Rani Kamlapati Palace

Rani Kamlapati Palace is a historic palace located on the eastern bank of the Upper Lake (Bada Talab) at Kamla Park in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Built in 1722 by Gond queen Rani Kamlapati, it is an example of Gond architectural style with lakhauri bricks and cusped arches. Overlooking the lake and surrounded by gardens, the palace is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and is noted for its lakeside setting and historical association with the Gond dynasty.

Visitors can expect a small, restored lakeside palace situated on a raised platform overlooking the Upper Lake. The structure features Gond-style architecture with arched openings, lakhauri brickwork, and a courtyard. Surroundings include manicured gardens, a waterfront promenade, and views of the lake and Kamla Park bridge. Inside, visitors can see restored halls and interpretive displays about the palace history. The site is compact and primarily for sightseeing, photography, and leisurely walks along the lake edge.

The palace was built in 1722 by Rani Kamlapati, the Gond queen and widow of Nizam Shah, chief of Ginnorgarh. It served as her residence and is one of the few surviving examples of Gond architecture in Bhopal. The palace is associated with the early 18th-century history of the region before the establishment of Bhopal State by Dost Mohammad Khan. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

The palace represents Gond cultural heritage and architectural traditions in central India, characterized by lakhauri bricks, arches and lakeside planning. It is a significant landmark for understanding the pre-Bhopal Gond period and is valued as a cultural and heritage attraction overlooking the Upper Lake, which is central to Bhopal's identity.