Bangalore: The Royal Indian palaces represent the Golden Age of India. Utter the word "Palace" in India and it immediately conjures an image of romance, extravagance, opulence with treason, conspire and connivance. These palaces are examples of majesty displaying a dazzling array of Architectural style, artistic ability and mirror an elegance of style that could only have been mastered over eons.
The most awe-inspiring part of the palaces is that of melancholy, for an era gone by never to return. India is, maybe, the only country in the world to house palaces of almost every gone by era, from the Old Stone Age to the Colonial Rule and it is also might amaze you to know that some palaces still serve as homes to the former rulers, elevating them from sheer magnum opus of architecture to something more valuable - living examples of the past and present coming together.
These palaces are on the must-visit list of any traveler in India to absorb the royalty of India and also to glance through the heritage, culture and lifestyle of the rich past. So, get acquainted with these citadels - antique relics and the taciturn onlookers of the Indian glory.
Lake Palace
One of the most beautiful palaces in the world, The Lake Palace of Udaipur, is the finest example of Oriental workmanship. Situated on a natural foundation of four acres rock on the Jag Niwas Island in Pichola Lake, it was built by the Sisodias in the 17th Century and is exemplified by splendor and grandeur - the hallmark of the Rajputs in the medieval ages. The palace consists of royal durbars, vast courtyards, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens, which all add unique fascination to this grand palace. The presence of mirrors, engravings, inlaid stones of pink, green lotus leaves pointed arches and dramatic motifs add to the fascination. The palace also houses various other beautiful buildings like are Bada Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Kush Mahal.
This stunning palace has now been transformed into a luxury heritage hotel run by the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and is called Hotel Taj Lake Palace.