ami Bhat
Thank you so much Bushra. You are right about the Thapar residence …it was shot here as well as the famed Chandramukhi movie. 🙂
Ami Bhat
Thank you Rajesh
Indrani
I haven't been there yet. I have to go now.
Great pictures.
Ami Bhat
Oh…head there asap…:D
Saru Singhal
This is such a marvelous place. Second shot took my breath away. It looks like a must visit place.
Ami Bhat
It sure is , especially if you are in Bangalore.
Sri Kri
Amazing Shots with detailed write up Ami.Entry and camera fees are too high.
Cheers,
Sriram & Krithiga
Ami Bhat
Thanks guys. I think that is why lot of people don't make it here. But for a one time visit, it is not too bad given that you get an audio guide as well.
Vaisakhi
Everytime I see pictures of the palace I feel like visiting this place and your pics did the same to me. But have heard from a lot of people that the amount you pay for the visit is not worth it and it is very touristy. Would you suggest visiting the palace? Is it worth it?
Ami Bhat
Well, it depends on the interest levels. I am a huge fan of palaces and did not mind paying it for one visit. I have no regrets on the same.
Madhumita Phukan
Lovely pictures n post, Ami! The palace is calling me for a Visit now….
Neha 14wow
Wow..Ami, Great pictures, this palace makes me want to go there asap…as I am a huge history buff..thanks for sharing…
xo, Neha
http://www.theinstylejournal.com
Kevon Robinson
All the sculptures & fortes in Bangalore are wonderful… bearing the vast history… Thanks for sharing nice photos with your blog
Ami Bhat
Make sure you go at least once.
Ami Bhat
Your welcome Neha. Glad you discovered it.
Ami Bhat
Thanks Kevon.
Kumar
I have been to Bangalore palace many times but honestly speaking never ventured inside because of the high cost of taking the camera inside. Planing to go there someday. Thanks for the walk through.
Ami
Thanks Kumar. Glad you liked it
vijay
Beautiful Pictures !! i was reading all your blogs and getting triggered more for travelling and i was a bit traveller too..
Ami
Good to know that you are getting inspired by my posts. Keep traveling.