India and its lights

Mysore Palace

I've been to Southern India a couple of years ago and I have to say that I left my heart there. Mysore city, found in the Karnataka state, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore; the city now hold the most beautiful and greatly breathtaking Mysore Palce. The latter was build by the Maharaja (king) Krishnarajendra Wadiyar IV and has since been the residence of the royal family of Mysore.

The palace have 12 temples surrounding it, embrassing both the hinduistic and islamic cultures of the country. Inside the palace were the most strking designs I've ever seen. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take any photos. The walls, roof and ground were covered in what is described as Indo-Saracenic designs, the architecture of the palace being a mix of both Indian and Gothic styles.

Photo credits to: dreamstime.com

Photo credits to: santoshsahay.com

However, admist the undeniable beauty of the interior of the palace, what really is a must-see is when it lights up at night. The palace's exterior is completely covered with incandescent  light bulbs- more than 100000 of them. It was the idea of one Maharaja, who at that time, used hydroelectricity to power them. The palace is illuminated in all its magnificence every Sunday and public holidays between 19.00 and 19.45. I remembered this being so immensely and gorgeously beautiful that I cried on that day.

The palace also offers light and sound show every weekdays. Outside the palace, you can find horses and carriages that will take you further in town; you could feel like you went back in time and became a prince/princess. A little market is also find next to one of the entrance, where you can buy indian snacks and clothes.

Photo credits to: wikipedia.com

Mysore Palace, being the second most visited and popular tourist attraction after the Taj Mahal, is an absolute

if you're ever travelling to India.

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