India–New Zealand Trade Deal 2025: Zero-Duty Access and the Waning Clout of America

How the India NZ Free Trade Agreement strengthens resilience, expands markets, and redefines Indo-Pacific trade

✍️ India and New Zealand have sealed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), unlocking $20 billion in investment, slashing tariffs on 95% of New Zealand exports, and granting India zero-duty access for all its goods—a strategic move that strengthens Indo-Pacific trade resilience amid Washington’s tariff wars.

India-New Zealand

Indian markets welcome New Zealand.

The India-New Zealand Trade Deal marks a historic milestone in Indo-Pacific Trade, cutting tariffs, boosting investment, and deepening India-New Zealand Economic Ties. With Zero Duty Access India and mobility for professionals, this India-NZ Free Trade Agreement reshapes global commerce in 2025, while highlighting America’s waning clout in geopolitics.

📊 Key Highlights of the India–New Zealand Trade Deal

• Tariff Cuts: New Zealand will eliminate or reduce duties on 95% of its exports to India 

• Zero-Duty Access: India gains zero-duty access for all its goods entering New Zealand

• Investment: The deal unlocks $20 billion in investment over 15 years

• Mobility: Indian professionals will benefit from new visa pathways

• Protected Sectors: India shields sensitive industries, notably dairy, from full liberalisation

• Trade Volumes: Current bilateral trade remains modest—New Zealand exports apples, dairy, and wool, while India exports pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT services

---

🌏 India’s Strategic Trade Expansion

• Third Major Pact in 2025: After agreements with Oman and the EFTA bloc (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), India now adds New Zealand

• Other FTAs: India also has trade deals with ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, Mauritius, the UAE, and Australia

• Resilience Strategy: As Washington’s tariffs bite, India diversifies markets to reduce dependence on the US

---

🎭 Cultural & Sporting Ties

Cricket Diplomacy: A Pillar of the India-New Zealand Relationship

The shared passion for cricket serves as a powerful and visible bond between India and New Zealand, extending far beyond the boundary ropes to symbolise goodwill and deepen diplomatic ties. This cricketing relationship is multifaceted, encompassing sporting, economic, and political dimensions.

Economic and Sporting Synergy through the IPL:

A key element of this connection is the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the last 15 years, the IPL has become a crucial proving ground and financial powerhouse for numerous New Zealand cricketers. Participation in this premier T20 tournament allows New Zealand players to:

• Hone their skills: Competing against the world's best cricketers in high-pressure, varied conditions significantly enhances their technical and tactical abilities, directly benefiting the New Zealand national team.

• Achieve significant financial benefits: The lucrative contracts offered by IPL franchises provide substantial income, contributing to the economic well-being and security of the players.

• Gain global exposure: The IPL's massive viewership elevates the international profiles of both players and New Zealand cricket as a whole.

New Zealand Cricket's Recognition of Indian Clout:

The New Zealand Cricket board is acutely aware of India's dominant influence in world cricket, particularly through the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is a major driver of the sport's global economy and decision-making. This awareness underscores the importance of a cooperative, positive relationship, as evidenced by the monetary figures and statistics detailing the financial contributions and investments flowing between the two cricketing nations.

The Diplomatic Dimension:

This sporting affinity has been effectively leveraged in the diplomatic arena. High-profile cricket-related events are often integrated into official state visits to highlight the cultural closeness between the two nations. A recent and notable example was the New Zealand Prime Minister's visit to India, during which they participated in a friendly cricket match alongside respected Indian cricket icons. Such events are not merely photo opportunities; they are influential acts of public diplomacy that communicate shared values and mutual respect, translating the goodwill of the sporting field directly into the diplomatic sphere.

• Diaspora: Over 300,000 Indians in New Zealand form a “living bridge” that strengthens cultural and economic ties,

• Education & Tourism: Indian students and tourists contribute significantly to New Zealand’s economy.

---

📚 Earlier Articles on the subject

• In US Tariffs and the Shifting Sands of Geopolitical Economics, I argued that American protectionism accelerates Asia’s search for alternatives.

