17 Palaces to Explore in Gujarat

Aaina Mahal Palace is an 18th-century palace that is located next to the Prag Mahal in Darbargadh, Bhuj, Gujarat, India. The palace was built by Rao Lakhpatji of Cutch State around 1750. Lakhpatji's master craftsman Ram Singh Malam designed the palace in the local style and decorated it in the European style with glass, mirrors, and tiles.

Balaram Palace is a palace situated on the bank of the Balram river. It is now converted into a hotel. Palace was built during 1922 to 1936 by Sir Tale Muhammad Khan, 29th Nawab of Palanpur state.

Darbargadh Palace, arranged in Jamnagar city, was at first inherent 1540 AD, the development went on irregularly prompting a last artful culmination of history and engineering having both Rajput and European impacts. It is situated toward the east of Chandi Chowk in Jamnagar city. Jamnagar was established by Jam Shri Rawalji in 1540 and Darbargadh came to end up their in front of the rest of the competition of home. Rawalji initially had a place with Kutch.

Built-in 1936 as a royal mausoleum of the Gaekwad dynasty, Kirti Mandir now stands as a glorious monument of Vadodara. The grand building, situated in the heart of the city, was set up in the honor of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III's silver jubilee celebration. This E-shaped building features beautiful elements like balconies, terraces, tombs, domes and a brilliantly carved 35 meters high central shikhara.

Lakhota Palace, a pleasing palace in the middle of the lake, houses a beautiful repository called Lakhota Museum. Rulers of Nawangar constructed the Lakhota Palace and today it is an important attraction of Jamnagar. The museum showcases the artefacts that belong to the 18th and 19th century including items like a skeleton of a whale, swords, powder flasks, possessions of Jadeja Rajputs, and remnants of Gujarat rulers. Also, there are artefacts describing the life of people around this region.

Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the most majestic structures in India and was the private residence of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Known to be the largest private dwelling of the size equivalent to four times of the Buckingham Palace, this magnificent palace is a must visit when in Vadodara. Sprawling across an area of about 700 acres, it is still home to the royal family of Vadodara, the Gaekwads. The lush gardens of the palace add to the beauty of the entire experience of being here.

Makarpura Palace was a Gaekwad royal palace in the city of Vadodara, It was built by Maharaja Khende Rao in 1870, designed in the Italian style. It was extended and renovated by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The palace is now used as a training school called by the Indian Air Force.

Nazar Baug Palace was the Gaekwad's royal palace in the city of Vadodara, The Nazar Bāgh Palace' was built in 1721. It had three storeys and is the oldest palace in Baroda. It was constructed by Malhār Rāo Gaekwad in the late 19th century. This palace was used on ceremonial occasions by the Gaekwads. Till recently, it housed the royal family heirlooms. It had solid gold and silver guns, each barrel weighing over 100 kg. The grounds also contain the Shïsh Mahal, a Palace of Glass.

Nilambag palace is a royal palace of the Gohil dynasty. This palace is now a luxurious hotel and the visitors are not allowed there. It is open only for their customers.

Built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in the memory of his wife, Nyaya Mandir in Vadodara is a spectacular monument designed by the Robert Chisholm. Nyaya Mandir comprises a central hall with mosaic tiles and a statue of Chimnabai, wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of the Gaekwad dynasty of the Marathas. This ancient building is now a district session court.

Prag Mahal Palace is a 19th-century palace located next to the Aina Mahal in Bhuj, Gujarat, India. The palace is made of Italian marble and sandstone from Rajasthan. There is also a small temple in the courtyard behind the palace with nicely carved stonework.

Huzoor Palace is a palace in Porbandar, in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was built by Rana Natwarsinhji, who was the last Maharaja of the Princely State of Porbandar, in the early years of the 20th century, with clear European influences. The palace is now used by the successors of the Maharaja's family who reside in London. tourists are prohibited from visiting the palace.Presently, the palace seems to be in desolate condition with door taken out and brick walls put in place.

The Rajmahal Palace was built in the 19 th century by HH Bal Sinhji and was earlier called Bal Vilas Palace. It is located in 13-14 acres of park-like grounds with tennis courts, lily ponds, fountains, outhouses and cricket pitches. The centerpiece is a beautiful pillared courtyard with marble statues. There is a marvelously appointed Darbarhall with painted ceilings, king-sized portraits, and a throne. There are beautifully restored vintage cars and a library of automobile books.

The king's residence right up to 1991 when the last king of Kutch, Madansingh died, the palace is now a museum. With beautiful gardens of many flowering and medicinal plants, the palace grounds houses many migrating birds as they stop for a rest on their way.

This is a 16th-century fort in the city of Surat. Today, Surat Castle houses various government offices. Surat Castle offers clear view of the surrounding areas and River Tapti.

Varsoda was a petty Hindu princely state in Mahi Kantha of 28 Square Kilometers km2 (11 square mikes) before Indian Independence.This is the palace of the king of Varsoda and has a lot of historical significance.

This 20th-century summer palace was commissioned by Maharao Shri Khengarji III for his son Yuvraj Shri Vijayaraji, Made of red sandstones, the palace features every element of Rajput architecture and bears a striking resemblance to palaces of Orchha and Datia. Artisans from various parts of India, such as Rajasthan, Bengal and Saurashtra along with the Mistris and Suthars of Kutch were called upon for making of the palace.