The Lalitha Mahal Palace is the second largest palace in Mysore. With its beautiful and divine white structure it is a worth visiting palace in Mysore. It is located near Chamundi Hills, to the east of the city of Mysore. This was built by Maharaja of Mysore to host his most important guest, the Viceroy of India.
The Lalitha Mahal Palace is now India’s most opulent hotels. This is a palace hotel that offers an experience of princely living in a real Maharaja’s Palace. This dream like palace was built in 1931 for Maharaja’s special guests. The dome structure gives the elegant look to this palace.
History of Lalitha Mahal Palace, Mysore
The palace was built in the early 20th century under the princely state of Mysore under the British rule. The Maharajas of Mysore were prosperous, second to the Nizamas of Hyderabad. The palace is very remarkable architectural structure that was constructed with a sensible amount of money, out of their annual income of two million pounds.
Maharaja of Mysore of the princely state, HH Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV (June 4, 1884 – August 3, 1940) who ruled under the title “Wodeyar” with his capital in Mysore city. He was the 24th ruler of the Wodeyar dynasty. Mysore rulers were considered as great fans of arts and architecture and were reasonably showy in their living style, as is evidenced by the number of highly beautiful monuments consisting of palaces, temples, churches and gardens that they built to enhance the architectural heritage of their Kingdom.
The Lalitha Mahal palace was built in 1931 for the exclusive stay of the then Viceroy of India and afterward as a guest house for the European guests of the Maharajas.
Architecture of the Lalitha Mahal Palace
The Lalitha Mahal is known for its architectural beauty. It is a perfect blend of Renaissance architectural style, Italian palazzo and English manor. This palace is without any doubt one of the most beautiful and popular building in tourists. This palace is also said to be the adaptation of the St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, particularly the central dome. It is a two storied structure.
The supporting structure of the palace is of iconic double column. Decorative stained glasses are used to enhance the elegance of the palace both on the exterior and interior doors, windows and ceilings. Guests can experience the lovely view of the Chamundi hill to the left and the Mysore city in the front of the palace from the balcony.
The palace has comprehensively ingenuous Viceroy Rooms, a banquet Hall, a dancing floor and an Italian marble staircase. This palace is said to be the replica of various palaces in Britain. The ball room in the palace is converted into Dining Hall of the hotel. A swimming pool is an additional feature of the hotel now. The elevator, carpeting and the ottoman, upholstered with the tapestry are treasured items in the palace.
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Lalitha Mahal Palace – A Heritage Hotel
As the then Maharaja has designed this hotel in such a royal way that it has all the best quality and construction patterns used. The royal guests will definitely get the experience of princely hospitality. The grand entrance itself wins the heart before entering into the hotel. And the surrounded huge mesmerizing garden make you feel close to nature.
You can see the city from the front of the palace and the hill view from the left of the palace. The grand Lalitha Mahal Hotel is the blend of three architectural styles renaissance, Italian and English. You can experience the stay into the royal palace.
The palace has extensively designed Viceroy Rooms, a banquet Hall, a dancing floor and an Italian marble staircase. This palace is said to be the replica of various palaces in Britain. The ball room in the palace is converted into Dining Hall of the hotel. A swimming pool is an additional feature of the hotel now. The elevator, carpeting and the ottoman, upholstered with the tapestry are treasured items in the palace.
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Lalitha Mahal Palace Timings and Entry Fee
The Lalitha Mahal Palace is open to visit on all days of the week. The operating timings are 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Total time required to see this palace is 2 – 3 hrs.
Entry Fee for the Lalitha Mahal is, 100 INR per person. The entry fee for kids and foreign tourists may be different.
To stay in the Hotel you can visit the website http://www.lalithamahalpalace.co.in for official and latest rates.
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Best Time to Visit Lalitha Mahal Palace
Summer season (April – June) can be avoided as many people may not feel comfortable to visit in hot weather. The temperature in summer of Mysore ranges from 20 to 30 degree Celsius. And those who don’t have any problem with hot weather can visit in summer as well.
The rainfall in Mysore is from medium to heavy. But can be manageable. The rainy season is between Julys – September.
Winter (October – March) is the most recommended season to visit Mysore. And Mysore is famous to visit in winter only. The weather is very pleasant and welcoming in winter here.
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How to Reach Lalitha Mahal Palace
Lalitha Mahal Palace is located 5km from Mysore city center. It is 8km from Mysore Railway station. To reach to Lalitha Mahal tourists can hire a private cab or an auto rickshaw. To reach to Mysore below information can guide you.
By Air: If you are planning to reach here by air then, Bangalore International Airport is the nearest major airport to Mysore which is about 170km away.
By Bus: If you planning to reach here by road then, you can take the bus from Kempegowda Bus Station in Majestic (Near Bangalore City Railway Station) to Mysore. You can get many options of state transport as well as private tour operators.
By Train: Mysore is connected by rail throughout the region. The railway station is 2 KM from the city. You get many express trains from Bangalore. The distance from Bangalore to Mysore can be crossed in just three hours.
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