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Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion Mysore

4.2
·198 reviews·Mysuru, India

A heritage mansion on the University of Mysore campus, housing vintage art and showcasing impressive Wadiyar-era architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Palace outside view

Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion Mysore

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A heritage mansion on the University of Mysore campus, housing vintage art and showcasing impressive Wadiyar-era architecture.

4.2
(198 reviews)

"Admire the architecture and discover vintage artwork in this peaceful, free-to-enter heritage gem."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry & Quick Visit

Entry is free! You can admire the architecture in about 15-20 mins, or longer if exploring the museum. :ticket:

Best for Introverts & Art Lovers

A great spot for a quiet, reflective visit, especially if you appreciate vintage art and heritage. :heart:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Mansion's Grand Architecture

The Mansion's Grand Architecture

Exterior

Admire the impressive heritage structure, a testament to the Wadiyar era's architectural brilliance.

Vintage Artwork Collection

Vintage Artwork Collection

Interior Museum

Discover vintage artwork from privileged painters of the Wadiyar Era, including the famous 'girl with a lamp'.

Peaceful University Campus

Peaceful University Campus

University of Mysore Campus

Enjoy a tranquil stroll around the Manasagangothri campus, a beautiful green space surrounding the mansion.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit

While Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion is less crowded than the main Mysore Palace, visiting during weekdays and avoiding peak tourist seasons will offer a more serene experience. Consider early mornings or late afternoons to truly appreciate the architecture and museum exhibits without the hustle.

Explore Beyond the Mansion Walls

The mansion is nestled within the beautiful Manasagangothri campus of the University of Mysore. Allocate extra time to wander through the campus grounds, which offer a peaceful escape and lovely photo opportunities, making your visit more comprehensive.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Golden hour light on architecture
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Her Highness Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of #Baroda, India, invites AD into her family home, the Lukshmi Vilas Palace. It holds the record for the largest private residence in the world. Watch the full video at the link in bio. #india #gujarat #palace #hometour #royaltytok #vadodara #lukshmivilaspalace
@admiddleeast
225.1K likes • 2.3M views

Free Entry & Quick Visit

Entry is free! You can admire the architecture in about 15-20 mins, or longer if exploring the museum. :ticket:

Best for Introverts & Art Lovers

A great spot for a quiet, reflective visit, especially if you appreciate vintage art and heritage. :heart:

Laxmi Villas: Where History Meets Luxury 🏛✨ A moment for this absolute masterpiece of a mansion—Laxmi Villas is what happens when opulence, heritage, and insane attention to detail collide. Located in the heart of Chettinad, this home feels like stepping into a different world. From the legendary Athangudi tiles (yes, they’re handmade locally and GLOW under the sunlight) to intricately carved pill...
@chefsarahtodd
11.5K likes • 168.9K views
The DHF, in collaboration with the University of Mysore, is restoring the 120-year-old Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion & Museum in Mysuru with the generous support of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation, the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation and the Aikam Foundation. While the museum and its collections undergo restoration and conservation, we have opened up the space to special guided tours. ...
deccanheritagefoundation
202 likes • 5.2K views

Combine with Campus Exploration

Explore the serene University of Mysore campus after your mansion visit for a complete experience. :world_map:

Consider Own Transport

Bustard access is limited; having your own vehicle or hiring one is recommended for easier access. :car:

Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion Mysore❤️ 👇👇👇 Follow us on: @mysore_colors_ . . #my_mysuru #mysore #mysuru #srichamundeshwaritemplemysore #chamundihills #mymysuru #mysorepalace #mysoredasara #mysuruphotography #mysurucityrounds #streetphotography #StreetofMysore #streetvideography #mysoredairies #karnatakatourism #karnataka #karnatakatravel #instagram #instagood #kabini #volt house
mysore_colors_
1.7K likes • 18.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry & Quick Visit

Entry is free! You can admire the architecture in about 15-20 mins, or longer if exploring the museum. :ticket:

Best for Introverts & Art Lovers

A great spot for a quiet, reflective visit, especially if you appreciate vintage art and heritage. :heart:

Combine with Campus Exploration

Explore the serene University of Mysore campus after your mansion visit for a complete experience. :world_map:

Consider Own Transport

Bustard access is limited; having your own vehicle or hiring one is recommended for easier access. :car:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(198 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the impressive heritage architecture and the vintage artwork collection within Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, noting its peaceful ambiance and free entry. However, some reviews point out that the mansion could benefit from better maintenance and utilization, with some suggesting it's a quick visit for those not deeply interested in history.

"This place has three floors of vintage artwork from privileged painters from Wadiyar Era. You wish you were Jayalakshmi Ammani after visiting the space. Keep 30 minutes to see the legendary the girl with a lamp artwork. Love the way lights falls through the windows of this heritage structure. Great place for introverts."

notanairbnb

"Impressive architecture. It's a heritage building. There is nothing inside. You can Spend 15 minutes admiring the architecture and walk around the building. There is no entry fee. It's inside the beautiful Mysore University campus"

Harsha Swamy

"Great place with poor maintenance. You can spend 10 - 15 min admiring the architecture and then take a round in the peaceful Mysore University campus. It is closed inside you can only have a look from outside and wander in the passage. If you are short of time you can skip this place."

