TOP FIVE PALACES OF INDIA
The City Palace stands tall as a golden feather in Jaipur's crown. The royal palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs. A fabulous synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles, City Palace of Jaipur exhibits an architecture of its own class. The palace has splendid small palaces and halls in the complex, such as the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal. The famous Shri Govind Temple and the City Palace Museum inside mark another hilarious feature to the palace/. Right from the entrance, you will come across some astounding works of constructing excellence. The Mubarak Mahal will welcome you with its charming interiors. A splendid gateway will lead you to the Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of Private audience). Relish the opportunity to witness two silver vessels on display at Diwan-E-Khas. Don't forget to check out Diwan-E-Aam (Hall of Public Audience). Going further inside the palace, you will come across the main attraction of the City Palace – the Chandra Mahal. Heart thorbing works of paintings, mirror work on walls, and floral decorations will leave you standing in awe and admire the brilliance of City Palace.
The seven-storied palace has a distinctive hilarious display of Indian art and crafts. The lower two levels have the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum with a large collection of 15th century weapons, carpets and rarities. Third floor holds the drawing and the dining area with 'Sukh Nivas' or the 'Hall of Rest'. The 'Shobha Nivas' or 'Hall of Beauty', decorated with gold leaf, mica decorations and mirrors all over. The fifth floor has the 'Chavi Nivas' or the 'Hall of Images' and the sixth floor offers a exuberant view of the surrounding area. The topmost floor is called the 'Mukut Mahal' or the 'Crown building'. The epic example of royalty and supremacy, City Palace of Jaipur will surely get you spelled with the royal luxurious treatment. A must visit place for visitors.
City Palace, Udaipur
In the heart of Udaipur stands the royal City Palace. Built in granite and marble and surrounded by enduring fort walls, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan gives a majestic sensation with its charming white beauty. Originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan, the City Palace of Udaipur is located on one side of Pichola Lake. In fact, the mesmerizing view of the giant fortress from the Pichola Lake is an unmatched experience.
A blend of Medieval European and Chinese architecture, the City Palace of Udaipur is one of the most visited destinations by tourists across the world. The 'Hati Pol', or the 'Elephant Gate' marks he entrance of the palace from the main road. The Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu which is the biggest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur is situated inside the palace. The 'Bara Pol' or the 'Great gate' on the northern end leads to the first court yard, which joins Tripolia or the 'triple gate'. Between the two gates there are eight carved marble arches or 'Toranas' under which the rulers in the past were weighed against gold and silver. Beyond the Tripolia lies the arena where elephant fights were staged.The palace has many enclosures with luxurious apartments surmounted by balconies, hanging gardens, massive octagonal towers and cupolas to get make you stand in awe and admire its beauty. The main part of the palace with its several ' Mahals' is now preserved as a Museum. The 'Krishna Vilas' has a remarkable collection of miniature paintings depicting royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas. 'Mor Chowk' has unique glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls showing the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon. The 'Manak Mahal' ( Ruby Palace) has crystal and porcelain figures. The Moti Mahal( Palace of Pearls) has lavish decor and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) has inlaid mirror work. There is a Hawa Mahal and a Bari Mahal with a fine garden build on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. Other main attractions of the palace are the 'Bhim Vilas', 'Suraj Gokhala', 'Zenana Mahal', 'Dilkusha Mahal'. 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk', Amar Vilas and 'Chini Chitrashala'. Experience the princely stay at the royal City Palace of Udaipur.
Lake Palace, Udaipur
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Located in the middle of Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Plalace of Udaipur is a must visit place for everyone. The exuberant view of white marble and mosaic glistening in the moonlight is a memorable sight for a lifetime. The palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar – believed to be descendants of the Sun God. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains on one side of the lake, and lofty palaces on the other, the Taj Lake Palace spreads across a four-acre island. The courtyards lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens add to its impressive image. The rooms are decorated with cusped arches, inland stones of pink, and green lotus leaves and painted mirrors. Relish the opportunity to be at most luxurious and romantic apartments like the Bada Mahal, Kush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal. Among the facilities available are swimming pool, conference hall and a bar. Other events of recreation organised here are excursions in and around and a bar other events of recreation organised here are excursions in and around Udaipur. The royal restaraunts, bars, coffee shops, banquet halls and conference rooms are the developed versions of various large halls like Bada Mahal, Kush Mahal, Sajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal. A half submerged idol of a dancing women iIn the middle of the lake is a treat to watch. It is said that a lady dancer told the ruler of the palace that she can cross the lake Pichola on a rope, dancing all the way. The king bet half his kingdom if she could do it. The lady accepted the challenge and almost completed the ropeway when king, fearing the loss of half his kingdom, cut the rope and the dancer fell in the lake. Visit the City Palace of Udaipur to experience the royalty of Mewar.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
The Umaid Bhawan Palace at Jodhpur is one of the largest and grandest private residences in the world. The palace was built by 3000 artisans worked over 14 years. The palace is spread around a million square feet of the finest marble. A visit to Jodhpur is incomplete without a stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Ever since its opening In 1977, Umaid Bhawan has remained one of the top heritage hotels in India. The royal stay in some of the most luxurious suites including Maharani Suite, Maharaja Suite, Royal Suites, Historical Suites and Palace Rooms offer the sensation of being the king.
The Maharani Suite is aptly dominated by a Norblin mural of the Goddess Kali etched on shining black glass. The Maharaja Suite exudes a masculine panache with dramatic Noblin frescoes of leopards, tigers, horses and monumental art deco furnishings. The Royal Suites offer luxurious art deco style offering with mirror finished terrazzo and large bedroom and sitting area, overlooking palace lawns and fountain courtyard, all to give you the royal sensation. The hotels Regal Suites, designed in Art Deco style, were once reserved for visiting royalty. Presently, they serve as Historical Suites. Embellished with art deco interiors and equipped with modern conveniences, the Palace rooms offer a glimpse into a privileged bygone lifestyle. Besides this, the multi-cuisines menus and royal banquets like 'Risala' restaurant, 'The Pillars' coffee shop and 'The Trophy Bar' offer luxury meals also. A visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur is a mesmerizing experience.
Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner
The Lalgarh Palace of Bikaner was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in 1902, in the loving memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh Ji. An architectural splendor of red sandstone, the palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob. Bikaner Lalgarh Palace is a unique blend of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture on the outside. The interior of the palace have a touch of oriental architecture. The palace has some fascinating lattice work and filigree work. The palace has now been converted into a hotel. Adding to the magnificence of the palace are its terraced lawns the 'Bougainvillea' bushes. Spotting peacocks roaming around the palace is an amazing sight. The Palace also houses a rich collection of well-preserved paintings, hunting trophies and old photographs. A library having the largest collection of original Sanskrit manuscripts on parchments, copper and gold and silver plaques adds to the heritage of Lalgarh Palace. The palace also comprises of a museum, displaying an amazing collection of miniature paintings, manuscripts, weaponry and even a World War I bi-plane. Also a part of the museum is a unique collection of books, photographs, manuscripts and albums dating back to the old times. A visit to Lalgarh Palace can simply be termed as a visit to royal heritage of Rajasthan.
