12 Palaces to Explore in Madhya Pradesh

Ahilya Fort, in the central Indian town of Maheshwar, sits high above the sacred river Narmada. Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar ruled here from 1765 to 1796 and built Ahilya Wada, her personal residences, offices, and darbaar audience hall, within the fort. In the year 2000, Prince Richard Holkar, her descendant and son of the last Maharaja of Indore, converted his home in Ahilya Wada into a guest residence, today known around the world as the Ahilya Fort Hotel.

Bir Singh Palace also called as Datia Palace. The speciality of this palace is that it is of 7 floors. However, neither member from the royal family did ever live here. The founder of the Datia State in Bundelkhand - Maharaj Birsingh Deo Build many such 52 monuments all around the country. It is the biggest and most famous of all the 52 palaces build by Raja Bir Singh Deo and it can be seen easily from a long distance.

Gauhar Mahal is one of the beautiful palaces in Bhopal. An architectural marvel, this palace was built by the first woman ruler of Bhopal, Gohar Begum in 1820 situated on the banks of the Upper Lake. But now a days due to lack of careing the palace is undergoing a path of renovation.

Govindgarh Palace was a summer retreat to the King of Rewa as it is surrounded by some enchanting waterfalls. The construction dates back to the year 1882 AD, and this palace is a work of the Baghela Dynasty. This palace is also considered as Mini Vrindavan and is famous for the Sundreja Mangoes and its breezy location.

Hindola-Mahal literally means a "Swinging palace". it is marked distinctly from other palaces at Mandu by the extreme simplicity of its style of construction although having a definite aesthetic appeal. constructed during the reign of Hushang Shah about 1425 C.E.

Jai Vilas Palace, is a nineteenth-century palace in Gwalior, India. It was established in 1874 by Maharajadhiraj Shrimant Jayajirao Scindia Alijah Bahadur, the Maharaja of Gwalior. While the major part of the palace is now the "Jiwajirao Scindia Museum" opened to the public in 1964, a part of it is still the residence of his descendants the former royal Maratha Scindia dynasty.

The Karan Mahal is another significant monument at Gwalior Fort. The Karn mahal was built by the second king of the Tomar dynasty, Kirti Singh. He was also known as Karn Singh, hence the name of the palace.

Lal Baag Palace is one of the most spectacular three-story buildings on the bank of the River Khan which was built by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar from 1886-1921. it was one of the most stylish residences in India. This Palace once hosted many royal receptions and even today reflects the lifestyle and taste of the Holkar Rulers.

Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum is housed in famous Dhubela palace. This palace is one of the unique examples of Bundella architecture of the 18th century A.D. period. The museum has rich archaeological material collected from then Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand region. The objects have been displayed in galleries and in open air space.

Gwalior is also popular for the Man Singh Palace. Located within the Gwalior Fort, it is a splendid example of Hindu architecture of the 14th and 15th centuries. The Man Singh Palace was made under the rule of Tomar ruler Raja Man Singh. Construction of the palace was done between 1486 and 1516. This is also the place where Mughal emperor Aurangzeb jailed and killed his kin Murad.

Rajgarh Palace is a perfect example of the Bundela style of architecture Situated at the foot of Maniyagarh hills. The palace also has a museum inside which houses a big collection of artifacts related to cultural and geological significance. It still attracts a big number of tourists every year for a peek into the history and its eventful past.

Kamalapati Palace is located on the bridge, between the larger and the smaller lake of Bhopal. Built in 1722, it is named after Rani Kamlapati the widow Gond ruler of Nizam Shah, Chief of Ginnorgarh. The Palace has been designated as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India .