Prag Mahal
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The Prag Mahal is a 19th-century palace located next to the Aina Mahal in Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, India.
attractions: Aaina Mahal Palace, Kutch Museum, Khengar Park, Shree Swaminarayan Prasadi Mandir, Ram Dhun Temple, restaurants: Nilam Hotel, Noorani Restaurant, "Anando Foods - Vegetarian Restaurant in Bhuj", Park View Restaurant, Hotel Noorani Mahal, Sankalp Restaurant, Maharaja Pav Bhaji, Al Momin Restaurant, Pooja Dining Hall, Salman Tea
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The Prag Mahal is a 19th-century palace located next to the Aina Mahal in Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, India.
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Prag Mahal is a magnificent palace located in the heart of Bhuj, a city in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. The palace is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture, and it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The palace was built in the Italian Gothic style by the ruler of the Kutch state, Maharao Pragmalji II, in the late 19th century. The palace's striking architecture is a fusion of Indian and European styles, and it features intricate carvings, arches, and domes that are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who built it. The interior of Prag Mahal is equally impressive, with ornate ceilings, chandeliers, and elegant furniture that transport visitors back in time. The palace's highlight is the Durbar Hall, which is a stunning space with high ceilings, marble floors, and beautiful stained glass windows. The hall is adorned with portraits of the royal family and other important figures from the era. One of the unique features of Prag Mahal is its eerie vibe. The palace was badly damaged in an earthquake in 2001, and much of it remains in ruins. This creates a haunting atmosphere that adds to the palace's allure. Visitors to Prag Mahal can also visit the adjacent Aina Mahal, which was built in the 18th century and is equally impressive. The palace is also conveniently located close to other tourist attractions in Bhuj, such as the Shree Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj and the Kutch Museum. In conclusion, Prag Mahal is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture. The palace's striking beauty, haunting atmosphere, and rich history make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience
Ankit JhaAnkit Jha
10
Prag Mahal palace is 19th century palace named after Rao Pragmalji II, who commissioned it and construction began in 1865 and was completed in 1879 with total cost of 3.1 million rupees. It's located opposite to Aina Mahal. Entry fees is 50rs per person currently. It's open from 9am to 12 pm and 3pm to 6pm. It's closed on every thursday. You can carry phone but just for photography as videography is not allowed. If you carry a professional camera then there is extra charges. Just one thing that bothers me is the maintainence of such beautiful place. Some things inside are damaged to a very bad extent which should not happen when you are charging tourist to watch it. Some parts are full of dust and the carcassed deer heads are literally stuck with masking tapes which is very bad. I would request the authorities to presume such architecture with care and look after the palace as it's historic. There is a clock tower within the premises. You need to climb stairs for that and once you reach top you can see the beautiful view of bhuj city, bhujiyo dungar.... I would suggest to visit bhuj in winters i.e between October to February as you can enjoy the cold climate. During summers its too much hot which makes difficult to explore the city. You can ask me if you want to know anything about BHUJ.
jay solankijay solanki
10
One of the main tourist attractions in bhuj city. There are two museums situated here. Entry ticket is little bit costly. They charges 6k for photoshoot. There are small shopes for craft items . Plenty of parking is available . It is the largest of the three palaces within the Darbargadh walled complex, 19th-century Prag Mahal is in a forlorn state, damaged by an earthquake, but is worth visiting for its grand Durbar Hall, with its glittering chandeliers, the Maharajah’s taxidermied collection and gold-skirted classical statues. Several scenes from Lagaan, the much-acclaimed Bollywood cricket blockbuster, were filmed here. It is Named after Rao Pragmalji II, who commissioned the construction of Prag Mahal, the palace’s first bricks were laid in 1865. It was designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins in the Italian Gothic style. His team constituted of a number of Italian artisans and their wages were paid in gold coins. It ultimately took 3.1 million rupees to get the work done and the palace stood in its fully glory in 1879. By then the regency has switched Khengarji III (Pragmalji II's son) following Pragmalji II's death in 1875. He employed the local Kutchi builder community under the guidance of Colonel Wilkins in the last phase of construction.
