Bangalore Palace

A hub of posh boutiques, enterprising micro-breweries and sprawling tech parks, Bangalore is also a city with many personalities, shaped over time due to its multi-layered history. Folks who seek to experience the classic royal charm of Bangalore can head over to one of its older landmarks, the sprawling Tudor-inspired estate of Bangalore Palace.

The palace was built in the year 1887 by King Chamaraja Wadiyar and is today open to the public who come to witness the lavish and elegant splendour of one of South India’s most enduring dynasties.

History of Bangalore Palace

The area where the palace is now located originally belonged to Reverend J Garrett, who was a school principal in the cantonment town. It was purchased in 1873 by the guardians of Chamaraja Wadiyar and construction began in 1874.

John Cameron, the person behind Lalbagh was enrolled for the landscaping of the palace and surrounding areas. Initial construction was completed in 1878 and subsequent additions and renovations have been carried out since.

The Astounding Architecture

The palace reflects the Tudor style of architecture. Its complex, along with the garden, spreads over an area of 454 acres. The interior of the palace finds motifs, cornices, and wooden carvings on it. Many physical elements inside are the imports from Britain.

There are 35 rooms in the palace and an open courtyard on the ground floor consisting of granite seats decorated with fluorescent blue ceramic tiles. The most important part of the Bangalore Palace is the Durbar Hall which is on the first floor.

The sprawling grounds around the palace was once a host for several cultural events. Several international personalities like Backstreet Boys, Don Moen, David Guetta, Elton John, Lamb of God, Akon, The Black Eyed Peas, Deep Purple, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Roger Waters, Enrique Iglesias have spread their magic in its boundaries.

Nearby Attractions

Close to the palace, one can find the Fun World Amusement Park which features many rides including a snow room and water slides. The grounds today are a continuous hub of activity as they provide the venue for large wedding ceremonies and various trade and retail exhibitions.

How to Reach Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace enjoys a central location in the city and hence there are multiple private and public transit options.

By Rail

The closest railway station to the palace is the Bangalore City Railway station. It is just 4 kilometres away and the journey would take around 20 minutes with regular traffic.

By Road

Bangalore Palace is in the Vasanthnagar area of the city and the main roads around the grounds are the Palace Cross Road, Bellary Road and Sankey Road. Mekhri Circle is one of the major intersections near the Bangalore Palace.

There are many bus routes that ply around this area. The area is commonly referred to as Palace Grounds and some of the BMTC buses which ply out of the central bus terminal include 287, 287B, 287C, 287D and 287E. Auto-rickshaws and private cabs are also easily available.