Top 10 Royal Palaces In India
Since ancient times, royalty in India have always been associated with palaces. Even today, several royal families continue to reside in magnificent palaces across the country. Here is a look at some of the most opulent and famous royal palaces in India.
List Of Best Royal Palaces In India
10. Mysore Palace
The Mysore Palace is one of the largest palaces in India, located in the city of Mysore in Karnataka. The palace is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and it is also a World Heritage Site. Built in the 14th century by the Vijayanagara rulers, the palace was later expanded by the Wodeyar dynasty. It is a blend of Indo-Saracenic, Dravidian and Rajput styles of architecture with an impressive array of courtyards, gardens and temples within its premises.
9. Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal is a beautiful palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur. The palace has five storeys, four of which are underwater when the lake is full. Jal Mahal is a beautiful example of Rajput architecture with its intricate carvings and stunning views.
8. City Palace
The City Palace is located in the heart of Udaipur, Rajasthan and it was built by Maharana Udai Singh II over a period of 400 years. The palace complex has a number of courtyards, gardens and temples within its premises. The City Palace Museum houses a collection of artefacts belonging to the royal family of Udaipur. The palace complex also has a number of lakes, including the famous Lake Pichola.
7. Amber Fort
Amber Fort is situated in Amer, Rajasthan and it was built by Raja Mansingh in the 16th century. The fort is a blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture with its intricate carvings and paintings. Amber Fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rajasthan and it is also a World Heritage Site.
6. Rambagh Palace
Rambagh Palace is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan and it was originally built as a royal hunting lodge by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century. The palace was later expanded by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Madho Singh and it became the main residence of the royal family. Rambagh Palace is now a luxury hotel and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur.
5. Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace is located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and it was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in the 20th century. The palace is one of the largest private residences in the world and it covers an area of 26 acres. The palace has a number of courtyards, gardens and temples within its premises. Umaid Bhawan Palace is now a luxury hotel and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jodhpur.
4. Lal Quila
Lal Quila is located in Delhi and it was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. Lal Quila is a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture with its intricate carvings and paintings. The fort has a number of courtyards, gardens and mosques within its premises.
3. Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan and it was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the 18th century. Hawa Mahal is a five-storeyed palace with a pyramidal structure and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur. Hawa Mahal has a number of small windows and chambers that were used by the royal women to observe the street festivals while remaining hidden from view.
2. Agra Fort
Agra Fort is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh and it was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Agra. Agra Fort is a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture with its intricate carvings and paintings. The fort has a number of courtyards, gardens and mosques within its premises.
1. Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh and it was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Taj Mahal is a blend of Islamic and Persian architecture with its intricate carvings and paintings. The mausoleum has a number of chambers and gardens that are surrounded by four minarets. Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in India and it receives millions of visitors every year.
