Whenever we drove to Chamundi hills, Lalith Mahal palace would never fail to get its share of attention. The palace built on a small hillock near the foothills of Chamundi hill is so beautiful and eye catching: white and bright!
Lalith mahal Palace was built in 1921 by Maharaja Krishanaraja Wodeyar for the viceroy of India to stay on his visit to Mysore. Consequently, the palace served as a guest house for the European guests of the Maharajas. The palace was designed and executed by the architect E.W.Fitchley. The European styled iconic building of Mysore took 10 years to complete at a cost of 13 lakh rupees.
The Lalith Mahal palace was built to resemble St. Paul’s cathedral situated in London.
Pictures above of St. Paul’s Cathedral in black and white were taken by my dad during his stay in London in 1964.
Paragraphs can be written about the palace, but nothing can compare to the visual treat. Lalitha Mahal Palace is built in white Italian marble with sprawling landscaped gardens. The building is two storied high with huge porches and domes with majestic pillars supporting the ceiling.
Many dramatic scenes in movies are shot on the beautiful Italian marble staircase. The palace has exquisite ball room, banquet hall and a luxurious Viceroy’s room. The walls are painted tastefully to match the motif on the walls and ceilings.
The stained glass used in the building adds color. Glazed tiles, that are so popular in home decors in the Mysore region has been used abundantly.
Now, this palace is converted into a 5-star hotel giving an opportunity to stay and experience the palace in the city of palaces.
Place Statistics:
Type of Place: Palace / 5 star hotel
Situated: Mysore, Karnataka
Distance: 140 Km from Bangalore
Transport: Well connected by road, rail and air
Facilities: Restaurant, luxury rooms available
