Datia Palace
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The Datia Palace, also known as the Satkhanda Palace or Bir Singh Ji Deo Palace, is a magnificent and mysterious structure located on the Gwalior-Jhansi highway, about 75 km from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Built by Maharaja Bir Singh Deo, the palace was constructed for Emperor Jahangir and not for the king himself. Despite its grandeur and splendor, neither Maharaja Bir Singh Deo nor Emperor Jahangir ever lived in the palace. Historians suggest that after the construction was completed, Maharaja Deo invited Emperor Jahangir, but the emperor politely declined the invitation, leaving the palace uninhabited for all time. Construction of the palace began in the early 17th century and took nine years to complete, at a cost of ₹35 lakhs. The palace, with its seven stories and over 400 rooms, showcases a unique blend of Bundela, Rajput, and Mughal architectural styles. Its arched doorways, domes, and latticework highlight Mughal influences, while sculptures and paintings in certain areas reflect Rajput artistry, depicting birds, animals, and floral motifs. The palace is also noted for its maze-like layout, now closed for security reasons, and features a temple and a mosque within its premises, emphasizing its Indo-Islamic architectural style. One of its most remarkable features is the numerous "chhatris" crowned with ribbed domes that add to its grandeur. Emperor Shah Jahan is said to have visited the palace in 1635 along with historian Abdul Hamid Lahori, who described it as a large and beautiful structure. Despite its impressive design and historical significance, the palace remains relatively unknown, making it a hidden gem. Today, the Datia Palace is open to the public, with an entry fee of ₹25. A complete tour of the palace takes about 1.5 hours. Visitors can also engage local guides at the entrance for a more detailed understanding of its history and architectural significance. While a small part of the palace is under renovation, the majority of it is accessible, allowing visitors to explore its vast size, intricate design, and historical charm.
A J Bashha
00
Majestic&Mysterious Datia Palace An absolutely hidden gem & also known as the Satkhanda Palace & Bir Singh Ji Deo Palace, this resplendent 7storeyed palace is an excellent representation of Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Located on the Gwalior - Jhansi highway and only 75kms from Gwalior this is palace is A MUST SEE for those who love to get a peak into the bundela Dynasty history. They're are local guides available at the entrance of the palace, though most of the information is available online. Ticket costs Indians -25Rs Time taken to see palace -1.5hours This 400+ rooms palace is said to have never been inhabited by the king who commissioned it in 1620A.D(neither his family)nor the emperor ( Jehangir) for whom it was built. Historians believe that after the constructions Maharaja Deo Ji extended an invitation to the emperor, who politely declined,thus living it inhabited for time immemorial. The palace is built of purely stone and bricks.The architecture of arched doorways and domes and lattice work reflect Mughal influences, while sculptures and very few paintings depict birds, animals, and flowers in the Rajput style, one can see glimpses of it in certain parts of the palace. The beauty of the palace lies in its sheer size and space and the numerous chhatris crowned with ribbed domestic. A small part of the palace is under renovation but majority of it is open to public, so one can easily enjoy the grandeur of this place.
amrita singh
00
Discovering the gem of Bundelas is an adventure in itself. The narrow, rustic road, with cows ambling and potholes aplenty, might not prepare you for the breathtaking splendor of this eight-floored palace. Surprisingly, it was built but never inhabited. Navigating through the palace, adorned with mesmerizing wall paintings and intricate meenakari work, is like stepping into a different era. However, the maze-like structure can be disorienting, especially without a guide or fellow travelers. Traveling alone, as I did, made it a bit challenging to find my way out, with similar-looking doors leading to dead ends. The palace, though silent in terms of occupancy, speaks volumes through its art and architecture. Why visit? To witness a grand palace that diverges from the Rajput or Islamic styles, offering a unique historical perspective. However, if Indian medieval history doesn't captivate you, or if you're not a fan of sharing space with a bat family, this might not be your ideal destination.
Viraj Torawane
00
The gem of Bundelas.. The narrow rustic road filled with cows and potholes doesn't make you ready to see the breathtaking magnificence of this palace. Hard to digest this 8floored palace was built but never lived. The yet there wall paintings, the meenakari work leaves you spellbound. It's easy to get lost if you are not with a guide or other travellers. So make sure you are not travelling here alone, as I was. It took me quite a long time to get out of here as all the doors looked the same leading to dead ends. Why will you visit? To see a palace which is not related to Rajputs or the Islam but equally grand. Why you should not? If Indian medievel history doesn't grab your attention, this is not for you. Especially with the infestations of bat family.
Jayasree Majumder
00
A windy way through narrow roads, but I am glad we persevered to reach this wonderfully grand monument. Looming out of the ground, there is a lovely view of the town from the first of the balconies - quite a climb up large stone stairs. Opening out on to an inner courtyard several stories high, there are more steps for those with a head for heights - beware of the low balustrades. Well worth it, to see the symmetrical pillars and a close up of the little chattri domes.
Nive Raitz von Frentz
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Datia Palace, also known as Bir Singh Palace or Bir Singh Dev Palace is situated 75 km from Gwalior City in Madhya pradesh. It is between Gwalior to Jansi. The specialty of this palace is that it is of 7 floor. Beautiful square architecture having 12 small abandoned garden inside. Architecture represent Hindu swastika style surface. You can see Palace from highway as well. To reach to palace, you have to pass thru narrow road from village. You can drive car till the end.
Hetal Shah
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Nearby Restaurants Of Datia Palace
Special Zayka Restaurant
Anari Chat & Restaurant

Special Zayka Restaurant
3.6
(59)
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Anari Chat & Restaurant
3.4
(81)
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
MFF3+JM2, Datia, Madhya Pradesh 475661, India
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Phone
+91 1800 11 1363
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Reviews
Overview
4.2
(1.5K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
Description
Datia Palace, also known as Bir Singh Palace or Bir Singh Dev Palace, is situated nearly 75 km from Gwalior city in Madhya pradesh. The specialty of the palace is that it has 7 floors and no member of the royal family lived in the palace.
attractions: , restaurants: Special Zayka Restaurant, Anari Chat & Restaurant
