Bangalore Palace Entry Fee, History, Address, Photos, Tickets, Nearest Metro Station

Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is known for its vibrant culture, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and technological innovation. But the city also has a rich and glorious past reflected in its many historical monuments and heritage sites. One of Bangalore’s most prominent and majestic landmarks is the Bangalore Palace, a 19th-century royal residence that showcases the splendor and luxury of the erstwhile Wodeyar dynasty.

In this blog post, we will explore the Entry Fee, Tickets, Nearest Metro Station, history, architecture, and attractions of the Bangalore Palace and discover why it is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the classic royal charm of Bangalore.

Consider reading: Best Places to Visit in Bangalore

Timings and entry fee of Bangalore Palace

The Bangalore Palace is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all days of the week. The entry fee to visit the palace is as follows:

• Indian Nationals: INR 230 per person
• Foreign Nationals: INR 460 per person
• Still Camera: INR 685
• Mobile Camera: INR 285
• Video Camera: INR 1485

History of Bangalore Palace

The Bangalore Palace, a historical and architectural marvel, traces its origins to 1862. This period marked the acquisition of a 45-acre land parcel by Rev. J. Garrett, the pioneering principal of Central High School in Bangalore. The land, purchased from Chamaraja Wodeyar, the ruling Maharaja of Mysore, set the stage for a magnificent construction.

Envisioned mirror of the grandeur of Windsor Castle and elements of Normandy and English architecture, Rev. Garrett engaged a renowned English architect for the palace’s design. The construction, culminating in 1874, resulted in a breathtaking structure that became the Wodeyar family’s private abode. This family, whose reign in Mysore stretched from 1399 to 1950, witnessed the palace becoming a centerpiece of significant historical events.

The Bangalore Palace hosted eminent personalities, including Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, and the Prince of Wales. In a notable historical moment, the palace served as the venue for Karnataka’s first Legislative Assembly session in 1951.

Transitioning from a royal residence to a public monument, the palace was opened to visitors in 1970 by Srikanta Datta Narsimharaja Wadiyar, the Wodeyar dynasty’s last descendant. Presently, the Bangalore Palace stands as a celebrated tourist destination and a vibrant cultural center, hosting an array of events, concerts, and exhibitions, thus continuing its legacy as a significant landmark.

Consider reading: Bangalore Fort Timings, Entry Fees, Tickets, Distance, Nearest Metro, Parking

Architecture of Bangalore Palace

The architectural splendor of the Bangalore Palace is a captivating blend of Tudor Revival and Scottish Gothic styles, showcasing an intricate marriage of Western and Eastern design elements. Constructed primarily from robust granite, the palace spans an impressive 45,000 square feet, enveloped by verdant gardens that enhance its majestic presence.

Key architectural highlights of the Bangalore Palace include:

1. Fortified Towers and Turreted Parapets: These elements lend a castle-like aura to the palace, reminiscent of medieval European fortresses.
2. Roman Arches with Decorative Elements: The entrance is graced by Roman arches adorned with intricate floral motifs and the family’s coat of arms, adding a touch of regal elegance.
3. Vine-Covered Walls: Contributing to the palace’s rustic allure, these walls create a picturesque backdrop that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
4. Elegant Ballroom: This space exudes sophistication with its wooden flooring, lofty ceiling, and a striking crystal chandelier, setting the stage for grand events.
5. Durbar Hall: The centerpiece of the palace, this hall features a stunning stained glass ceiling, ornate cornices, and exclusive paintings by the renowned Raja Ravi Varma.
6. Traditional Hindu Style Living Quarters: These areas are adorned with intricately carved wooden pillars, arches, and doors, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
7. Royal Collection: A treasure trove of paintings, photographs, furniture, trophies, and artifacts, this collection offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle and cultural legacy of the Wodeyar dynasty.

Things to see and do in Bangalore Palace

Visiting the Bangalore Palace offers an enriching journey through art, history, and culture, presenting a multitude of engaging activities for visitors:

1. Discover the Palace’s Grandeur: Embark on a tour through the palace’s majestic rooms. Revel in the intricate wooden carvings, stunning murals, and opulent chandeliers that exemplify exquisite craftsmanship.
2. Stroll in the Royal Gardens: The palace gardens offer a tranquil retreat. Immerse yourself in the beauty of vibrant flowers, elegant fountains, and artistic statues.
3. Photographic Memories: Capture the essence of your visit with photographs set against the palace’s splendid backdrop, creating lasting memories of this historic site.
4. Artistic Exploration: Be captivated by the palace’s paintings, murals, and floral motifs. Each piece tells a story, offering insights into the rich history and cultural significance of the palace.
5. Engaging Audio Tour: Enhance your experience with an informative audio tour available in Hindi and English. This tour delves into the palace’s history, architecture, and notable features in comprehensive detail.
6. Fun World Amusement Park: Located within the palace grounds, Fun World is a destination for family-friendly entertainment. Enjoy a variety of rides, games, and attractions suitable for all ages.

Consider reading: Best Amusement Parks in Bangalore

How to reach Bangalore Palace

Reaching the Bangalore Palace, nestled in the vibrant Vasanth Nagar area, is straightforward due to its central location and excellent connectivity. Here’s a guide on how to get there:

1. By Air: Arriving at the Kempegowda International Airport, situated approximately 30 km from the palace, offers various transit options. You can opt for a cab, bus, or the metro to make your way to the palace.
2. By Rail: The Bangalore City Railway Station, the nearest railhead located just 4 km away, provides easy access. From here, cabs, auto-rickshaws, and buses are readily available for a quick trip to the palace.
3. By Road: The palace enjoys seamless road connectivity with all parts of the city. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are efficient means to reach the palace. Its proximity to notable city landmarks like Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, and MG Road further eases navigation.
4. By Metro: The Cubbon Park Metro Station on the Purple Line of Namma Metro, roughly 3 km away, is the closest metro stop. Additionally, Vidhana Soudha Metro Station and Mahatma Gandhi Road Metro Station, located 3.8 km and 4.7 km away respectively, offer alternative metro routes. The metro is a quick, convenient option to bypass traffic. Metro timings, fares, and routes can be checked on the Namma Metro website or the Moovit app.

Nearby attractions to Bangalore Palace

The vicinity of Bangalore Palace is enriched with a variety of attractions, offering visitors diverse experiences:

1. ISKCON Temple: Just 2 km away, this temple is a haven of tranquility dedicated to Lord Krishna. Renowned for its exquisite architecture and vibrant celebrations, the temple also serves delightful prasadam to its visitors.
2. National Gallery of Modern Art: Approximately 1 km from the palace, this museum is a hub for modern and contemporary Indian art. It boasts an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints, and regularly hosts a range of exhibitions and cultural events.
3. Vidhana Soudha: Situated about 2 km from the palace, this iconic building is the administrative seat of Karnataka’s legislature and secretariat. It’s an outstanding example of Neo-Dravidian architecture, distinguished by its majestic domes and central tower.
4. Snow City: Located about 1 km from the palace, this snow-themed amusement park offers a slice of winter fun in Bangalore. Visitors can indulge in activities like snow slides, snow rafting, and snow rock climbing, making it an ideal family destination.
5. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium: This planetarium, about 2 km from the palace, provides an intriguing exploration of astronomy and space science. It features a dome-shaped theater, a science park, and a sky theatre, and organizes various educational shows and workshops.

Final Thoughts on Bangalore Palace

The Bangalore Palace is a remarkable and majestic monument that offers a glimpse into the royal history and culture of Bangalore. The palace is a perfect blend of the Western and the Eastern styles of architecture and art, and showcases the lavish and luxurious lifestyle of the Wodeyar dynasty.

The palace is also a vibrant and lively place that hosts various events, concerts, and exhibitions, and attracts visitors from all over the world. The Bangalore Palace is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the classic royal charm of Bangalore.

FAQs about Bangalore Palace

Who built the Bangalore Palace?

The Bangalore Palace was built by Rev. J. Garrett, the first principal of the Central High School in Bangalore, in 1862. He bought the land from Chamaraja Wodeyar, the Maharaja of Mysore, and commissioned an English architect to design the palace.

What is the architectural style of the Bangalore Palace?

The Bangalore Palace is built in the Tudor Revival style of architecture, with a mix of Scottish Gothic elements. The palace features fortified towers, turreted parapets, Roman arches, vine-covered walls, and wooden interiors.

What are the main attractions of the Bangalore Palace?

The main attractions of the Bangalore Palace are the ballroom, the Durbar Hall, the living quarters, the paintings, the photographs, the furniture, the trophies, and the artifacts. The palace also has a beautiful garden and an amusement park.

What are the timings and entry fee of the Bangalore Palace?

The palace is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all days of the week. The entry fee to visit the palace is INR 230 for Indians, INR 460 for foreigners, INR 685 for still camera, INR 285 for mobile camera, and INR 1485 for video camera.

How to reach the Bangalore Palace?

The palace is located in Vasanth Nagar, in the heart of the city, and is easily accessible by various modes of transport. You can take a cab, a bus, an auto-rickshaw, or a metro to reach the palace. The nearest airport is the Kempegowda International Airport, the nearest railway station is the Bangalore City Railway Station, and the nearest metro station is the Cubbon Park Metro Station.