The century-old Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel in Mysuru requires urgent and extensive restoration. The Karnataka government is seeking private operators and exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) lease to fund the repairs and preservation to fix crumbling ceilings, peeling plaster, and deteriorating infrastructure but official apathy, political delays, and poor maintenance have reduced the former royal residence to a shadow of its original Italianate grandeur.
Built on a raised ground, the palace was fashioned on the lines of St Paul’s Cathedral in London and is one of the most imposing structures in Mysore. Lansdowne Building, initially called Range Bazaar, is also a historic commercial complex in the city, once bustling with shops and services. While it holds significant heritage value, some reviews suggest it's currently in a state of disrepair and underutilization, with parts potentially used as public toilets.
The palace was converted into a heritage hotel in 1974. It was run as a part of the Lalit Ashok Group of the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) under the Government of India until 2018 when it was transferred to a unit of the Government of Karnataka. However, only a veneer of the original royal ambience of the palace is now maintained.
Ex MP Prathap Simha Reacts At MTM 2026
Former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Prathap Simha speaking at a panel discussion on ‘Mysore Airport: Connecting Mysuru to the World’ held on the second day of the fifth edition of Mysore Travel Mart (MTM-2026) at Jagannatha Centre for Art & Culture (JCAC) in Vijayanagar, has expressed concern that the proposed renovation of the century-old Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel could meet the same fate as the Lansdowne Building, which he said has been left to deteriorate due to official apathy.
Simha said that although the State Government has repeatedly promised restoration work of the Lalitha Mahal Palace, there has been little visible progress on the ground. Lansdowne Building on the Sayyaji Rao Road is also a heritage building of Mysuru.
The three day event was jointly organised by the Myore Travels Association (MTA) and the Karnataka Tourism Department.
Reasons For Deterioration
Simha said that although the State Government has repeatedly promised restoration work of the Lalitha Mahal Palace, there has been little visible progress on the ground. Lansdowne Building on the Sayyaji Rao Road is also a heritage building of Mysuru.
The three day event was jointly organised by the Myore Travels Association (MTA) and the Karnataka Tourism Department.
Reasons For Deterioration
The deterioration of the century-old Lalitha Mahal Palace is a major concern for locals and heritage lovers. Decades of official apathy, political delays, and poor maintenance have reduced the former royal residence to a shadow of its original Italianate grandeur.A timeline of the property's struggles highlights several ongoing issues including
Severe Disrepair: Guests and tourists frequently report unkept conditions, including peeling paint, damp-smelling rooms, broken plumbing, and outdated facilities.
Funding and Delays: While the state government announced partial funds for "temporary" fixes, political stakeholders remain concerned that bureaucratic delays will lead to a collapse similar to other historical structures in Mysuru (like the Lansdowne Building) and Failed Management: Despite being in a premium location at the foothills of Chamundi Hills, previous attempts to maintain the 52-room heritage hotel as a top-tier luxury destination have fallen short.
The future of the site remains uncertain as citizens continue to urge the government to fast-track true restoration and protect the architectural legacy of the Lalitha Mahal.
The Court Orders Restoration
The apex court’s May 4, 2026 verdict ordering restoration of Devaraja Market and Lansdowne Building has come as a relief for traders and tenants who had opposed demolition and reconstruction, citing the market’s heritage value and architectural significance.
The Lansdowne Building has remained out of bounds for traders for several years after a portion of the structure collapsed, forcing many to run businesses from makeshift shops near the site.
Lalitha Hotel Changes Hand From ITDC To JLR
This magnificent building would have been another one of the heritage buildings which would gone down the drain but for the vision of one Mysorean, who was the Chairman of the ITDC in the seventies. He realised that this building could be converted to a magnificent heritage hotel and he somehow convinced the State Government to hand over the building to ITDC.
