History of Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace’s exterior was inspired by England’s Windsor Castle, complete with fortified towers and turrets. The story of Bangalore Palace dates back to the 19th century, when it was envisioned as a private sanctuary for Mysore’s royal family.
The site was originally owned by Rev. J. Garrett, principal of Bangalore’s Central High School, until it was purchased in 1873 for the young Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X.
Construction of the palace began in 1874 and was completed by 1878, making it a contemporary of other grand Indian palaces of that era.
Noted architect Major Henry Irwin (known for designing several famous colonial-era buildings in India) contributed to the palace’s design, which resulted in an edifice that blends Indian royal elegance with British Gothic revival influences.
From the outset, Bangalore Palace was modeled on the Tudor-style castles of Britain – it was literally built as a smaller replica of Windsor Castle in England.
This influence is evident in its battlements, turreted parapets, and fortified towers that give the palace a fairytale castle look. The palace served as a summer retreat for the Wadiyar royal family of Mysore, who used it to escape the heat of their main residence in Mysore.
Over the years, subsequent generations added their own touches – for example, additional sections were built around the Darbar Hall (audience hall) to enhance its grandeur.
Ownership of Bangalore Palace was embroiled in legal battles through the 20th century, but ultimately it returned to the descendants of the Wadiyar dynasty. In fact, the palace remained off-limits to the general public for decades.
It was only in 2005 that Bangalore Palace opened its doors to visitors as a heritage museum. Today, the palace is managed by the royal family’s trust (with the current titular owner being Smt. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, widow of the last Mysore scion) and stands as a proud symbol of Bengaluru’s royal heritage.
Walking through its gates is like stepping back in time into an era of maharajas and colonial admins – a key reason why Bangalore Palace sightseeing is high on every history buff’s itinerary.
Places to Visit in Bangalore Palace (Top Attractions)
The interiors of Bangalore Palace feature ornate arches, patterned floors and elegant wooden staircases, reflecting a blend of Indian and Tudor styles. Visitors to Bangalore Palace are treated to a rich tapestry of architectural details and artifacts that reflect its royal legacy.
The palace building covers about 45,000 square feet and is filled with grand rooms, hallways, and sprawling courtyards. As you explore inside, you’ll notice the mix of Scottish Gothic and Tudor Revival architecture – think wooden carvings, Gothic-style tinted glass windows, and walls covered in floral motifs and Victorian-era paintings.
The interiors are dim and cool, with beautifully crafted woodwork and lavish vintage furniture that increase the richness of each room. Many elements of the décor, from the stained glass to the chandeliers and furniture, were imported from Britain and elsewhere in Europe during the palace’s construction.
To make the most of your tour, here are the top attractions and features inside Bangalore Palace that you shouldn’t miss:
Grand Durbar Hall
The Durbar Hall (audience hall) on the first floor is one of the palace’s highlights. It features a huge centralized throne-like seat and was where the king addressed his assembly.
The hall is adorned with ornate chandeliers hanging from a elaborately painted ceiling, and the walls display an array of historic paintings and family portraits.
The Durbar Hall’s color scheme (a vibrant blue and gold) and gothic arched windows make it extremely photogenic. Standing here, you can almost imagine royal durbars and ceremonies of a bygone era.
Royal Ballroom
On the ground floor, the palace boasts a fairy-tale Ballroom where, in the days of the maharajas, elite social gatherings and formal dances were held. With its high vaulted ceiling and gleaming floor, the ballroom exudes old-world charm.
It isn’t hard to picture British officers and Indian nobility waltzing here under the soft glow of the chandeliers. Today, the ballroom can be rented for private events – in fact, parts of the palace (and its grounds) are popular for high-profile weddings and functions, keeping the royal legacy alive.
Artistic Treasures (Paintings & Decor)
Bangalore Palace is practically a gallery of art and antiquities. It houses numerous famed paintings, including works by the legendary Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma, known for his portraits of Indian royals and mythological scenes.
As you walk through the corridors, you’ll see these 19th-century artworks alongside nearly a thousand photographs that chronicle the Wadiyar dynasty and the evolution of Bangalore city. The walls and ceilings are richly decorated with patterned wallpapers and murals.
Notably, above some doorways you can spot the royal coat of arms of the Wadiyars – featuring a mythical two-headed eagle (Gandaberunda) – a symbol of their power. Even the furniture and fixtures tell a story: look out for an elephant head mount and a unique weighing chair used by jockeys (a quirky gift to the king who was passionate about horse racing) displayed among the royal memorabilia.
Courtyards and Gardens
The palace includes two lovely courtyard areas – traditionally the Maharaja’s courtyard (for the king and men, also known as Mardana) and the Maharani’s courtyard (for the queen and ladies, Zenana).
These open-air courtyards are adorned with fountain features and bench seating in Art Deco style. In fact, one courtyard has a distinctive fountain that was gifted by a Spanish royal who visited the palace – an example of the international connections of the Mysore royalty.
Though the gardens immediately around the palace building are relatively modest in size, they are pleasant for a stroll. The exterior walls of the palace are famously vine-covered, with climbing plants adding to the English castle vibe.
Outside the palace, the wider grounds (known as Palace Grounds) once spanned over 454 acres – today they have been reduced by urban development, but still host extensive lawns and tree-lined avenues.
Don’t forget to walk around the palace to admire it from different angles – the facade, with its mix of geometric battlements and draped greenery, is extremely picturesque.
Palace Grounds & Fun World
The sprawling Palace Grounds surrounding Bangalore Palace have taken on a life of their own in Bangalore’s cultural scene. Over the years, the grounds have been a venue for numerous high-profile concerts, exhibitions, and events.
International music legends including Metallica, The Rolling Stones, and Elton John have performed rock concerts for tens of thousands of fans at Palace Grounds. It’s quite a surreal juxtaposition – modern crowds rocking out against the backdrop of a 140-year-old palace!
Parts of the ground are also available for grand weddings and public expos. Within the palace compound, you’ll also find an amusement park known as Fun World, complete with rides and entertainment for families. So if you’re visiting with kids (or are a kid at heart), you can mix some funfair excitement with your heritage tour.
Tip: Plan to spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours exploring Bangalore Palace’s interior and small garden, more if you want to linger or take an audio tour. An audio guide (available in English and Hindi) is offered at the palace and is highly recommended – it walks you through each room with historical anecdotes.
Also, photography outside the palace is free, but if you wish to take pictures inside, there is an additional camera fee (more on tickets and fees below). Make sure to keep your entry ticket and camera receipt with you; staff might ask to check them, especially if you’re carrying professional camera equipment.
Hotels Near Bangalore Palace – Where to Stay
Bangalore is a large metropolis with accommodation options across every budget. Since Bangalore Palace is fairly central (in the Vasanth Nagar area of the city), staying anywhere in downtown Bangalore will give you easy access to the site. If you specifically want to stay close to Bangalore Palace, here are some top picks:
Luxury Hotels
For a five-star experience reflecting the palace’s grandeur, you can choose the ITC Windsor Manor (Sheraton) or The Lalit Ashok Bangalore, both of which are high-end hotels located about 2–2.5 km from Bangalore Palace.
These luxury hotels offer resort-like amenities and even historic ambiance – ITC Windsor, for example, is styled after an English manor and fits the royal theme perfectly. Another superb luxury option (slightly farther, ~4 km away on MG Road) is The Oberoi Bengaluru, known for its impeccable service and lush garden setting.
Mid-Range Hotels
Radisson Blu Atria Bengaluru is a popular upscale 4-star hotel only ~2 km from the palace, offering comfort and proximity to many central attractions. Similarly, WelcomHotel by ITC (Richmond Road) and Lemon Tree Premier in the city center are reliable options in the mid-range category, with travel times of 10–15 minutes to the palace.
These hotels typically provide modern rooms, restaurants, and facilities at a moderate price, making them great value for travelers.
Budget Stays
There are plenty of budget-friendly stays in Bangalore, including chains and hostels. You might consider hotels like ibis Bengaluru City Centre (around 3 km away, offering clean compact rooms and rates from about ₹2,500–4,000) or FabHotel / OYO properties in areas like Sheshadripuram or Majestic which can be found for under ₹2,000 per night.
While these budget hotels may be a bit more basic, they are well-connected by public transport. If you prefer a backpacker vibe, look for hostels or guesthouses in Indiranagar or Koramangala neighborhoods (though a bit farther from the palace, those areas are very lively and popular with travelers).
Tip: It’s a good idea to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist season (winter months) or when major events/conferences are happening in the city.
Central areas like MG Road, Indiranagar, or around Malleshwaram will give you sightseeing convenience. Many hotels can arrange a cab for sightseeing on request – you could ask for a car and driver for a day to cover not just the palace but other Bangalore attractions as well.
And if you stay slightly farther out, remember Bangalore’s traffic can be heavy during rush hour, so plan your travel times accordingly when visiting the palace. Visit our another blog : Top 20 Luxury Resorts in Bangalore to Try
How to Reach Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace is located in the heart of Bengaluru city (Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar) and is well-connected by various modes of transport. Here’s how you can reach this landmark:
By Air
If you are flying into Bangalore, you will land at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), which is about 33 km north of the city center. From the airport, the fastest way to reach Bangalore Palace is by hiring a taxi/cab, which typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
App-based cab services and airport pre-paid taxis are readily available. Alternatively, you can take a KIAS airport shuttle bus to the city (Majestic or Mekhri Circle routes) and then take a short taxi/auto to the palace. There is no direct public bus from the airport to the palace, so a combination of airport bus + cab is the most economical approach.
