If you love to visit historic places and would like to know about the royal Wodeyar family then you must visit this place. The knowledge that the members of this Royal family still resides in one section of this palace would really amaze us. While some of them are living at the iconic Mysore palace as well.
The greatest attraction of this palace is that it still remains with all its grandeour and splendour. You do not need the help of any guide inside this palace because they offer you audio guides in different Indian languages. Whenever you wish you may play the audio guide to understand the details of that particular place inside the palace. The audio guide is just superb and you would just love to hear it. You atleast need an hour or more to cover the entire palace area.
The palace displays a beautiful and well decorated Ball room where once a upon a time the Rajas used to enjoy. The splendid Durbar hall is really eye catchy. You will get to see photos of different lineage of Rajas and Ranis of this dynasty and take a walk through the broad stairways of this palace. The ladies courtyard with beautiful fountains and seats are just splendid to watch. The museum showcases different things once used by different members of the Royal Family.
You would notice mummyfied structures of Elephant head and Tiger claws which these Rajas had once hunted and captured. History speaks at every nook and corner of this palace.
Outside the palace there is a huge hall which could be rented by civilians to host any function or party. When I visited this place a wedding reception was about to begin there. There is also a well maintained garden right in front of this palace. This has a kids play area and could also be used as a resting place for everyone.
Just remember to carry an original ID proof of all the members visiting the Palace with you because you will have to submit them at the reception to get your audio guide. Your ID proof is used as a security proof and will be returned back to you once you return the audio guide device back to the palace authorities. If you do not carry any ID proof then you will have to submit your phone there as a security deposit.