Dholpur: Palace History, Towers and Temple Architecture

Dholpur can be explored through buildings with different forms and stories: a palace combines Mughal and Rajput architecture, a tower has two names and a construction history spanning several decades, and a royal stepwell adds another historical feature. If you are planning a stay, these distinctions can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Palace History and Royal Architecture

Dholpur City Palace, also known as Raj Niwas Palace, was originally built by the rulers of Dholpur in the early 19th century. Its architecture combines Mughal and Rajput styles. Stately domes, richly carved pillars and spacious courtyards define the building. The interiors feature antique furniture, historical photographs and royal artefacts associated with the rulers of Dholpur.

In the wider Dhaulpur destination, Dholpur City Palace was once the residence of the royal family and was built from red sandstone. Dholpur’s red sandstone is also connected to a well-known landmark outside the destination: it was used in the construction of the Red Fort in Delhi. The palace thus brings together local royal history and a distinctive building material.

Tower, Stepwell and Temples

Nihal Tower on Town Hall Road is also locally known as Ghanta Ghar. Raja Nihal Singh began its construction in 1880; Raja Ram Singh completed it around 1910. Its interiors are decorated with paintings, royal insignia and antique artefacts that offer insights into the lifestyle and traditions of Dholpur’s former rulers.

Dholpur’s royal stepwell, the Baori, was built between 1873 and 1880 behind the Nihaleshwar Temple in the city. The Chopra Shiv Temple in Dholpur also dates from the 19th century. In the wider Dhaulpur destination, the Chopra Shiv Temple is considered one of Dholpur’s oldest Shiva temples. The buildings therefore highlight different aspects: the palace’s architecture and interior furnishings, the tower’s construction history, and another historic building form in the stepwell.

More Places in the Wider Dhaulpur Destination

In the wider Dhaulpur destination, Shergarh Fort features carved depictions, statues of Hindu deities and Jain motifs. Sher Shikhar Gurudwara near Machkund in Dholpur was established following a visit by Guru Hargobind Sahib. In the village of Jhor, five kilometres from Dholpur, lies Bagh-e-Nilofar, considered the oldest Mughal garden; little of the original grounds remains.

Nature and events are also among the region’s attractions: Machkund in Dholpur hosts a sound-and-light show with 3-D projection mapping. Damoh is a waterfall in Sarmathura and is considered a major tourist attraction in the district. Ramsagar Sanctuary is home to rare fish, crocodiles and water snakes. These places offer different points of interest from Dholpur’s historic architecture.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

In the wider Dhaulpur destination, Dholpur Junction railway station connects Dholpur with major cities across India. Regular bus services also connect Dholpur with other major Indian cities, and vice versa. For specific travel dates, you can check suitable connections and timetables.

When looking for a holiday rental in Dholpur, it helps to first decide what to focus on in your itinerary. If you want to include other places in the wider Dhaulpur destination, factor them into your plans and compare the relevant connections before choosing where to stay.

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