By Train
The closest major railway hub is Bangalore Cantonment Station, just about 3 km from Bangalore Palace. If your train arrives at Cantonment, you’re a quick 10-minute cab or auto-rickshaw ride away from the palace. Bangalore’s main station, Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Bangalore City Station at Majestic, is also not far – roughly 5 km from the palace (15-20 minutes by car).
From KSR (City Station), you can hire a taxi/auto or hop on a city bus heading towards Mekhri Circle or Hebbal that stops near the palace. Another smaller station, Bangalore East, is about 4 km away and could be convenient if your train uses that stop. In summary, arriving by train puts you quite close; a quick cab ride will be the most comfortable option to cover the last leg to the palace.
By Bus
Majestic Bus Terminal (Kempegowda Bus Station), which is Bangalore’s central bus station for inter-city buses, is only ~5 km from the palace. If you arrive in Bangalore by bus, you can reach the palace by taking a taxi/auto from Majestic (around 15 minutes).
For those already in the city, Bangalore has an extensive network of BMTC city buses. There are direct routes from Majestic to Palace Road – for example, BMTC bus numbers 287/287B/etc regularly ply from the central bus stand towards the palace vicinity.
You can ask at the Majestic bus information counter for buses going to “Palace Grounds” or Vasanth Nagar. Do note that buses can get crowded and might be a bit confusing for newcomers. If comfort is a priority, stick to cabs or autos. An auto-rickshaw ride from Majestic or MG Road area to the palace will typically cost around ₹100–150 (negotiate or insist on the meter).
By Metro
Bangalore’s Namma Metro is still expanding, and currently no metro line goes directly to Bangalore Palace. The nearest metro stations are a few kilometers away. If you want to include the metro in your journey, you could take the Purple Line to Cubbon Park or Vidhana Soudha stations, which are approximately 2–3 km from the palace.
On the Green Line, the closest station is Mantri Square Sampige Road in Malleshwaram, about 4 km away. From any of these stations, you’d need to catch a short auto or taxi ride to actually reach the palace.
In future, Bangalore’s metro expansion may improve access (a new Red Line with a station near Cantonment is under construction), but as of now, be prepared to use road transport for the last stretch.
By Car/Taxi
Getting to Bangalore Palace by car is straightforward as it lies along Bellary Road near the intersection with Jayamahal Road. If you’re staying in central Bangalore, a cab or Uber/Ola ride will get you there fairly quickly (unless it’s peak traffic hours). From popular hubs like MG Road or Koramangala, the drive takes about 20–30 minutes in moderate traffic.
here is parking available near the palace entrance for a fee, but during big events or on very busy days you might have to park a bit further and walk. Hiring a private taxi for a day tour is a convenient option – you can include the palace and other attractions like Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, or Lalbagh in one circuit.
Many tourists also rent self-drive cars; just be aware of Bangalore traffic rules and timings (some areas have one-ways and no-entry during certain hours).
Tip: Because Bangalore Palace is centrally located, taking an auto-rickshaw or app-based taxi is often the quickest and most hassle-free way to reach, especially from central neighborhoods.
Autos are cheaper than cabs for short distances (just ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand). If you’re coming from far south or east Bangalore, the traffic can be heavy during mornings and evenings – consider traveling in off-peak hours or via the Outer Ring Road to save time.
Finally, if you plan to use public transport, carry a map or use Google Maps for bus routes; the palace is a well-known landmark, so locals can also guide you if you ask for “Palace Grounds” or “Bangalore Palace” stop.
Best Time to Visit Bangalore Palace
One of the great things about Bangalore (now officially called Bengaluru) is its pleasant climate year-round. Thanks to its elevation, the city doesn’t get extreme temperatures like Delhi’s scorching summers or Udaipur’s desert heat.
Bangalore Palace can be visited almost any time of the year, as the weather is generally moderate throughout the seasons. However, there are some considerations regarding weather and crowds:
October to February (Best Season)
This period is broadly considered the best time for sightseeing in Bangalore. The weather is cool and comfortable, especially in the mornings and evenings. Daytime highs range from 20°C to 28°C (68–82°F) – ideal for exploring the outdoor gardens and courtyards of the palace without breaking a sweat.
Additionally, the greenery around the palace is refreshed after the monsoon rains, making the surroundings more picturesque. Many travelers prefer winter months for travel to Bangalore, so you might find a lively tourist buzz around the palace.
