9 Royal Cities in India Once Ruled by Maharajas

9 Royal Cities in India Once Ruled by Maharajas

By Priyanka Roshan | July 3, 2025

India’s royal history lives on in cities once ruled by Maharajas. These 9 timeless destinations showcase majestic forts, elegant palaces, and living traditions that continue to echo the splendour of a regal past.

Image: Canva

1. Jaipur, Rajasthan

The Pink City rises like a sandstone poem, its forts and palaces etched with the refined taste of Rajput pride. Beyond the grand facades, life pulses in bazaars and narrow alleys where tradition and royalty intertwine.

Image: Canva

2. Udaipur, Rajasthan

A city cradled by shimmering lakes, Udaipur conjures a realm where palaces float like dreams on water. The delicate interplay of light and architecture invites quiet contemplation of a serene yet potent legacy.

Image: Canva

3. Mysuru, Karnataka

Mysuru carries itself with a poised grace, its sprawling palace a stage for festivals that unfold with timeless pageantry. Here, history breathes softly through music, art, and the whispered stories of kings.

Image: Canva

4. Jodhpur, Rajasthan

The Blue City stands sentinel beneath Mehrangarh’s formidable walls. Its azure-hued homes and shadowed courtyards narrate a saga of valour, tradition, and aristocratic elegance carved into rugged terrain.

Image: Canva

5. Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Perched atop a hill, Gwalior’s fort dominates the skyline—a steadfast guardian of palaces and temples rich with intricate artistry. The city reveals a regal past layered with cultural depth and architectural grandeur.

Image: Canva

6. Bikaner, Rajasthan

Bikaner emerges from the desert like a jewel of sandstone and carved stonework, its forts and havelis bearing witness to a martial heritage tempered by artistic flourish and quiet dignity.

Image: Canva

7. Hyderabad, Telangana

A city where Persian refinement meets Deccan boldness, Hyderabad’s sprawling palaces and monumental gateways speak of a Nizam’s world—opulent, cosmopolitan, and steeped in ritual.

Image: Canva

8. Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Thanjavur stands as a sanctuary of temple architecture and classical arts, its royal history intricately woven into every sculpted pillar and echoed in centuries-old music that still fills the air.

Image: Canva

9. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Orchha is a place where time folds gently over rivers and fortresses alike. Here, the medieval spirit lingers in quiet courtyards and stone halls that speak softly of ancient rulers and enduring grace.

Image: Canva

Next: 10 Hidden Gems of Spain You Must Explore Instead of the Obvious Ones
Thanks For Reading !
Find out More