Top 8 Magnificent Royal Palaces In India

Do you love to explore the ancient royal palaces rich in their architectural excellence, grandeur and luxury? Then you must visit the following top 8 magnificent royal palaces in India!

• Laxmi Vilas Palace: Baroda (Vadodara), Gujarat

It’s one of the largest palaces ever built! Can you imagine it’s even four times bigger than the Buckingham Palace of England? Its interior design and architectural work are awe-inspiring! It was resided by the Gaekwad Dynasty, i.e., the Baroda Royal Family. The Indo-Saracenic and Maratha styles are blended in its architecture.

• Hawa Mahal: Jaipur, Rajasthan

Haven’t you heard of the ‘Palace of Winds’? Well! It’s the Hawa Mahal. Why? Because of its 953 windows called ‘Jharokhas’ that fills the palace with ever blowing winds! It’s a five-storey palace made of pink and red sandstones with white frames. It is remarkable for its splendid Mughal architecture.

• Amba Vilas Palace: Mysore, Karnataka

Did you know that Mysore is called the ‘City of Palaces’? That’s because of its so many beautiful royal palaces. Also called Mysore Royal Palace, Amba Vilas used to be resided by the Wodeyars dynasty, i.e., the Mysore Royal Family. It includes 14 Hindu temples, courtyards and beautiful gardens. Its architecture combines the Hindu, Rajput, Mughal and Gothic styles.

• Jai Vilas Palace: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Remember reading in History that Gwalior was once one of India’s largest princely states? This massive palace of 400 rooms is now resided by the Royal Family of Gwalior. Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia of Gwalior had built the palace. Its architectural style wonderfully blends the Tuscan, Italian and Corinthian styles.

• City Palace: Jaipur, Rajasthan

Did you know that it comprises two grand palaces called the Mubarak Mahal and the Chandra Mahal as well as other buildings? They were initially made by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and later extended by the successive Maharaja. Its architectural style shows the brilliant fusion of the European, Mughal and Indian (Shilpa Shastra) architecture.

• Umaid Bhavan Palace: Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Belonging to the Jodhpur Royal Family, it’s currently owned by Maharaja Gaj Singh Ji. With an enchanting beauty, it’s one of the grandest private palaces in the world! It has 347 rooms, and also includes a museum and a luxury heritage hotel under the management of the Taj Group.

• Lake Palace: Udaipur, Rajasthan

Also called Jag Niwas, it’s a must visit in your Rajasthan-tour! Maharana Jagat Singh II of the Mewar Dynasty had built this palace. It is in the bosom of Lake Pichola in its natural island. This romantic palace is made up of white marbles and has several fountains, gardens and pillared terraces.

• Udai Vilas Palace: Udaipur, Rajasthan

It is located in Haridasji Ki Magri- the heart of Udaipur. It’s one of the most esteemed heritage hotels in Udaipur under the management of the Oberoi Hotels Group. Besides, it’s one of the most luxurious royal heritage hotels in India.

Which of these palaces attracted you the most? Let me know in the comments section below!