It’s still not as crowded as peak season in some North Indian monuments, but you may encounter school groups or tour groups in December–January. Arriving early in the day can help avoid any crowds and give you clearer photo opportunities.
March to May
These are the warmer months leading up to summer. Bangalore’s summer is milder than much of India – temperatures can go up to around 34°C (93°F) on some afternoons in April-May, but generally hover around 30–32°C.
If you visit in this season, plan your palace tour for the morning hours and try to finish by early afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
The interiors of the palace are quite airy with high ceilings, so they remain reasonably cool. Also note, Bangalore schools have holidays in April, so you might see more local families visiting during that time.
June to September (Monsoon)
Bangalore gets moderate rainfall during the Southwest monsoon. The rain usually comes in bursts – a heavy shower followed by clear skies. The palace grounds turn lush green in the rainy season, which is a beautiful sight, but you’ll want to carry an umbrella or raincoat.
If it’s only drizzling, you can still enjoy the gardens; in fact, the rain-washed palace facade looks stunning in photographs with dramatic monsoon clouds. Just be cautious as some parts of the outdoor steps or marble floors can become slippery when wet.
Monsoon is off-season for tourism in Bangalore, so an upside is that you’ll face smaller crowds and possibly get better hotel deals. Always check the forecast – if a particularly heavy rainfall is predicted for the day, you might reschedule your visit to avoid any inconvenience.
Apart from seasonal timing, also consider the time of day and week for your Bangalore Palace sightseeing:
Palace Timings
The palace is open to visitors every day from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry is generally around 5 PM). It’s wise to allocate enough time (1.5–2 hours as mentioned) and thus arriving by morning or late morning is a good idea.
Visiting early (around 10–11 AM) is often recommended so that you have ample time to view the splendid interiors and wander the gardens without rushing. The light in the morning also makes for good outdoor photos, and you’ll likely finish before the strong afternoon sun.
Weekdays vs Weekends
If you have flexibility, visit on a weekday. Weekends can see a higher influx of tourists as well as locals out for leisure, which might mean a longer line to get tickets or more people inside the palace rooms at the same time.
On weekdays, especially mornings, you might find yourself in the company of just a few tourists and the palace guides, allowing a more intimate experience.
That said, even on weekends the palace doesn’t get unbearably crowded (nothing like the Taj Mahal or other major sites), so it’s fine if that’s the only time you can go.
Special Events
As mentioned, the palace grounds sometimes host concerts, mega-events or are rented for private functions. On days of large events, certain areas might be off-limits or the palace might close earlier than usual. It’s relatively rare and these events are often publicized.
Still, if you’re traveling during a festival period or you’ve heard of a big concert in town, it wouldn’t hurt to call ahead or check local news to ensure the palace is fully open.
According to the official tourism board, entry can be restricted if the palace is booked for a private event on a given day. Generally, normal tourist visits are unaffected, but it’s a point to keep in mind.
In summary, Bangalore Palace is a year-round attraction, with winter months offering the most pleasant weather. Aim for a morning visit on a weekday for the best experience. Whenever you go, bring your curiosity and camera – the palace offers a rich feast of history and art that’s timeless.
And if you’re lucky to be in town during an event at Palace Grounds, you might even pair your daytime palace tour with an evening of music or festivity in the same royal environs!
Conclusion: Experience the Royal Splendor of Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace is not just a monument; it’s an experience of royal splendor nestled amid the urban hustle of India’s tech city. From the moment you step through its gates and see the castle-like structure, you’ll be transported to an era of kings and colonial aristocracy.
The palace’s history gives you insight into Bangalore’s heritage, its ornate interiors and attractions leave you in awe of artistic craftsmanship, and the very fact that it’s still owned and cared for by the erstwhile royal family lends an air of authenticity to your visit.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or a traveler looking to add a touch of culture to your Bangalore itinerary, Bangalore Palace will not disappoint – it’s often called the “crown jewel of Bangalore” for good reason.
As you plan your Bangalore Palace sightseeing, use this guide to enrich your trip – know the stories behind what you see, explore comfortably by following the travel tips on how to reach, and pick a great place to stay from our hotel suggestions to make your trip smooth.
And don’t forget to soak in the vibe: maybe sit for a few minutes in the courtyard imagining a royal gathering around you, or gaze at the portraits and think of the continuity of history that brings a 1870s palace into the 21st century as a public museum.
Now, it’s time to experience it for yourself – add Bangalore Palace to your travel plans and get ready to be enchanted by this blend of fairy-tale architecture and Indian royalty.
If you found this guide helpful, do share it with fellow travelers or drop a comment with your own palace stories. Happy travels, and enjoy your royal adventure in Bangalore!
