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| Aina Mahal Palace |
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History
Considered as one of the most elegant monuments in Bhuj, Aina Mahal Palace is one of the finest examples of Indian palaces that were built with European influences in the mid 18th century. Constructed by Rao Lakhpatji in 1707-1761 AD, Aina Mahal Palace is a royal dream translated into reality by one master craftsman Ramsinh Malam.
Rao Lakhpatji who was a huge patron of art, architecture, music and literature, ensured that the design and decorations of his dream palace Aina Mahal Palace is unique and exemplary in both architecture and interiors.
Situated in the fort complex, Aina Mahal Palace is a two storied building with Hall of Mirrors as the main attraction along with Darbar hall and suites for the royal family. Located on the second floor of the palace the interiors of the Hall of Mirrors will leave you spell bound. White marbled walls that are covered with mirrors, which have separated with gilded ornaments. Elaborate pendant candelabra with shades of Venetian glass lights up the entire hall.
The expert engineering and ingenious planning by Ramsinh Malam ensured that there were pumps and siphons, which helped in raising the water up to the second floor and fill the pleasure pool along with various fountains that cast spray in an elaborate variety of patterns that charmed the viewer and also cooled the air.
The hall also houses a small state apartment with a carpeted floor, which still contains Maharao Lakpatji’s bed. The hall also has a miscellaneous collection of items like a Dutch clock, English and French celestial globes, few antique pictures, along with some mechanical toys.
Maharao Madansinhji Museum is another attraction of the Aina Mahal Palace that houses a variety of paintings, photos and some samples of Kutch embroidery. There is a 15m long scroll that depicts the Royal Procession of Maharao Shri Pragmalji Bahadur.
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Best time to visit
The best time to visit Aina Mahal Palace is during winter months from October to March. The weather remains pleasant while the temperature ranges from 20 to 28 degree Celsius.
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Trivia
The master craftsman Ramsinh Malam spent 17 years in Holland and received his training in various fields like clock making, cannon fabrication, enamelling, tile making and architecture so that he could make Aina Mahal Palace an architectural marvel of today.
Interestingly the artisan Ramsinh Malam created each and every material required for the Aina Mahal Palace locally.
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Timing
Aina Mahal Palace is open throughout the year from 9:00 am to 11:45 am and from 3:00 pm to 5:45 pm.
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Travel Tools
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