India has been home to a multitude of remarkable dynasties, realms, and empires throughout its history, leaving behind an impressive array of palaces spread across various regions. These architectural marvels serve as reminders of the nation's glorious past, with their stunning aesthetics, artwork, structural balance, and overall visual appeal capturing the attention of all who visit.
While many of these palaces have been transformed into museums, others have been converted into luxurious heritage hotels. Let’s explore 11 magnificent royal palaces in India that you must visit:
# Mysore Palace, Mysore, Karnataka Known as Amba Vilas Palace, this stunning palace in the heart of Mysore is one of the most beautiful in the world. Designed by Henry Irving and completed in 1912, it features an Indo-Saracenic style with unique domes and turrets. The palace is home to grand courtyards, two durbar halls, twelve Hindu temples, and even a doll pavilion, showcasing remarkable art and historical significance.
# Prag Mahal, Bhuj, Gujarat Completed in 1910, Prag Mahal is a royal gem reflecting a blend of Romanesque and Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. Often referred to as Italian Gothic, this palace remains one of the top royal destinations in India.
# Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad, Telangana This 18th-century palace spans 40 acres and combines Persian and Mughal architectural styles. With its two courtyards, antique furniture, Belgian crystal chandeliers, and a 1911 yellow Rolls Royce, it was the official residence of the Nizams during the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
# Padmanabhapuram Palace, Thuckalay, Tamil Nadu Located near Thiruvananthapuram, Padmanabhapuram was the capital of the Travancore Kingdom. This 17th-century palace features exquisite murals, floral carvings, and architectural interiors, offering visitors a glimpse into royal life.
# Thanjavur Palace, Tamil Nadu Built in the 1530s by the Nayaka kings, Thanjavur Palace was later held by the Thanjavur Marathas and eventually acquired by the British under the Doctrine of Lapse. After decades of neglect, it is now being restored for tourism.
# Jai Vilas Mahal, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh Constructed in the 19th century by Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia, Jai Vilas Mahal is a lavish three-story building decorated with European-style opulence, including gold furnishings and luxurious decorations. The palace now houses a collection of historical artifacts and documents.
# Jal Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Located in the center of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal was built in 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh. It combines Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. The palace has five stories, but only the top one is visible above the water, with the others submerged beneath the lake.
# Leh Palace, Leh Built in 1553, this nine-story palace once housed royal family members on the upper floors, while stables and storerooms occupied the lower levels. The palace was abandoned after a 19th-century invasion, and though managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, it remains in a state of ruin.
# Datia Palace, Madhya Pradesh Known as Bir Singh Palace, this seven-story structure took nine years to complete. It is a stunning example of royal architecture in Madhya Pradesh.
# Ujjayanta Palace, Tripura Reflecting neoclassical architecture, Ujjayanta Palace was the seat of the Tripura Kingdom. The palace now serves as a museum and was opened in 1901.
# Cooch Behar Palace, West Bengal Inspired by Buckingham Palace, this late 19th-century palace is one of West Bengal’s most beautiful royal residences. Spanning over 51,000 square feet, the palace is an impressive structure measuring 395 feet long and 296 feet wide.