Taragarh Palace, Palampur | Timings, Hotels, History & Images

Taragarh Palace, Kangra Overview

Spread over a 15-acre forested land with surrounding tea gardens in the Kangra Valley, Taragarh Palace falls into the category of the most beautiful yet unexplored areas of Himachal Pradesh. The glorious palace is situated at the height of 1000 meters at the foot of the Dhauladhar Mountains from where one is likely to get a splendid view of the peaks covered in snow. This picturesque residential property snuggled in the Himalayan foothills belongs to the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier known as Alhilal meaning the land of the crescent moon, the palace was bought by the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir in 1951. The present royal family runs it like a hotel at present.

The personal summer residence of the Nawab of Bahawalpur, this palace was constructed in the European-style of architecture with greenery all over in the form of gardens along with a glass pavilion and a mosque. Its name was later changed to Taragarh after the wife of Hari Singh of Kashmir Maharani Tara Devi took over the property in 1950. It was converted into a hotel in 1971 by the son of Maharani Tara Devi. True to its name, the place is exactly like a palace with the latest facilities which are going to comfort you and help you completely unwind. The hotel showcases a lot of portraits of the Dogra Royal Family, and the architecture consists mostly of Italian Marble, chandeliers and tiger skins. There is a pool and tennis courts for recreation and a restaurant which serves lavish buffet among other state-of-the-art facilities.

History of Taragarh Palace

After the Nawab decided to get settled in Pakistan, the vast property went to the government of Punjab. The Punjab government was approached by Maharani Tara Devi of Kashmir (who was raised in the Kangra Valley) for the evacuated property and took over the palace in 1950. The glass exhibition area was converted into a temple and was renamed Taragarh. The Maharani moved between her place in Jammu and Taragarh. Dr Karan Singh, who is the only son of Maharani Tara Devi, decided to convert this palace into a European-style hotel in 1971.

Architecture of Taragarh Palace

The interior of the palace is beautifully adorned with some family photographs as well as other artefacts. You will come across pictures of Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir, Maharani Tara Devi, and Dr Karan Singh of when he was a small boy. It is incredible to re-live the precious moments of the family on the walls. The heritage furniture, old flower-vases, and family heirlooms add to the royal look of the place. The movie Lal Bangla of Jugal Kishore was shot here. It is an attractive blend of beauty and royalty and a fantastic summer resort.

Accommodation at Taragarh Palace Hotel

The Taragarh Palace offers 26 comfortable and luxurious accommodations. The facilities combined with the grace of the place make it a must-stay place for the tourists.

Suite
There are 8 suites in the Taragarh Hotel. Offering the latest technologies along with elegance and a good taste, these suites provide beautiful views of the lush green gardens and hills. All the fittings and furnishings are designed quite well, are very easy to use and are of the latest taste.

Super Deluxe Room
Around 10 super deluxe rooms with comfort and royal elegance are offered to the tourists where one can comfortably relax. The rooms have elegant designs and provide a panoramic view of the hills. One can unwind in the serenity of the place with the up-to-the-minute technology on your fingertips.

Deluxe Rooms
8 Deluxe rooms are situated amidst the soothing atmosphere carrying warm colours. The comfortable furnishings are going to offer a lot of comfort to the guests. These rooms are a mixture of contemporary luxuries combined with a classy architecture. Guests never forget the pleasant stay here.

Outdoor Experiences Provided By Taragarh Palace Hotel

Bir Billing
In this, you are going to take off from the beautiful mountaintop and glide in the sky rising above the Dhauladhar mountains. This experience is going to give you a high like no other while you experience flight with the Himalaya in your backdrop.

The timing of the activity is between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The cost for the same is INR 4500 per person along with a guided tour of Bir and paragliding along with lunch and transportation.

Tashijong and Sherabling Monastery
You are going to experience the mountains in an open jeep along with long walks in the forest. You will come across waterfalls, old temples, tea gardens with the exquisite Dhauladhar range at the height of 6100 feet.

It costs INR 2600 per person.

Mountain Top Jeep and Picnic Lunch
Sherabling Monastery lies in the foothills of the Kangra Valley. A walk through the pine forest with Buddhist prayer flags on the sides of the road will take you to Gompa. There are shrine halls, a school, a museum, an exhibition hall, and a dispensary all situated inside the pine forest. It appears to be a different world amidst the peaceful nature where youth, cheerful kids, and old people seem to be celebrating life.

The duration of the jeep ride is 2-3 hours.
The cost is INR 2500 per trip per vehicle.

These outdoor experiences are provided by the hotel on prior booking and information.

Best Time To Visit Taragarh Palace

The perfect time to visit the Taragarh Palace is from September to June when the temperature is comfortable and enjoyable. This is the time which is preferred by trekkers and is ideal for outings, visiting the surrounding temples, and sightseeing. Avoid visiting the place in January as the temperature during this time drop down and result in intolerably cold climate.

How To Reach Taragarh Palace

The palace can be reached easily by hiring a taxi or an auto rickshaw. Local buses also ply in Kangra every 10-15 minutes which can be availed to reach the Taragarh Palace.