4 must-visit palaces of India

Vijay Vilas Palace of Mandvi, Gujarat. (Photo: Gujarat Tourism)

Palaces are reminders of the grandeur and opulence of Indian royal heritage. Here are four must-visit palaces of our country:

Amber or Amer Palace of Amer, Rajasthan

Shila Devi is the clan deity and her temple is located inside the palace. The Shila Devi idol was brought by Maharaja Man Singh I from Jessore. The royal family and their dignitaries entered the palace through Suraj Pol or sun gate.  The others entered the palace from the Chand pol or moon gate. In the olden days, kettle drums and other musical instruments were kept in the upper storey of the gate.

Amber palace is an exquisite blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Its Sheesh Mahal is the most sought after section of the palace. The walls are studded with mirrors and at night oil lamps were lit.

Amber or Amer Palace of Amer, Rajasthan. (Photo: Meric Dagli via Unsplash)

New Palace of Kolhapur, Maharashtra

The New Palace was built in 1884 in Kolhapur, after a fire at the old palace. This palace was designed by Major Mant. It has Jain and Hindu influences from Gujarat and Rajasthan along with a prominent clock tower giving it a Victorian feel. The ground floor is home to the Shahaji Chhatrapati museum that displays a vibrant collection of furniture, paintings, weapons, costumes, games and jewellery among other memorabilia of the rulers. The family tree of the maharajas of Kolhapur is also showcased at the museum.

New Palace of Kolhapur, Maharashtra. (Photo: Sanket Patil via Unsplash)

Man Mandir Palace of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

The Man Mandir Palace was built between 1486 and 1516 by Man Singh Tomar, a Tomar ruler. The palace is decorated with beautiful paintings, glazed tiles, and attractive pillared domes. The Kesar Kund is where the queens bathed with kesar or saffron.

Man Mandir Palace of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Vijay Vilas Palace of Mandvi, Gujarat

The palace was built by Maharao Vijayrajji, at a cost of Rs 1 lakh. Today it is estimated at over Rs 500 crores.  It was constructed as a summer residence. The architecture is a blend of the umbrella-domes of the palaces of Bengal, the cupolas of Mughal buildings and jharokhas of Rajput palaces. There are also Victorian Gothic arches.