Information on Padam Palace (Shimla, Himachal Pradesh) - History & Architecture

The Padam Palace which is also known as the Rampur Palace is one of the renowned historical structures in the Shimla District of Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is specifically located in the Rampur regions of the state. It was once used as the residence by Raja Padam Dev Singh on whom the name of the palace was kept.

Padam Palace Architecture

Architecturally, the monument is seen as one of the most beautiful in Himachal Pradesh. The Padam palace is model significant craftsmanship as well as architecture. Notably, the monument depicts a unique mixture of Indian and European architectural work. It has been analysed that the palace has extensive work of wood in its various sections. The ambience that has been maintained in the palace over the years is quite calm and in the presence of gardens and orchards within the surrounding of the palace enhanced it beauty to a much higher spectrum. The designs within the palace are quite interesting owing to the vacant spaces for porticos and galleries which are again quite rarely seen in other monuments of Himachal Pradesh. The interior design of the fort also depicts colonial designs especially in context to the conical roof of the rooms. This adds to the stunning beauty of the monument. The entire palace is tinted in white following the colonial form. Within the interior of the palace there is extensive glasswork of different textures along with incredible woodwork. However, the rooms used by Maharaja Virbhadra Singh were made entirely with wood as the base. There is library inside the palace which is still being used. The portraits of the royal family are placed in the walls of the palace. The woodwork inside the palace is credited to Munish and Dhamreda.

Padam Palace History

Historical records suggest that the palace was built in the year 1917 by raja Padam singh. Notably, situated in the river banks of Sutlej, the palace is positioned at a distance of 125 from the hill station Shimla. The palace once served as the winter capital of the ruler Bushair in the period when India was considered as the land of the princely state. The palace is well preserved till the recent time. The construction of the Padam palace was started in the year 1919 and completed for full utilization by the year 1925. The completion of the palace was ensured under the supervision of Bir Chand Shukla who was the Chief Engineer of the project. This two storey monument has witnessed many celebrations of the royal families that used it as residence. During the celebrations, the members of the royal family used to seat on the lawn of the monument and address the people of the kingdom.

Padam Palace Tourism Importance

The palace i.e. Himachal Pradesh being the most visited tourist destination in India becomes a major advantage for the Padam Palace. The architectural and historical importance of the palace attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. Notably, since the palace is well preserved over the years, it certainly provides more to the tourists. Again the amalgamation of the Indian and British infrastructural design of the palace makes the palace a visual treat for the tourists. Furthermore, the place is also conveniently reachable for people via roadways. The tourist can visit the palace and place throughout the years with the summer time being the most appropriate. Overall, the palace can be seen as a major tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh.