Introduction
Karnataka, with its legacy of dynasties like the Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers, Wodeyars of Mysore, Bahmani Sultans, Marathas, and the British, boasts a collection of magnificent palaces that reflect the state’s royal past. Unlike Rajasthan’s desert palaces or Tamil Nadu’s Nayak palaces, the palaces of Karnataka combine Dravidian, Indo-Saracenic, Islamic, and European influences, showcasing the state’s diverse cultural history.
The most famous among them is the Mysore Palace, one of India’s grandest royal residences, but scattered across Karnataka are many more palatial treasures—some intact and still occupied by royal families, others now serving as museums, heritage hotels, or government buildings. Together, they form an important part of Karnataka’s heritage tourism, offering a glimpse into the opulence, power, and artistry of its rulers.
List of Major Palaces of Karnataka
Mysuru Region
- Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace) – The official residence of the Wodeyar dynasty; Indo-Saracenic style with domes, arches, stained glass, and murals. One of the most visited monuments in India.
- Jaganmohan Palace – Former royal residence, now an art gallery with famous paintings and antiques.
- Lalitha Mahal Palace – Built in 1921 to host the Viceroy of India; today, a luxury heritage hotel.
- Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion – Once a royal residence, now houses the Folklore Museum and other collections of Mysore University.
- Cheluvamba Mansion – Built for Princess Cheluvajammanni; currently houses the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI).
Bengaluru
- Bangalore Palace – Tudor-style palace built by the Wodeyars, inspired by Windsor Castle; known for its wooden interiors and expansive grounds.
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace – Built in Indo-Islamic style with teak arches and frescoes, once Tipu’s summer retreat.
- Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House) – British-era palatial building, now the official residence of the Governor of Karnataka.
Northern Karnataka
- Rajendra Vilas Palace (Chamundi Hills, Mysuru) – A hilltop palace with Indo-Saracenic and European influences; currently closed but historically significant.
- Navalgund Palace (Hubli-Dharwad region) – Residence of the Navalgund rulers.
- Savadatti Palaces (Belagavi region) – Palatial residences of the Savadatti Nayaks.
Srirangapatna (Mandya District)
- Dariya Daulat Bagh (Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace at Srirangapatna) – Built in 1784, a teakwood palace with floral frescoes, murals of battles, and beautiful gardens.
Kalaburagi & Bidar (Deccan Sultanate Region)
- Bidar Palace (Rangin Mahal) – Part of the Bidar Fort complex, adorned with colored tile work, wood carvings, and Persian influences.
- Tarkash Mahal (Bidar Fort) – A palace built for the Sultan’s Turkish wife.
- Ashtur Tombs & Palaces (Bidar region) – Remnants of Bahmani dynasty palatial structures.
- Kalaburagi Fort Palaces – Traces of palatial residences inside the Bahmani fort.
Other Notable Palaces
- Aramane Palace (Sandur, Bellary District) – Royal residence of the Sandur princes.
- Nagarjunakonda-style Palaces (remnants in Raichur and Bellary) – Associated with the Vijayanagara empire, though mostly in ruins.
- Shivappa Nayaka Palace (Shimoga) – 16th-century palace, now a museum displaying Keladi and Vijayanagara artifacts.
Closing Note
The palaces of Karnataka embody the state’s royal elegance, cultural patronage, and architectural diversity. From the grandeur of the Mysore Palace to the Persian-inspired Rangin Mahal of Bidar, they showcase Karnataka’s unique blend of Dravidian, Islamic, and European artistic traditions. These palaces are not just monuments—they are living legacies of the rulers who shaped Karnataka’s history, making them must-visit destinations for heritage travelers