Since ITDC itself was on the disinvestment list, the management decided to hand over the building back to the Karnataka Government and did so in 2018, though the lease period was till 2023. The state government in its wisdom asked Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) to take care of the property. This was supposed to be a temporary phase and a tender was supposed to be put out for leasing this property to ensure that this “jewel in the Crown” was maintained in its full glory. JLR now still runs Jungle Lodges and they do not have the expertise or experience of managing heritage property like Lalita Mahal.
The Palace Heritage Background:
Commissioned in 1921 by the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, to host the Viceroy of India and European guests.
Current Management: Currently operated as a 5-star heritage hotel, the state-owned JLR has sought major government funding to execute urgent restorations.
Challenges: The building suffers from maintenance issues like roof leaks and requires structural updates. Local stakeholders are pushing for faster action to save the site from falling into a state of severe disrepair.
Restorations: Restoring historic Indian palaces requires integrating traditional materials like lime mortar with modern luxury. The iconic Palace is currently undergoing a search for private lease and restoration—requires an estimated ₹38 to ₹50 crore to repair flaking plaster and preserve its Italianate architecture.
Rich Artifacts At The Lalitha Mahal Palace
It is an opulent treasure trove filled with imported Italian marble, Belgian crystal, and stunning royal portraits.The palace’s interiors and structural highlights feature numerous rich artifacts and historical centerpieces: Belgian Crystal Chandeliers: Grand, multi-tiered chandeliers hang from the high ceilings, casting a regal glow over the palace’s sweeping corridors and halls. Life-Size Royal Portraits: The central hall and banquet areas display full-length oil paintings of the 24 kings of the Wadiyar Dynasty, framed with intricate gold leaf work. Italian Marble Staircase: A sweeping, double-curved staircase crafted from imported Italian marble, considered one of the most prominent structural artifacts in the estate. Exquisite Carpets: Hand-woven Persian rugs and woven carpets. Stained Glass Roof: The roof of the erstwhile ballroom features a breathtaking stained-glass skylight inspired by St. Paul's Cathedral in London and Heirloom Furniture: The rooms and suites are heavily furnished with antique, ornate Victorian and Edwardian furniture, alongside lavish Ottoman-style seating.
Unique Hand-Operated Waygood-Otis Lift
The palace features two historic elevators installed in 1921 by the Maharaja of Mysore. The most famous is a hand-operated, vintage passenger lift imported from England, which is carefully preserved without altering its original heritage features. The prized elevator was manufactured and imported from the renowned Waygood - Otis company in England. It features a 1-tonne (2,000-pound) capacity and the original architectural features are preserved intact. It is often reserved for emergency use or operated occasionally by staff to give guests a glimpse into princely history.
Severe Disrepair: Guests and tourists frequently report unkept conditions, including peeling paint, damp-smelling rooms, broken plumbing, and outdated facilities.
Funding and Delays: While the state government announced partial funds for "temporary" fixes, political stakeholders remain concerned that bureaucratic delays will lead to a collapse similar to other historical structures in Mysuru (like the Lansdowne Building) and Failed Management: Despite being in a premium location at the foothills of Chamundi Hills, previous attempts to maintain the 52-room heritage hotel as a top-tier luxury destination have fallen short.
The future of the site remains uncertain as citizens continue to urge the government to fast-track true restoration and protect the architectural legacy of the Lalitha Mahal.
The Court Orders Restoration
The apex court’s May 4, 2026 verdict ordering restoration of Devaraja Market and Lansdowne Building has come as a relief for traders and tenants who had opposed demolition and reconstruction, citing the market’s heritage value and architectural significance.
The Lansdowne Building has remained out of bounds for traders for several years after a portion of the structure collapsed, forcing many to run businesses from makeshift shops near the site.
Lalitha Hotel Changes Hand From ITDC To JLR
This magnificent building would have been another one of the heritage buildings which would gone down the drain but for the vision of one Mysorean, who was the Chairman of the ITDC in the seventies. He realised that this building could be converted to a magnificent heritage hotel and he somehow convinced the State Government to hand over the building to ITDC.