• Sanctions and Strategy: The US Crackdown on Russian Oil Giants showed how sanctions reshape energy flows.

• India’s Strategic Shift: The Path to De-Dollarisation connects directly to India’s trade diversification.

• When the World Turns Away: America’s Waning Clout frames the broader decline of US influence.

Together, these articles reinforce the narrative: India is building resilience while America’s dominance erodes.

🔮 Closing Note

---

📈 The India-New Zealand Trade Deal aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations, promoting mutual growth and collaboration. With the outline of the India-NZ Free Trade Agreement in place, both countries are set to significantly enhance their trade relations.

In 2025, many analysts believe that the India Trade Agreements 2025 will revolutionise the economic landscape of the Indo-Pacific region. New Zealand's exports to India have shown a steady increase, reflecting the growing interest in this strategic partnership.

The Zero Duty Access to Indian markets will provide New Zealand exporters with a competitive edge, enabling them to penetrate the Indian market more effectively. As both nations focus on Indo-Pacific Trade, the potential for expanded partnerships seems promising for both economies.

The India NZ Free Trade Agreement is more than a tariff cut—it is a geopolitical signal. As America’s clout wanes, India and New Zealand are scripting a new chapter in Indo-Pacific Trade, balancing resilience with opportunity.

Will India’s diversification strategy shield it from future shocks? 

Can New Zealand fully tap into the world’s largest consumer market? 

And most importantly, does this deal not mark another step towards a post-American trade order?

👉 Share your thoughts below, and let’s discuss how this agreement reshapes the global economy.

Tags

#indianewzealand #tradedeal #fta #globaleconomy #indiatrade #newzealand #tariffcuts #economicresilience #breakingnews #worldbusiness

Goa: An Oasis of Tropical Tranquillity

Hyper-local Journeys into Culture, Nature, and History

In the kaleidoscope of India’s coastal destinations, Goa travel emerges as a tropical paradise where pristine beaches, swaying palms, and vibrant culture converge. From Portuguese-era forts and spice plantations to tranquil lakes and ferry crossings, Goa offers a lifestyle of discovery that enchants adventurers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts alike.

---

The Allure of Goa: Where Culture Meets Coastline

Goa is more than a destination—it’s a living mosaic of heritage, nature, and community. Nestled along the Arabian Sea, this western Indian state carries the imprint of its Portuguese past in baroque churches, colonial forts, and spice-scented plantations. Yet, it’s the hyper-local rhythms—fishing villages, ferry crossings, lakeside retreats—that truly reveal Goa’s soul.

Read more on the legacy of forts in The Forts of Goa: Echoes of History.

A Chance Encounter

One evening in the hotel lobby, I met Rachna—a fellow traveller whose curiosity mirrored my own. We decided to explore Goa together, and what followed was a journey stitched with laughter, reflection, and shared awe. From the ferry on the River Mandovi to the quiet shores of Mayem Lake, each moment felt like a page from a story waiting to be told.

Our ferry ride was more than a crossing—it was a meditation on flow and transition. The calm waters, the hum of engines, the distant hills—everything felt suspended in time.

Nature’s Embrace: Mayem Lake and Coastal Solitude

Mayem Lake, nestled in forested hills, offered a serenity that contrasted with the vibrant chaos of Goa’s beaches. The lake’s stillness mirrored our conversations—gentle, unhurried, reflective.

Later, on the rocky shores of Calangute, I watched waves crash against algae-covered stones while a lone figure sat in quiet contemplation. It reminded me of the solitude I described in Nordic Reverie: Tales from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.

Forts, Ferries, and Fragments of Continuity

Goa’s forts—Aguada, Chapora, Reis Magos—are not ruins but living echoes. Standing atop their ramparts with Rachna, I felt history breathe through stone. These moments reminded me of Fragments of Continuity, where journeys become threads in a larger tapestry of belonging.

