Hari Niwas Palace is a former royal residence located in Jammu, in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Built by the Dogra rulers of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, it stands among the heritage palaces associated with the Jamwal Rajput dynasty and is today operated as a heritage hotel.
| Type | Palace / Heritage hotel |
|---|---|
| Location | Jammu |
| Region | Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Built by | Dogra dynasty |
| Current use | Heritage hotel |
The palace is set on an elevated plateau in northern Jammu, offering views of the surrounding hills and the Tawi river valley. It was constructed during the Dogra period as a residence for the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir. The Dogra rulers, who governed the state from 1846 until its accession to the Dominion of India in 1947, built several palaces in and around Jammu, including the Amar Mahal Palace and the Mubarak Mandi complex, of which Hari Niwas is part of the broader heritage of royal architecture in the city.
The palace combines elements typical of Dogra royal construction, with extensive lawns, terraces, and reception halls. Its hilltop setting and open layout were intended to take advantage of the cooler climate of the elevated grounds in northern Jammu.
In later decades, Hari Niwas Palace was converted into a heritage hotel, opening parts of the property to guests while retaining elements of its historic decor and royal character. It is used for accommodation, banquets, weddings, and conferences, and forms part of Jammu's heritage tourism circuit.
As one of the surviving palaces of the Dogra dynasty, Hari Niwas contributes to the cultural and architectural heritage of Jammu. Along with related Dogra-era structures, it is a reference point for understanding the residential and ceremonial architecture of the former princely state.