Shivappa Nayaka Palace, Shivamogga

It is a palace with a difference. Different from the extravagant and posh palaces found elsewhere. This is not a palace in the real sense. It is a big mansion of a local chieftain called Shivappa Nayaka.

Shivappa Nayaka’s palace in Shivamogga has its own style. Situated on the banks of river Tunga it stands testimony to the glorious rule of the Keladi dynasty.

Built during the 16^th century by Shivappa Nayaka, this palace, located near Kote Anjaneya temple on Kote Road, has stood against all odds and narrates the tale of the Nayakas (chieftains) to the present generation in the new millennium.

This illustrious palace which is built with rose and teak wood rises to a height of around 50 feet. The entrance has two staircases of wood, which lead to the huge balcony which Shivappa Nayaka used. Below the balcony is an open courtyard.

A view from the balcony gives a picturesque vision of the gently flowing river Tunga. The wooden balcony which is around 15 feet high is similar to the balcony at Mysore palace.

The two rooms on either side of the balcony with huge doors are remarkable. The palace houses many rooms where personal objects used by the royal families and arms are displayed.

Huge teak pillars in the ground floor reveal the architectural grandeur of the historical age. Carvings on these pillars and on the wooden panes are incredible.

There is one more yard at the back-yard of the palace. A terrace made of modern fibre glass sheets is on top of the yard.

Many idols found across the temples of the region are installed here. Ancient idols of gods and goddesses can be found across the palace, which were installed by the Archaeological Department during renovation. Inscription at the bottom of the idols narrate the history and importance of the sculptures.

The palace is a heritage building preserved by the Archeological Department.  War suites and weapons used during those days are preserved at the first floor of the fort.

The palace was under the control of the Forest Department, after which it was handed over to the Archaeological Department. The Forest Department used it as its depot for many years.

During the British period, the palace was handed over to the then Mysore Public Works Department which in turn handed it over to the Forest Department.

The Forest Department, apart from using the palace premises as its depot, used to stock seized vehicles in the palace premises and had built walls indiscriminately.

There was a horse pathway also along the river bank. A local historian brought this to the notice of the Archaeological Department. The latter took up an excavation work on a small scale.

The excavation revealed the evidence to prove that there existed a palace. After a prolonged correspondence, the Department acquired the area and completed the excavation and renovation work to unveil the present beautiful palace.

Now, a museum maintained by the Archaeological Department is situated in the palace premises. The museum hosts memorials of kings who ruled the region and their works of art and sculpture. Vedic inscription written on palm leaves are preserved here.

Scripts from the Ramayana and Mahabharatha, and articles of the Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro are also seen at the museum.

Archaeological department has conserved the monuments at the fort. Many unique sculptures carved in stone are installed across the pathway in the gardens in the palace.

A guesthouse of the Archaeological Department is situated at the palace, which is available for reservation.

A garden within the palace premises with the Tunga river flowing swiftly but gently is an ideal place to relax. The gentle breeze coming from across the river is a moment to cherish for the visitor.

A huge stone wall surrounds the palace recalling the attributes of a fort. One has to enter the palace premises through the front gate located in the fort like wall. Cultural activities are held during dasara to add glitter to the palace.

Shivappa Nayaka was a ruler under the Keladi dynasty. During his rule, the empire extended till Kasargod in Kerala. Shivappa Nayaka constructed a palace in Shivamogga.

The Palace had a boundary of 200 acres when it was constructed in 16th century. Now the place is encroached and is reduced just to 20 acres. 

Fort has beautiful architecture where most of the fort is made up of rose wood and roof is covered with Mangalore tiles. Stone carving arranged neatly grabs lot of attraction in the fort. The canons used in battle can be seen here.

Shivappa Nayaka fort is easy to locate and reach which is at Kote road. It is located 2 km from Shivamogga bus stand towards B.H road.