The ferry, the lake, the fort—they weren’t just places. They were metaphors for movement, memory, and meaning. Much like the cultural bridges I explored in Atlantic to Empire: Gardens, Cliffs, and a Promise—Portugal and Austria, Goa’s landscapes became promises across generations.

---

Closing Reflections: An Invitation to Discover

Goa is not just a tropical paradise—it’s an invitation. An invitation to slow down, to listen to waves and whispers, to discover stories embedded in forts, ferries, and friendships.

So I ask:

• What hidden narratives lie in the places you visit?
• How do local communities shape your travel experiences?
• Can lifestyle and legacy coexist in the stories we tell?

Coming up next: “South India Sojourn: Temples, Trails, and the Pulse of the Peninsula” — a sequel exploring Tamil Nadu’s temple towns, Kerala’s backwaters, and Karnataka’s hill retreats.

Wildlife Odyssey: Tanzania & Kenya’s Untamed Heart

There are places where the horizon feels infinite, where the rhythm of life is written in pawprints and wingbeats. Tanzania and Kenya are not just destinations—they are living epics, landscapes where survival and beauty intertwine.

The "tower" of Masai giraffes in their natural habitat in East Africa. Masai giraffes are native to central and southern Kenya and Tanzania. They are the tallest land mammals and are distinguished by their large, jagged, and irregular, leaf-like spot patterns. 

Giraffes are herbivores that play a crucial role in their ecosystem by grazing on leaves and twigs and aiding in seed dispersal. They can be found in grasslands and open woodlands in reserves such as Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Amboseli National Park. 

From the Serengeti’s golden plains to the Maasai Mara’s rolling savannah, I followed the pulse of migration: wildebeest surging like rivers, lions crouched in patient silence, flamingos painting lakes in impossible shades of pink. Each dawn was a lesson in resilience, each dusk a reminder of nature’s quiet grandeur.

But beyond spectacle lies meaning. Watching elephants move in familial procession, I thought of legacy—how memory and renewal shape both wilderness and human communities. The wild teaches us balance, humility, and the dignity of adaptation.

This odyssey is not just about travel. It’s about listening to the earth’s untamed heart and carrying its lessons into our own lives.

---

✨ What does wilderness mean to you? Renewal, adventure, or perhaps a reminder of what we risk losing?

---

🔖 #WildlifeOdyssey #SafariLife #TravelAfrica #NatureStories #EcoTravel #AdventureWriting

The Ancient Future: Old Wisdom in a Digital World

🌌Ancient wisdom is not lost—it’s being reinterpreted in our digital age.

Humanity’s search for meaning has never truly changed. From the hymns of the Vedas to the algorithms of the digital age, we continue to ask: What is our place in the universe?

In my latest Medium article, The Ancient Future: How Old Wisdom Shapes Modern Spirituality in the Digital Age, I explore how timeless philosophies—Vedic cycles, Taoist flows, Stoic logic—resurface in modern forms, reminding us that existence is rhythm, not rupture.

“Crossing Light” — A bridge between worlds, over the Saryu River, where human design meets Nature’s glow. The sunset softens steel, reminding us that infrastructure can coexist with serenity.

Achievement is not just in building—it’s in balancing. This bridge scene captures the harmony between man-made structure and natural beauty. It’s a quiet metaphor for progress that respects the rhythm of the world it inhabits.

Matter, Spirit, and the Eternal Cycle

The Vedas taught that matter cannot be created or destroyed. Science confirms this truth, and mathematics echoes it through the Fourier Series, where sine waves embody periodicity: what goes around comes around. Creation, maintenance, and dissolution are not separate events but parts of one eternal cycle.

Stillness in Bloom

A tranquil aquatic ecosystem, where water lilies rise from muddy depths to greet the light. Their bloom reflects purity, resilience, and the quiet wisdom of Nature’s cycles.

Nature heals through rhythm. The lilies teach us that growth need not be loud—it can be graceful, patient, and luminous. In their stillness, we find clarity. In their bloom, we find renewal.

