We have all heard stories of kings and queens ruling our country and we have always secretly wanted to live their lavish lives. So here is your chance to live your dreams and make them reality because thankfully, India is a country that has numerous forts, palaces and heritage resorts. On that note, here are the 15 best palaces in India that you can visit to live and feel like a royalty.
1. The Laxmi Vilas Palace, Gujarat
This beautiful structure located in Vadodara is also known as the Maharaja Palace. It was built by Gaekwad in an old classic style. Now, this palace is used as a museum, a venue for musical concerts and other cultural events.
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2. Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala
This palace was built between 1899 and 1901. It is situated in Agartala and it is famous for its tiled floors and curved wooden ceilings. It is now a state museum that exhibits lifestyles, arts and culture of communities of Northeast India. It also has a throne room, durbar hall, library and a reception hall.
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3. Mysore Palace, Karnataka
This spectacular palace, also known as Ambavila Palace was completed in 1912 and it was originally designed by Henry Irvin. It has an Indo-Saracenic style with distinctive domes and turrets filled with amazing work of art from the different corners of the world. Apart from that, it also houses several courtyards, two durbar halls, twelve Hindu temples and even an antique dolls pavilion.
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4. Marble Palace, West Bengal
This elegant mansion located at Muktaram Babu Street of North Kolkata is known for its marble walls and floors that was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick. It houses large sculptures, paintings and other valuable pieces along with a Marble Palace Zoo.
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5. Chowmahalla Palace, Telangana
This 18th century palace was once the official residence of the Nizams of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. It has a mixture of Mughal and Persian designs with two huge courtyards that are known for its exquisite antique furniture, Belgian-crystal chandeliers and many royal artefacts. Everything about this palace is dreamy and gorgeous.
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6. City Palace, Jaipur
This sprawling complex of gardens and courtyards was built by the Rajput king, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1732 at the very heart of the old city of Jaipur. It comprises of a Mubarak Mahal, the Armoury, Chandra Mahal, the uniquely designed peacock gateways, and the museums and art galleries that you can check out.
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7. Bangalore Palace, Karnataka
This spectacular structure, inspired by Windsor Castle was built in 1878 as a private residence for the Maharajas of the state of Mysore, the Wodeyars. It has been intricately designed inside and outside and it also houses paintings by the famous Raja Ravi Varma.
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8. Cooch Behar Palace, West Bengal
This grand, elegant looking palace was built during the 1880s for the Maharaja of the princely state of Cooch Behar. It has been inspired by the Buckingham Palace in London and it is filled with wonderful chandeliers, artefacts and photographs. A section of this palace is open to public as a museum.
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9. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
This spectacular building is perched on Chittar Hill overlooking the blue city of Jodhpur. It features Indo-Saracenic, Western Art Deco and Classical revival architectural styles that will take your breath away. It is owned by Maharaja Gaj Singh and it houses a museum that comprises of stuffed leopard exhibits and classic cars. This palace is a testament to the Indian royal heritage.
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10. Jai Vilas Mahal, Gwalior
Jai Vilas Mahal is an epitome of European architecture finesse. It features Tuscan, Italian-Doric and Corinthian architectural styles and the main highlight of this palace is the Durbar Hall that consists of gold furnishings, exquisite chandeliers and huge posh carpets. It is now converted into a museum that features old weaponry, the antiquity of the royal era, historic documents, and other artefacts that offer an insightful glimpse into the history of the region.
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11. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
The name of this royal palace translates to “Palace of Winds”, thanks to its unique construction style. This beautiful building was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh ji and now it is one of the most popular tourist sights in Jaipur.
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12. Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Tamil Nadu
This beautiful palace, situated near the famous Meenakshi Temple, is also considered to be one of the wonders of South India. The intricately designed interiors and exteriors of this royal heritage will definitely blow your mind.
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13. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
The architectural style, beauty and design of this palace, situated in Jaipur is a sight to behold. It went through a series of structural changes as it was a simple monument and then it was converted into a hunting lodge for the king. Now, this palace has been converted into a heritage hotel that is managed by the Taj Group.
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14. Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
This palace in Hyderabad is often associated with the glamour and the opulence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. It was built during the 19th century and it was originally owned by the Nizam’s Prime Minister. Now, this structural marvel has been converted into a luxury heritage hotel that is managed by the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces Group.
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15. Lake Palace, Udaipur
This 18th century structure is nestled amidst the scenic Lake Pichola. Earlier, it served as a winter palace of the royal Mewar dynasty but now it is converted into a luxurious white-marble hotel that is managed by the Taj Group. It is known as one of the most romantic, royal hotels in the country.
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Explore the gorgeous palaces of India.