Ramnagar Fort aka Purana Mahal in Udhampur was built by Raja Suchet singh in 1801- 1844 A.D. Maharaja Suchet Singh held sovereignty over Ramnagar till 1844 A.D. Ramnagar Palace Complex is perfectly balanced on the edge of a hill top hovering at a height of 2, 716 feet above sea level. The palace is surrounded by scenic landscape with hilly terrains and vegetation grown along its sides.

In ancient times, Ramnagar was the capital town of Bandralta, which was last ruled by Maharaja Bhupendra Dev. His powers were overtaken by Sikh forces in 1821. Ramnagar Palace was the residence of Maharaja Suchet Singh and built for Raja’s personal use. He was the brother of Maharaja Gulab Singh, a Dogra ruler who fought Raja Bhupendra Singh. There is also the Samadhi of Maharaja Suchet Singh’s wife who performed sati after the king’s death in 1844.  In 1972 the fort was renovated by the archaeological survey of India.

Architecture

The palace is humongous with storeys rising up to three floors and huge walls. All floors have watch towers at customary intervals. The room walls are decorated with stucco work and intricately painted with floral designs. A wooden ceiling is also completely decorated.

This palace has a Nawa Mahal which was built by Raja Ram Singh, son of Raja Ranbir Singh. It encompasses a courtyard enclosed by rooms with two entrances facing each other. Each room has wooden ceiling decorated by extensive stucco work with decorations.

This palace has two courtyards in front of the main palace with elevated corners or Burj’s made to appear as small landscapes. Behind these corners are halls and rooms lined on either sides of the passage. Darbar Hall, Sheesh Mahal and Rang Mahal are on the left side of the entrance and an arcade balcony with rooms is seen on the left side of the gate.

Darbar Hall has been made elaborate by paintings depicting instances from Ramayana, Bhagwad Gita and other Vedas. Apart from all these, there are scenes portrayed from Raja Suchet Singh’s battles. Next to the Darbar Hall is a Sheesh Mahal with fine glass work. Some of these are multi coloured, while others are plain. Designs have been made using cut glass in many parts of the room. Walls of Rang Mahal and Sheesh Mahal have been painted with scenes of nayikas, Krishna – Radha and gopi’s with some scenes of courtiers with their king.

Architecture of Sheesh Mahal has been greatly influenced by Mughal and Rajasthani culture, which reflects in its beautifully decorated mirror work. The palace has some exquisite paintings from pahari or hilly areas which have their own speciality. The palace also showcases inclination to European art because some of the paintings here belong to that region. There are paintings from everyday life like the courtyard, hunting scenes that reveal the grandeur of the daily life style of the king in that era.

How to Reach

Ramnagar Palace is 10 km away from Udhampur. A hired taxi can easily fetch you this short drive. Ramnagar and Udhampur are also connected by train at a distance of 10 minutes.

Jammu is the main railhead at Jammu and Kashmir at a distance of 53 km from Udhampur. This journey lasts about an hour. There is no airport at Udhampur and Jammu. The nearest airport to Udhampur is Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi which is 531 km.

Best Time to Visit

Weather of Udhampur is moderate. Summers are temperate and hospitable. Day temperatures are warm but as evening falls they become pleasant. This is the best time to visit Udhampur. Maximum temperature in the day time is between 35- 38o degree C and minimum falls around 25 o C. Summers extend from April- June.

Rainfall is scarce in this region and is mostly dry. Mild showers can occur during July and august and give respite from the heat. Winters at Udhampur start from October and continue till January and February. Maximum temperature rises to 20 o C and falls to 0 o C.

Photo Gallery