Magnificent Palaces in India to Redefine Royalty

One of the best architectural marvels in the state of Rajasthan, the City Palace in Udaipur is located on the banks of Lake Pichola. The grand white City Palace is a heritage building, almost like a fairy-tale, and it showcases the best elements of Rajput Culture and arts.

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 30 for Adults and INR 15 for Children

The former residence of the royal family of Mysore, the Mysore Palace is an extremely breath-taking example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. It was built in the year 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is till date one of the biggest palaces in the country. It's one of the most popular and well-known palaces in India.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 50 for Adults and INR 30 for Children

Taj Falaknuma Palace is perched around 2000 metres above the city of Hyderabad. Once the royal residence of Nizam- probably the richest man in the world, this palace in India has now been converted into a five-star luxury heritage hotel.

Timings: Open 24 Hours
Entry Fees: INR 3100 for Adults and INR 2480 for Children (including entry fee+ snacks+ guide+ A/C transport) / INR 2000 for Adults and INR 1600 for Children (including A/C transport and tour guide)

Amidst the chaos of the city of Jaipur, lies the splendid Jal Mahal, or Water Palace. Floating in the centre of the Sagar Lake, this low rise symmetrical Palace was once a shooting lodge for the Maharajas. This unique palace in India fascinates a large number of visitors from all over the world.

Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 10 for Adults and INR 50 for Foreigners

The majestic Bangalore palace, enclosed by beautiful gardens, is a famous tourist attraction in Bangalore. It is now owned by the Mysore Royal family. Apart from being a major tourist destination, this is one of the palaces in India which allows a host to different cultural events, rock shows, and marriages. As per beliefs, King Chamarajendra Wadiyar drew his inspiration for building the palace from the Windsor Castle of London.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 230 for Indians and INR 460 for Foreigners (includes an audio guide)

The term Maharaja Palace actually refers to a series of palaces in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, constructed since the Gaekwad a prominent Maratha family started ruling the Baroda State. The first one was a building known as the Sarkar Wada. This building, not really a palace, was given up for the Nazarbaug Palace built in old classical style. After this, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, an extravagant building of the Indo-Saracenic school, was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in the year 1890.

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday - 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM 
Entry Fees: INR 200 for Palace and INR 60 for Museum, INR 150 for Museum for Foreigners and INR 40 for Museum for Children

Located in Jaipur, The City Palace is the main palace from where the Maharaja reigned from. This palace in India includes the Chandra Mahan and Mubarak Mahal along with various other buildings within the complex. It is located towards the north-eastern side of Jaipur.

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 75 for Indians, INR 300 for Foreigners, and INR 40 for Children

Located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, the majestic architecture of Chettinad Palace is a beautiful example of the indigenous Chettinad architecture. Adorned with embellishments from all over the world, this mighty edifice dates back to the year 1912.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (all days of the week)
Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

The Hawa Mahal stands at the intersection of the main road in Jaipur, Badi Chaupad. It is regarded as the signature building of Jaipur and was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh.

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM 
Entry Fees: INR 50 for Indians and INR 200 for Foreigners

Built in 1943, Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur is a wonderful amalgamation of a fascinating past and a luxurious present. It is, at the same time - a heritage hotel, a museum and the residence of the Royal Family of the present owner, Raja Gaj Singh. In addition to being of a historical landmark, the palace was commissioned in 1929, was built in order to provide employment to the drought and grief-stricken farmers of the area and thus took longer to complete. Umaid Bhavan Palace offers amazing encounters ranging from heritage walks to unforgettable dining experiences. The award-winning hotel is well-known and loved for its hospitality and a feel of the luxurious living. It was recently in the news for being the site of the Bollywood Superstar Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas - a renowned Pop Star from the Band - One Direction.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (all days of the week)
Entry Fees: INR 30, Foreigners: INR 100, Children: INR 10

Once the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, the Chowmahalla Palace was built in Hyderabad. It is located near the famous monument, Charminar and Laad Bazar. This palace in India is designed very intricately and holds that Nawabi Charm in itself.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 50 for Indians and INR 200 for Foreigners

Amber Fort or the Amber Palace, situated 11 kms from Jaipur, is a fort built with great artistic taste. Cradled on the top of a hill forming a beautiful reflection in Maotha Lake, it is popularly known as Amer Fort.

Timings: 8:00AM to 5:30PM and 6:30 PM to 9:15PM
Entry Fees: INR 100 for Indians and INR 550 for Foreigners

An exquisite palace in India is placed in an estuary island in Pichola Lake, Jag Mandir Palace offer a blissful view of the sunset and the spacious courtyard with black and white marble tiles Is a striking feature of this architectural marvel.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 325 for Adults and INR 165 for Children (includes 1 Hour Boat Ride) / INR 225 for Adults and INR 115 for Children (includes Half an Hour Boat Ride)

This monument is located inside the Tipu Sultan Fort. Built between 1781 and 1791, the Emperor referred to it as the 'Rash-e-Jannat' which means the abode of happiness and envy of heaven.

Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 15 for Indians and INR 200 for Foreigners

Located on the Eastern banks of River Ganga, opposite to Tulsi Ghat, Ramnagar Fort is a stunning historical monument in Varanasi. It was built by Raja Balwant Singh in 1750 according to the Mughal style of architecture. Even though the system of Kings was abolished in the region, the current Maharaja, Pelu Bhiru Singh, resides in the Fort.

A city, predominantly made of red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri was once the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is now a UNESCO world heritage site and a famous tourist attraction. The city offers a fine example of Akbar's architectural finesse.

Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 20 for Indians and INR 550 for Foreigners

Standing tall in its full glory, Shaniwar Wada was once a stately mansion. Built as a dwelling for Peshwas, its foundation was laid by Bajirao I in the year 1730 AD. Today the palace in India gives visitors the chance to peak into its great past.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 5 for Indians and INR 125 for Foreigners

Neemrana fort palace in India is the most famous attraction in Neemrana. Known for its beautiful construction and its magnificence, this fort has now been converted into a luxury heritage hotel.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 1900 (including lunch) and INR 750 (excluding lunch)

Built in 1901, it has magnificent tiled floors, curved wooden ceilings and lovely doors. The name 'Ujjayanta Palace' was given by Rabindranath Tagore, a regular visitor of Tripura. The State has owns a lineage of an independent royal state. This palace in India includes the Public halls, Throned room, Durbar Hall, Library, The Chinese Room and The Reception Hall.

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday - 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:00 AM to 6:30 PM 
Entry Fees: INR 10 per Person

The Jai Vilas Palace also known as the Jai Vilas Mahal, is a nineteenth-century palace placed in Gwalior Madhya Pradesh, India. It was established in 1874 by Jayajirao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior and is still the residence of his descendants, the former royal Maratha Scindia dynasty. The European architecture of this palace in India was designed and built by Sir Michael Filose under the guidance of Jayajirao to welcome Edward VII.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on Wednesday)
Entry Fees: INR 30 for Indians and INR 100 for Foreigners

This palace in India was built between 1902 and 1926 for Maharaja of Bikaner. Being greatly influenced by the Britishers at that time, the architecture reflects Rajput, Mughal and European styles.

Timings: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Sunday Closed)
Entry Fees: INR 10 for Indians and INR 20 for Foreigners

Gajner Palace is a lakeside palace-complex adjacent to a sanctuary, in the middle of Thar Desert. It is a heritage property which features a lush green garden. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. (br) The well-lit air-conditioned rooms of Gajner Palace offer a minibar, sofa and satellite TV. Tea/coffee making facilities are available. The en suite bathrooms include a bathtub, hairdryer and shower.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM 
Entry Fees: INR 100 per person

Located at the North-east end of the fort, Man Mandir palace was built between 1486 and 1516 by the Tomar ruler, Man Singh Tomar. This palace in India couldn't survive with time, however, the remains of the palace still showcases the beautiful carvings and designs of that era.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Open All Days of Week)
Entry Fees: No Entry Fees

Prag Mahal is a palace which was built in 19th century. It is located next to the popular Aina Mahal in Bhuj of Gujarat. Situated in the heart of the city, Prag Mahal is easily accessible. The entry fee is also nominal. Visitors are accompanied by one of the staff members as a guide to show them the intricate work at the Mahal.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Thursdays Closed)
Entry Fees: INR 20 per person

Popularly known as the Wind Palace, the foundation bricks of this palace were laid by Bhopal Singh, the founder of Khetri in 1770. Made of marble, this palace in India is another beautiful work of architecture.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (open all days of the week)
Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Kishore Sagar is an artificial picturesque lake dating back to 1346 constructed by the Bundi Prince Dehra Deh. It located by the side of the attractive Brij Vilas palace museum.

Timings: 
Entry Fees: INR 10 per Person

The architecture of the palace in India is an elaborate blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and European influences.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 10 for Adults, INR 50 for Foreigners and INR 05 for Children

This Raj Mahal is located in Sardar Patel road and is an architectural admiration. Due to Govt. ignorance and common people reluctance, this place need urgent attention to be re-developed.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM (all days of the week)
Entry Fees: INR 10 for Adults and INR 05 for Children

The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments of the city. Also known as Asfi Imambara, after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed, it is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram. The Imambara is especially known for its incredible maze, known as Bhul Bhulaiya locally, which is located in the upper floor of the monument.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Other Days and 1:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Fridays 
Entry Fees: INR 25 for Indians and INR 200 for Foreigners

Sariska Palace was the poaching lodge of the Maharaja of Alwar. This is one of the palaces in India is much admired for its architectural grandeur and natural surroundings.

Timings: Open 24 Hours (all days of the week)
Entry Fees: INR 20 for Indians and INR 120 for Foreigners

Roughly 2 km south of Tashijong and around 50 km from Kangra, Taragarh is famous for the Taragarh Palace which earlier was the summer palace of the Maharaja of Kashmir and has now been converted to a heritage hotel.

Timings: Open 24 Hours (all days of the week)

Located close to the Indus river, it was built in 1825 AD by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal. Well known for its architecture and design, beautiful gardens and amazing views, the is one of the palaces in India presents a collection of royal attires, crown and other royal materials.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (all days of the week)
Entry Fees: INR 50 per Person

Modelled on the basis of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Leh Palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. This palace in India is nine storeys high, where the upper floors used to accommodate the royal family, while the lower floors held stables and storerooms. The roof provides panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding areas, as the mountain of Stok Kangri in the Zangskar mountain range is visible across the Indus valley to the south, with the Ladakh mountain range rising behind the palace is visible in the north.

Timings: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 50 for Indians and INR 100 for Foreigners

Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the most exquisite palaces of India that symbolize the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India that has been around for many centuries aptly.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: INR 10 for Adults and INR 02 for Children

One of the oldest Dutch Palaces outside Holland, the Bolgatty Palace is situated on the Bolgatty Island. It was built in the year 1744 and was the official residence of the then Governor of Kochi.

Timings: Open 24 Hours (all days of the week)
Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

This is one of the most popular attractions of Sibsagar. Just 6km from the town, this is a three-storey structure including an underground level. People come here for the lovely architecture, design and the great upkeep.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (all days of the week)
Entry Fees: INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for Foreigners