Mysore Palace is the official residence of the Mysore royal family.
Jai Vilas Palace is a 19th century palace in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, built in 1874 by Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia of Gwalior.
For centuries, India has been home to kingdoms and royal families stretching from north to south and east to west, each contributing to its rich history. Despite the end of the monarchy in the country, the majestic legacy of these royal families continues to enchant people. Since independence, many royal palaces have gradually opened their doors to the public. Be it Maharaj Jyotiraditya Scindia's Rs 4,000 crore Jai Vilas Palace or the iconic Mysore Palace, visitors flock to these opulent monuments with great enthusiasm. These palaces offer a glimpse of India's majestic past. Take a look at five luxurious palaces in India.
Jai Vilas Palace
Jai Vilas Palace is a 19th century palace in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. It was built in 1874 by Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior in the British Raj. The three-story palace was built of sandstone and painted white. It beautifully displays a combination of three architectural styles: a Tuscan first floor, an Italian Doric second floor, and a Corinthian-inspired third floor. This magnificent 400-room palace is valued at approximately Rs 4,000 crore. The west and south wings of the palace were converted into a museum in 1964.
Attractions:
- Kerman Masha'ir Carpet in the Durbar Hall
- Weapons and armor used by the Scindia army.
- Decorative art, rosewood furniture and sculpture.
- Rare paintings by Indian and European masters, lithographs and manuscripts.
- Southeast Asian Art Collections
Ranjit Vilas Palace
Located in Rajkot, Gujarat, this historic palace was built in 1870 by Bawajiraj Mehrmansinhji. The palace covers an area of 225 acres and is situated atop a high hill overlooking the city. It has been converted into a heritage hotel offering visitors the opportunity to explore its majestic charm first-hand. The Gothic-inspired palace has 100 rooms and is valued at Rs 4,500 million.
Attractions:
- Garage with an impressive collection of Antique Cars.
- A temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Ashapura Mata.
Mysore Palace
Also known as Amba Vilas Palace, it is located in Mysore, Karnataka, India. It serves as the official residence of the Mysore royal family, the Wadiyar dynasty. It was built in Indo-Saracenic style in 1912 for Rs 41.47 lakh during that period. It has exquisite carvings, luxurious interiors and a grand Darbar Hall.
Attractions:
- Doll Pavilion: Display of dolls during Dasara festivities.
- Elephant Gate / Ane Bagilu
- golden throne
- Dasara Procession Painting
- wrestling yard
- royal furniture
- Temples inside Mysuru palace fort
Lake Palace:
Lake Palace is situated on Jag Niwas Island in Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India. Marble is of such exquisite quality and beauty that walking on it feels more like sliding on water than on stone. It used to be the summer palace of the royal dynasty of Mewar, but now it is a hotel. Notably, Aamir Khan's daughter Ayra Khan also held her wedding ceremony at this majestic palace in Rajasthan.
Attractions:
- Patios with several columns, terraces, fountains and gardens.
- Rooms named Bada Mahal, Khush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal.
Rajwada Palace:
It was built in 1747 AD and served as the residence of the Holkar dynasty of central India for several years. The seven-storey building showcases Maratha, Mughal and French architectural styles and is filled with carved stone, wooden jaalis, jharokhas and chhatris. Meanwhile, the Darbar Hall and the Rani Ahilya throne reflect French influences in their design. The palace now functions as a museum showcasing the legacy of Holkars.
Attractions:
- Royal statues, paintings, palanquins, ancient shields, armor and rifles.
- The Ganesha Hall
- Sound and light shows take place every night in the palace.
