Magnificent Palaces in India
If you wish to get a taste of the regal and royal lifestyle, we have listed a few palaces that are an absolute delight to admire and appreciate the Indian history and heritage. These places provide you with a glimpse of India’s gleaming past and treat you like a king.
India is a country that boasts of a rich and royal history that is reflected in its culture and tradition. To give you a peek into the glorious past, India has various palaces that are part of its cultural wealth and exhibit the architectural opulence and luxurious styles of the Maharajas, kings, queens, nizams and sultans of the bygone era.
Each of the rulers of the past century had a significant and distinctive influence on the citizens of their kingdom and organized their palaces according to their tastes. Each of the palaces is associated with heroism, dynasties, and centuries of royalty. Even though India is a democratic republic now, the lineage of the ruling families maintained the palaces and continues to mesmerize the visitors with their splendor and tradition. While many of the palaces come under heritage sites, most of the royal families, to preserve their princely jazz and grandeur, converted their palaces into luxurious and heritage hotels for the delight of the travelers.
If you wish to get a taste of the regal and royal lifestyle, we have listed a few palaces that are an absolute delight to admire and appreciate the Indian history and heritage. These places provide you with a glimpse of India’s gleaming past and treat you like a king. So, get ready to fulfill all your fairytale dreams!
Lake Palace, Udaipur
Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace in Udaipur is one of the most beautiful palaces in Rajasthan. The magnificent palace was constructed during the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh II, between 1743 and 1746, belonging to the Mewar Dynasty. It is spread across 4 acres and served as the main center of power where the Maharanas resided and administered their kingdom from. The palace is also referred to as Jag Niwas, after the island on which it was built.
The ornate palace’s white marble and granite walls laid with precious stones in contrast to its quaint natural surroundings would leave you stunned. The successors added to the splendor by adding a number of structures like courtyards, pavilions, terraces, rooms and much more. The intricate architecture of the palace is a perfect blend of medieval European and Chinese architecture with several domes and arches. The museum within the palace displays colorful paintings, and art, thereby representing some of the significant elements of Rajput culture.
The palace that lies on a bed of lush green garden has now been converted into a five star hotel and is considered one of the most romantic hotels with regal architecture and all the latest amenities. The palace has been used as a setting for several movies such as Guide and Octopussy. If you wish to take a trip down the pages of history, you need to witness the magical sight of the Lake Palace in Udaipur.
Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Taj Falaknuma Palace, located in the city of Hyderabad, is considered to be one of the most attractive palaces in India overlooking the famed Charminar. Falaknuma, which means mirror of the sky, boasts of Italian marbles and large Venetian Chandeliers. The imposing marble staircases, French tapestries, rare furniture, invaluable statues and artworks make it unrivaled and unmatched in terms of its glory.
This late 19th century bright white palace was designed by British architect William Mard Marret and built by the Prime Minister of Hyderabad, Nawab Vikar-Ul-Umra in a mid-Tudor Italian style. The rooms of the palace feature floral touches, pastel silks and authentic wood-beamed ceilings and oak flooring that stuns the visitors with its ancient Hyderabad charm. If you are a history enthusiast, the sheer opulence and elegance of the palace will astound you.
Once the home to the Nizam of Hyderabad, the palace was renovated by the Taj group and has now been converted into a five-star luxury heritage hotel. You can arrive by carriage, witness this incredible palace with unforgettable staircases and divine gardens and live like royalty!
Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara
Laxmi Vilas Palace, also known as the Maharaja Palace, is located in Vadodara, Gujarat. This majestic structure was the private residence of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and the royal family continues to reside in this magnificent place which is four times the size of Buckingham Palace. This striking palace was built by architect Major Charles Mant under the direction of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 and took nearly twelve years to complete.
Sprawling across about 700 acres, the palace is built in the Indo-Saracenic style that blends the Hindu, Gothic and Mughal architectural forms. The presence of domes, minarets and the arches add to the glory of the palace. The palace houses several smaller buildings within its complex, such as the Moti Baug Palace, the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, the LVP Banquets and Conventions. The Durbar Hall adorned with a Venetian mosaic floor, stained glass windows and intricate mosaic decorated walls would appeal to the senses of the art lovers. The palace is also equipped with modern amenities like elevators which was rare for palaces in those times and looks like a European country house from outside.
A part of the palace has been converted into a museum which is a home to an extraordinary collection of artworks belonging to the royal family, famous paintings by Raja Ravi Verma and other artifacts gathered from all around the world. The palace also houses a collection of old armory, bronze sculptures, and marble statues by Felicci. If you are an art lover, you must visit this esteemed palace during your Gujarat visit.
