A glittering palace

Kutch, being the largest district in Gujarat, encompasses a vast expanse of desert land. But it is not void of amazing places, marvels and experiences unique to the region. One such marvel exists near Kutch, glowing and shimmering like a gem.

Behold the Aina Mahal! This magnificent palace is a true masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture, constructed by Ram Singh Malam during the reign of Lakhpatji in the 18th century.

The Aina Mahal is one of the three palaces that lie in the walled complex of the old part of Bhuj, an hour and a half away from Kutch. Its story is as fascinating as its ornate architecture. This palace was designed and built by the legendary architect Ram Singh Malam, whose life was as colourful as the palace he created.

The elaborately mirrored interior showcases a fascination with all things European. It features blue-and-white Delphi-style tiling, a candelabra with Venetian-glass shades, and the Harding lithograph series "The Rake’s Progress", serving as an inverted mirror of European Orientalism. Hence, it is known as the 'Palace of Mirrors'. It is spread over two floors and features water bodies and fountains that create mesmerising patterns. You will find suites belonging to various members of the royal family, a Darbar Hall, and other fascinating architectural marvels.

A repository of Kutch’s historical treasures

Imagine a palace that once stood proudly with glittering glasses, antique clocks, and exotic tileworks. It was a place of grandeur, elegance, and beauty. However, a calamity struck in 2001 when an earthquake hit Bhuj and shook the palace to its core. The loss was tragic, and it left the palace in disrepair, a shadow of its former self. But there's good news! The palace is now recovered and renovated, and you can visit it safely once again.

As you enter the palace, you'll be greeted with a grand visual display of a giant chariot on display, a 14-foot-long painting on a single canvas, and a weighing machine from a bygone era, among other crafts. But the true magnificence of the palace awaits you in the main area or Darbar. Hanging from the ceiling are candle chandeliers that boast a mesmerising grandeur. An ivory throne is placed on an elevated platform, and a dented space surrounds it, which is filled with water to keep the place cool. On special occasions, the chandeliers are filled with coloured water, bringing the darbar to life with a vibrant display of colours.

There is a museum within the Aina Mahal, and it houses exhibits that will take you back in time. You'll see paintings, photographs, royal possessions, and the finest samples of Kutch embroidery. But the highlight of the collection is a 15 m long scroll that depicts the Royal Procession of Maharao Shri Pragmalji Bahadur.

Timings

Opening Time - 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM

03:00 PM to 06:00 PM

Discover more than Aina Mahal

Kutch is home to many architectural wonders that speak of its rich history. So, after your trip to Aina Mahal, visit other attractions like the iconic Vijay Vilas Palace in Mandvi, which stands as an impressive reminder of the region's royalty. Then, venture to the historic Bhujodi village, which features beautifully preserved huts that display traditional architectural styles. You can also swing by the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides shelter to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the endangered Indian Wild Ass. And make sure to visit the Rann Utsav between November and February, an immersive cultural festival that allows you to experience the heritage and customs of Kutch.

Visiting the Aina Mahal is like a journey through time, where you can witness the grandeur of the past. There are so many attractions to see that you can easily spend hours exploring the palace. If you're in Kutch, a visit to the Aina Mahal is an absolute must.