Chittaranjan Palace was built by H.R.H.Krishanaraja Wadiyar for the Mysore Princesses in 1916. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The ceilings are high with majestic masonry pillars. The stained-glass windows are a photographer’s delight. The huge corridors are lined with tall windows opening to the lawns. The traditional red floor in certain areas add to the drama.
A beautiful centre courtyard (thotti) open to the sky will want you to stay longer.
Few decades back, this palace was sold to a businessman and he in turn turned it into a studio to shoot movies and serials. It was known as premiere studio and this studio was off the limits of ordinary Mysore citizens and tourists. It was only frequented by movie makers and actors. The television serial “The sword of Tipu Sultan” was shot in this very studio in 1989. February of the same year the shooting set caught fire and caused a lot of distress to the people working on the sets.
Now, the palace has regained its lost glory and it has been beautifully converted into a hotel. The gardens are well manicured with pergolas, trees, and various flowering plants. The name “Green hotel” suits the place very well. Yet another heritage building saved from destruction!
As you explore the rooms, Chittaranjan Palace / Green hotel transports you to a bygone era.
There are totally 31 fully furnished rooms. A restaurant is set up aesthetically near the lawns. There are tables sprinkled on the lawn to enjoy high tea with their famous Cinnamon toast.
There is a café run by women known as Malgudi days inside the hotel. The seating is arranged around the open ceiling courtyard (thotti mane). Mysooreans are known to enjoy a good cup of strong filter coffee in the evenings; watching the rain and munching on Kodubale and Chakkali. The choice of tea cakes was good at he cafe. A suggestion is to include more local snacks and provide authentic filter coffee. Mysooreans take great pride in brewing the best filter coffee in the country.
A visit to this hotel for a cuppa is a must on our every visit to Mysuru.
Place statistics:
Type of place: Palace turned into a hotel
Situated: Mysore
Address: 2270 Chittaranjan Palace Vinoba Road Chittaranjan Palace, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysuru (Mysuru) 570012
Distance: 140 Km from Bengaluru. 10 Km from Suburb bus stand and 5 Km from Railway Station.
Transport: Mysuru city is well connected by road, rail, and air
Facilities: Green hotel has a café, rest rooms, and rooms to stay. Mysuru city has many hotels to suit all budgets
