Famous Palaces of India

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Famous Palaces of India : Indian history speaks of numerous kings and rulers who ruled India for centuries. The royal residences of these kings, the palaces are excellent works of architecture, which speak of the creative abilities, and artistic sensibilities of these rulers. These palaces are the assets of India and enhance the tourist quotient of the state where they are located. Some of these palaces have now been converted in to luxurious hotels and also open for public viewing. The palaces are maintained by the government as they bear ample testimony to the rich cultural Indian heritage.

Amar Mahal Jammu
Amar Mahal is a majestic palace in Jammu in India. The palace was built for Raja Amar Singh, a Dogra king by a French architect. He designed it on the lines of a French Chateau.

The palace is made of red sand stone. The scarlet hue of the rich – red – ruddy stones of this imperial Amar Mahal, still weaves the magic tales of history. The clasping Shivalik ranges and the Tawi River near the palace further adds to the scenic beauty of the place. With the sloping roofs and swaying towers the palace resembles the artistic characteristic of that of the French Castles.

In the past, this palace was the residence of Raja Amar Singh. However, this palace has now become a museum, which is administered by the Hari-Tara Charitable Trust. It is popularly known as the Amar Mahal Palace Museum. There is a library in the palace as well, which has nearly twenty five thousand books. The palace also has several Pahari paintings and family portraits of the members of the royal family. There are some rare paintings in the palace, which are known as Nal Damayanti.

Lake Palace Udaipur

The Lake Palace is located on the Jag Niwas Island and covers the whole of 1.5 hectare of the island in the middle of the Pichola Lake. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743 it was meant as a royal summer palace and now converted in to a five star palace hotel. Advertise Here It is a magical palace and its image in the middle of the lake is like a leaf straight out of a fairy tale book with an excellent taste of intricate craftsmanship and the ethnic themes using the textiles and handicrafts all over highlight the beauty that is simply beyond compare the lake around makes a pleasant murmur with its rippling waves and lapping that adds to the mesmerizing moments.

The successive rulers used this cool haven as their summer resort, holding their regal durbars in its courtyards. These courtyards lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens all add to its impressive image. The rooms are decorated with cusped arches, inland stones of pink, and green lotus leaves and painted mirrors.

apartments like the Bada Mahal, Kush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal. All enhance the romance of the elegant setting. Among the facilities available are swimming pool, conference hall and a bar. Other events of recreation organised here are excursions in and around and a bar other events of recreation organised here are excursions in and around Udaipur.

city palace udaipur

The city Palace Udaipur is like a fairytale palace. It combines elements of Chinese and European architecture and has a number of turrets, domes and arches to form a fascinating sight. The palace is made of granite and marble and is built on a raised height and encircled by ramparts. Overlooking Lake Pichola, the City Palace Udaipur was built by Maharana Udai Singh of the ruling the Sisodia clan.

The City Palace Udaipur is a heritage building, which showcases the finest elements of Rajput culture and the arts. The spectacular buildings within the City Palace Udaipur are influenced by European and Chinese architecture and are amazing in the range and aesthetic beauty of their artwork. The entrance to the Palace complex is through the ‘Elephant Gate’ or the ‘Hathi Pol.’ The Jagdish Temple where Lord Vishnu is worshipped can be seen here. The ‘Great Gate’ or ‘Bara Pol’ is the entrance to the first courtyard. There are marble arches, an elephant fighting arena and many gardens within the palace complex. The rooms within the palace are beautifully decorated and painted.

City Palace Jaipur

Splendidly unique and exquisite, City Palace is located in the capital of Rajasthan and is a perfect example of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. Originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs, developments have been made to the palace complex by many of his successors. The City Palace stands majestically on the hill guarded by crenelated fort walls. In contrast to its rough exterior, the inside presents a delicate and exquisite world of beauty with lavish use of marble, mirror work, frescoes, wall paintings, silver doors, fountains and gardens.