BharatKumar

What People Like

Impressive heritage architecture
Vintage artwork collection
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Maintenance could be better
Short visit duration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The mansion is located within the Manasagangothri campus of the University of Mysore. While public buses might get you close to the university, having your own vehicle or hiring a taxi/auto-rickshaw is recommended for direct access to the mansion itself, as bus stops might not be very close. Reddit

Public transport can get you to the University of Mysore campus, but direct access to the mansion might require a walk or a short ride from the nearest bus stop. It's advisable to check local bus routes or opt for ride-sharing services for convenience. Reddit

From Mysore Palace, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the University of Mysore campus where Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion is located. The journey should take approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entry fee to visit Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion. It's a great way to experience heritage architecture and art without any cost. Reddit

Specific opening hours can vary, and it's best to check locally. However, it's generally accessible during daylight hours when the university campus is active. It's advisable to visit during the day to appreciate the museum exhibits. Reddit

As there is no entry fee, online booking is not required. You can visit the mansion directly during its operational hours. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You can admire the architecture and take a quick look from the outside in about 10-15 minutes. For a more thorough exploration of the museum and its vintage artwork, allocate around 30 minutes to an hour. Reddit+1

Inside, you'll find a museum showcasing vintage artwork from the Wadiyar Era, including the renowned 'girl with a lamp' painting. The mansion itself is a heritage structure with impressive architecture. Reddit

Reviews suggest that while the architecture is impressive, the maintenance could be better. Some visitors note that it could be utilized and maintained more effectively. Reddit+1

Photography rules can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask a staff member upon arrival. However, many visitors capture the exterior and the campus. Instagram+1

Built in 1905, it was initially the 'First Rajkumari Mansion' for Princess Jayalakshammanni, the eldest daughter of Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar. It's a significant heritage building from the Wadiyar dynasty. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the mansion, with its grand architecture, offers excellent photo opportunities. The surrounding green campus also provides beautiful backdrops, especially during the golden hour. Instagram+1

Drone photography is generally restricted in heritage sites and university campuses. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the university administration before attempting any drone usage. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion can be a brief but interesting stop for families. While it's not a large, interactive museum, the architecture itself can capture a child's imagination. The 'girl with a lamp' artwork might be a point of interest. The surrounding University of Mysore campus offers open spaces for kids to move around after the mansion visit. Keep the visit short, focusing on the visual aspects, as younger children might not engage with the historical exhibits for long. InstagramReddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

This is an excellent destination for budget travelers as there is no entry fee. You can soak in the heritage architecture and explore the museum's collection without spending a rupee. Combine your visit with a walk around the beautiful and free-to-access University of Mysore campus for a full day of exploration without breaking the bank. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion offers a picturesque setting for photographers. The heritage architecture provides a stunning backdrop, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The surrounding Manasagangothri campus is also a beautiful location for capturing scenic shots. While interior photography rules may vary, the exterior and campus grounds offer ample opportunities to create memorable images. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel of the Wadiyar Era

Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion stands as a significant example of the architectural styles prevalent during the Wadiyar dynasty's rule. Built in 1905, it was originally intended as a residence for Princess Jayalakshammanni, the eldest daughter of Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar. The mansion's design reflects a blend of traditional Indian aesthetics with colonial influences, characteristic of the period. Its grandeur is evident in the intricate carvings, spacious halls, and the overall layout, which was designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The mansion's location on a hillock overlooking Kukkarahalli Kere (lake) adds to its picturesque charm. Instagram+1

While the exterior is a visual treat, the interior houses a museum that preserves artifacts and artwork from the Wadiyar era. This collection offers a glimpse into the royal lifestyle and artistic patronage of the time. The mansion's heritage status is recognized by the Karnataka government, highlighting its importance in the region's cultural landscape. Despite some reviews mentioning maintenance concerns, the inherent architectural beauty and historical significance of the mansion remain its primary draw. InstagramReddit

A Museum of Priceless Collections

The Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion now serves as a museum, housing a collection of vintage artwork and artifacts that offer a window into the past. Visitors often highlight the 'girl with a lamp' artwork as a particularly captivating piece, drawing them into the artistic legacy of the Wadiyar era. Reddit

The museum's exhibits are a testament to the artistic sensibilities and patronage of the royal family. These collections provide insights into the craftsmanship, cultural practices, and aesthetic preferences of privileged painters from that period. For art enthusiasts and history buffs, the mansion offers a unique opportunity to connect with the region's rich cultural heritage. The peaceful ambiance of the mansion, combined with its artistic treasures, makes it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a quieter, more contemplative experience compared to the bustling Mysore Palace. InstagramReddit

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