India’s rich heritage is best reflected in its palaces, showcasing royal grandeur and architectural brilliance. From the massive complexes in Rajasthan to the beautiful mansions in the South, these palaces are not just architectural wonders; they tell the story of India’s royal past. Let’s journey through the biggest palaces in India—magnificent structures that continue to awe visitors with their splendor.
Top 10 Biggest Palaces In India
This list of known Indian palaces may make you feel like you’re missing out. So, check them out and decide which one to visit next. This list covers some of India’s most authentic palaces. Continue reading to find out which they are!
- Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
- Mysore Palace, Mysore
- City Palace, Jaipur
- Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
- Lake Palace, Udaipur
- Amba Vilas Palace, Mysore
- Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
- Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior
- Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad
- Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara
1. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Located in the heart of Rajasthan, Umaid Bhawan Palace is among the largest private residences in the world. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, this architectural masterpiece is a blend of Indo-Saracenic, Classical Revival, and Art Deco styles. Today, it’s partially managed as a luxury hotel, offering visitors a taste of royal opulence.
Location: Cantt Area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Museum)
How to reach: The palace is about 5 km from Jodhpur city center. You can hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw from the city.
Entry Ticket: ₹30 for Indian citizens and ₹100 for foreigners (Museum). Luxury hotel rates start from around ₹30,500* per night.
For more detailed information, you can also check the Opulent Palace Stays Package
2. Mysore Palace, Mysore
One of the most iconic Indian palaces, the Mysore Palace is known for its stunning architecture and intricate interiors. This palace, designed by British architect Henry Irwin, showcases a blend of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic styles. The palace becomes a sparkling spectacle during the Dussehra festival, when it’s illuminated with thousands of lights.
Location: Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570004
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM (Open every day), 7 PM – 10 PM (Illumination)
How to reach: The palace is located in the heart of Mysore, just a short distance from the railway station. Taxis and rickshaws are readily available.
Entry Ticket: ₹50 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners. The illuminated night tour costs an additional ₹100 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners.
3. City Palace, Jaipur
An impressive structure in Jaipur, the City Palace is one of the most visited and biggest palaces in India. The palace complex is a mixture of Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles, with sprawling courtyards, gardens, and museums. Key attractions include the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal, both offering insights into royal life and Rajasthan’s artistry.
Location: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
How to reach: The palace is located in the old city and can be accessed by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Entry Ticket: ₹200 for Indians and ₹500 for foreigners. Additional charges apply for specific sections of the palace.
4. Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra and later acquired by the Nizam of Hyderabad, Falaknuma Palace is a luxury hotel today managed by the Taj Group. With marble staircases, grand halls, and an impressive library, this palace offers a blend of Italian and Tudor styles, making it one of the largest palaces in India.
Location: Engine Bowli, Falaknuma, Hyderabad, Telangana 500053
Timings: Only for hotel guests and pre-booked visitors (Day tours at specified timings)
How to reach: The palace is around 5 km from the city center. You can hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw.
Entry Ticket: Not applicable as the palace operates as a luxury hotel; room rates start from approximately ₹20,000 per night.
5. Lake Palace, Udaipur
Situated on Lake Pichola, Lake Palace in Udaipur is a gem of India’s royal heritage. Built entirely in marble, the palace was once the summer retreat of the Mewar royals. Now a luxury hotel managed by the Taj, it offers breathtaking views of Udaipur and a sense of timeless grandeur.
Location: Lake, Pichola, Hawala Kalan, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
Timings: Open to hotel guests and pre-booked visitors.
How to reach: Accessible by boat from the City Palace jetty, located in the heart of Udaipur.
Entry Ticket: Not applicable as it operates as a luxury hotel; rates start from around ₹25,000 per night.
6. Amba Vilas Palace, Mysore
Also known as the New Mysore Palace, this structure is yet another example of the opulence in the city of Mysore. Built for the Wodeyars of Mysore, this palace combines elements of Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic styles and is among the biggest palaces in India. The palace features lavish halls, temples, and gardens that are open to the public.
Location: Agrahara, Chamrajpura, Mysuru, Karnataka 570004
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
How to reach: Located near the city center, accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Entry Ticket: ₹50 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners.
7. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Originally built as a garden house, Rambagh Palace later became the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Today, this Indian palace operates as a luxury hotel under the Taj Group. Its vast courtyards, luxurious rooms, and Mughal-style gardens make it one of the most enchanting palaces to visit.
Location: Bhawani Singh Rd, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302005
Timings: Open to hotel guests and pre-booked visitors.
How to reach: Located about 5 km from the city center; accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Entry Ticket: Not applicable as it operates as a luxury hotel; rates start from around ₹20,000 per night.
8. Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior
The Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior is a grand symbol of the Scindia dynasty’s heritage. It houses the world’s largest pair of chandeliers and boasts European architecture with Indian influences. This 400-room palace, now partially a museum, provides a fascinating look at royal life and Indian history.
Location: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474007
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
How to reach: The palace is about 3 km from Gwalior railway station; taxis and auto-rickshaws are available.
Entry Ticket: ₹100 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners (Museum).
9. Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad
A lesser-known but grand palace in India, Chowmahalla Palace was the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. This palace, with its beautiful Persian-inspired architecture and intricately decorated halls, showcases the splendor of the Hyderabad rulers. It has four palatial wings that visitors can explore to get a sense of the Nizam’s wealth and power.
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Fridays)
How to reach: Located near the city center, accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Entry Ticket: ₹50 for Indians and ₹100 for foreigners.
10. Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara
One of the largest palaces in India, Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara is nearly four times the size of Buckingham Palace. Constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, this palace has Indo-Saracenic architecture, extensive gardens, and an exquisite collection of artwork and sculptures.
Location: J N Marg, Moti Baug, Vadodara, Gujarat 390001
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
How to reach: Approximately 3 km from Vadodara railway station; taxis and rickshaws are available.
Entry Ticket: ₹100 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners.
Tips for Exploring the Biggest Palaces in India
- Time your visit: Many palaces, like the Mysore Palace, have special events or light shows that enhance the experience.
- Opt for guided tours: Guides can provide fascinating insights into the history and stories behind each palace.
- Stay in palace hotels: Some palaces offer stays, such as Umaid Bhawan Palace and Rambagh Palace, giving you a taste of royal life.
Why Visit India’s Grand Palaces?
These Indian palaces are not just architectural wonders; they are historical treasures that offer glimpses into the lives of India’s erstwhile royals. Each palace has its own story, architectural uniqueness, and cultural significance, making them must-visit landmarks for travelers.
India’s largest and biggest palaces are testaments to its rich history, blending artistry, grandeur, and the spirit of royalty. These royal homes are perfect destinations for anyone looking to experience the pinnacle of Indian heritage.