Jaganmohan Palace, Mysuru – A Timeless Royal Art Gallery

Jaganmohan Palace
Jaganmohan Palace, Mysuru

Jaganmohan Palace, Mysuru – A Timeless Royal Art Gallery You Shouldn’t Miss

When you are in Mysuru, most travellers head straight to the grand Mysore Palace. But just a short distance away lies a quieter, equally fascinating heritage site that deserves your time – Jaganmohan Palace.

Once a royal residence, today it stands as an important art museum and cultural landmark, offering a calm and immersive journey into Mysuru’s royal and artistic past.

If you enjoy history, paintings, antiques, and less-crowded attractions, Jaganmohan Palace is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

History and Background of Jaganmohan Palace

Jaganmohan Palace Paintings
Royal Paintings, Jaganmohan Palace, Mysuru

Jaganmohan Palace is one of the oldest modern buildings in Mysuru, with construction beginning in 1856 and completing in 1861. It was commissioned by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III during a politically turbulent period following the Nagar uprising of 1830, when the Mysore Commission took control of the kingdom.

Unlike the old Mysore Palace, which looked like a stone fortress but had wooden interiors, Jaganmohan Palace was designed with a lighter, modern layout, built using brick and mortar and richly decorated with fine woodwork and precious materials.

A Royal Residence Turned Cultural Hub

  • The palace served as the temporary residence of the royal family whenever renovation work was happening at the Mysore Palace.
  • In 1897, after the old Mysore Palace was destroyed by fire, Jaganmohan Palace again became the main royal residence.
  • It hosted major events like royal coronations, daily durbars, Dasara ceremonies, and even the first session of the Mysore Representative Council in 1907.
  • In 1915, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV converted the palace into an art gallery.
  • By 1950, it was opened to the public, and later renamed Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery.
Today, the palace is overseen by the Mysuru royal family trust and remains a vital cultural institution.

Location and How to Reach Jaganmohan Palace

Address:

Jagan Mohan Palace Road, Subbarayanakere, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka – 570004

The palace itself is a landmark and is located very close to the Mysore Palace.

Distance from Major Points

  • Mysore Railway Station: ~2 km
  • Mysore Bus Stand: ~2–3 km
  • Mysore Airport: ~10–13 km

How to Reach Jaganmohan Palace

  • Bus: City buses frequently operate in this area
  • Auto / Cab: Easily available across Mysuru
  • Personal Vehicle: Convenient to reach
🅿️ Parking: Ample parking space is available inside the premises.

Jaganmohan Palace Timings, Entry Fee, and Rules

Timings

  • Open: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Open on all days, including weekends and public holidays

Jaganmohan Palace Entry Fee

  • Adults: ₹75
  • Children: ₹35
  • Foreign Tourists: ₹75

⚠️ Important:

  • Tickets are issued only in cash. UPI and card payments are currently not accepted.

Rules and Guidelines

  • Footwear must be removed before entering the art gallery
  • Photography and videography are not allowed inside
  • Eatables may not be permitted inside
  • No strict dress code, but decent attire is recommended

Highlights and Things to See Inside Jaganmohan Palace

Visitors at Jaganmohan Palace
Visitors at Jaganmohan Palace
This is where Jaganmohan Palace truly shines.

Must-See Attractions

  • Original paintings by Raja Ravi Varma
  • Portraits of the Mysuru royal family
  • Portraits of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan
  • Royal furniture, silver artefacts, and antiques
  • Musical instruments once played by the Maharajas
  • Ivory work, wall art, and rare crafts
Every hall feels like stepping into a different chapter of Mysuru’s royal story.

How Much Time to Spend & Best Time to Visit Jaganmohan Palace

  • Ideal duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Take your time and explore all floors, as many visitors miss the upper levels

Best Time to Visit Jaganmohan Palace

  • Time of day: Anytime between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM
  • Best season: Can be visited throughout the year
  • Crowds: Weekends, holidays, and the Dasara season can be busy
For a peaceful experience, visit on a weekday morning.

Jaganmohan Palace Visitor Experience and Reviews

Art Gallery Jaganmohan Palace
One of the floors of Art Gallery - Jaganmohan Palace

Visitors consistently praise Jaganmohan Palace for its calm atmosphere and rich collections.
  • “A beautiful and peaceful place. The art gallery is very nice, and it wasn’t crowded, so I could enjoy everything calmly.” – Pooja Jaiswal
  • “An essential stop for any history or art enthusiast visiting Mysuru.” – Sridevi
  • “The palace displays a wide range of royal items and paintings. We really enjoyed it.” – Santhiya Kandaraja
Many reviewers note that while maintenance could improve slightly, the heritage value and artwork make it a must-visit.

Nearby Attractions and Food Options

You can easily combine Jaganmohan Palace with other top attractions:

Places to Visit Near Jaganmohan Palace

  • Mysore Palace
  • Mysore Zoo
  • Devaraja Market
  • Karanji Lake

Food Options

There are plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby, making it easy to plan meals before or after your visit.

🗓️ One-Day Plan Idea:

Morning – Mysore Palace & Jaganmohan Palace
Afternoon – Lunch + Mysore Zoo
Evening – Karanji Lake or city shopping

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

  • Carry cash for ticket purchase
  • Explore all floors of the gallery
  • Photography lovers can capture the palace from the outside only
  • Weekdays are best for a relaxed visit

Is Jaganmohan Palace Worth Visiting?

Wall Arts Jaganmohan Palace
Wall Arts, Jaganmohan Palace
Absolutely, yes.

If you are travelling to Mysuru and want to understand its royal heritage beyond the Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace offers a quieter, more detailed look into the city’s artistic and cultural legacy. It is budget-friendly, educational, and suitable for families, seniors, and solo travellers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Jaganmohan Palace famous for?

It is famous for its royal art gallery, heritage architecture, and paintings by Raja Ravi Varma.

2. What are the Jaganmohan Palace timings?

The palace is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM every day.

3. What is the Jaganmohan Palace entry fee?

₹75 for adults, ₹35 for children, and ₹75 for foreign tourists.

4. How to reach Jaganmohan Palace from Mysore city?

It is approximately 2 km from Mysore Railway Station and can be easily reached by bus, auto, cab, or personal vehicle.

5. Is photography allowed inside Jaganmohan Palace?

No, photography is not allowed inside the art gallery.

6. How much time is needed to explore Jaganmohan Palace?

Around 1 to 2 hours is sufficient.

7. Is Jaganmohan Palace suitable for kids and senior citizens?

Yes, it is suitable for families, kids, and senior citizens.

Final Thoughts

Musical Instruments, Jaganmohan Palace
Musical Instruments played by the Maharajas

Jaganmohan Palace may not have the crowds of Mysore Palace, but that’s exactly its charm. It offers a peaceful, enriching experience filled with art, history, and royal stories.

If you truly want to understand Mysuru beyond the usual tourist checklist, Jaganmohan Palace deserves a spot on your travel plan.

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide on Jaganmohan Palace. We hope it helped you plan your visit and appreciate Mysuru’s rich royal and artistic heritage a little more.

If you are eager to explore further, don’t forget to check out our other curated articles under the labels “Mysuru Tourist Places” and “Places to Visit in Mysuru” for more travel inspiration.

If you found this post helpful and would like to support our efforts in documenting and promoting Mysuru’s heritage, you can contribute in any small way through our “Support Us” page.

Your support encourages us to keep exploring, writing, and sharing authentic travel stories for fellow travellers. Happy exploring!
Location: Jagan Mohan Palace Road, Subbarayanakere, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570004, India

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