Bangalore Palace, a new tourist spot

Bangalore Palace, a new tourist spot
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Once limited to ‘select people’, the Bangalore Palace today has opened its doors to all. Ever since the palace management decided to convert it into a tourist attraction, it has been a success story.

Today tourists queue up to experience the royal ambience inside within its historical walls. All thanks to Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, who wanted to throw it open to the tourists.

This grand palace was built in 1887 by the Wadiyar dynasty on the model of the medieval castles in Normandy and England. Covering over 800 acres, the palace resembles the Windsor Palace in England.

It’s interiors stand out with elegant wood carvings. The ballroom, royal bedroom, Maharaja’s bathing hall and Maharani’s bathing pond are few of the locales with true royal taste.

The paintings adorning the walls are sublime. Wadiyar told this website’s newspaper that the idea of throwing it open to public occurred to him as it was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the palace.

“We spend nearly Rs 20 lakhs each year on maintenance and staff. Now the burden will be lessened,” he said. “There will be a photo gallery inside soon. More than 1,000 historical photos will be on display including those of Viceroys, Maharajas and other famous personalities.”

Wadiyar also pointed out that additional changes will be made once the legal dispute is settled. “Until the case is solved, we cannot disclose anything,” he said. So, next time you think of a short-distance tourist hangout, just drive to the Bangalore palace.