Materialism and Spiritualism

Materialism seeks to measure and control; spiritualism aims to transcend. Yet both are bound by emotion—the universal language of joy, grief, awe, and love. Even royal palaces, with their opulent materialism, carried spiritual symbolism in their architecture and rituals.

“Living Legacy” Luxury is not merely excess—it is expression.

Global Evolution of Thought

From Baudhayana’s Sulba Sutras (predating Pythagoras by centuries) to Taoist wisdom and Stoic philosophy, humanity’s intellectual journey is global. Each tradition reflects the same pursuit: to harmonise human life with cosmic order.

This opulent palace interior reflects the material grandeur of royal life, where architecture served as both power and poetry. The gold-accented columns and luminous design evoke a lifestyle steeped in ceremony, craftsmanship, and cultural symbolism.

In such spaces, materialism and spiritualism often coexisted. Palaces were not just homes—they were sanctuaries of cosmic order, where rituals harmonised the earthly with the eternal.

Dravidian temple architecture blends engineering with mythology, creating sacred spaces that endure across centuries. It is a testament to how belief can shape stone—and society.

“Gopuram at Dusk” This temple skyline celebrates human achievement in devotion, design, and storytelling. Each sculpture is a verse, each tower a prayer—rising from earth to ether.

Success as Continuity

True success is not a summit but a rhythm. It is a sustained presence, not a fleeting achievement. The ancients knew this, and today’s leaders and innovators rediscover it in cycles of renewal.

Nature as Teacher

Whether through rivers, forests, or digital networks, Nature continues to teach us. The five elements—earth, water, fire, air, ether—remain eternal, translated into new forms but never diminished.

Closing Thought

From royal halls to temple towers, from blooming lilies to ancient theorems, we see that wisdom is not bound by time. Whether expressed through luxury, Nature, healing, or architecture, the human spirit continues to seek clarity, connection, and continuity.

We are not inventing new truths—we are rediscovering old ones, in new guises.

Old gods wear new guises, but their wisdom endures. In every age, we return to the same truths: that we are part of a rhythm larger than ourselves.

📖 Read the full article here: The Ancient Future: How Old Wisdom Shapes Modern Spirituality in the Digital Age

Decoding the New $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee: Challenges and Opportunities

Navigating Changes in Immigration Policy and Reimagining India's Tech Landscape

Explore the implications of the $100,000 one-time fee for H-1B visa holders on employers, applicants, and the U.S. economy. Learn how India’s innovation ecosystem is adapting amidst these changes.

On September 19, 2025, the US administration announced a staggering $100,000 fee for H-1B visa holders, initially described as an annual charge on both new and renewing petitions. Panic rippled through tech parks in Bengaluru and Silicon Valley alike as students reconsidered job offers and families scrambled to adjust their travel plans. 

The initial news of a $100,000 annual fee sent shockwaves through industries heavily reliant on H-1B visa holders, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. Many employers and prospective visa applicants expressed dismay, citing the substantial financial burden this would impose on them. Concerns were raised about the potential for reduced competitiveness for U.S. companies and a deterrent for highly skilled individuals considering employment in the United States.

Clarification Calms the Storm

Following the initial outcry, within 24 hours, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt set the record straight: the $100,000 payment is a one-time fee, applies only to new petitions, and does not affect renewals or current visa holders re-entering the US. The rule takes effect for petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, sparing thousands of established professionals from immediate disruption.

This clarification significantly altered the landscape of the discussion, offering much-needed relief to those who had anticipated recurring costs. While still a considerable sum, a one-time fee is viewed as more manageable for companies and individuals compared to an ongoing annual expenditure.

Impact of a One-Time $100,000 Fee

Despite the clarification, the $100,000 one-time fee is still a substantial amount that will likely have several impacts:

Stakeholder	Potential Impact
Employers	The increased initial cost for hiring H-1B talent could lead to adjustments in recruitment strategies or a focus on domestic talent where feasible. Smaller businesses may find this fee particularly challenging, and it's essential to empathise with the potential difficulties they may encounter.
H-1B Applicants	While not directly paid by the applicant, the fee could indirectly affect job opportunities as employers factor in the cost. Companies may prioritise candidates who do not require H-1B sponsorship.
U.S. Economy	The long-term effects are still to be seen. While the fee generates revenue, there's a risk of deterring top global talent if the overall cost of H-1B sponsorship becomes too prohibitive.

