Mysuru is known to be adorned with historical palaces. They are such in number that this city is commonly described and popular as the "City of Palaces". It is important to note that the term "Mysuru Palace" specifically refers to the palace located within the old fort. This palace was commissioned in the year 1897 and its construction was completed in the year 1912. This palace has developed into one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mysuru.

The palace structure is known to be constructed merging together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. This three-storied stone structure is the official residence of the Wadiyars. They are identified as the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru. This palace is adorned with uniquely designed rooms, namely the Private Durbar or Ambavilasa Palace, the Gombe Thotti (Doll"s Pavilion), the Kalyana Mantapa, the Portrait Gallery and the Casket Room. Apart from these rooms, there is a room called the Public Durbar Hall.

The Public Durbar Hall
Public Durbar Hall is one of the most beautifully decorated rooms made for the royal guests and the court men in Mysore. Public Durbar Hall is often visited by the foreign visitors also. The foreign tourists have often appraised the beautifully decorated Public Durbar Hall in Mysore Palace.

Exhibits of Public Durbar Hall
Just before entering the Public Durbar Hall one would come across a life size statue of Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV. B.Basavaiah is credited with the establishment of this sculpture. He has been identified as the palace artist and close to him is the cut-out photograph of his favorite servant, Jamedar Peer Bait. The visitors in the Public Durbar Hall of the Mysore Palace will first see imported French lamp that stands in the corner representing Egyptian figurines. Sajje or Dasara Hall measuring 42.75 m x 12.70 m in the first floor is reached by a broad stone staircase. This hall is supported on granite pillars, roofed over with a fine stucco ceiling adorned with a variety of designs. The rear walls of this large pillared hall contain one oil painting of Sita Swaymvara created by the celebrated south Indian royal artist from Kerala, Raja Ravi Varma. The Public Durbar Hall is also adorned with the pictures of Goddess Durga in eight forms.

Visiting Information
Mysore city has an airport called the Mysore Airport (MYQ). This airport is known to be relatively new and less busy. Only chartered flights operate from this airport. Other major cities of the country are well connected to Mysore by regular flights. The railway stations in Mysore are Mysore Junction (MYS) and Ashokapuram (AP). Regular trains connect Mysore to other major cities of the country. Bangalore is well-connected to most of the cities in India. There are many express trains between Bangalore and Mysore. Some of the trains connecting Bangalore and Mysore are Tippu Express, Chamundi Express, Kaveri Express and Mysore Express. Mysore is also known to be well connected to other major towns and cities of Karnataka by buses. Mysore is connected to Tamil Nadu and Kerala by interstate bus services. From Bangalore one can reach Mysore via a KSRTC bus or a taxi. One can also avail a bus from Kempegowda Bus Station close to the Bangalore City Railway Station to Mysore. There are several options of state transport bus services as well as private tour operators.

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