About Balaram Palace
Balaram Palace is a magnificent heritage property situated in the Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary area, approximately 40 km from Ambaji and 10 km from Palanpur. Built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, the palace is set amidst 111 acres of lush gardens at the foothills of the Aravalli range.
The palace was originally the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Palanpur and was later converted into a heritage resort by Gujarat Tourism. With its cream-coloured facade, arched windows, manicured lawns, and a sparkling swimming pool, it offers a perfect blend of royal heritage and modern comfort.
Architecture & History
The palace showcases a beautiful fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Key architectural highlights include:
- Grand Facade: The cream-coloured exterior with arched verandahs and intricate jali work.
- Durbar Hall: A majestic hall with chandeliers, period furniture, and royal memorabilia.
- Gardens: 111 acres of manicured Mughal-style gardens with fountains, flowerbeds, and ancient trees.
- Swimming Pool: A large sparkling pool set against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills.
Accommodation & Amenities
The palace offers 20 well-appointed rooms and suites, each tastefully decorated with period furniture, four-poster beds, and modern amenities. Categories include:
- Standard Rooms: Comfortable rooms with palace views.
- Deluxe Rooms: Larger rooms with garden or pool views.
- Suites: Spacious suites with separate living areas and royal decor.
Amenities include a multi-cuisine restaurant serving Gujarati, Indian, and Continental cuisine, a bar, outdoor swimming pool, garden areas, and conference facilities.
Things to Do at Balaram Palace
- Nature Walks: Guided walks through the palace gardens and surrounding forest.
- Swimming: Relax by the pool with hill views.
- Birdwatching: The palace grounds are excellent for birding with over 100 species recorded.
- Visit Balaram Mahadev Temple: The ancient Shiva temple is just 1 km away.
- Explore Jessore Sanctuary: The sanctuary entrance is 5 km from the palace.
- Heritage Tours: Explore Palanpur's Nawabi heritage and the Jorawar Palace.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March: Ideal weather for outdoor activities.
- Monsoon (July-September): The gardens are at their most lush and vibrant.
- Summer (April-June): The pool and cool palace interiors offer respite from the heat.
How to Reach
By Road: Balaram Palace is located on the Palanpur-Ambaji road, about 10 km from Palanpur and 40 km from Ambaji.
By Rail: Palanpur Junction (12 km) is the nearest station.
By Air: Ahmedabad Airport (~170 km).
Nearby Attractions
- Balaram Mahadev Temple (1 km) — Ancient Shiva temple by the river
- Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary (5 km) — Wildlife sanctuary
- Kedarnath Mahadev Temple (6 km) — Forest temple within sanctuary
- Ambaji Temple (40 km) — The main Shakti Peetha