Broader Context and Future Outlook

This new fee comes amidst ongoing debates about immigration policy and the future of the H-1B program. The rationale behind such a significant fee could be manifold, potentially aimed at generating revenue, addressing concerns about wage depression, or encouraging the hiring of domestic workers.

Both employers and prospective H-1B applicants must stay informed about the evolving regulations and their implications. As details emerge and the policy is implemented, their understanding and awareness will empower them to navigate the changes effectively. Further guidance and potential adjustments to the policy may also be announced, reinforcing the need for continuous vigilance.

From Visa Fees to Vision: Why H-1Bs don’t define India’s Future

Golden Ticket No More—or India’s Ace?

For decades, the H-1B visa has been the golden ticket for Indian talent—our brightest minds heading overseas in pursuit of opportunity. Viewed one way, this fee hike feels like a setback: another wall erected when we least expect it. But the better view? This is India’s trump card.

Building India from Within

The prevalent narrative often fixates on the brain drain from India, but the true dynamism now lies in the concerted effort to build and innovate within the nation's borders. A compelling testament to this paradigm shift is Professor V. Kamakoti, the esteemed Director of IIT Madras. Remarkably, he doesn't even possess a passport, yet his leadership has catalysed an extraordinary era of progress at the institution.

Under his astute guidance, IIT Madras has become a powerhouse of innovation, securing patents daily. This relentless pursuit of intellectual property is matched by its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, which has nurtured hundreds of deep-tech startups, contributing significantly to India's burgeoning technology landscape. Furthermore, IIT Madras has extended its global reach by establishing international campuses, fostering cross-cultural academic exchange and enhancing its global reputation. On a national scale, Prof. Kamakoti is a driving force behind key technological programs, aligning the institution's research with national priorities. A cornerstone of this success is the IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP), a vibrant hub where academia, industry, and government collaborate to translate research into tangible societal impact.

Profound Lessons from a Leader with Deep Roots

Prof. Kamakoti’s remarkable journey serves as a powerful and inspiring message for aspiring innovators and leaders, underscoring several critical principles:

There's no need to chase visas to make a change in the world. His example profoundly illustrates that global impact is not contingent upon geographical relocation or the pursuit of opportunities abroad. Actual change originates from a commitment to one's environment and a focused application of one's talents.

You need vision. Prof. Kamakoti's achievements are rooted in a clear, forward-thinking vision for IIT Madras and, by extension, for India's technological future. This vision provides the roadmap for innovation, growth, and societal contribution.

You need roots. His unwavering connection to Indian heritage and his dedication to its progress are fundamental to his leadership. Deep roots provide stability, a sense of purpose, and an intimate understanding of the local context, which are crucial for sustainable development.

You need relentless action. Vision and roots are powerful, but they are incomplete without persistent and decisive action. Prof. Kamakoti's leadership is characterised by a continuous drive to implement ideas, overcome challenges, and push the boundaries of what is possible, thereby inspiring a culture of relentless execution within IIT Madras.

Now Is the Moment

To every brilliant Indian mind: the world may raise walls, but India is opening its gates. The time to return, to create, to lead—is NOW. Let’s seize the moment to innovate at home and write the next chapter in our nation’s rise.

#H1BVisa #ImmigrationPolicy #Technology #IndiaInnovation #VisaFees #USTech #Startups #GlobalTalent

Mysore Palace: A Regal Tapestry of History, Legacy, and the Silver Screen

A Journey Through the Splendour of Mysore Palace

Visiting the Mysore Palace was a wonderful experience. This striking landmark is an ideal destination for a day out with family or friends. The Palace is awe-inspiring, featuring a vast structure and intricate architecture that truly make it a highlight in Mysore. Be prepared to remove your footwear outside and to go barefoot as you walk along the guided pathways inside the Palace and explore the beautifully maintained heritage. It's definitely rewarding to admire the Palace's details from various angles. Additionally, it's a superb spot for photography—the grand exteriors and ornately decorated interiors offer endless opportunities for stunning images, whether you're taking portraits or capturing spontaneous moments.