The City Palace consists of four main palaces. The Palace of Joy, Dilkusha Mahal, is lavishly decorated with frescoes and paintings. Moti Mahal, or Palace of Pearls, Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, and Krishna Mahal are decorated with colours and paintings. The ground and first floor of the Chandra Mahal, form the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Museum. The museum has an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware and old weapons. The paintings include miniatures of Rajasthani, Persian and Mughal schools. The Mubarak Mahal, or the Auspicious Palace, contains the textile section of the museum.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

The Umaid Bhawan Palace at Jodhpur, India’s last great Palace, was constructed between 1929 and 1944.Constructed in what can loosely be described as the Indo-Art-Deco style, this magnificent edifice with 347 rooms was the world’s largest private residence when it opened its doors as a royal residence in 1944. Named after The Late His Highness Maharaja Umaid Singhji, the palace has been the residence of Maharaja Umaid Singhji and his successors.

In fact, even today a section of the Palace is still the private residence of the royal family of Jodhpur, currently headed by His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II. Converted to a hotel in 1972, the Palace was thrown open to the public at large as a residential hotel. Since 1978, the hotel has been associated with one of India’s premier hotel chains-ITC Hotels. Today it the flagship of the welcome Heritage Chain, which runs charming heritage hotels spread across Rajasthan and its adjoining states.

Guests and residents of the Palace experience aspects of royal living, with period furniture, priceless antiques and artefacts adorning the public areas as well as the rooms in which the hotel section is situated Classified as a 5 Star Deluxe property by the Government of India, the Umaid Bhawan Palace has every modern convenience to cater to today’s traveller and several unique features.

Lalgarh Palace Bikaner

Built in the memory of maharaja Lal Singh, Lalgarh Palace has a graceful facade of red sandstone, and is one of Maharaja Ganga Singh’s great achievements. The maharaja ruled for a period of 56 years. Lalgarh PalaceThe state especially prospered under his rule. In the fort museum which is housed in the red sandstone Ganga Niwas, built during the reign of Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh, here can be seen a unique collection of miniature paintings, manuscripts, weaponry and even a world war I bi-plane.

Designed by a Britisher for Maharaja Ganga Singh, lalgarh palace displays a magnificent blend of Oriental and European style. The terraced lawns and the Bougainvillea bushes add beauty to the palace. Peacocks stroll around Lalgarh Palace, which has been partly converted into a hotel.

The intricate filigree work and latticework exhibit the refinements and delicacy of craftsmanship. Lallgarh palace museum displays well-preserved hunting trophies and old photographs. The library of the Lalgarh palace is supposed to have the largest collection of original Sanskrit manuscripts on parchments, copper and gold or silver plaques. The Lalgarh palace has now been converted into a beautiful hotel. The large and airy rooms point towards a pervasive British influence, even though the Welcome group took over it’s management in 1993 and made numerous renovations. The shri Sadul museum forms a part of the palace, and houses vast collections of books, photographs, manuscripts and albums that span several generations.

Ajit Bhawan Palace

Set in the serene desert of Rajasthan, Ajit Bhawan stands as on oasis of hospitality and warm Rajput charm. Built exclusively for Maharaj Sir Ajit Singhji the younger brother of Maharaja Umaid Singhji of the erstwhile Jodhpur state. Ajit Bhawan offers you Old World elegance, with the modern comforts of a classic heritage hotel and the essence of being a guest of the Maharaj’s family. Every suite is unique with a distinctive feel of the Raj. Antiques from various periods and photographs from the family archives create an ambience that suggests a private home rather than a hotel room. These suites have luxurious marble bathrooms and all modern amenities.

A part of this heritage hotel is still occupied by the royal family.. Homely yet regal, accommodation at heritage hotel. Ajit Bhawan offers you a grand holiday experience with Indian Horizons. The 50 rooms at Hotel Ajit Bhawan may be classified as 1 single suite, 11 luxury suites and 38 deluxe rooms. All the rooms at Ajit Bhawan are equipped with modern room amenities.

Considered to be the first heritage hotel of India, the Ajit Bhawan hotel makes a striking impression – the allure of a luxury hotel with experiences rich in history showcased in its architecture, renowned hospitality, pageantry and charm. Located 2 km from the city center of Jodhpur, the Ajit Bhawan hotel offers the ambience and grandeur of a bygone era, providing the vacationers everything they need for a comfortable and unforgettable stay. The multi-cuisine restaurants at the Ajit Bhawan hotel provide an incredible dining experience. The bar is the ideal place to unwind in style. The hotel has also taken adequate safety measures including fire safeguards.

