Dolls’ Pavilion

As soon as you enter the palace, the first sight to greet visitors is a beautiful set of eclectic artefacts displayed in the Gombe Thotti or Dolls’ Pavilion. It was once a showcase for the dolls and palanquins featured in the Dussehra celebrations but is now a gallery of European and Indian sculpture and ceremonial objects. It is here that one can see the ceremonial Golden Howdah, an elaborately decorated throne made of 84 kg of gold and precious stones. Another fascinating exhibit, and a hit with children, is an elaborate clock with antoinettes, mechanical elements and a procession of dolls that is activated on the hour.