India’s history is incomplete without the Kings, Queens, Nizams, and Sultans who once ruled this golden bird. Their wealth, power, and luxurious life are things to desire. There is no dearth to the magnificence of royal palaces in India they left behind. One can witness and experience the lavishness and royal lifestyle they once lived by visiting these palaces. Many of them are converted into hotels now, a unique way to let people fathom the country’s rich heritage. Let’s explore these palaces in depth.
A Compiled List of Most Beautiful Royal Palaces in India
1. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace, a beautifully mesmerizing sandstone castle, was built in 1944. It is one of the 10 most beautiful royal palaces in India, and it took 15 years to complete. The palace was built over 26 acres of land, and now it is counted as one of the largest private residences with 347 luxurious rooms.
- Location: Circuit House Rd, Cantt Area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006
- Stay-in Price: Rs 30,000 per night.
2. Mysore Palace in Mysore, Karnataka
One of the most stunning royal palaces in India is Mysore Palace. It was built under the rule of the Wodeyar Dynasty in 1912. But that’s not it. At this location, there is another layer of royalness called Amba Vilas Palace. Rulers and workers of different generations and ethnicities have carved this palace over time. This is why you can witness the mix of Gothic, Hindu, Rajput, and Muslim architectural designs.
- Location: Sayyaji Rao Road, Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001
- Entry Fees: Rs 10 for students, Rs 30 for children and Rs 70 for adults.
3. City Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan
Built on the banks of Lake Pichola, City Palace is another of the most famous royal palaces in India. The site of this palace is somewhat hypnotizing, with a wonderful series of courtyards and hanging gardens. The credit for City Palace goes to Maharana Uday Singh, who built it in 1559.
- Location: Old City, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
- Entry Fees: Rs 100 for children & students, and Rs 300 for adults
4. Laxmi Niwas Palace in Bikaner, Rajasthan
Finished in 1904, Laxmi Vilas Palace was one of the 10 most beautiful royal palaces in India to cater to the needs of princelings, statesmen, and a few famous architects in history. From whomever gets a visit, the palace attracts the eyes to its hand-painted friezes and gold-laden walls.
- Location: Old Agra Achhnera Road, Kakaji Ki Kothi, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 321001
- Stay in Price: Rs 8,999
5. Man Mandir Palace (Gwalior Fort) in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Man Singh Tomar was a Tomar ruler who created Man Mandir Palace in 1516. It is located inside the fort, at the northeast corner. The palace has two open courts and even prison cells that were built by the Mughals in later years. But the Man Mandir Palace is not only famous for being one of the most famous royal palaces in India but also for a historic death. At this palace, Aurangzeb imprisoned his brother Murad and using opium, he slowly poisoned his brother to death.
- Location: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474008
6. Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala, Tripura
Next on the list of 10 most beautiful royal palaces in India is Ujjayanta Palace. Constructed in 1901, it has astonishing features such as majestic doors, beautifully carved wooden ceilings, and charming tiles. Rabindranath Tagore himself named this palace, as he travelled to Tripura frequently.
- Location: Palace Compound, Indranagar, Agartala, Tripura 799001
- Entry Fees: Rs 10 for all
7. Neemrana Fort Palace, Neemarana, Rajasthan
Neemrana Fort Palace, once home to Rajput Maharaja Prithvi Raj Chauhan III, is now one of the 10 most beautiful royal palaces in India. Featuring wonderful architecture and admirable abilities. This 15th-century palace is converted into a wonderful heritage hotel, where you can experience many lavish activities during your stay.
- Location: 15th Century, Delhi-Jaipur Highway 122nd Milestone, Delhi – Jaipur Expy, Neemrana, Rajasthan 301705
- Entry Fees: Rs 500 on Weekdays and Rs 700 on Weekends
8. Amber Palace in Amber Fort, Jaipur
India’s famous Pink City, Jaipur, is home to various heritage places. One of them is Amber Palace, which rests on Aravalli Hills. It is a must-visit place in Jaipur, where many Hollywood blockbusters were shot, like Veer, Jodha Akbar, and Bajirao Mastani.
- Location: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001
- Entry Fees: Rs 10 for Students, Rs 25 for Indians, and Rs 200 for Foreigners
9. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Previously the home to Nizam of Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace is one of the 10 most beautiful palaces in India to visit at least once in a lifetime. It was constructed on a hill 2,000 feet above. You can live here a completely lavish life in one night. Mostly, the most expensive Italian marble was used to build it.
