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Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum
A 17th-century rosewood palace-turned-museum on the Tunga riverbank in Shivamogga
On the banks of the Tunga in Shivamogga city, this rosewood palace carries Shivappa Nayaka's name, though art historian George Michell has attributed the actual construction to the 18th-century Mysore ruler Hyder Ali. Either way, only the Durbar Hall survives from what was once a larger complex — a two-storey building with heavy wooden pillars and lobed arches, and upper-level chambers looking down into the hall.
It now functions as a protected ASI museum, with sculptures, coins, inscriptions and hero stones from the Keladi, Hoysala and Chalukya periods on display both inside and across the surrounding lawns.
Highlights
- Named for Keladi Nayaka ruler Shivappa Nayaka, though historian George Michell attributes the actual building to Hyder Ali
- The Durbar Hall, with its massive wooden pillars, is the only surviving section of a larger palace complex
- Displays Hoysala, Chalukya and Keladi-era sculptures, inscriptions and hero stones
Getting there
The Thirthahalli to Shivamogga route ends in Shivamogga; the palace is a short auto ride from the bus stand.