Aina Mahal Palace in Bhuj
· Summer: (23°C-44°C) Extremely hot
· Winter: (10°C-36°C) Warm and pleasant
· Monsoon: June to September. Medium rainfall
Best time to visit:
October-March
Opening Time: 09:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 06:00 p.m. (Break from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
Weekly Holiday: Thursday
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 20
Children:
N/A
Cameras: INR 50
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 20
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
INR 50
Video Camera:
N/A
A royal fantasy conceived by a local ruler Maharao Lakhpatiji resulted into the 18th century Aina Mahal also referred to as the Palace of Mirrors. The inimitable Indo-European architecture of the palace was conferred by the chief architect Ram Singh Malam who interestingly got the palace’s construction materials manufactured right at Bhuj. Exquisite mirror work, glass embellishments and blue delftware tiles endow the palace with a fairy-tale appeal.
Hall of Mirrors with Rocco style mirrors, Durbar Hall, mesmerizing candelabra with Venetian touch, Venetian chandeliers, Chinese armoire, tiger head, inlaid doors, royal palanquins, pleasure pool and many other highlights entertain the visitors at this palace, which now operates as a museum. Put on display are some extremely interesting items like Maharao’s royal bed, European celestial globes, Dutch clock, regional embroidery and handicrafts and antiques and paintings.
Located nearby are equally enthralling attractions like Prag Mahal Palace, Swaminarayan Temple, royal cenotaphs and Bhujiyo Hill.
Connectivites
Road:
Hire an auto-rickshaw or a bicycle from the railway station or bus stand or choose to walk on foot along the beautiful Hamirsar Lake. Prefer to hire a cab if you plan to visit other tourist spots in the region.
Railway:
Bhuj Railway Station (about 2 km. away) has regular train services connecting to the cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. It is advised to ensure ticket booking in advance.
Airway:
Bhuj Airport (about 5 km. away) with direct flights to and from Mumbai is the nearest airport. Taxis are available to cover the distance to the palace.