Since ITDC itself was on the disinvestment list, the management decided to hand over the building back to the Karnataka Government and did so in 2018, though the lease period was till 2023. The state government in its wisdom asked Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) to take care of the property. This was supposed to be a temporary phase and a tender was supposed to be put out for leasing this property to ensure that this “jewel in the Crown” was maintained in its full glory. JLR now still runs Jungle Lodges and they do not have the expertise or experience of managing heritage property like Lalita Mahal.
The Palace Heritage Background:
Commissioned in 1921 by the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, to host the Viceroy of India and European guests.
Current Management: Currently operated as a 5-star heritage hotel, the state-owned JLR has sought major government funding to execute urgent restorations.
Challenges: The building suffers from maintenance issues like roof leaks and requires structural updates. Local stakeholders are pushing for faster action to save the site from falling into a state of severe disrepair.
Restorations: Restoring historic Indian palaces requires integrating traditional materials like lime mortar with modern luxury. The iconic Palace is currently undergoing a search for private lease and restoration—requires an estimated ₹38 to ₹50 crore to repair flaking plaster and preserve its Italianate architecture.
Rich Artifacts At The Lalitha Mahal Palace
It is an opulent treasure trove filled with imported Italian marble, Belgian crystal, and stunning royal portraits.The palace’s interiors and structural highlights feature numerous rich artifacts and historical centerpieces: Belgian Crystal Chandeliers: Grand, multi-tiered chandeliers hang from the high ceilings, casting a regal glow over the palace’s sweeping corridors and halls. Life-Size Royal Portraits: The central hall and banquet areas display full-length oil paintings of the 24 kings of the Wadiyar Dynasty, framed with intricate gold leaf work. Italian Marble Staircase: A sweeping, double-curved staircase crafted from imported Italian marble, considered one of the most prominent structural artifacts in the estate. Exquisite Carpets: Hand-woven Persian rugs and woven carpets. Stained Glass Roof: The roof of the erstwhile ballroom features a breathtaking stained-glass skylight inspired by St. Paul's Cathedral in London and Heirloom Furniture: The rooms and suites are heavily furnished with antique, ornate Victorian and Edwardian furniture, alongside lavish Ottoman-style seating.
Unique Hand-Operated Waygood-Otis Lift
The palace features two historic elevators installed in 1921 by the Maharaja of Mysore. The most famous is a hand-operated, vintage passenger lift imported from England, which is carefully preserved without altering its original heritage features. The prized elevator was manufactured and imported from the renowned Waygood - Otis company in England. It features a 1-tonne (2,000-pound) capacity and the original architectural features are preserved intact. It is often reserved for emergency use or operated occasionally by staff to give guests a glimpse into princely history.
JLR Poor Management Skills And Negative Feedbacks
While Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) properties across Karnataka (like Kaini River Lodge and Bandipur Jungle Lodges) offer unparalleled jungle access and knowledgeable naturalists, guests frequently report that their amenities, food, and hospitality is of very poor taste and do not match the premium prices.
In 2018, Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw took to Twitter to highlight the sorry state of the JLR facility at Kabini, located in the southern fringes of Nagarahole National Park. Lashing out at the tourism department, Kiran said her foreign guests had visited the Kabini facility and she was told that the rooms were primitive and the food awful. The tourism officials don’t have a clue about being world class even if it is ecotourism,” she said in another tweet.
Her comments drew a multitude of reactions on the social media platform.
While Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) properties across Karnataka (like Kaini River Lodge and Bandipur Jungle Lodges) offer unparalleled jungle access and knowledgeable naturalists, guests frequently report that their amenities, food, and hospitality is of very poor taste and do not match the premium prices.
In 2018, Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw took to Twitter to highlight the sorry state of the JLR facility at Kabini, located in the southern fringes of Nagarahole National Park. Lashing out at the tourism department, Kiran said her foreign guests had visited the Kabini facility and she was told that the rooms were primitive and the food awful. The tourism officials don’t have a clue about being world class even if it is ecotourism,” she said in another tweet.
