Mysore Palace

   


    Mysore Palace or the Mysore Maharaja Palace is located in the heart of the city. Mysore Palace is one of the most visited monuments in India. And its one of the largest palaces in the country, also known asAmba Vilas Palace, was the residence of the Wodeyar Maharaja's of the Mysore state.
   The original palace built of wood, got burnt down in 1897, during the wedding of Jayalakshammanni, the eldest daughter of Chamaraja Wodeyar and was rebuilt in 1912 at the cost of Rs. 42 lakhs. The present Palace built in Indo-Saracenic style and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. It is a three-storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145 ft five-storied tower. Above the central arch is an impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck, and abundance with her elephants. The palace is surrounded by a large garden. Designed by the well-known British architect, Henry Irwin, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.
    Mysore Palace is priceless national treasure and the pride of a kingdom, the Mysore Maharaja Palace is the seat of the famed Wodeyar Maharaja's of Mysore. The palace is now converted into a museum that treasures souvenirs, paintings, jewelery, royal costumes and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodeyars. It's a Kaleidoscope of stained glass & mirrors. The tastefully decorated and intricately carved doors open into luxuriously decorated rooms. The ground floor with an enclosed courtyard displays costumes, musical instruments, children toys and numerous portraits. The upper floor has a small collection of weapons. The beautifully carved mahogany ceilings, solid silver doors, white marble floors and superb columned Durbar Hall are a fest to the eyes. The palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Exquisitely carved doors open into stunningly luxurious rooms.

     The front of the Amba Vilas Palace has an open balcony supported by massive circular columns. The Royal portrait gallery, which is of historical importance, is a visual treat to the visitors. This three-storied structure has beautifully designed square towers at various cardinal points covered by domes. Craftsmen from Jaipur and Agra along with local workers were engaged in crafting them. The marriage pavilion or the Kalyana Mantapa with a center octagonal gabled roof, covered by stained glasses, is to the south of the building. The flooring of this magnificent Kalyana Mantapa has artistic geometrical patterns created by using glittering glazed tiles imported from England. The building has gorgeous chandeliers of Czechoslovakian make.
   The royal throne, regal seat of the is called the Chinnada Simhasana or Ratna Simahasana with captivating artwork on its gold plates is displayed during the Dasara festival. The Maharajas of Mysore used to sit on the golden throne and hold durbars in the Palace Durbar Hall. The paintings of eight manifestations of Goddess Shakthi (strength) and an original painting of the renowned painter Raja Ravi Verma are also on display.


   The palace complex has a selection of twelve Hindu temples. The oldest of these was built in the 14th century, while the most recent was built in 1953. Someshvara Temple, dedicated to God Lord Shiva and Lakshmiramana Temple, dedicated to God Lord Vishnu are some of the more famous temples.
The erstwhile Royal family continues to live in a portion of the Palace. His Highness Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar is the current scion of the Wodeyar Dynasty.
A silhouette of the Mysore Palace illuminated with 98,260 bulbs, shimmering against an inky black night is one of the most enduring images of the city. Although tourists are allowed to visit the palace, they are not allowed to take photographs inside the palace. The annual footfall to this royal attraction is 3.5 million.

 Mysore Palace is the venue for the famous Mysore Dasara Festival, during which leading artists perform on a stage set up in the palace grounds. On the tenth day of the festival Vijaya Dashami, a parade with caparisoned elephants and other floats originate from the palace grounds.

Countries With Cheapest Petrol Prices

Petrol prices are the most volatile across the world. The price of petrol depends on the price of crude oil, taxes, exchange rate and oil company costs.
Petrol price has been slashed by Rs 2 per litre in India, the steepest reduction in rates in nine months.
Take a look at 10 countries where petrol is cheapest according to a report by 'This is Money' and Evans Halshaw.

Venezuela


Price per litre: Rs 6.49 ($0.12)Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 2.73% 
Image: Maracaibo in Venezuela.

Egypt

Price per litre:Rs 7.30 ($0.14)
Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 4.39%
Image: White Knight Bay, Egypt.

Saudi Arabia


Price per litre: Rs 8.12 ($0.15)
Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 0.98% 

Image: Kingdom Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Qatar


Price per litre: Rs 9.74 ($0.18)
Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 0.40%

Bahrain

Price per litre: Rs 12.50 ($0.23)

Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 1.81% 

Image: Coastal area in Bahrain.

Libya


Price per litre: Rs 12.50 ($0.23)Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 3.32% 
Image: Tripoli Central Business District.

Turkmenistan


Price per litre: Rs 14.31 ($0.26)Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 17.79% 
Image: Presidential Palace, Ashgabat

Kuwait


Price per litre: Rs 14.31 ($0.26)Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 1.2%
Image: Kuwait city.

Algeria


Price per litre: Rs 14.31 ($0.26)Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 11.85% 
Image: Refinery located in Sidi Arcine (Baraki, Algiers).

Iran

Price per litre: Rs 17.93 ($0.33)Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol:6.53% 
Image: Tehran.

Source: Rediff.com

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