The Lalitha Mahal Palace, an esteemed architectural landmark originally constructed by the Mysore royals to accommodate viceroys and other state guests, marked its centenary on November 18, 1921. This palatial structure, reminiscent of London’s St Paul’s Cathedral and featured in numerous films, stands at a towering height of 450 feet and boasts a hand-operated heritage lift imported from England in 1921.
Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, the then maharaja of the Mysore Kingdom, laid the foundation stone exactly a hundred years ago. Today, the once-regal palace operates as a heritage hotel, quietly celebrating its centenary as the staff goes about their daily tasks. The lower portion of the portico proudly holds the mounted foundation stone, a testament to the vision of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and the palace’s original purpose.
Situated on a hillock at the foothills of the revered Chamundi Hills, the Lalitha Mahal Palace is surrounded by lush landscaped gardens in a sprawling 40-acre campus. The majestic two-story structure reflects the styles of English manor houses and Italian palazzos, featuring twin Ionic columns, a central dome, and cupolas on the roof.
While no specific celebrations were planned for the centenary, the palace, now a heritage hotel, shines with historical significance. Built over nearly a decade, it became an architectural jewel in its heyday. After a period of faded glory post-Independence, the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) took it on lease to run as a heritage hotel in 1974. From 2018 onwards, it has been operated by Jungle Lodges and Resorts, a Karnataka state government entity.
The hotel, with its 22 rooms in the main heritage building and additional rooms in an annex, showcases vintage features, including a hand-operated lift imported from England in 1921. The lift, with a one-tonne capacity, remains a preserved heritage feature, underscoring the royal patronage of the past.
The hotel’s staff, including long-time employees like Krazveen, share stories of hosting Bollywood stars such as Amitabh Bachchan and film crews. The premises have served as a backdrop for numerous films, enhancing the allure of this grand palace as it celebrates its 100th year.