Indian Palaces

Palaces

Over the hundred countries India has been known for its rich culture some other major buildings as a world heritage monuments, architectural splendor, tremendous wealth, grandeur and majesty. And nowhere is it more evident than in the many royal forts, palaces homes and retreats that dot the country's landscape. It in these royal homes that one gets to see the ultimate in craftsmanship of Indian artists be it in stone, clay, leather, wood or ivory. In fact prior to Independence 40% of the subcontinent was ruled by royalty. In all there were 562 princely states ruled by maharajas and raos, walis and nizams who were known for their outrageous wealth and whimsical fancies. The aristocrats lost their kingdoms with Partition, and their perks when the government abolished their privy purses prompting them to find ways to maintain their lifestyles. Today, three decades later, much of India's royalty is determined to restore their lost glory and lifestyle and they are doing so by opening up their homes and palaces much to the delight of the new age traveler. Many royal palaces, forts, hunting lodges, retreats and havelis (mansions) are now being turned into heritage hotels and offer travellers an experience of royal living and the grandeur that comes with it. While Rajasthan has some of the most splendid palaces others across the country are no less grand. Since most are heritage hotels, one can actually stay in many of them and enjoy the regal experience. Some of the best known palace hotels in Rajasthan include Jaipur's Rambagh, Laxminiwas and Samode palaces. Jodhpur has the spectacular Umaid Bhavan - a fantastic monument that incorporates the art deco architecture that was in vogue when the palace was built in the last century. A relatively new palace it was built as a part of a famine relief project. Udaipur has several beautiful palaces built by generations of royalty and the jewel among them is the Lake Palace built as a royal summer residence on an island. Even smaller, relatively unknown places in Rajasthan boast of pretty royal homes and you can be sure to find one where ever you go. An excellent example of a royal home and township is Fatehpur Sikri built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Though it lies abandoned today, it is a fascinating piece of architecture and town planning complete with royal homes. In the western state of Gujarat , one of the most beautiful palaces is in Wankaner. Now a heritage hotel one can enjoy staying in the royal suites while checking out the Maharaja's fantastic collection of vintage cars, many of them made to order. In central India , Madhya Pradesh's many towns and cities have many beautiful places, hunting lodges, and jungle retreats such as Mandu, Orcha, and Shivpuri. The many forts across the country also doubled up as royal homes. In fact many had several palaces like the medieval fortress of Narwar in Madhya Pradesh. Many of its palaces are decorated with gold lacquer and glass beads. In the South, Mysore and Bangalore in Karnataka both have palaces that are a must visit on any itinerary. Tamil Nadu's temple towns also house lovely royal homes with their own unique architecture that was largely let untouched by Mughal influences. Madurai 's highly ornamented Nayak palace built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak is a remarkable synthesis of varied decorative elements. Kerala's Padmanabhapuram Palace showcases some of the finest craftsmanship in the country The palace was once the capital of the Travancore and it also has beautiful murals of the 17th & 18th century.

Mysore Palace Inside, the palace has exquisitely carved doors and stunningly luxurious rooms. The Durbar Hall is richly decorated with ornate ceilings, intricately carved doors, gleaming floors, and frescoes depicting scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The palace even has its own marriage pavilion - the Kalyana Mantapa. A fabulous art gallery has paintings depicting scenes of the city's famous Dassera processions led by the erstwhile Maharaja. Today the palace continues to be the residence of the scion of the Mysore royal family, Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar, who is a Member of Parliament. The rear of the palace houses a private museum. The palace building also houses the office of the State Archeological Department and some temples, some of which are good examples of Dravidian architecture.The palace is illuminated at 7 p.m. every Sunday and on public holidays, and it makes for a magnificent sight.

