One
of the major attractions of Rajasthan comprises of its palaces and
havelis. Tourists come from various parts of India as well as abroad
to explore the architectural beauty of the state. Most of the
palaces of Rajasthan were built to serve as the residence of the
emperors and the nobles. While, a few others were intended to serve
as summer retreats. Read on to know more about every major palace of
Rajasthan, India... City Palace (Udaipur)
A synthesis of Medieval, European and Chinese architecture, the City Palace of Udaipur is built mainly out of marble. It is situated on the embankments of Lake Pichola and comprises of a number of gates, balconies, towers and a museum, displaying an array of weapons and armory.
Lake Palace (Udaipur)
Now a heritage hotel, Lake Palace of Udaipur once served as the summer residence of the royals. A white marble edifice, it is ornamented with painted mirrors, inlaid stones, cusped arches, columns, pillared terraces, fountains, etc.
Fateh Prakash Palace (Udaipur)
Fateh Prakash Palace of Udaipur once served as the residence of the rulers of Mewar. Today, it has been converted into a heritage hotel. The palace is beautifully decorated with Persian carpets, antique brass beds, mahogany cupboards, miniature paintings, etc.
Deogarh Mahal (Udaipur)
Now a heritage hotel, Deogarh palace was intended to serve as the family residence of Rawat Dwarka Dasji. Apart from its magnificent architecture, the palace is also quite famous for its picturesque surroundings.
Umaid Bhavan Palace (Jodhpur)
Umaid Bhavan Place of Jodhpur was built with noble intentions, of providing employment to farmers during a famine. Comprising of 347 rooms, the palace has now been converted into a hotel.
Balsammand Palace (Jodhpur)
Balsammand Palace is situated on the banks on an artificial lake, near Jodhpur. Originally built as the summer retreat of Maharaja Sur Singh, it now stands converted into a heritage hotel. The scenic locales and intricate carvings of the palace are worth watching.
Rai ka Bag Palace (Jodhpur)
Rai ka Bag Palace was built by Hadiji, the queen of Maharaja Jaswant Singh I. It is one of the major attractions of the city of Jodhpur.
Jal Mahal (Jaipur)
Built as a pleasure palace in the 18th century, Jal Mahal of Jaipur is situated amidst the scenic backdrop of Mansagar Lake and Nahargarh hills. The palace boasts of exquisite architecture and is also a bird watcher's paradise.
City Palace (Jaipur)
City Palace of Jaipur still houses the royal family and is open only partially to public. The palace boasts of a fusion of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. There is also rich collection of royal costumes, folk embroidery, rare Pashmina shawls, weapons, original manuscripts of Hindu scriptures, etc.
Hawa Mahal (Jaipur)
The Hawa Mahal of Jaipur, popularly known as the Palace of Winds, is located inside the City Palace. The main attractions of the palace are its 953 pink-sandstone jharokhas (windows).
So plan your Rajasthan tour, keeping in mind these beautiful palacess. Many of these palaces remain closed on some of the holidays.