Bhanwar Niwas Palace

Bhanwar Niwas Palace at Bikaner,the most magnificent of the famed havelis belonging to the Rampuria family. Commissioned by the late Seth Bhanwarlalji Rampuria in 1927, the architecture of the haveli and its interiors is a fascinating blend of Indian and European styles. Bhanwar Niwas is a tribute and testimony to the skill and meticulous craftsmanship of the artists and craftmen of Bikaner.

Bhanwar Niwas offers 24 beautiful guest rooms, each different from other. On the ground floor are the magnificent public rooms including the Blue Drawing Room. Guests can sit and relax in these delightful areas or listen to local musicians perform in the splendid Courtyard.

Gorbandh Palace

The Gorbandh Palace Hotel Jaisalmer is one of the Jaisalmer hotels that offers its guests views of the surrounding desert. The hotel is within easy reach of many of the area’s restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, as well as some of the city’s business addresses. The Gorbandh Palace Hotel Jaisalmer offers guests easy access to town by car, and guests can walk to many of the area’s attractions, as well. Besides this, guests can get around town on the city’s bus or train system.

The rooms of the Gorbandh Palace Hotel Jaisalmer are comfortable and modern, and they offer guests plenty of amenities, including en suite bathrooms and balconies. The hotel’s rooms also offer telephones, tea and coffee making facilities, and televisions. The hotel offers guest rooms in various sizes for the convenience of guests.

This hotel offers guests plenty of amenities, including an on-site restaurant that offers Indiana, Chinese, Rajasthani, and Continental food choices. The Gorbandh Palace Hotel Jaisalmer also offers a coffee shop where guests can pick up snacks and drinks as well as a bar where they can enjoy wine and liquor. Besides this, the hotel offers leisure facilities including a swimming pool. The hotel’s concierge desk can arrange things like camel rides and Jeep safaris.

Khimsar Fort Jodhpur

Khimsar Fort, one of the finest Heritage hotels in Rajasthan. The fort was built by Rao Karamsiji, the 8th son of the Jodhpur founder, Rao Jodha, who moved to this region and founded the royal dynasty at Khimsar. The construction of the fort began in 1523 AD in the fairytale land of majestic forts and palaces. The fort’s battle-scarred walls and turrets are a telltale reminder of Khimsar’s glorious past. In mid 18th century, the royal family moved in and a new ‘zenana’ (ladies’ wing) was built with finely carved windows in stone grills to provide ‘purdah’ or veil for ladies-in-waiting. Subsequently, Thakur Onkar Singh built for himself a regal wing.

The 68 rooms within the fort are all equipped with every modern comfort including air-conditioning, heating, hot and cold running water, mini bar, telephone with international dialing facilities, etc. The décor varies though from the very traditional to art deco and some of the rooms have their own private terraces and balconies.

The Khimsar fort provides excellent leisure facilities like sunset visits to the Sand dunes, Black buck jeep safaris and camel safaris to the nearby villages . In house facilities here include a large swimming pool, Ayurveda massage center and a restaurant set in very dramatic surroundings within the fort ruins. A section of the fort still remains the residence of the royal family of Khimsar.

Sariska Palace

Sariska Palace was built under the patronage of Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar to commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria’s son, the Duke of Connaught. A French architect designed the hotel in 1892. Utmost care has been taken to make the stay comfortable and luxurious. The rooms in the hotel are attractive, spacious and equipped with all modern facilities and amenities.

Sariska Palace Hotel offers 101 luxurious rooms. Each room is furnished with regency Victorian furniture to keep with its architecture that combines the best of Indian and European styles. The hotel offers standard rooms to deluxe suites. All the rooms are equipped with modern facilities like attached bath with running hot and cold water, color television, direct dial telephones and round the clock room service. Multi cuisine restaurant, conference hall, ayurvedic health centre, safe deposit vaults, swimming pool, tennis, sauna, steam bath, yoga centre, camel, horse and jeep safaris, health club, bar, doctor on call, all major credit card accepted.

Shiv Niwas Palace

Shiv Niwas Palace is situated in the southern end of the City Palace complex in Udaipur. The Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel was originally Maharana Fateh Singhji’s residence. The rooms around the beautifull courtyard played host to many a personal guest of the Maharana. Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel Udaipur is now categorised as a “Grand Heritage” Palace as it has been restored to its original pristine glory.

