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Museums Of Mysore

Mysore is an architectural vaudeville of fine buildings and monuments. The naturally charismatic tourist hotspot of South India is famous for it's Silk, sandalwood, incense (agarbathi) production, traditional painting and of course the Maharaja's palace.

Jagan Mohan palace (*****)

Maharaja's palace is the seat of Maharajas of Mysore, designed by English architect Henry Irwin and was completed in 1912 at a cost of Rs 4.2 million. Admission Rs 20, Camera Rs 5 for outdoor photography as it is prohibited inside the palace.

The interior of the 3 storied palace is decorated with stained glass, mirrors and coloured paintings. Some of the stained glass are at the roof. Palace has awe-inspiring carved wooden doors and mosaic floors, as well as a series of historically interesting paintings depicting life in Mysore during the Raj era. The palace has a set of Hindu temples in it's compound of which the Shweta Varahaswamy temple with it's gopuram (tower) is the most attractive.

The residential museum (Rs 20) has a good collection of personal belongings of the Maharaja's family displayed in palace's living quarters. On Sunday night and during Dussehra (Sep-Oct), the 97,000 light bulbs illuminate the palace from 7 to 8 pm.

It is one of the best museums in the country. Large number of intricately carved items in marble, ivory and sandalwood are in display. Royal throne, stained glass windows, weapons are displayed in the palace.

Sri Chamarajendra art gallery (****)

The palace is located west of Mysore palace. It was built in 1861 and was used as a Royal auditorium. Jaganmohan palace houses Jayachama rajaendra art gallery (Rs 15). It has a collection of royal objects from the Wodeyars, including wonderful musical machines, rare instruments, Japanese art and paintings by Raja Ravi Varma.

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya manav Sangrahalaya

Has excellent rotating exhibitions on traditional Indian art and culture.

Museum of art & archaeology and folklore museum

It is in Mysore University campus, west of the city. The exhibits include carved wooden figures from Karnatakan villages, pieces with panache, decorative masks and ceremonial headdresses and some spectacular 'thogalu bombeeata' (leather shadow puppets). The wooden puppets include a 10 headed demon Ravana.

Rail museum (***)

Located near the Railway station has a good collection of vintage railway engines and carriages.