The Ram Bagh Palace

The Ram Bagh Palace is a historic structure in Amritsar that once served as a summer residence for Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The complex includes a two-story red sandstone building with a basement, surrounded by a Mughal-style garden with wide paths, old trees, and several smaller structures such as the Macchi Ghar and the Baradari.

The palace was built in 1818 and served as the summer residence of the founder of the Sikh Empire. After British takeover in 1849, it was renamed Company Bagh and used as an administrative building and military site.

The palace was a place where the Maharaja received guests and displayed his power. The original Mughal garden with its four sections served as a retreat where treasures and artworks reflected the sophistication of the court.

The building is accessible to most visitors and is often visited by school groups, history enthusiasts, and tourists. The best time to visit is in the morning when the complex is less crowded and feels more relaxed.

A memorable moment in history was in 1838 when the Maharaja led the Governor General of India through the palace in a grand procession with elephants and horses, ending at the temple. Today the complex struggles with neglect, and portions have been leased to clubs, while restoration efforts have stalled for years.