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Frozen in time: India's beautiful abandoned castles

Arpita Chatterjee
·5-min read

These stunning structures seem to have passed through a time as chameleons do. A trip to the place is sure to enthral you in the lap of nature as the vistas around these incredible castle ruins are simply awe-inspiring.

These are some of the finest attractions in India, a unique combination of natural splendour and architectural prowess.

Here's the list for the best and most picturesque destination for the most beautiful abandoned castles in India:

Leh Palace, Ladakh

Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh. A precursor to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, the palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 16th century.
Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh. A precursor to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, the palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 16th century. (bodrumsurf via Getty Images)

Leh Palace is a historic former royal palace located near the town of Leh in the Indian Himalayas, overlooking the city of Leh. It was built around 1600 by Sengge Namgyal, the last royal family ruler of Ladakh. The palace was deserted when Dogra troops took over Ladakh in the middle-19th century and drove the royal family from their home. But they left behind a large castle with many rooms and passages explored by visitors of Leh. It is open to visitors all through the year, and some excellent shops are selling local and other items on the main road near the palace that can be bought for souvenirs.

Jal Mahal, Jaipur

A view of Jal Mahal covered by clouds during a Rainy day in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, on May 19, 2021. (Photo by Vishal Bhatnagar/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A view of Jal Mahal covered by clouds during a Rainy day in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, on May 19, 2021. (Photo by Vishal Bhatnagar/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

When it comes to the Golden Triangle Tour Package, which is centred on the historic cities of Jaipur and Jal Mahal, Delhi is often forgotten. The capital city of India has so much to offer tourists, from historical monuments to modern urban sprawl.

And, like its more famous city brother Delhi, Jal Mahal is one of the most popular tourist spots in Rajasthan. If you're looking for a place with a distinct cultural identity - a place where history is in the making, then this is the right place to be! Whether you're a history buff or a first time visitor to this glorious city, you won't be disappointed with what you find here.

Ross Island British Colony in Andamans

Ruins of abandoned Old British building covered with roots at Ross Island, Andaman Nicobar Islands, India
Ruins of abandoned Old British building covered with roots at Ross Island, Andaman Nicobar Islands, India (Diy13 via Getty Images)

Located at the mouth of Port Blair on the Andaman Sea, Ross Island is one of three British colonial settlements that constitute the Andaman archipelago. The island served as an essential staging post for the British during their colonization of India. It was here that many of their leaders, including Sir Stamford Raffles and Lord Kitchener, first visited India. Today, the island is home to a wide variety of visitors who can enjoy some of the best scuba diving in the world.

Jahangir Mahal in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Jahangir Mahal, important maharaja palace and military fortification in Orchha, Uttar Pradesh, India
Jahangir Mahal, important maharaja palace and military fortification in Orchha, Uttar Pradesh, India (flocu via Getty Images)

Jahangir Mahal in Orchha is one of India's well-preserved ancestral buildings found in the country. It was built in the 17th century for Mughal Emperor Jahangir when the area's ruler wished to create superb hospitality for himself.

Sangeet Mahal, Karnataka

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The grandeur of Sangeet Mahal, the splendour of its structure, and the charisma of the Taj Mahal all combine to make it one of the most loved tourist destinations in India. It attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world to come and spend their holidays in this beautiful state of India. There are several hotels in the state that offer superb accommodation facilities and entice you to stay here for a considerable time. This majestic hotel in the heart of the Golden Triangle is a perfect choice for your holidays.

The City Palace, Jaipur

City Palace, Jaipur, which includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces and other buildings, is a palace complex in Jaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan state, India.
City Palace, Jaipur, which includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces and other buildings, is a palace complex in Jaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan state, India. (Mukul Banerjee Photography via Getty Images)

The City Palace of Jaipur is one of the most famous monuments and palaces of Rajasthan, India. The Palace, built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II, is renowned for its historical importance and attracts visitors worldwide. The City Palace is also one of the most popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan, India, with many tourists from all around the globe flocking to see the palace and its attractions.

The Royal palace of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

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The Royal Palace of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu is one of the most famous and most attractive places. It is located in the central part of Tamil Nadu, and it is a UNESCO world heritage site. The history buffs find it very interesting because historians and maps have mentioned it. If you are also fascinated by the place's history and architecture, you must visit this palace in Thanjavur.

Marble Palace, Kolkata

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Marble Palace is a splendid palatial nineteenth-century mansion in North Kolkata built by Tipu Sultan. It's one of the oldest and best-preserved residences of nineteenth-century Calcutta. The palace is famous for its magnificent marble structures, floors, and statues, from which it takes its name.

Fernhills Palace, Ooty

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Summers were spent at Fernhill Palace by the Maharaja of Mysore. The first Fernhills bungalow was built in 1844 as a private residence in Ooty, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The palace was built to resemble a Swiss chalet. The ornamental cast iron and carved wooden bargeboards give it a distinct appearance. The palace grounds' manicured gardens, firs, and cedars contribute to the alpine feel of the location. There is an indoor badminton court on the premises that seems like it resides in a monastery.

Anand Bagh Palace, Darbhanga Bihar

Tall pilasters, fluted pillars and scalloped arches in distintly european style blended with Indian elements,wall of old palace Darbhanga, Bihar, India
Tall pilasters, fluted pillars and scalloped arches in distintly european style blended with Indian elements,wall of old palace Darbhanga, Bihar, India (ePhotocorp via Getty Images)

Darbhanga, Bihar, India's Anand Bagh Palace is a palace. Lakshmi Vilas Palace is another name for it. During Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh's reign, it was established in the 1880s. One of the rare plant varieties located in the Palace's garden was a forked palm with over eight branches. The Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University now has its headquarters in this castle. The palace was once known for its beautiful lawns, which have now disappeared.