Apr 3, 2015

Top 5 Royal Palaces in India

Most Famous Palaces in India

India is country with one of the oldest history and culture. Tourists across the world are keen to discover the same and visit the oldest forts, monuments, palaces, temples and unique natural  gifts. We are analyzing herein below some of the most visited palaces and the largest Emperors Houses in India.  

 1.     Mysore Palace (Amba Palace) - Mysore, Karnataka

This is the most famous travel destination after Taj Mahal and is 140 kms from Bangaloru. Mysore palace was the home to Wodeyar Maharajas who ruled city for 500 years. Mysore Palace is priceless national treasure and the pride of a kingdom. The palace is now converted into a museum that treasures souvenirs, paintings, jewelry, royal costumes and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodeyar's. It's a Kaleidoscope of stained glass & mirrors. The tastefully decorated and intricately carved doors open into luxuriously decorated rooms.  The palace was designed by Henry Irwin a English Architect. the Palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was completed in 1912. 
Where – Palace is situated in Mysore, Karnataka a state in South India
Things to keep in Mind
o   Opening Time                         -           10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
o   Children between                  -           10 - 18 Years : Rs. 20/-
o   Children below 10 years     -           Free Entrance
o   Foreign Tourist                       -           Rs. 200/- (Audio Kit Facility Included)
Best time to visit
Mysore Dassurah Festival (on this day Palace is illuminated with 97000 night bulbs) October to March or any time you can visit.
What to see - Gombe Thotti (Doll’s Pavilion) The Kalyana Mantap, The Diwan-e-aam, An armory and 12 Hindu Temples

2. City Palace, Jaipur - Jaipur, Rajasthan



This is another famous and oldest Palace situated in Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan. This palace was built by King Sawai Jaisingh in 1732 and later  rebuilt by his dynasty emperors. 

The history of the city palace is closely linked with the history of Jaipur city and its rulers, starting with Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who ruled from 1699-1744.
The City Palace is in the central-northeast part of the Jaipur city, which is laid in a grid pattern with wide avenues. It is a unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples

Where – Jaipur, Rajasthan in North West India,
Things to keep in Mind
o   Timings                      - 9:30 to 17:00. (All 7 days a week)
o   Entry fee                    - foreigners Rs. 300/- each (including still camera)  Indians Adult Rs. 75/- each.
Best time to visit    - any time in a year
What to see - Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Pitam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam, Maharani palace, Bhaggi Khana, Govind Dev Ji temple Chandra Mahal Sukh Niwas, Chhavi Niwas, Shobha Niwas, Sri Niwas, Mukut Mandir

3. THE LAKSHMI VILAS PALACE : Vadodara, Gujarat

 This is the largest Palace in World spread over 700 acre (2.8 km). It was built by  SayajiRao Gaekward III in 1890 and is reputed for its largest private dwelling built till date which is four times the size of Buckingham Palace

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Where                                   – Vadodara, Gujarat
Best time to visit              - any time of the year, prefer between oct. To feb 

Things to keep in Mind
o   Timings                 -9.30 am to 5.00 pm, (Lunch time 1 pm to 1.30pm) Tuesday to Sunday
o   Entry fee               -Rs. 150/- (per person)
What to see             -Darbar Hall, Fateh Singh Museum, Motibaug Palace, Golf Course
Official site               - http://www.gaekwadsofbaroda.com/

4. Chowmahalla Palace- Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Chowmahalla Palace is located in Hyderabad, the city of Nizams, and Joint Capital city of Andhra Pradesh and Telengana. ThisPalace was  the home of Nizams and was built in 1880.  King Asaf Jahi Ruled from this Palace
The prestigious UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit award for cultural heritage conservation was presented to Chowmahalla Palace on March 15, 2010.
Where           – Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh,India
Best time to visit-
Things to keep in Mind
o   Timings                                  -       10am -5pm
o   Closed                                     -       Friday, National Holidays
o   Entry Fee s                            -       Indian Visitor - Rs. 40 and International Visitor - Rs. 150 
o   Camera                                   -      Rs.50/- Video Camera: Rs.100/-
What to see -: Sparkling fountains, lush gardens, Southern Courtyard, Northern Courtyard, The Clock Tower, The Council Hall, Durbar Hall
Official site- http://chowmahalla.com/

5. Umaid Bhawan Palace- Jodhpur, Rajasthan 

This is the world largest Palace cum private residence. Earlier it was known as Chittar Palace, situated on Chittar Hill which is highest point in the city. King Umaid Singh got it constructed in 1929. At present the Palace is divided into three parts first residence of the Royal Family, second Museum and third part is occupied by Taj Hotel.

Where                                               - Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Best time to visit                             - any time in year
What to see                          - Mehrangarh, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada,Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Government Museum.

Things to keep in Mind
Timings                           -           9 am -8 pm

Some other famous Palaces in India

These were top 5 palaces and apart from these, below Palace are also quite famous:

  1. Falaknuma Palace - royal residence, Hyderabad
  2. Gohar Mahal - former royal residence, Bhopal
  3. Grand Palace, Srinagar - former royal residence, today hotel, Srinagar
  4. Hazarduari Palace - former royal residence, Murshidabad
  5. Hill Palace, Tripunithura, Cochin - former Royal Residence of Maharaja of Cochin, now one of the largest archaeological museums in India
  6.  Jhargram Palace - royal residence & heritage hotel, Jhargram
  7. Khasbagh Palace - Palace of the Maharaja of Rampur
  8. King Kothi Palace - Palace of VII Nizam, Osman Ali Khan
  9. Lalgarh Palace - former royal residence, today hotel, Bikaner
  10. Shaukat Mahal - former royal residence, Bhopal
  

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