YATHRA NEWS by SHIMJITHYATHRA NEWS by SHIMJITH
10
It was built and designed as per the Italian Gothic style, and it was totally European influence inspired. Although it would be better described as a Romanesque architecture twist on the Indo-Saracenic Revival style, many Italian artisans were involved in its construction. The palace is made of Italian marble and sandstone from Rajasthan. The grand palace boasts of Gothic-style windows and Corinthian pillars around it. One can observe some intricate carvings done on the walls with beautiful art, along with exquisite jaali work on the jharokhas here. The main hall of the palace has many preserved skins of animals stuffed and mounted on walls in life like form while the Durbar hall has chandeliers and classical statues in it. The opulent Prag Mahal has the second tallest clock tower in the country, and one can get an amazing view of Bhuj city from the top. There is a small Hindu temple in the palace premises with nicely carved stonework. This palace has been restored and repaired after 2001 earthquake. It was severely damaged and got robbed. In Famous bollywood, film scens have been shot in this Palace. Timings differ from afternoon better it's to take sense from the ticket counter guy. For adults, they're charging 50 to visit.
Adv. Sanju NakhvaAdv. Sanju Nakhva
20
Prag Mahal Next door to the Aina Mahal, in the same walled compound, is the giant Prag Mahal, which may at first seem slightly out of place at the far western edge of India, looking more appropriate in France. But then again, globalization is not a new phenomenon. This is a palace commissioned by King Pragmalji in the 1860s, designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins in the Italian Gothic style and built in the middle of Bhuj next to the Aina Mahal. While little about it may seem Indian, there are elements; see if you can find them. In the courtyard behind the palace, there is a small Hindu temple with very nicely carved stonework; the caretaker is sometimes available for more information. Inside the palace, you can visit the main palace halls as well as climb stairs of the 45m bell tower for an exhilarating view of the city. After coming down (not before, for your own peace of mind!), check out the cracks between the stones in the wall, visible from the courtyard, caused by various earthquakes over the years. Then stop for a glass of fresh sugarcane juice on your way out of the compound.
Hitendra VankaniHitendra Vankani
00
We visited Pragmahal on 08 Nov 2022 which is a place of historical importance situated in Bhuj which was built in 1865 by Maharao Shri Pragmal (III) and was designed by Col Henry Saint Claire Wilkins in Neo-gothic style in the red stone and white marble. It is slightly in interior and narrow road. Google tries to take you through narrow streets therefore it would be better to ask guidance from some local person. On entrance there is a parking place with adequate parking for 10 - 15 cars. There is a entrance ticket for the palace amounting Rs 50 and camera fee of Rs 100 which is quite nominal. Palace is beautiful with 3 floors open for visitors. 1st floor is most interesting with big hall where entrance is allowed without shoes and displays various exhibits including personal items of the royal families. 2nd floor has various paintings and hall with various types of curved mirrors which is a fun part especially for family and kids. However, only issue is that there is no description for any of the rooms or exhibits and there is no guide to explain also.
Mayank NamdeoMayank Namdeo
00
Nearby Attractions Of Prag Mahal
Aaina Mahal Palace
Kutch Museum
Khengar Park
Shree Swaminarayan Prasadi Mandir
Ram Dhun Temple
Aaina Mahal Palace
4.2
(3.1K)Click for details
Kutch Museum
4.3
(2K)Click for details
Khengar Park
4.1
(268)Click for details
Shree Swaminarayan Prasadi Mandir
4.8
(162)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Prag Mahal
Nilam Hotel
Noorani Restaurant
"Anando Foods - Vegetarian Restaurant in Bhuj"
Park View Restaurant
Hotel Noorani Mahal
Sankalp Restaurant
Maharaja Pav Bhaji
Al Momin Restaurant
Pooja Dining Hall
Salman Tea
Nilam Hotel
4.3
(1.2K)Click for details
Noorani Restaurant
4.4
(822)$$
Click for details
"Anando Foods - Vegetarian Restaurant in Bhuj"
4.2
(1.2K)Click for details
Park View Restaurant
4.1
(507)Click for details
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Overview
4.2
(2.9K reviews)
Phone
+91 98257 11852
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Website
gujarattourism.com
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