Mysuru Palace, Mysuru, Karnataka

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Golden hour in royal light. Mysuru Palace, Mysuru, Karnataka

Walk through a real-life royal dream—Mysuru Palace. In the heart of Mysuru, Karnataka, this palace is where royalty once lived, ruled and hosted grandeur on a whole new level. It was the official home of the Wadiyar dynasty and the nerve centre of the Kingdom of Mysore. This structure is the brainchild of British architect Henry Irwin. It's a vibrant mix of Indo-Saracenic architecture, laced with Islamic arches, Rajput finesse and a touch of Gothic drama.

Built with grey granite, the palace stretches out across three stories. At the four corners are square towers rising five stories, each crowned with delicate pink domes. But the real showstopper is a soaring central tower that stands 44 metres tall, topped with a gold-plated dome. Seven main arches form the backbone of the entrance, flanked by two smaller ones, all leading up to a central arch adorned with a sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Wrapped in lush gardens and symmetrically planned, the palace greets you from four directions, each with a gate named after mythological figures: Jaya Maarthaanda to the east, Jayarama to the north, Balarama to the south and Varaha to the west. Whichever way you arrive, a grand welcome is guaranteed.