Rajendra Vilas Palace

Stunningly located on top of Chamundi Hills, Rajendra Vilas Palace was originally the summer palace of the royal family. A building stood here since 1822, where Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar was taught. However, in the 1920s, a much grander palace was planned but by the time the construction of the new palace was completed in 1939, it turned out to be much smaller than envisaged owing to financial constraints. It was turned into a hotel by the middle of the last millennium but closed down subsequently. There are about 25 rooms and spacious terrace. The building can be viewed from outside only and has some stunning architectural features. It has four chhatris or dome-shaped pavilions at the corners, built in distinctive Rajasthani style. The central dome and other features, however, are Indo-Saracenic in style with the design and structure of the central dome closely resembling that of the Mysore Palace. In the north is a semi-circular verandah, built strategically to provide panoramic views of the city.