Mysore Palace, also called Amba Vilas Palace, stands proudly in the centre of Mysuru, earning its reputation as the crown jewel of India’s “City of Palaces”. Welcoming over three million visitors each year, it flawlessly combines centuries of royal splendour, cultural heritage, and cinematic allure, making it a must-visit spot for both history buffs and film enthusiasts alike.

The Mysore Palace

A Chronicle of Kings and Conflagrations

The site of today’s Mysore Palace has hosted royal residences since the 14th century, when a wooden fortification first crowned the citadel known then as “Mysuru.” That original timber palace succumbed to fire repeatedly, until the reigning Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar VIII commissioned Henry Irwin to reimagine the estate in enduring stone and brick following a devastating blaze in 1896.

Majestic beauty and intricate craftsmanship define the splendour of Mysore Palace.

Construction spanned from 1897 to 1912 at a cost of ₹41,47,913, and the Wodeyars moved in upon its completion. An expansion in the 1930s added the Public Durbar Hall, rounding out the Palace we admire today.

Architectural Splendour and Cultural Legacy

The Mysore Palace is truly a marvel of architecture. Its detailed carvings, stunning domes, and opulent interiors are a sight to behold. I was struck by the grandeur and majesty of the entire structure. The evening light show added to its enchantment. I highly recommend it for those who appreciate history and architecture!

Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, the three-story grey granite palace fuses Islamic domes, Rajput canopies, and Gothic arches. Square five-story corner towers capped with pink domes frame a central gold-plated dome rising 44 m above manicured gardens. Inside, the ornate Kalyanamantapa (Marriage Pavilion), with its stained-glass ceilings and jewel-encrusted golden throne, stands as a testament to Mysuru’s artistic heritage.

Majestic Mysore Palace: Where history, artistry, and royal grandeur converge.

The Palace’s corridors once hosted Krishnamacharya, the pioneer of modern yoga, whose early 20th-century teachings here shaped the practices of B. K. S. Iyengar and K. Pattabhi Jois — founders of two of today’s most popular yoga schools.

One of the most stunning palaces in the nation, it remains carefully preserved in terms of its heritage, culture, and history, along with the timeless tales it shares with all who visit. Every part of the Palace reveals the legacy of the royal family and their significance within the Mysore dynasty and the history of Bangalore. While much of the palace grounds is off-limits to the public, the areas accessible to visitors will leave you in awe as you experience its rich legacy.

Stepping into those vaulted halls, your breath catches. Light filters through stained-glass windows, fracturing into jewelled prisms that dance across polished marble floors. Each mirror-lined wall multiplies the scene, so that a single corridor feels endless—an illuminated artery pulsing with the lifeblood of a bygone kingdom.

The Mysore Palace, where the best craftsmanship converges under a golden dome

You sense the hands behind every gilded column and carved cornice: the quarrymen hewing granite at dawn, the metal-smiths hammering brass filigree into filigreed arabesques, the painters and glass-cutters who painstakingly shaped those kaleidoscopic skylights. Wealth alone couldn’t conjure this artistry; it demanded generations of perfected technique, collective pride, and quiet devotion to craft.

Only the kings can afford these.

Look closer, and you’ll spot European flourishes entwined with Hindu motifs—a Gothic finial here, an English rose motif there—testaments to the Wodeyars’ cosmopolitan taste. They imported artisans from Madras to learn the art of stained-glass glazing and dispatched envoys to London to acquire the latest chandelier designs. Each fusion of styles speaks of a court that admired both its own traditions and the grandeur of far-flung empires.

