Palaces in Rajasthan are a common sight. Most of these belong to the Rajputs who occupied many states of Rajasthan until 1947. They were the royal families and their palaces and legacies are strewn throughout the now united state of Rajasthan. Today most of these palaces have been converted to heritage hotels in Rajasthan. The grandiose buildings reflect the sumptuous life of the Rajas. As tourists keep on coming across one palace after another they realize that the state is rightfully called the land of the Rajas.

Apart from the luxurious lifestyle the palaces in Rajasthan reflect the rich craftsmanship. Mostly the palaces of Rajasthan were citadels located within the city and heavily fortified. The medieval palaces had the defensive character of the Rajput constructions. Two large divisions of these forts are Diwan-i-Am or the Hall for the Masses and Diwan-i-Khas, Room for Private Audience. Other than these there are ceremonial rooms and other official structures. These fortified palaces had concealed passages, narrow corridors, ramps and stairways. Most of these magnificent structures are accompanied by well-maintained gardens.

Different Palaces in Rajasthan
As far as the palaces are concerned there is a strong influence of Mughal architecture as well. Following are some of the famous palaces in Rajasthan:

Bal Samand Lake Palace: Bal Samand Lake Palace was the previous holiday residence of royal families of Jodhpur. This is one of the best palaces in Rajasthan and is now converted into a heritage hotel.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: The palace is a wonderful example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. One of the most significant parts of the palace is its museum which showcases a huge collection of vases, vehicles used by the maharaja, furniture, clocks etc.

Monsoon Palace: Previously counted as monsoon retreat for Mewar rulers, this palace was regularly visited by the royal families to enjoy monsoon. Surrounded by Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, this palace presents tremendous views of the lakes and Udaipur city.

Udai Bilas Palace: Udai Bilas Palace is a heritage hotel, which reveals old world glories. The elaborate balconies, central stone carvings and figurines which develop the beauty of the palace and its beautiful splendour and the personal infinity edge pool attract the tourists.

Patwon Ki Haveli: Patwon Ki Haveli is one of the most popular palaces in Rajasthan. This haveli is the largest in Jaisalmer and at present owned and managed by the state government. The semi-lit balconies, courtyard, mirror work on the walls and mini statues on the staircase attract tourists and history buffs.

Salim Singh ki Haveli: The haveli looks unique with roof design resembling a peacock. With its stunning 38 balconies, Salim Singh ki Haveli remains an exceptional palace in Rajasthan.

Mandir Palace: Mandir Palace in Jaisalmer is a well-liked name. The celebrated palace in Rajasthan is now a heritage hotel owned by Dr Jitendra Singh who is the grandson of Maharawal Jawahir Singh ji, the man who constructed the palace.

Gorbandh Palace: Gorbandh Palace characteristics amazing yellow sandstone architecture, wonderful artwork, decoration and the world-class amenities. The 83 luxurious rooms are well-appointed and the garden is decorated with attractive fountains, statues and sculptures.

Junagarh Palace: This is one of the oldest palaces of Rajasthan. Instead of hill top, Junagarh Palace was built in the peak region and later the city of Bikaner developed around it. The palace represents iconic creative wonders with a museum inside, which displays armoires, dresses and other goods of the past era.

Bhanwar Vilas Palace: Bhanwar Vilas Palace is the showstopper of Karauli. Built in 1938, the structure, internal decor, furniture and upholstery replicate British colonial glories.

Bundi Palace: Bundi Palace features real gold paintings, miniature frescoes and wonderful murals. A large section of the palace is closed for visitors but the part that is reachable depicts artistic splendour, majestic courtyards and glamorous meeting halls.

Deeg Palace: Deeg is one of the oldest palaces of Rajasthan, which has a wonderful blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The marble jalis, garden fountains, filigreed gates and decorated beams are worth a stay.

Phool Mahal: Phool Mahal is a renowned heritage palace of Rajasthan, which boasts of its eye-catching floral motifs on the walls, wonderfully designed windows and pillars. In 1870, Maharaja Prithee Singh constructed this palace as his monsoon retreat. Phool Mahal is now amongst the top palace hotels in Rajasthan.

Lake Palace: Lake Palace is a stunning construction in the city of Udaipur. This palace was built in three years, under the sovereignty of Maharana Jagat Singh. The palace is made up of white marble which sighs style.

Some of the other palaces in Rajasthan are Rani Padmini"s Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Lalgarh Palace, Gajner Palace, Rambagh Palace, Hawa Mahal, Samode Palace, etc.