Mubarak Mandi Palace, is a grand structure that has stood the test of time for over 150 years. And by “test of time,” we mean surviving more than 36 fires and earthquakes in the 1980s and 2005. This palace is a real survivor, folks.
Located just a stone’s throw away from Jammu Airport and Bus Stand, the Mubarak Mandi Palace is an imposing sight to cheer. With its mix of Rajasthani, Mughal, and European influences, this palace is like the United Nations of architecture.
Inside the palace, you’ll find the Pink Hall, which has been converted into the Government Dogra Art Museum. Trust us when we say this is one of the richest museums in the country. It’s filled with precious Dogra art, coins, jewelry, oil paintings, portraits, manuscripts, and even Emperor Shah Jahan’s gold plated bow and arrow. We’re not sure if it still works, but it’s still pretty impressive.
But that’s not all folks. The palace complex includes the Darbar Hall Complex, Royal Courts buildings, Nawa Mahal, Rani Charak Palace, Hawa Mahal, and even a building called the Toshakhana palace. And if you’re feeling particularly fancy, you can visit the Sheesh Mahal, which is made entirely of glass. Yes, you heard that right, an entire palace made of glass.
But don’t get too excited just yet. While some parts of the palace have been turned into government offices and courts, other parts are in ruins. The Gol Ghar Complex, for example, was gutted down in the mid-1980s due to an earthquake, leaving it in ruins. But hey, it’s not every day you get to see a real-life palace ruin.
All in all, the Mubarak Mandi Palace is a must-visit tourist attraction in Jammu. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a proposed rope way that will take you from the palace to the Bahu Fort.