Zenana Mahal (also known as Zenana Deodi) was the Queen’s palace during the rule of the royal dynasty. This special building, which was once privileged to the ladies of the palace, is in the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which is situated five kilometres away from the main city of Jodhpur.
Jaipur is famed for its brilliant layout and planning of the city. The entire city is built in accordance with the traditional Vastu ideology and the city itself presents a symmetrical appearance. Every nook and corner of Jaipur shows structural excellence, the credit of which went to its progressive rulers.
One of the most imposing structures in Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is built in the year 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh. This beautiful monument was the structural design of the eminent artist Lalchand Usta. A five storied structure, Hawa Mahal, is a huge tapering composition with frequent arches, small windows, spires and trellised casements in spite of its lofty formations, the Hawa Mahal appears like a light, roomy structure which might puff away by a gentle breeze.
A deserted old palace, built in stages between 13th and 18th centuries, this crumbling, seven storey palace is filled with old frescoes and paintings.
The Aam Khas, or main living room, has impressive mirror work and glass inlays. The former royal hunting lodge, on a nearby hilltop, has sensational views over the town and its many temples.
Moti Mahal is one of the royal apartments of the fort. It has gorgeous ceiling embellished with mirror work. It is said that 80 pounds gold was used for creating such a masterpiece.
The Phool Sagar Lake derives its name from the Phool Mahal, which is a huge fortress that stands on its banks. The Phool Mahal or the Flower palace is a comparatively contemporary construction and was started in the year 1945 by the Maharaja Bahadur Singh.
Though, it was never finished and lies in a half-complete state, it is at present the dwelling place of the present day ‘ruler’ of the city. The palace is not open for visits and a prior permission of the secretary has to be obtained in order to take a stroll around the magnificent palatial premises.
Sukh Mahal, which is located on the periphery of the lake Jait Sagar was built during Umed Singh’s regime. It is a pleasant marquee where Rudiyard Kipling once stayed. Sukh Mahal is now converted to an irrigation Rest House. This beautiful place is set amidst the verdant milieu of an attractive garden and is popularly visited by nature lovers. It is a universal belief that the old palace and Sukh Mahal are connected by means of an underground tunnel.
The Gateway of Ratnagiri is a preposterous structure with a slopped roof in the Ratnagiri Jetty in Mandavi Beach. The magnificent beach itself is renowned as the gateway of the hilly terrain. The popular belief is that this structure, the defense of the mainland, is the work of the Pratinidhi Dhondu Bhaskar.
A fabulous construction overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea, Gateway of Ratnagiri provides a unique opportunity to walk through the seashore and enjoy the cool breeze that gently flows from the sea. It is indeed a marvelous experience.
Vishram Bagh Waada, the great old palace marked its presence in grand olden times, is presently in ruins. This majestic palace was constructed by Peshwa during the 18th century. The palace was renowned for the attractive facades made in good quality wood. Presently only some remains of the palace are seen in the city of Pune.
The remains of this majestic palace are specimens of great old Maratha architectural beauty and style. The tourists who are fond of archeological and historical sites should not miss this place.