Various things keep pushing me regularly to visit the Marghazar Valley in Swat, Mount Elum, the gorgeous emerald landscape, the sublime environment, its historical background, and above all, the White Palace of the current era in its lap.
Swat white palace is located about 13 kilometres southward of Saidu Sharif; the magnificent royal building of the White Palace sits among the lush greenery of the narrow valley of Marghazar, in wait to shower a magical spell over visitors as soon they take their first step into its grand lawn.
Seeing the spectacular landscape, it is a minute surprise that the first ruler of the modern-day Swat state, Abdul Wadood, decided in 1935 to craft a royal summer destination here.
The white marbles for this building were fetched from the Jaipur marble quarry in India, the same quarry from which the Taj Mahal’s marble was utilized.
According to Miangul Shehryar Amir Zeb, who stands as the grandson of Miangul Jahanzeb (the last ruler of Swat), Miangul Abdul Wadood Badshah Sahab paid a visit to Rajasthan in India and was stunned by the white marble used for the palace of the Maharaja of Rajasthan.
“Abdul Wadood Sahab was so impressed by the white sparkling marble that he fetched it from Jaipur in India on his return to Swat,” he said.
“It was the first structure in the whole region constructed on Victorian architecture. It has a multilayered roof, starting from a bronze layer to the wooden layer of deodar tree, lime layer, mid-layer, and again a deodar layer with an iron layer to the outer top.”
The bronze used in the upper ceiling was taken from Belgium, and its artisans were from the Empire of Turkey. The ceiling fans and electrical equipment were imported from the British Empire, and they’re all still getting along well.
It was initially named Swati Taj Mahal, then Moti Mahal, but nowadays it is quoted as Sufaid Mahal.
Flora and fauna are well taken care of, which adds to the palace’s beauty and curves. Currently, the palace is run as a hotel, and a large number of visitors come only because of its breathtaking architecture and ancient background.
One of the halls of the White Palace houses large collections of ancient photos, including those of Miangul Abdul Wadood and Miangul Jahanzeb Abdul Haq, the last rulers of the modern state, and Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Swat.
This palace is a national heritage that should be preserved, but our government is not paying attention to it. The lack of interest damages the palace, and various historical items are at risk of being lost at the helm. This palace has the potential to become one of the most visited places in Pakistan as visitors come in winter as well as summer.
The Writer, CEO & Founder of Pakistantourntravel.com is a passionate traveler with a deep love for exploring the breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems of Northern Pakistan. From the majestic mountains to the vibrant cultures, he takes great delight in immersing himself in the rich experiences and sharing captivating tales from his journeys. You can catch him as he unravels the wonders of this enchanting Pakistan and inspires fellow adventurers to embark on their own unforgettable expeditions. Connect with him @ [email protected]
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