Her comments drew a multitude of reactions on the social media platform.
What’s Happened To Other Indian Royal Palaces?
What happened to India's royal palaces?.While India's era of royalty might seem to be long past, there are still many majestic palaces in the country which offer visitors an opportunity to experience royal comfort and luxury. As a result of high maintenance costs following India's independence, a number of royal families converted their royal palaces into luxury hotels. The palaces offer visitors today accommodation that used to be home to Indian maharajas, royal halls where they had their feasts, and overall a sense of heritage unmatched by any other luxury hotel.
International & Domestic Hotel Chains Eye For Historical Properties
International hotel chains like Marriott, Accor, Hilton, and Hyatt are aggressively securing historical properties in India to tap into the booming luxury and experiential travel segment. By converting age-old havelis, hunting lodges, and royal estates into high-end hotels, these brands are targeting the rising influx of affluent travelers.
Domestic Hospitality Chains: Historically, chains like The Leela Palaces, The Taj Hotels and The Oberoi Hotels have dominated this space. Indian operators remain aggressively competitive in preserving and expanding this heritage portfolio.
International & Domestic Hotel Chains Eye For Historical Properties
International hotel chains like Marriott, Accor, Hilton, and Hyatt are aggressively securing historical properties in India to tap into the booming luxury and experiential travel segment. By converting age-old havelis, hunting lodges, and royal estates into high-end hotels, these brands are targeting the rising influx of affluent travelers.
Domestic Hospitality Chains: Historically, chains like The Leela Palaces, The Taj Hotels and The Oberoi Hotels have dominated this space. Indian operators remain aggressively competitive in preserving and expanding this heritage portfolio.
This trend preserves architectural heritage while integrating modern ultra-luxe amenities, turning royal residences into premium international tourist destinations is the only way out.
Notable Some Palaces Converted Into 5 Star Hotels
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace: A 350-year-old royal residence in Madhya Pradesh, meticulously restored by the Oberoi Group to blend Bundela dynasty architecture with contemporary luxury.
Taj Falaknuma Palace: The former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, which underwent extensive restoration to preserve its massive crystal chandeliers and regal interiors is now part of The Taj Hotels.
Ran Baas: An 18th-century royal guesthouse in Patiala, Punjab, restored to offer guests an intimate heritage experience.
The Fairmont Udaipur Palace (Udaipur, Rajasthan), a 327-key hotel, opened in July 2025.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: Located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed byTaj Group. It is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owner, Gaj Singh. The palace has 347 rooms and is the principal residence of the former Jodhpur royal family. A part of the palace is a museum.
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace: A 350-year-old royal residence in Madhya Pradesh, meticulously restored by the Oberoi Group to blend Bundela dynasty architecture with contemporary luxury.
Taj Falaknuma Palace: The former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, which underwent extensive restoration to preserve its massive crystal chandeliers and regal interiors is now part of The Taj Hotels.
Ran Baas: An 18th-century royal guesthouse in Patiala, Punjab, restored to offer guests an intimate heritage experience.
The Fairmont Udaipur Palace (Udaipur, Rajasthan), a 327-key hotel, opened in July 2025.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: Located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed byTaj Group. It is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owner, Gaj Singh. The palace has 347 rooms and is the principal residence of the former Jodhpur royal family. A part of the palace is a museum.
The Leela Palaces: Operates some of India's most iconic 5-star palace hotels. While only a few are converted historic palaces, others—like the Bangalore property—are custom-built to emulate the grandeur and architectural heritage of bygone Indian empires. It runs key heritage and palace properties like The Leela Palace Udaipur: The Leela Palace Jaipur and The Leela Palace Bengaluru: While not a historical property lease, it is heavily inspired by the Vijayanagara Empire and Mysore architectural styles, with open courtyards and intricate domes.
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