About Amar Mahal Palace, Jammu
Opening Hours:
April to September. 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
October to March. 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
Prime Day & Hours: Friday to Sunday 10 AM- 1 PM
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Offline at Ticket Office
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi, ~8 km away
Nearest Airport: Jammu (IXJ) Airport, ~10 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Jammu Bus Stand, ~3 km away
Amar Mahal Palace, which is situated on the banks of the Tawi River, provides breathtaking views of the Shivalik Hills. This French-chateau-style mansion, which was constructed in 1862, is now a museum that displays art and royal history. While touring this attraction with Kashmir tour packages, you can see the magnificent Durbar Hall inside, which is adorned with murals from Hindu epics and portraits of Dogra kings. Spot the spectacular 120 kg Golden Throne set behind protective glass panels. You can also tour the extensive library, which contains over 25,000 old books on philosophy, religion, and politics.
On your tour, you can admire the outstanding collection of rare artworks, which includes works by well-known painters like Laxman Pai, Ram Kumar, Bikash Battacharjee, and M.F. Hussain. Stroll around the wooden-framed passageways of the palace, explore the stunningly designed halls, and admire the gorgeous French windows. Also, you can attend lectures, cultural programs, talks, and exhibitions here that will help you learn more about Jammu's history.
Must-Try Experiences
- Witness the Golden Throne
Enter the museum to see the beautiful Dogra monarchs' throne, which weighs 120 kg of pure gold when visiting Kashmir in December. This artwork, which is housed in a safe glass chamber and is decorated with golden lions, captures the beauty of Jammu's glorious heritage. Its historical significance and exceptional craftsmanship make it a major attraction to explore in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Walk Through the Durbar Hall
Admire the vast array of royal portraits and paintings based on Hindu epics when you enter the magnificent Durbar Hall. The intricate paintings tell stories from the Mahabharata and Nala Damayanti, immersing you in the regional history, culture, and legends.
- Discover Rare Art Collections
You can uncover a remarkable selection of works by well-known Indian artists, including Laxman Pai, M.F. Hussain, and G.R. Santosh. This collection of paintings displays India’s rich artistic history. For art lovers, these timeless treasures are kept safe at the museum and provide an inspiring visual trip through various styles and eras.
- Explore the Antique Library
You can enter the palace's enormous library, which has 25,000 old works on philosophy, theology, politics, and literature. If you are a history and literature enthusiast, enjoying the preserved manuscripts and rare editions here is one of the things to do in Jammu.
- Enjoy Panoramic Views of Tawi River
Admire breathtaking vistas of the Tawi River and Shivalik Hills as you stroll along the palace's picturesque balconies. Peaceful surroundings and architectural elegance make this historical site ideal for photography and relaxation.
Amar Mahal Palace, Jammu Highlights
• Explore Amar Mahal’s 19th-century red sandstone palace, which rises high above the Tawi River and features lengthy hallways, French windows, and sloping roofs.
• View the Dogra emperors' 120-kilogram golden throne with lion-head sculptures, now protected behind glass.
• Explore the museum's elaborate Mahabharata paintings, which feature exquisite Dogra-Pahari and Kangra-style depictions of the epic.
• Discover more than 25,000 rare books on politics, religion, and history that are housed in the museum library.
• See the 3D painting of Nehru, along with paintings by well-known artists like Laxman Pai and M. F. Husain, as you walk around the gallery.
How To Reach Amar Mahal Palace, Jammu
By Road: Amar Mahal Palace is 3.6 kilometres from the Jammu city centre. Thus, it will take you about 6-8 minutes via B.C Rd. or Jammu Flyover, whether you drive a car or hire a taxi or bike.
Best Time To Visit Amar Mahal Palace, Jammu
Peak Season: December to February
Weather Insights: Temperatures between 8°C - 24°C and cold weather.
Things to Do: Walk through the palace grounds and read through antique books while sipping hot tea.
Moderate Season: April to June
Weather Insights: Temperatures between 20°C-40°C and hot, dry weather.
Things to Do: Explore the museum’s art collections, enjoy guided tours, and capture the stunning views of the Tawi River and Shivalik Hills.
Low Season: July to September)
Weather Insights: Temperatures between 20 °C-35 °C and occasional rainfall.
Things to Do: Admire the interiors and explore the library while enjoying views of vibrant surroundings and misty hills.
Best Time of the Day: Early morning to avoid the crowds and to explore exhibits peacefully.
Best Day of the Week: Weekdays, for a quieter and more immersive visit.
Amar Mahal Palace, Jammu Other Essential Information
Why Visit Amar Mahal Palace?
- Amar Mahal Palace, built by Raja Amar Singh in the 1800s, served as the Dogra dynasty's final formal palace.
- Prime Minister Indira Gandhi opened Amar Mahal Museum on April 13, 1975, preserving rare art and literature that highlights India's past.
- It was turned into a heritage museum by Maharani Tara Devi's son, Dr. Karan Singh, and wife, Mrs. Yasho Rajya Lakshmi, after she lived there till 1967.
- By showcasing furniture, photographs, and artefacts from the former royal family, the palace preserves Dogra's cultural identity.
- Maharani Tara Devi's possessions, silver bed, and Victorian-style bathroom are on exhibit in an unaltered portion of the palace.
Know Before You Go
- Check the timings before visiting, as the palace remains closed on Mondays and holidays.
- Carry sufficient cash, as entry tickets and photography fees may require offline payment.
- Wear comfortable footwear, as exploring the museum and surrounding areas involves walking.
- Attend the art exhibits, movie screenings, and book readings to enhance your knowledge of the regional art and history of Jammu.
- Visit during the late afternoon for the best lighting conditions and a comfortable experience.
- Respect the museum rules by not touching artifacts or leaning on display cases.
- Follow photography rules, as it is allowed in some sections, but flash photography is strictly prohibited.
- Consider hiring a guide, as guided tours offer in-depth historical insights.
Tourism Board Alliances
Amar Mahal Palace FAQs
When was Amar Palace built?
The Amar Mahal Palace was built in 1862 using a unique French-chateau architectural design. It is situated on a hill with a view of the Tawi River. Four chambers of the palace have been transformed into historical museums and art galleries that showcase Jammu's royal past.
On which river is the Amar Mahal Palace located?
Amar Mahal is located in Jammu on a bend of the Tawi River on its right bank. Suryaputri Tawi, which translates to "The Daughter of the Sun God" in Hindi, is another name for the Tawi River.
Who is the owner of Amar Mahal?
The Amar Mahal Palace is owned by Dr. Karan Singh and his wife, Mrs. Yasho Rajya Lakshmi. He is the son of Maharani Tara Devi, who passed away in 1967. Her son and daughter-in-law later turned this castle into a museum. On April 13, 1975, Indian Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi officially opened the museum.
What is the architecture of the Amar Mahal?
The palace was constructed in the European castle style and features tall towers and spires on its sloping top. It was the highest structure in Jammu when it was constructed under Raja Amar Singh's rule. Covered by sloping bent tin roofs, the massive structure features long corridors on three sides.
What was the last residence of the Dogra Kings?
Amar Mahal Palace served as the final residence of Maharaja Hari Singh, the last ruler of the state and the Dogra dynasty. It is situated in Jammu and was constructed in 1862 in a distinct French-Chateau architectural style.
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