For the second year in a row the New York Times lists Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace) as one of the 31 must-see places on Earth. Indians have long known of the magnificent structure located in within the South India city of Mysore, Karnataka. In 2010, more than 3.1 million Indians, and 70,000 foreigners visited the palace.

For the first nine months of 2011, Mysore Palace is well on track to match last year’s attendance records. Domestic visitor count logs in at 2.4 million and 60,000 foreigners touring the palace.

Sunday night’s are extra special for residents and tourists traveling through the city. The entire palace exterior is illuminated in thousands of lights for one hour between 7 and 8 PM.

Mysore Palace is open daily 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Entry Fee: Indian Rs 20/Foreigner Rs 200. Cameras are not allowed inside.