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Aka Amba Vilas, this is the most famous tourist attraction in Mysore. It is one of the largest palaces in India, is said to be the most recognizable, & is one of the richest palaces in the world. It was actually more popular than the Taj Mahal as a tourist attraction in 2006. This is the 3rd Wodeyar dynasty palace to be built here. The first one was built in the 14th century. It was demolished & replaced by a 2nd palace in 1803, but it was destroyed in a fire in 1897 during the wedding of Princess Jayalakshmanni (daughter of Wodeyar X). The present structure, built on the same site, was designed by English architect Henry Irwin & completed in 1912 during the reign of the 24th Wodeyar Raja. This was the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore & also housed the Durbar Halls (ceremonial meeting halls of the royal court).
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Asia
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