Modelled after Windsor Castle in London the breathtaking Bangalore Palace is one of the India’s most captivating royal residences. Built in 1887 this historic point of interest has served as the grand abode of the Maharaja of Mysore in centuries past and has now transformed in to an iconic tourist attraction in the country’s very own Silicon Valley. A permanent fixture in Bangalore’s cultural identity the Bangalore Palace was commissioned to be built by none other than King Chamaraja Wodeyar in the latter half of the 1880’s. Currently managed and run by the Mysore royal household’s very own scion Srikanta Datta Narsimharaja Wadiyar the venue is perhaps best known for its uncanny resemblance to Britain’s Windsor Castle.
Monumental is size and scale the Bangalore Palace is spread out over an extensive property of 454 acres while the entire floor area of the palace complex measures in at 4200m2. Conveniently located with Jayamahal and Sadashivanagar on either side, the sky-piercing historical structure displays Tudor style architectural leanings with towers, ramparts, battlements and other fortifications befitting a castle of its stature. The venue’s sprawling gardens have also been used to host world class concerts by international artists the likes of Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones and Metallica in recent years with popular acts such as No Doubt and The Backstreet Boys also using the venue to stage musical showcases.
The palace’s ground floor contains a picturesque courtyard in its centre with granite seats and ceramic tiles decorating the confines. A ballroom that was used to conduct royal occasions is also open to visitors and is located on the first floor of the complex. An exquisitely adorned stairwell takes visitors to this ballroom while other point of interest within the palace includes the Durbar Hall where national addresses and royal proclamations have been made for centuries. Yellow walls and stained glass work also feature prominently in the hall with a massive elephant head adding to the dramatic flair of the venue.
Dutch and Greek paintings from the 19th century also adorn the walls of the palace that also feature artistic renderings of national hero Raja Ravi Varma. An exquisite dining table made from pearl and lacquer designs that was once owned by Sir Mirza Ismail is also found in the compound along with other priceless decorative household items.
Travellers in search of elegant Bangalore service apartment accommodation should look to the Citadines Richmond Bangalore for long stay and short stay visits. Providing guests with the crème de la crème in modern comforts the plush living spaces of this establishment are ranked among the finest serviced apartments Banglore has on offer.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+