Shiv Niwas Palace features elegantly appointed suites with private terraces. The palace hotel is famed for its choice Indian and continental fare. The ‘Paantya’ at Shiv Niwas Palace, a multi cuisine restaurant serving speciality Indian and Continental breakfast and meals is famed for its delectable cuisine. The Pool-Deck is a wonderfull place to swim and sunbathe in luxury and tranquility. The Poolside Restaurant serves light snacks all day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The glittering lights on the trees, and blue waters of the royal pool, make the Poolside a dreamy celebratory venue. Other venues in this wonderfull palace are the ‘Paneera Bar’serving an exquisite selection of Indian and foreign liquor, the royal bar also offers lake and mountain views, the ‘Top Terrace’ where small groups of between 6 to 30 guests can enjoy a quiet meal alongwith breath-taking views of Lake Pichola and its island palaces, and ‘The Lawns’ in front of the bandstand, is ideal for sit down banquets.

Narayan Niwas Palace

The Narayan Niwas Palace heritage hotel stands in the middle of the desert city of Jaisalmer. Tours and travel to Jaisalmer can be a memorable experience if you decide to stay at this hotel, as it stands in the heart of the city. This heritage hotel has 43 rooms that are open to the guests. The Narayan Niwas Palace is basically a nineteenth century ancestral property that was restored and converted into a heritage hotel in the year 1982. This hotel is basically a sandstone structure and has intricate carvings that are a tribute to the talent of the master craftsmen of the ancient times. This heritage hotel is popular for its Gokhra Restaurant that serves traditional Rajasthani food along with other Indian dishes, continental and Chinese cuisine. The hotel has a well-equipped swimming pool and a bar.

This heritage hotel attempts to make your stay in Rajasthan a dream experience by providing facilities for Jeep tours and camel rides to the interiors of the Thar Desert.

Samode Palace Jaipur

Samode Palace was awarded for the best Heritage hotel in the country, for 5 repeated years, the Palace has been scrupulously restored offering a retreat into an incredibly beautiful location where one can rejuvenate & enjoy India’s natural beauty and rich heritage. It is located in the center of Aravali mountains. Samode Palace is one of India’s best palaces & romantic luxury hotels. It offers a quiet, neat and luxurious atmosphere. Considered India’s finest hotel for its consummate standards of modern hospitality, accommodation, services, cuisine and amenities, it is the flagship of the Samode Hotels.

The Samode Palace hotel maintains an immutable majestic presence and is a touching reminder of the vision of its creators. The palace has total 43 luxuriously appointed rooms including 3 Royal Suites, 15 Deluxe suites and 25 Deluxe Rooms. All the rooms are equipped with all modern amenities. Staying at Samode Palace is really a unforgettable experience.

Castle Mandawa

Castle Mandawa situated in the fairy tale region of Rajasthan – Shekhawati which is beautifully decorated with colourful frescos all over the town. Castle Mandawa was constructed in the year 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh and now the fortress has been converted into a heritage hotel to offer the royal charm of the bygone era to the visitors. The hotel is beautifully decorated with family portraits and a wide range of traditional armor. Amidst plethora of services and facilities, the hotel is a wonderful combination of traditional and modern comfort. Castle Mandawa provides warm traditional hospitality to the guests. Contains 70 spacious and well-furnished rooms, categorized into Royal Suite, Deluxe Room, Standard Room and Luxury Suite.

Bangalore Palace

The palace is located in the city of Bangalore, India, was built by Chamaraja Wodeyar, Maharaja of Mysore in the year 1887 AD. Now owned by the current scion of the Mysore royal family, Srikanta Datta Narsimharaja Wodeyar. The Palace was built in Tudor Style Architecture with turreted parapets, battlements, fortified towers and arches. During a visit to England, Chamaraja Wodeyar was inspired by the Windsor Castle in London, and along similar lines he built this palace in Tudor style. The palace is famous for its elegantly carved woodwork.

Some paintings of Raja Ravi Verma are also present here. The inner walls of the Bangalore Palace are also festooned with paintings belonging to the mid-19th century. One of the walls of the Durbar Hall has a set of windows that are decorated with stained glass. The main attraction of Bangalore Palace Bangalore is an art gallery that displays several historical photos, including those of Viceroys, Maharajas and other royal personages and exquisite paintings and carvings. At that time it cost about Rs One lakh to construct the palace. It is one of the major tourist attraction in the city.

Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace or the Mysore Maharaja Palace is located in the heart of the city. Mysore Palace is one of the most visited monuments in India. And its one of the largest palaces in the country, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, was the residence of the Wodeyar Maharaja’s of the Mysore state. The original palace built of wood, got burnt down in 1897, during the wedding of Jayalakshammanni, the eldest daughter of Chamaraja Wodeyar and was rebuilt in 1912

Mysore Palace is priceless national treasure and the pride of a kingdom, the Mysore Maharaja Palace is the seat of the famed Wodeyar Maharaja’s of Mysore. The palace is now converted into a museum that treasures souvenirs, paintings, jewelery, royal costumes and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodeyars. It’s a Kaleidoscope of stained glass & mirrors. The front of the Amba Vilas Palace has an open balcony supported by massive circular columns. The Royal portrait gallery, which is of historical importance, is a visual treat to the visitors. This three-storied structure has beautifully designed square towers at various cardinal points covered by domes. Craftsmen from Jaipur and Agra along with local workers were engaged in crafting them.

Falaknuma Palace

Falaknuma Palace is located 5 kilometers due south of Charminar. The palace is located on a 2000-foot-high hill. Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra built this palace and Nizam VI purchased this palace from Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra in 1897. The latter used this palace as a royal guest house. The grandson of Nizam VII, Nawab Mukarramjah Bahadur, owns this palace now.

With lavishly decorated interiors and built by an Italian architect, this palace stands as a witness to the late nineteenth century architectural taste of Hyderabad. The palace is modeled like a scorpion whose two ‘stings’ are spreading out towards north. The palace has as many as 220 lavishly designed rooms as well as 22 halls.

The rosewood dining table of the palace is known for its ability to take 100 guests at a time. With its Venetian chandeliers, marble staircase, carved balustrades, a massive library with one of the unique collection of the Holy Quran, this palace deserve not to be missed out by any visitor. Prior permission is a must to visit this exotic palace.

Chowmahalla Palace

Chowmahalla Palace is one of the greatest monuments of Hyderabad and the initiate was taken by “Nizam Salabhat Jung” that led to construction of this beautiful palace in the year 1750.It was “Nizam Afzar-ud-Dawla Bahadur” who successfully completed the construction of palace in the year 1869. Now the palace is spread across an area of 12 acres with two courtyards, halls, fountains and gardens when compared to its original area of 45 acres.

The center of attraction of “Chowmahalla Palace” is its southern and northern courtyard. In southern courtyard, one can find four palaces named “Afzal Mahal”, “Mahtab Mahal”, “Tahniyat Mahal” and “Aftab Mahal”. Among these palaces, “Aftab Mahal” is the two-storied building constructed in European style becomes more attractive and beautiful palace to visit among the four palaces of southern courtyard.

Jai Vilas Palace

Built in 1809, this palace is located in the new city of Gwalior. It the house of the present Maharaja of Gwalior. This palace was designed by Lt. Col. Sir Michael Filose. 35 of the rooms have been converted into the Scindia Museum and the rest of the rooms reflect the splendour and glory which comes alive in the Italianate structures. The Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes are combined in Jai Vilas. The Darbar hall of the Palace is an imposing structure. Covered with heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets and furniture from Italy and France occupy these spacious rooms. The darbar hall ceiling has two incredibly massive chandeliers weighing in tonnes. The treasure of the palace includes a silver train which has cut glass wagons carrying wine and cigars after dinner, a glass cradle used for Lord Krishna on every Janamashtami, swords once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jehan. Apart from these there are personal gifts and mementoes of Scindia Family which includes the Jewelled slippers of Chinkoo Rani, hunting trophies and portraits, also small room having collection of erotica. Jai Vilas is an excellent glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.

Marble palace

Marble palace of Kolkata( Calcutta), India is a must visit tourist attraction spot. Built in the year 1835 by Rajendra Mallick, it is an exquisite art gallery. Marble palace houses the marvelous objects of art, sculptures, pictures & oil paintings. Its major highlight includes the Reuben’s masterpieces. You can also find the original paintings of Rembrandt, Reynolds and Van Goyen etc. Calcutta marble palace is the one of its kinds and consists of exquisite pieces of art. It also has a zoo, where you can find different kinds of birds and animals. Infact, it has a rare collection of birds.

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