Jammu has many historic place to visit. Amar Mahal is one such place that showcase the rich history of the state. Amar Mahal or Amar Mahal Palace is a popular tourist attraction. Whosoever ever plan to visit, must add this place in their itinerary. The palace showcases the unique French chateau style architecture, rich Dogra royal history, and extensive art and artifact collections. Unlike many popular forts in India, it is popular because of the location and extensive insight into royal life of many Indian states.
The palace served as the residence of Maharani Tara Devi until 1967 and was later converted into a museum by Dr. Karan Singh and his wife under the Hari-Tara Charitable Trust, featuring a library of over 25,000 historic books. It also, displays the personal quarters of the queen, showcasing her traditional robes, ceremonial clothing, Victorian style bathroom, and personal bedspreads. The museum preserves personal royal portraits, vintage photographs, and historical items from the Dogra dynasty. However the major highlight is the golden sofa / throne of the Dogra rulers, crafted from 120 kilograms of pure gold and embedded with golden lions.
Being a royal palace, visit the places means you will witness the royal lifestyle that these high profile people used to live. Soon after the transition in public museum. It accommodates many ar and artefacts of the the royal life. There is the entry fee to enjoy the museum part. In case you do not like to see the historical museum , you can a stroll around the big lawn and enjoy the panoramic view of the area.
At first I felt awkward roaming around the palace but soon as we move upstairs I started developing interest in the royal lifestyle that once existed in this state India. Jammu is popular for many reason, but no one could actually access the royalness existed in the state. the There were so many things that a common man can not even think of imagining. Silver door handles is one such thing that truly amazes. Who could affords such things, but the people living in this palace had enjoyed the lavish lifestyle when none even think of such things.
The ticket cost of Rs.300 is worth for visiting the palace. There is a guide assigned to every group, who continue his story telling about the palace. it was worth listening and viewing each and every article on displace at the museum cum royal palace. The former residence of King Amar Singh and later Maharani Tara Devi, the palace preserves a deep archive of photographs, portraits, and memorabilia detailing the history of the Jammu and Kashmir princely state. The upper floors house a massive archive containing over 25,000 rare antique books. This historic collection covers diverse subjects including philosophy, religion, political science, literature, and fiction. There were many rich artefacts on displayed inside the museum which is worth viewing only.
- The royal costumes of the ruler used by the King and Maharani
- An old photograph of Silk factory in Srinagar. The state is famous for Pashmina shawls.
- Imported Perfume collection by the Queen during his stay at the palace
- The vintage Gramophone for listening music
- The beauty products of the queen elegantly preserve at her dressing table.
- Silverware cutlery set for Tea
- An ancient Cot to sleep. There is a rich story associated with this cot.
- A saddle for learning horse riding by the royal people
Everyitem is well preserved and diplayed at the museum. The place is a must visit to explore the royal life os the people living in this area. There is rich heritage preserved within the wall of the Amar Palace. Before visiting the place, here is the short note to account :
Situated near the Tawi River on the road to Srinagar, right next to the Hari Niwas Palace.
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The palace typically takes about 2 hours to tour.
There is an entry ticket which cost around Rs.300 per adult for full access across floors.
In good faith - Peace!!