Amba Vilas Palace, Mysore
Amba Vilas Palace, Mysore
The Amba Vilas Palace, also referred to as the Mysore Palace, is one of the most gorgeous and highly visited royal residences situated in Mysore in the state of Karnataka. This breathtaking palace, built in the year 1912, is the former palace of the royal family of Mysore belonging to the Wadeyar Dynasty and is still their official abode. The architecture is an incredible example of the blend of Hindu, Rajput, Muslim and Gothic style, also called Indo-Saracenic architecture during the British rule.
The colorful pillars and vibrant ceilings and walls that adorn the two durbar halls of Mysore palace are striking for the visitors. The Golden Howdah is a gold throne made up of 185 pounds of gold which proves to be the highlight of the palace. The palace is also connected to other palaces such as Tipu Sultan’s Srirangapatna through several secret tunnels. With Chamundi Hills towards its eastern direction, the spectacle of the lush green gardens surrounding the huge monument of Mysore Palace is an enchanting visual for the visitors.
Mysore palace is renowned for the light and sound show during the vibrant Dussehra celebrations as the entire ground is filled with musicians, elephants, and more, so visiting during Dussehra would be a great idea. A trip to Mysore is incomplete without a trip to the Amba Vilas Palace.
Umaid Bhawan, Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace is a gem located in Jodhpur that showcases the luxurious side of the city. Located on the highest point of Jodhpur, the Chittar Hill, the palace is the residential place of the royal family of Jodhpur and is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is one of the world’s largest private residences built over 26 acres of land with 347 rooms. The palace was not constructed for the selfish reasons of the ruler, but in order to provide employment to the drought and grief-stricken farmers of the area who lost everything due to famine, hence, took 15 years to complete. The majestic palace is built with sandstone and marble, influenced by Renaissance and also draws inspiration from Rajput tradition making it an exquisite structure. The lush green garden with different varieties of flowers adds to the grandeur of the palace. The royal palace is now operated by the Taj Group and transformed into a heritage hotel, one of the most popular ones in Jodhpur.
At present, the royal palace has been divided into three sections: luxury hotel, the royal family’s abode and a royal museum. The tourists are not allowed to enter the royal family’s residence. The museum is divided into different galleries which display a rich collection of photographs, royal clocks, royal vintage automobiles and other prized possessions of the royal family. The part of the palace converted into a five-star hotel offers exquisite services to the guests along with heritage walks and unforgettable dining experiences. If you are planning a vacation to Jodhpur, you must visit this regal palace where grandeur spreads in every nook and corner.
Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala
The gleaming white Ujjayanta Palace, standing on the banks of a small lake surrounded by lush green Mughal gardens in the capital city of Agartala in Tripura is one of the most beautiful palaces in India. Built in 1901, the palace depicts the lifestyle, art, culture and customs of various communities residing in northeast India. Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya built the palace in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. The high domes, superbly tiled floors, majestic wooden ceilings and intricately carved doors are notable and add to the visual appeal of the palace. The palace got its name by the Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, a regular visitor of Tripura. Spread over an expanse of 800 acres of land, the palace is home to prolific halls such as the Durbar Hall, the Reception Hall, the Public Halls, the Chinese Room, and more.
The palace which used to be a meeting place for the State Legislative Assembly is now a renowned museum with an impressive collection of royal and cultural artifacts. The spectacular musical fountain and the night time floodlight accentuate the beauty of the palace. To have the experience of witnessing history and royal splendor within the walls of Ujjayanta Palace, book your tickets to Tripura now!
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Rambagh Palace, considered as one of the most luxurious palaces in India, was the residence of the royal family of Jaipur for more than thirty years. Originally built in 1835, Rambagh Palace has undergone repeated constructions which turned the royal guesthouse into the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. The palace is popularly known as The Jewel of Jaipur due to its magnificence and luxurious beauty. The excellent architectural style of the palace is widely renowned, owing to its marbled corridors, elegantly furnished rooms and stunning gardens. The palatial suites and the chandelier- draped dining halls added to the extraordinaire of the palace.
Today, it is a lavish and expensive hotel managed by the Taj Group, with its spectacular jumble of balconies, antique-filled bedrooms, where one can have a royal experience. The palace has retained its splendid grandeur and offers a fusion of Mughal hospitality and modern luxury. To experience the finest traditions of Rajput hospitality, you must visit this stunning palace.
If you are visiting India as a tourist, to understand the rich layers of modern India, you have to understand its history. We have covered for your the evolution of India through its major historic landmark empires and cultures. Read more at India through the Lens of History.
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