Relive the glory of the royal mansions in these incredible palaces, each housing stories and sentiments aplenty. Experience the diversity in culture as you revel in the making of Instagram reels.
Voyagers, traders and chroniclers have been precious gatekeepers of enchanting tales steeped in the grandeur and the opulence of India’s glorious courts since time immemorial. Housed in the luxury of royal palaces, these tales continue to charm readers of historical fiction and consumers of digital storytellers alike. Revisiting vintage glory, as we soak up the spirit of the celebratory season, we bring a curation of a heritage travel itinerary, one palace at a time. An ode to India’s cultural capital and global identity, this list features a stunning mix of properties. A nod to sustainable architecture, these palaces have been carefully restored to their original glory, in order to preserve their ethos, and let the future generations experience their overarching essence.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Located in Udaipur – the City of Palaces – the blue waters of Lake Pichola on one side and a backdrop of the Aravalli Hills on the other make the Udaivilas Palace an embodiment of the old-world charm of princelv India. Every room has a generous garden space fitted with a patio, while some have a semi-private, infinity-edge pool. The pool stretches along a bank of rooms, making it possible to swim from one to another.
Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala
One of the best palaces in India that cannot be skipped is the Ujjayanta Palace that is located in Agartala. It was not constructed long back but in 1901 with wooden ceilings, tiles on floor, and majestic doors. Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who was a regular visitor of the former princely state of Tripura, named this palace, which is home to several halls such as The Reception Hall, Durbar Hall, The Chinese Room, and more. Now a museum and one of the top attractions of Tripura, it served as a meeting place for the State Legislative Assembly earlier.
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Earlier the residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace sits on a hill 2,000 feet above overlooking Hyderabad and is lauded as one of the most beautiful palaces in India. Completely built of Italian marble, the incomparable palace boasts of large Venetian chandeliers, rare furniture, grand marble staircases, priceless statues and artworks, a world-class collection of crystals and Mughal, Rajasthani and Japanese gardens personally conceived by the Nizam.
Kowdiar Palace, Thiruvananthapuram
The Kowdiar Palace was built in 1934 by Maharaja Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma on the occasion of his sister’s wedding. Quite simplistic but elegant, the palace is an architectural wonder with over 150 rooms spread across the three-storey structure. The construction is largely made up of wood and follows the traditional Kerala school of architecture. Quite interestingly, the palace also has a wooden elevator. There are absolutely gorgeous views of the Western Ghats close by.
WelcomHeritage Ferrnhills Royal Palace, Ooty
Ferrnhills Royal Palace was built in 1844 as a summer palace of the Mysore Maharajas. Bought by a 12-year-old prince for a sum of INR 10,000 in 1873, the palace has been with the Wadiyar dynasty ever since. The palace is superbly furnished with Burmese teak and features a magnificent ballroom with a highly valued ornamental papier-mâché ceiling.
Mysuru Palace, Mysore
The list of famous palaces in India remains incomplete without the mention of Mysuru Palace, which is a perfect example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Developed for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar dynasty in 1912, this palace is also famous as Amba Vilas Palace. The palace is reminiscent of the patronage of different rulers, which is why you will witness a hint of Gothic, Hindu, Rajput as well as Muslim styles in the architecture.
Chettinad Palace, Chettinad
The Chettinad Palace is an architectural marvel of Tamil Nadu. The perfect combination of tradition, architecture and art, the palace was designed by Dr Annamalai Chettiar and its construction was completed in 1912. The materials used were mostly imported from eastern Asia and Europe.
Neemrana Fort Palace, Neemrana
An epitome of grace, this 15th-century palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel that receives a heavy footfall every year. Earlier, it was under the reign of Rajput Maharaja Prithivi Raj Chauhan III. Covering an area of 10 hectares, it is the perfect place to witness the alchemy of traditional Rajasthani designs and modern interiors.
WelcomHeritage Taragarh Palace, Kangra
The Taragarh Palace is another heritage hotel in India set amidst the beautiful Kangra valley. You can observe the splendour of the mighty Dhauladhar range from the palace. A haven for nature lovers, the palace is
fashioned as a perfect summer resort to enjoy the tranquillity of nature. The serene property is equipped with premium facilities including an imperial dining hall, a gift shop, a Durbar Hall and a patio overlooking the mountains.
Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara
Earlier the private residence of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Laxmi Vilas Palace is four times the size of the great Buckingham Palace. Starting from the year 1890, it took around 12 years to fully construct this beautiful palace. Reflecting the Indo-Saracenic style, it is an amalgamation of Mughal and Gothic forms that are visible in the minarets and domes of the palace.
Leh Palace, Leh
The Leh Palace, also known as Lhachen Palkhar, is one of the most glorious attractions in Leh. The palace was one of the tallest structures with about nine storeys in its earlier days. You won’t be able to express your gratitude when you watch the views of the breathtaking Ladakh mountains and Stok Kangri from the top of the palace. The palace was built in 1553 by Tsewang Namgyal, the founder of Ladakh’s Namgyal dynasty. The palace stands tall with its traditional Tibetan style of architecture inspired from the nearby Lhasa.
Prag Mahal, Bhuj
The Prag Mahal is a marvel of Italian Gothic style of architecture located next to the popular Aina Mahal. Designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins in the 1860s, Prag Mahal seems like a monument from France or western Europe. There is a bell tower which you will likely discover after climbing up 45-metre stairs. The palace cost INR 3.1 million during its completion in 1879. Some of the main features of the palace include Corinthian pillars, decaying taxidermy in halls and jaali work depicting European flora and fauna.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
This grand and gigantic yellow sandstone palace was completed in 1944 after 15 long years of labour and was one of the last iconic palaces to be built in India. Its majestic 105-foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from the Rajput tradition. Built over 26 acres of land, it is one of the largest private residences with 347 rooms.
Wildflower Hall, Shimla
Once home to Lord Kitchener during the rule of the British Raj, the scintillating charm of Wildflower Hall recreates the grand style of the colonial era in the Himalayas. Filled with original artwork and wood panelling, the hotel provides a panoramic view of snow-covered peaks.
The Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner
Built in 1904, Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bikaner is considered to be one of the most splendid palace stays. Admire the hand-painted friezes and gold-laden walls. Examine up close the inspiration behind the famed Lutyens-and-Baker architectural style associated with imperial Delhi.
Bangalore Palace, Bengaluru
Known for its beauty and intricate architecture, Bangalore Palace makes it to the list of the top palaces in India. The construction of this palace can be dated back to the year 1878, which is when it acquired an area of around 45,000 square feet. To witness the royal culture, pay special attention to the details of the wooden structure adorned with amazing carvings. The grand palace that we see today is a mixture of the Scottish Gothic and the Tudor styles of architecture. The best part about this palace is that it hosts a variety of events like rock shows.
Mubarak Mandi Palace, Jammu
The Mubarak Mandi Palace is a grand building in Jammu showcasing the royal nature of the Dogra dynasty. The palace overlooks the Tawi river near the old-walled city. The palace has a rich history dating back to 1824 and a series of battles fought. Several rulers have added their individualistic elements into the palace with architecture ranging from Rajasthan to European baroque and Mughal schools. You can expect several courtyards and buildings inside including the Rani Charak Palace, the Toshakhana Palace, the Durbar Hall, Sheesh Mahal, Gol Ghar, etc.
Deeg Palace, Bharatpur
The Deeg Palace in Bharatpur is a structure reflecting the rule of the Jats and their successive victories. The palace was built in 1772 and used as a luxurious summer resort for the rulers. The palace is enhanced by wonderful gardens and water tanks. The highlight of the palace is the use of marble and quadrilateral walkways.
Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior
A symbol of Indian culture and royalty, Jai Vilas Palace was built by Jayaji Rao Scindia for a grand welcome of King Edward VII in 1874. Now, it is a residence of the descendants of the Maratha Scindia family. The palace is now home to a library, an art gallery, and a museum that stretches to 35 rooms. One cannot miss out on the Durbar Hall, which is adorned with golden carvings, along with the royal collection of swords and antiques that the palace houses.null
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Home to the royal family for over 30 years, Rambagh Palace is sure to mesmerise you. Built in 1835, it was first converted into a palace hotel in 1957. Its elegantly appointed rooms, marbled corridors and majestic gardens echo the flourishes of history. The Peacock suite, which overlooks the Mughal Terrace, is where the Maharaja used to celebrate Holi.
Text By: Aishwariya Chattoraj