the Travel Enthusiast
- 12 Sep
The most stunning palaces in India
Jodhpur
Long before it became a backpacker heaven, India was the country of the rajahs and maharajahs, who built lavish palaces known in the whole world. Many of these princely residences survive and are used to this day, and they are as varied as India itself.
There is no single type of palace in India – you can encounter a wide range of architectural styles, but what they all have in common is their undeniable luxury, intricate details and unmistakable opulence. The most stunning palaces in India will take you back in time to experience the opulent lives of the rich.
Leh Palace, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir
Leh Palace was modeled on the equally impressive Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, and it stand like a sentinel overlooking the town of Leh. The palace is nine stories high, and the royal family used to live on the upper floors, while other members of the households occupied the lower levels, depending on their ranks. The palace is now a ruin, but its former glory is still clearly visible. Climb to the roof to see a panoramic view of Leh.
Lake Palace, Lake Pichila, Udaipur
Lake Palace, photo by Dennis Jarvis
This lovely palace in the middle of Lake Pichila was built in the 18th century and commissioned by a Maharani who made it her summer residence.
The sprawling 83 room building is today a luxury hotel, and even though the rooms are paragons of luxury, the most stunning features of the palace are the gardens. The butlers who work at the hotel are the descendants of the original palace retainers.
Jehangiri Mahal, Agra Fort, Agra
Jehangiri Mahal is one of the most impressive buildings in Agra Fort, which is no small accomplishment. The red sandstone building was a zenana, a palace for the women of the royal family. The palace’s five floors of the palace are heavy with carvings, and you can still see remnants of gold decorations on the walls.
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal, photo by Wandering Angel
Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of the Winds, dates back to an era when noble women were not allowed to show their faces in public. The 953 windows with detailed lattices were supposed to allow the royal ladies to observe city life without being seen, and they make the whole palace look like a gigantic honeycomb carved in red and pink sandstone.
Umaid Bhawan, Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan manages to combines magnificently two very different architectural styles: Indian and European. Created by an Indian and a British architect, the palace is decorated with gilt furniture and Art Deco artwork. Umaid Bhawan is one of the largest private residences in the world, and it hosts a luxury hotel, a museum, and the residence of the royal family.
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