User:RaeMer/Mysore Palace

Architecture
Designed by Henry Irwin, an English architect, the style is that of Indo-Saracenic architecture, with elements from Islamic, Rajput, and Gothic architecture styles. It is a three story, gray granite, structure, about 245 feet long and about 156 feet wide. There are square towers, five stories tall, at each of the cardinal points, topped with pink domes. The tallest tower is at the center of the palace, 145 feet tall, that is topped with a gold plated dome.

The façade has arches, canopies, and bay windows. There are seven arches and two smaller arches that connect to the centralized arch of the façade. Above the central arch there is a sculpture of Gajalakshmi. The palace is surrounded by gardens and there are four entrances. The 'Jaya Maarthaanda' (main entrance) to the East, 'Jayarama' to the North, 'Balarama' to the South, and 'Varaha' to the West.

Attractions
The entrance fee to get into the palace grounds, is 50 rupees per adult, 30 rupees per child aged 7 to 12 years old, and free for children younger than 7 years old.

At the main entrance, there are bronze tigers, sculpted by British sculptor, Robert William Colton, on either side of the walkways leading up to the palace. The Gombe Thotti, also known as The Dolls' Pavilion, was a place to display and worship dolls during Dasara festivities. Ane Bagilu, also known as Elephant Gate, is the main entrance to the palace's interior, symbolizing power and strength.