Arched ceilings with intricate carvings; you wonder who did it and how

Above you, the domed ceiling gleams with gold leaf sourced straight from the Kolar mines. That glittering surface is more than decoration—it’s a declaration of prosperity earned through centuries of careful governance and mineral bounty. Every ray of sunlight that skims those golden ribs is a reminder that this Palace stands on the wealth of its land and the vision of its rulers.

A view of many temples around

As you linger, the corridor becomes more than stone and paint. It transforms into a living tapestry: society’s hierarchy etched in marble, workers’ sweat sealed in gold, artisans’ genius immortalised in glass. In that moment, you realise: this isn’t a mere building. It’s a monument to an era when ambition, skill, and resources converged to create something utterly transcendent.

From Royal Stage to Silver Screen

The Palace’s dramatic façades and sweeping courtyards have also enchanted filmmakers. Among Hindi-language productions, the 2020 thriller Sadak 2 effectively utilised its illuminated exteriors during key scenes, leveraging the Palace’s grandeur to heighten the emotional stakes. Regional cinema — including Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu — also frequently uses Mysore Palace as a living set, underscoring its versatility and visual appeal.

Mehbooba, the 1976 reincarnation drama starring Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini, features several key sequences shot within Mysore Palace’s most iconic spaces—most notably the Darbar Hall and the Ambavilasa pavilion.

Hema Malini’s court-dancer persona Jhumri is introduced in the “Mere Naina Sawan Bhadon” sequence, where she sings and dances through the Palace’s checkerboard corridors and into the ornately carved Darbar Hall. Later, in the “Gori Tere Paijaniya” number, her graceful movements unfold against the gilded backdrops and stained-glass windows of the Ambavilasa pavilion, turning those halls into a living stage for her mesmerising performance.

A movie director would visualise a hero-heroine song sequence her.e

Whether you wander its regal halls, trace century-old murals, or stand beneath its glowing domes by night, Mysore Palace offers travellers a portal into India’s royal past and a stage that continues to inspire storytellers on screen. Pack your curiosity — and perhaps a yoga mat — and discover why this monumental marvel endures as both heritage icon and cinematic muse.

Do I resemble a queen? No, I prefer to be an ordinary, down-to-earth woman.

The corridors of Mysore Palace are lined with an artful arrangement of mirrors and painted-glass panels that together form a living kaleidoscope. Set in ornately carved, gilded frames, these mirrors catch glimpses of the Palace’s frescoes, chandeliers, and stained-glass ceilings, scattering refracted light in prismatic bursts along the hallways. This interplay of reflections not only amplifies the sense of space but also continually renews the viewer’s experience, as every turn reveals a shifting tapestry of colour and form.

A view of the entrance gate

From the palace balcony, you look out over a broad, terraced forecourt edged by an ornamental balustrade and patterned marble coping. Directly below, a checkerboard of red-and-white sandstone pavers leads your eye into the heart of a formal garden framed by clipped box hedges and low rose borders.

Beyond the terrace blooms a Persian-inspired parterre: four quadrants of lawn punctuated by circular flowerbeds awash in seasonal marigolds, zinnias, and bougainvillaea. Narrow gravel paths bisect the grass, converging on an octagonal granite fountain whose gentle jets catch the morning sun.

At the far end of the garden stands the Palace’s main entrance gate. Three soaring horseshoe arches—each inlaid with red sandstone tracery—are flanked by octagonal turrets capped in blush-pink domes. The pale granite façade glows softly against the backdrop of the Palace’s central, gilded dome.

Bronze tigers perch sentinel at the courtyard’s corners, their polished forms mirrored in the fountain’s calm pool. Tall cypress and flowering frangipani line the approach, giving the whole scene a sense of processional grandeur that unfolds symmetrically from your vantage point on high.

Planning Your Visit

Entrance Fee: ₹120 per adult; ₹50 for ages 7–18; free for under 7; ₹1,000 for foreigners.

Palace Illumination: Every Sunday evening, public holidays, and daily during Dasara, when 97,000 bulbs transform the Palace into a glowing landmark.

Best Time: October (Dasara festivities) for festival pageantry; cooler winter mornings for historic tours and photography without crowds.