India’s history has many kingdoms and dynasties over the years. From the Cholas to the Rajputs, India has seen a lot of kingdoms, kings, and queens. Along with these rulers, India has also flourished, because of the luxurious lifestyles of these royals. While the kingdoms have long perished, their royal palaces, artwork, and monuments still dot the Indian landscape.

On your Royal Palace Tour, explore the ins and outs of these palatial forts and palaces. Learn all about the architecture and the stories of the royals who once lived here.

Here are the best royal palaces in India that you should visit on your Royal Palace Tour:

Mubarak Mandi Palace

The Mubarak Mandi Palace was once the residence of the Dogra Kingdom, who ruled Jammu and Kashmir. This regal palace is not only bathed in luxurious and elegant architecture but also nestled in a picturesque locale in J & K. Many tourists come here for the gorgeous setting and the resplendent white place that stands proudly in nature’s bounties.

Inside the Mubarak Mandi Palace, you will find exquisitely large halls, numerous courtyards, and an enviable collection of all the artefacts that once belonged to the royal family.

Leh Palace

The beautiful Leh Palace stands on top of a hill and looks down at the town of Leh. This 17th Century palace was home to the royal family of Ladakh and is now a bustling historical monument.

The beauty of the palace lies in its location. It is about none storeys and offers some of the most stunning views of Stok Kangri and the other marvellous snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Imagine staying at the Leh Palace and waking up to the rays of the sun hitting the snow-peaked Himalayas every single day!

Inside the Leh Palace, you will witness real Chinese paintings, a rich collection of crowns and other accessories among many other artefacts.

The Laxmi Vilas Palace is about four times bigger than the Buckingham Palace. The total cost for constructing this palace way back in 1890 was about 1,80,000 Pounds.

Ujjayanta Palace

There is little known about the royalty of the Northeast, yet there are many regal and stunning palaces that live to tell the neglected story of this region. One such place is the Ujjayanta Palace located in Agartala, Tripura.

This grand structure is different from the shimmering palaces of Rajasthan. This palace is more subtle and humble. It has wooden ceilings and tile floorings, yet in its humble way, it looks luxurious and rich.

The palace is a state museum as of today, and you can visit it to learn all about the art and culture of Northeast. Your guide will also revel you with some fascinating stories about the royals of the Northeast and their history.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

The land of the Rajputs, it comes as no surprise that Rajasthan is brimming with stunning and breathtaking palaces that reflect the elegant and royalty of the state.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is located in Jodhpur and is perfect for your Royal palace tour in India. The palace was once the residential place of the King of Jodhpur. It is also one of the world’s largest private palaces with above 347 rooms!

The Umaid Bhawan Palace has three sections: a luxurious heritage hotel, the residence of the royal family and the museum. You can visit the museum and the private residence to witness the royal luxuries that this place has to offer. If you want a truly royal tour, then stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel and feel like royalty for a few days.

Umaid Bhawan Palace also has an enviable collection of artworks and vintage cars.

Hawa Mahal

The moment you see Haha Mahal, the red carved exterior with a balcony like deigns to prop up at each level, you will feel a sense of elegance and royalty seeping into you. The Hawa Mahal in Rajasthan was built in 1799. It is also a popular tourist spot in India. It is also a part of the Golden Triangle tour in India.

This gorgeous palace rests in a busy street of Jaipur, called Badi Chaupad. The unique style of construction has attracted many architects and experts from all over the world to study the brilliance of this palace.

Hawa, Mahal as about 953 windows, which protrude out of the prima facie of the structure. Just imagine peaking through those windows as you watch the daily traffic of Jaipur pass you by. The Hawa Mahal adds a touch of royalty amid a bust modern street.

Patwon Ki Haveli

Another palace in Rajasthan, Patwon Ki Haveli was one of the earliest havelis built in the state. Situated in Jaisalmer, this regal Haveli belonged to a rich merchant of the time.

What makes this palace worth a stop on your Royal palace tour, is the soulful symphony of grandeur, luxury and elegance. The interiors are rich with paintings, mirror works and arches, yet they are done so tastefully, that not one painting or mirror looks out of place or tacky. Every single element is exactly where it should be, and if you remove even one the Haveli will look incomplete.

The highlight of Patwon Ki Haveli lies in its arches. Each arch depicts a different story and is made of yellow sandstone.

Neemrana Fort Palace

If you haven’t visited the Neemrana Fort Palace in India, then you are missing out on true royalty. On your Royal palace tour head to the serene town of Neemrana and bathe in the rich history and luxury of the Neemrana Fort Palace.

This palace is nestled among lush trees and dense greenery, that adds a sense of freshness to the palace. It has now been transformed into a heritage hotel, however, you can visit for a quick tour as well.

Staying at the Neemrana Fort Palace is like living the life of a royal. From designer swimming pools to exquisitely designed furniture, Neemrana Fort Palace has everything you could wish for. If you wish to know more about its history then ask any of the staff and they will be happy to revel you with unique and thrilling stories about the royals of that once lived in this palace.

Laxmi Vilas Palace

The gorgeous Laxmi Vilas Palace is located in Vadodara in Gujarat. This royal extravaganza is one of the most stunning and most elegant palaces in the state. On your Royal palace tour, witness the mesmerising beauty of this palace and learn the thrilling history of it as well.

The architecture of the Laxmi Vilas Palace is quite something. It is essentially a blend of Maratha and Indo Saracenic style of architecture. While the palace looks awe-inspiring from the outside, with a huge garden, it is even more beautiful from the inside. The interiors are rich with designer furniture, luxurious carpeting and expensive wallpapers that will make you gasp. The designs are so elegant, that wonder about the Kings and Queens who lived their life in such royalty and comfort.

Man Mandir Palace

You just cannot miss the Man Mandir Palace in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. This stunning palace has a wonderful blend of Hindu and medieval architecture that makes it a dream to stare at.

This palace is part of the Gwalior Fort, which has housed several kingdoms including Rajputs, Mughals, Delhi Sultanate, Marathas, Scindias and the British.

The Fort and Palace have about two storeys. There are two others that are built underground from strategic reasons. The Man Mandir Palace has a lot of anecdotes and stories that will keep you entertained, so do not forget to know more about them.

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

Tipu Sultan’s taste in art, culture and designing was also quite remarkable. This Palace is in Bangalore and reflects the Indo Islamic style of architecture.

This palace is mainly made with teak wood and large pillars that support the grandeur of the palace. The simple yet intricate flora designs on the ceilings add allure to the palace as well.

On your Royal palace tour, visit the museum as well. Here you will find the rich collection of portraits, clothes and swords from that period.

India has many many more palaces and forts. These palaces are not just the ancient residences of the royals, they are a peephole into the entire history of the different eras and dynasties. On your Royal Palace Tour, fall in love with elegant palaces and gaze at the wealth that these palaces have to offer.