Mysore prides in many historical and magnificent structures, and the Jaganmohan Palace holds a prominent place in that list. More than 150 years old, this ornate and historical palace was built by several kings of Mysore. Since the time of its inception, it has been a witness to many major events and celebrations that are the part of the rich heritage of Mysore. The original structure of this palace was of wood but it got destructed in fire and was reconstructed later.

While the famous Mysore Palace was under construction, the Royal family used to live in Jaganmohan Palace. An important event of coronation of Krishnaraja Wodeyar (Fourth) took place in the famous palace in 1902 and was attended by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy and Governor-General of India. When Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV got married, the frontal area of Jaganmohan Palace was annexed to the main palace and thus named as ‘Wedding Pavilion’. This hall was also used for holding birthday celebrations of Krishanraja Wodeyar IV. This pavilion has also been the center for holding Representative Assembly meetings that were held by Mysore Maharajas, while Mysore enjoyed the status of Princely State. Many early convocations of Mysore University have also taken place in the main hall of Jaganmohan Palace until other suitable venues came up in the city.

Architecture

Jaganmohan Palace is a witness and a corroboration of pure Hindu architecture and holds 3 levels of construction. In 1900, a facade was added to the main structure along with a hall. The facade of Jaganmohan Palace carries beautiful mythological motifs and craft of mini temple-like structures. There are murals painted on the inner walls that are simply breathtaking. The scenes of Dussherra and story-sequence of Jumboo Savari are depicted through these murals that cover the walls expansively. The unique thing about these murals is that they all are painted with natural vegetable dyes. Another striking painting on the wall is that of a family tree of the Wodeyar lineage that traces all members of family. The inner architecture also includes a wooden display of Dashavatara showcasing the ten incarnations God Vishnu.

Unique Buildings

Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery

Jaganmohan Palace houses within its lovely architecture, an art gallery that has a significant collection of artifacts of South India. This art gallery is named as Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery and was incepted in 1915, though named in 1955. This is an impressive and a priceless art gallery that houses more than staggering 2000 priceless paintings and many other invaluable artefacts also. The collected of paintings is from famous Indian as well as foreign artists including names like -  Raja Ravi Varma, Raja Rama Varma, Rabindranath Tagore, Ishwardas, S.L. Haldenkar, Subbukrishna, M. Veerappa, P.P. Ruben, Nikolai Roerich, Aless Caddy, Jiladin Ville, Gunoy and Titan.

Auditorium

Jaganmohan Palace also prides in having a large and spacious auditorium that was constructed in 1900 but allowed to be used by public in 1980. This auditorium is used for holding many important meeting, events, dance performances, festivals, music concerts, dramas, and all sorts of cultural programs. Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery Trust maintains this coveted auditorium.   

Visitor Information

• The nearby railways station and bus station to Jaganmohan Palace is Mysore. The nearest airport is Bangalore airport.
• The average weather of this place is 15°C to 35°C.
• Local language spoken here is Kannada. However, locals also understand English language and can communicate easily.
• The STD Code of this area is 821.
• There is frequent bus service by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation running from Bangalore to Mysore.
• Those preferring to travel by taxi from Bangalore to Mysore would have to shell out about Rs 3000 per taxi.

Special Event

Jaganmohan Palace is a hub of many present day cultural activities for its eminence and prominence that it enjoys as a hub of Mysore city. Jaganmohan Palace is known for holding Dasara festivities at a large and a grand scale. The two grandiose wooden doors in this palace showcase Dashavatharas that add drama and relevance to the festivities.

Timings & Tickets

• Jaganmohan Palace can be visited from 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM on all weekdays. However, the tickets are issued till 5 pm.
• The ticket for adult is Rs.20.00 and for children is Rs.10.00 (below the age of 10 years)

Best Time to Visit

Jaganmohan Palace can be visited any time of the year.