When you are travelling to Mysore, there are many things you can do. However, if you want to stay at a place that is luxurious and historical, Rajendra Vilas is a great option. This is a palace that speaks of luxury and heritage. This palace is located on the top of the Chamundeshwari Hills at an elevation of about 1000 feet. The original palace was structured during 1822, which was the summer palace for Mysore Wodeyars. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV used the building to learn philosophy and the English language.

History

During the early 1920s, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV renovated the building and the construction work was completed in 1939. However, due to financial issues Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV was unable to construct the palace as elaborately as he wanted. After Independence, the Karnataka Government considered declaring the Rajendra Vilas as a heritage structure. However, Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar converted the place as Rajendra Vilas Palace hotel. During 1980s, the hotel management experienced labor problems and the hotel was closed. After renovation works, the hotel was reopened and the ITC Welcome group took charge of the palace hotels. When Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar contested the election for a Rajya Sabha seat, he declared that Rajendra Vilas was one of his immoveable properties. At present, the palace is one of the most beautiful star hotels in Mysore and thousands of tourists enjoy staying here.

Special Features

There are four chhatries in the Rajendra Vilas building structure and they have been constructed in traditional Rajasthani style. However, the center dome is in a Mysore Palace style. A stylishly designed semi-circular veranda offers the most exciting panoramic view of the glorious city of Mysore. Today, Mysore city is one of the most preferred tourist destinations of India and the number of tourists has been on the rise in recent times.

The royal city of Mysore is popular for its colorful palaces and tourists can experience their grandeur even more during Dussherra Festival. A very special lighting system has been installed in the hotel and it is viewable even from as far as 30 km away.

Facilities at the Palace

There are 25 luxury suites at the hotel. There are five more rooms in the hotel and guests can enjoy all present day amenities. All suites have been provided with Jacuzzi, steam and sauna facilities. Guests can also enjoy delicious Indian cuisines here.

There are special tennis courts in the hotel and a fully equipped health club is available for guests. Round-the-clock room service, laundry, emergency medical services and ample car parking are some of the other features of the palace hotel. In addition, florists and rental cars are instantly available for persons staying at the hotel. A special grade bar here has been providing international standard liquor products and there is a coffee house for soft-drink lovers.

How to Reach

By Air

Mysore airport is a small but busy domestic airport and it is about ten miles away from the city center.

By Rail

Mysore is a railway junction and well connected to the Southern network.

By Road

Private and state-run buses connect Mysore to cities such as Bangalore, Ooty, Pondicherry and Pune. One can also drive down to Mysore from Bangalore and other neighboring cities.