Naulakha Palace / Rajnagar Palace
Historical Splendor: The Naulakha Palace, also popularly known as Rajnagar Palace, is a magnificent but partially ruined royal complex built by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh of Darbhanga. Constructed between 1884 and 1929, the palace was intended to be the administrative headquarters of the Darbhanga Ra j. The name "Naulakha" implies that nine lakh rupees were spent on its construction, a staggering amount for that era. The complex is a sprawling 1500-acre estate that includes numerous palaces, administrative blocks, and eleven exquisite temples. Unfortunately, the great earthquake of 1934 caused massive damage to the structures, leaving them in the state of "glorious ruins" that we see today. Walking through the palace gates feels like stepping into a different century where the echoes of royal grandeur still linger in the air. The brickwork is exceptionally fine, and the sheer scale of the buildings demonstrates the power and wealth of the Mithila kings. The palace is situated on the banks of the Kamla River, adding a scenic natural backdrop to the historical site. Today, it serves as a major tourist attraction, drawing history buffs, photographers, and architects from across the country. It is a poignant reminder of the architectural heights reached during the peak of the Darbhanga Raj's influence. Despite its ruined state, the intricate carvings on the surviving walls and the majestic arches still stand tall, inviting visitors to imagine the palace in its full, unblemished glory before nature's fury intervened. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 4 Hours:Place Type:
Heritage & Ruins:Entry Fees:
Minimal Entry Fee: A small maintenance fee (around 20 INR) is usually charged at the main entrance.
Camera Fees: There might be a separate charge for professional video cameras or commercial shoots.
:...Minimal Entry Fee: A small maintenance fee (around 20 INR) is usually charged at the main entrance.
Camera Fees: There might be a separate charge for professional video cameras or commercial shoots.
:Timing:
Regular Hours: 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: November to February is the most comfortable period to explore the vast open-air complex without getting exhausted.
:...Regular Hours: 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: November to February is the most comfortable period to explore the vast open-air complex without getting exhausted.
:Special Events:
Maha Shivratri: Celebrated with great fervor at the Shiva temples within the complex, attracting thousands of devotees.
Dussehra: The Durga Bhawan comes alive with traditional rituals that have been followed since the time of the Maharajas...Maha Shivratri: Celebrated with great fervor at the Shiva temples within the complex, attracting thousands of devotees.
Dussehra: The Durga Bhawan comes alive with traditional rituals that have been followed since the time of the Maharajas.
:Best Photo Spots:
Elephant Arches: The iconic entrance with stone elephants is the most photographed spot in the entire palace complex.
Marble Kali Temple: The white marble structures against the backdrop of the red-brick ruins provide a striking contrast f...Elephant Arches: The iconic entrance with stone elephants is the most photographed spot in the entire palace complex.
Marble Kali Temple: The white marble structures against the backdrop of the red-brick ruins provide a striking contrast for wide-angle shots.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Heritage Walk: Walk through the sprawling 1500-acre campus to discover different sections like the Rani Mahal and the guest houses.
Temple Tour: Visit the eleven temples within the complex, specifically the marble Kali Temple which is still in active worship.
Photography: The ruins offer some of the best dramatic backdrops in India for historical and architectural photography.
River Viewing: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the banks of the Kamla River located just behind the palace complex.
Picnic: Many families use the open green spaces around the ruins for afternoon picnics during the winter months.
History Learning: Hire a local guide to learn about the lineage of the Darbhanga Maharajas and...
Information
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Why Famous:
Architectural Marvel: The palace is world-famous for its elephant-shaped arches and the stunning Kali Temple. It is considered one of the finest examples of royal architecture in North Bihar.
Historical Tragedy: It is also famous as a "Gh...Architectural Marvel: The palace is world-famous for its elephant-shaped arches and the stunning Kali Temple. It is considered one of the finest examples of royal architecture in North Bihar.
Historical Tragedy: It is also famous as a "Ghost Palace" or a "Ruined Heritage," symbolizing the devastating impact of the 1934 Bihar-Nepal earthquake which permanently altered the region's landscape.
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Architecture:
Indo-Saracenic & European Fusion: The palace displays a stunning blend of Mughal, Rajput, and European architectural styles.
Dimensions: The main palace complex covers several acres, with the central tower originally rising to seven stories...Indo-Saracenic & European Fusion: The palace displays a stunning blend of Mughal, Rajput, and European architectural styles.
Dimensions: The main palace complex covers several acres, with the central tower originally rising to seven stories.
Key Features: The entrance is marked by four massive arches, each supported by hand-carved stone elephants. The Durga Bhawan features three courtyards and intricate stone screens (Jali work). The Kali Temple is built entirely of white marble, showcasing high-quality craftsmanship from the late 19th century.
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How To Reach:
By Air: Darbhanga Airport is about 35 KM away.
By Train: Rajnagar Railway Station is just 1 KM from the palace and is well-connected to Madhubani and Jaynagar.
By Road: It is situated on the main road bet... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Madhubani Town (12 KM), 2. Saurath (8 KM), 3. Kapileshwar Sthan (15 KM), 4. Jaynagar (18 KM), 5. Kamla Barrage (14 KM), 6. Ranti Village (10 KM), 7. Jitwarpur (14 KM), 8. Mangrauni (12 KM), 9. Uchaitha (30 KM), 10. Darbhanga Raj Fort (40 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be careful while walking inside the ruins as some structures are unstable.
Packing: Wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven and covered with debris.
Guidance: Carry a bottle of water as...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(521+) of Bihar Has Been Added :-
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Kesariya StupaKumhrar ParkRohtasgarh FortRuins of VikramshilaValmiki Tiger ReserveBio-Diversity ParkFanishwar Nath Renu JungleForbesganj Mela GroundJogbaniJokihat MosqueMaata Aasawar MandirRampur Over BridgeRaniganj Vriksh VatikaShiva MandirSultan PhokherBaba Bateshwarnath TempleBaithakji Hajipur Baraila Lake More PlacesNote:-
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