- Location: Engine Bowli, Falaknuma, Hyderabad, Telangana 500053
- Stay in Price: Rs 3,000 per night
10. Leh Palace, Leh
Leh Palace, also known as Lhachen Palkhar, is one of Leh’s breathtaking attractions. It is a must-visit place, which was called the tallest structure in earlier days. When you reach the palace, the fascinating view of the Ladakh mountains will make you skip a beat.
- Location: Namgyal Hill, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir 194101
- Entry Fees: Rs 15 for Indians and Rs 100 for Foreigners
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11. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Our list of the most beautiful royal palaces in India is incomplete without mentioning the Taj Lake Palace of Udaipur. The palace was built between 1743 and 1746, and now it is one of the most romantic hotels in India. The staff there is called Royal Butlers. They are the direct descendants of the original palace workers who have served the kings and royals in the past.
- Location: Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
- Stay-in Price: 20,079 per night.
12. Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Taj Mahal Palace, well known as The Taj, has created a proud moment in our history. This TATA group flagship was built in 1903, right next to the Gateway of India. The Taj Palace is a must-visit palace on your visit to Mumbai. It is one of the most beautiful royal palaces in India, and no one can compete with it.
- Location: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
13. Jal Mahal, Jaipur
Jal Mahal is one of the most magnificent royal palaces in India located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. Popularly known as Water Palace, it was once the favourite place for maharajas as a shooting lodge. It’s now one of the unique places in India that attracts lakhs of tourists around the world.
- Location: Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
- Entry Fees: Rs 10 for adults and Rs 50 for foreigners
14. Bangalore Palace, Karnataka
Bangalore Palace is majestic! It is one of the favourable tourist attractions to visit with family. The palace is attractive, enclosed by beautiful gardens, and features a few picturesque spots to capture unforgettable memories. In old times, maharajas lived in this magnificent royal palace, however, now it’s a hub spot for cultural events, rock shows, and big fat weddings.
- Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Entry Fees: Rs 230 for adults and Rs 460 for foreigners with an audio guide
15. Chettinad Palace, Chettinad
Carved with the most beautiful and admiring Chettinad architecture, Chettinad Palace is one of the exemplary royal palaces in India. It was designed and built by the founder of Indian Bank and Annamalai University in Chidambaram, Dr. Annamalai Chettiyar.
- Location: Kanadukathan, Tamil Nadu 630103
- No Entry Fees
16. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Jaipur is one of the most alluring royal palaces in India. Another on the list from Jaipur is Hawa Mahal. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the palace has become one of the most visited destinations.
- Location: Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
- Entry Fees: Rs 50 for adults and Rs 200 for foreigners
17. Chowmahalla Palace
Once the home to the ruler of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty, Chowmahalla Palace was built in Hyderabad near Charminar and Laad Bazar. This palace holds the nawabi charm, attracting large numbers of people to visit every year.
- Location: Moti Galli Rd, Khilwat, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002
- Entry Fees: Rs 50 for adults and Rs 200 for foreigners
18. Jag Mandir Palace, Udaipur
Jag Mandir Palace is one of the most unique royal palaces in India, built on an island on Lake Pachola. It is to be said as an architectural marvel, featuring the mesmerizing view of sunset, from a spacious courtyard of black and white marble.
- Location: Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
- Entry Fees: Rs 325 for adults and Rs 165 for children including a boat ride
19. Neemrana Fort, Neemrana
Neemrana Fort Palace is one of the most famous royal palaces in India and the most popular tourist attraction in Neemrana. The palace has been converted into a heritage hotel and attracts visitors with its beautiful architectural work.
- Location: 15th Century, Delhi-Jaipur Highway 122nd Milestone, Delhi – Jaipur Expy, Neemrana, Rajasthan 301705
- Entry Fee: Rs 775 and Rs 1900 with lunch
20. Shaniwar Wada, Pune
It was once a stately mansion, a home for peshwas, founded by Bajirao I in the year 1730 AD. Today, it attracts a large number of visitors across the world to take a peek into the royal life of Peshwas.
- Location: Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030
- Entry Fees: Rs 5 for adults and Rs 125 for foreigners
