Mysuru: Keeping in mind the convenience of thousands of tourists who visit Mysuru Palace everyday, Mysuru Palace Board has decided to enhance the security at the Palace premises from August 10. The security would specifically be beefed up at the parking lot and Varaha Gate, where hawkers are seen pestering the tourists to purchase their commodities.

In the past, several complaints were received by the authorities from the tourist about the irritating behaviour of the hawkers. Though there are rules, which mandate the vendors to sell their commodities within the space allotted to them, the vendors are seen pestering the tourists by following them, calling them out aloud to purchase the commodities.

Speaking to Newskarnataka TS Subramanya, Deputy Director, Mysuru Palace Board said that several tourists had complained that the vendors were making their visit to the palace a very uncomfortable one. Hence security has been stepped up at these places, especially at Varaha Gate and parking lot. “An additional 30 private securities will be pressed into service and after going through response we will take a call to increase it further,” he said.

“During normal days, 6000 to 8000 people visit Mysuru palace while during weekends and holidays, the number almost doubles and it stretches upto 15,000. During dasara season, it is between 15,000 to 20,000. Overall at an average every year more than 35 lakh Indian tourists and one lakh foreign tourists visit Mysuru Palace” added Subramanya. Mysuru palace is known to be one of the finest monuments in the country making it the second most visited monument in India after the Taj Mahal.