Rajmahal Home > Punjab > Attractions > Palaces > Rajmahal

Rajmahal

The Rajmahal or Royal Palace was built by Maharaja Bikrama Singh during the 1885-1889 under the supervision of the then Crown Prince and later Maharaja Balbir Singh. It was Balbir Singh who incidentally moved first into this palace and started living. The whole complex is spread over an area of 15 acres and presents a wonderful intermingling of French and Indian architecture. The surrounding is further enhanced by exquisitely maintained grassy lawns in the overall desert land. The palace has now been largely turned into a hospital.

History of Rajmahal, Faridkot

The Rajmahal is spread over 15 acres of semi desert land that had been unbelievably converted into a green pasture. The palace was meant to be the residential complex of Maharaja Bikrama Singh whose reign extended from 1885 to 1889. The architecture of the Rajmahal at Faridkot is mainly representative of the 19th century French lines and the entrance is now a heritage complex, also known as Raj Deori. The Rajmahal is one of the most extravagant ensembles of art and architecture among all Sikh ruling premises.

Site and Architecture of Rajmahal, Faridkot

Today, the complex of Rajmahal spans for a total of 15 acres and employees more than 500 people in different jobs. The palace has 37 rooms, a gurudwara, a swimming pool meant for children, and an amazing hall full of paintings. Part of the premise was turned into a library in memory of their third daughter but it doesn’t get any visitors. The complex also has a hospital in it wherein treatment and medicine is available at the price of INR 2.00. The adjoining Quila Mubarak was initially used as government offices until it was vacated by the royal family in 2004. The building features a hall of mirrors, a durbar hall complex, a gurudwara and a dargah.

The total royal property includes 7,000 acres of forest land and over 3,000 acres of agricultural land in Faridkot alone. The Maharaja had also set up a country club in the forests for his occasional stay but now it is lent to tourists. The property also includes an airfield spanning over 200 acres in the outskirts of Faridkot. There were four aircrafts in the hangars but all of them are in tattered condition now. However, the palace compound still showcases 18 vintage cars which include a Jaguar, a Packard, a Daimler and a Rolls Royce. Other movable property in the palace compound includes a variety of motorcycles and even a battle wagon.

The palace interiors have been inspired by the Versailles type of art and architecture and features glittering chandeliers, candelabra, Italian fountains, rare statuettes, silver and golden goblets, dazzling jewelry, Belgian glass, Persian carpets and even rows of gargoyles on the exterior part of the terraces. This is really an amazing intertwining of foreign and local architecture and designing facets. The king of Faridkot, Maharaja Bikrama Singh was the wealthiest of the Sikh rulers and it rightly shows up in the property of Rajmahal at Faridkot.

Best Time to Visit

The Rajmahal at Faridkot is mostly a hospital complex now and visitors are allowed all throughout the day. However, the more exquisite interiors are still inhabited by the royal family members are entry is prohibited. Due to the sheer environmental condition in the semi desert landscape of Punjab, it is the winter months that are best suited if you come as a tourist. November to February seems to be the best time to be at Rajmahal, Faridkot.

Trivia

As already said, the Maharaja of Faridkot is perhaps the wealthiest ruler ever in Punjab. The royal family still has the most expanded property which extends itself to Delhi and many other northern States of India. There have been mysterious deaths in the family and one gets to know several interesting stories revolving around the royal family.

How to Reach


By Air

The nearest airport to Faridkot is Raja Sansi International Airport at Amritsar, 125 kilometers away. One can also reach via Delhi International Airport which is 425 kilometers away. Both airports are of international status connecting all major cities of the world.

By Rail

Faridkot is well connected by railway network. There are various trains running between Jammu, Ahmedabad Mumbai, Delhi, Amritsar and Jaipur. The nearest junction is Faridkot Junction.

By Road

Roadway is another incredible way to reach Faridkot while exploring the rest part of the land. Taxis and buses run in plenty on National Highway no 1 and joining all major cities in North India. There is daily bus service between Delhi and Faridkot wherein comfortable Volvo buses are available.

Related Image

Related Topics

Culture in Punjab

The word "Punjab" is composed of two Persian words, 'Panj' meaning five and 'Aab' which means water. The invigorating ....

Museums

In order to come in close proximity with the rich tradition and the wealthy culture of Punjab, visit to the museums ....

Palaces

The palaces found in Punjab are sheer symbols ...

Monuments

Punjab's Monuments truly manifests ...