Nalagrah

At the foothills of the Shivalik Ranges, in Himachal Pradesh, amidst a 20 acre-forest estate, is the quaint Nalagrah Palace. History states that Raja Ajai Chand, in 1100 AD, founded the kingdom of Hindur, and its capital Nalagarh. Today, Nalagrah is a retreat that is open to all and offers a royal holiday complete with grandeur, tranquility and modern facilities. Maintained by the Welcome Heritage chain of hotels, the palace has been renovated but continues to exude old world charm. Here one can watch the dawn rise over the fort walls, take a nature walk or enjoy a picnic in the royal orchards. The rooms are quaint and have well preserved antique furniture. One can also unwind with a Sansha Ayurvedic Massage. Near by is the Ramgarh fort that is worth a visit for its spectacular views of the Himalayas. The fastest way to get to Nalagarh is from Chandigarh - being just 60 kms away. One can fly from Delhi to Chandigarh, and take a taxi or bus to the resort. Alternately one can take a train to Kalka and then drive to Nalagarh. The best time to visit is between September and March.

Samode

40 kms north-west of Jaipur, the old palace of Samode is now a luxurious hotel surrounded by hills. It has a most exotic hall embellished with paintings and mirror work.

Sawai Madhopur Lodge This romantic, mini palace with regal interiors was built as a hunting lodge by the Maharaja of Jaipur. A beautiful lounge with a fireplace and bar adds to the ambience of the lodge. It is an ideal stop en route a visit to the Ranthambore National Park, 400 sq. km. of dry deciduous forest and one of the finest homes of the tiger.

Shiv Niwas Palace

Shaped like the crescent moon, resembling a magnificent tiara, this magnificent palace gazes down into the blue calm of Lake Pichola. 'Shiv Niwas', used to be the imperial guesthouse of the Mewar rulers. Built in the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh (1884-1930), Shiv Niwas has been host to visiting royalty and important people from all over the world, including King George V, in 1905. This elegant palace is now a luxury hotel and you can stay in any of its' imperial, royal, historic, deluxe or regular suites, or rooms, all centrally air-conditioned and heated. The Ram Bagh Palace

The beautiful Ram Bagh Palace is in Rajasthan's capital Jaipur. The state capital is known as the "Pink City" because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer, this city is 260 years old. Ram Bagh Palace is now a luxury hotel and named after Maharaja Swai Ram Singh II (1835 -80) who organized it into a hunting lodge and gave it its name Ram Bagh or the Garden of Ram. More rooms were added during 1887 to accommodate the Royal Guests of Maharaja Madho Singh and it was transformed into a luxurious 26 rooms mansion. In 1931 Maharaja Mannish enlarged and modernized the palace. 1n 1940 when Maharaja Mansingh married the ravishing Princess Gayatri Devi, he revamped the Royal Suites. The 106 elegantly decorated rooms have been done up in traditional Rajasthani style with 4 special princely suites, of course with all modern amenities. You can go utterly decadent in the Maharaja Suite with a large canopied bed, Maharani Suite with mirrored bathroom and Princess Suite with fountains and private terrace garden. What's even more beautiful is the sound of peacocks as you awaken every morning.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur traveled to England in 1925, in search of an architect. He commissioned the London firm Lanchester and Lodge, and 15 years later, some 3000 people had built the Maharaja this spectacular sandstone palace, the Umaid Bhawan Palace . Jodhpur 's royal residence, this splendid palace is considered the largest private residence in the world. Designed by Henry Vaughan Lanchester, it took 14 years to build and was completed in 1943, the last of India 's great palaces. The withdrawal of titles, privileges and privy purses from the former rulers of the states, in 1971, by the Government of India, made it difficult for the princely families to maintain the palaces that were their homes. That's when the young Maharaja Gaj Singh started exploring the possibilities of turning a part of the palace into a hotel. Subsequently, the Umaid Bhawan was opened as the finest luxury hotel in India . It has 95 rooms and suites and is reputed to be amongst the finest palace hotels in the world. The sumptuous art deco interiors have been carefully restored. The hotel has its own post office, museum, library, auditorium, underground swimming pool, tennis courts, marble-floored squash courts, a billiards room and gardens which can accommodate 6000 people. Residents can amble through the Throne Room and garages stabling vintage cars. The Hotel's kitchens are known for their Marwari and Rajasthani food.