Khaplu Palace (Yabgo Khar)

Khaplu Palace is situated on the right bank of Gangchhey Nullah (water channel) under the shadow of Thorsi Khar in south of Khaplu town in the settlement called Doqsa (high land). The fort palace is a fusion of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Mughal architecture. This fort is built by Raja Daulat Ali Khan in 1840 CE. The present fort is constructed over numerous phases, made of woods, stones and all internal and external walls were finished with mud plasters. It consists of a simple internal posts and beam construction with walls built as separate panels and reinforced with timber cribbage. It is a complex of monuments and gardens. Upon looking the palace from the front side (Chhawni), first thing once notices are the three storey jharokha-a timber balcony, which rises to the full height of the front facade. The main gate (Stagho), leads to an open corridor between the two buildings. This corridor is called wankoo, is a Kashmiri feature. On both sides of the corridor and both sides of the gates platforms are found, which are erected for Shahi guards. The first floor of the palace-the balcony is the main entrance, the second floor is a terrace and third floor is a living room known as the Chhogho Jharokha. The rooms arranged in a rectangular grid around a central courtyard, which contain two grain stores. Surrounding the courtyard, the rooms include accommodation for the royal family, kitchen and storage. Darbar is located as a higher elevation on the right-hand side of the palace complex. This building is constructed in 1905, overlooks the chhaoni and was originally used for gatherings of the court and as a guest house. The chhauni has been used as ceremonial space for large gatherings where the raja would preside over celebrations and hold court. On the left is the lower Ra Tsar (garden), which is a fruit and flower garden. It once, contained a cottage, which was home to the English daughter in-law of Raja Nasir Ali Khan. The additional gardens are located in the front and the back of the Darbar (royal court). The first garden Chaman Tsar, the second garden is the Darbar Tsar. Darbar Tsar has a water channel running across it that is fed from a local spring. Now the palace of Khaplu is converted into an Ethnological Museum and Serina lodge, heaven on earth and one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the world.