# Dilapidated Okha Rani Palace in Achalgarh Fort Faces Decay as Historic Heritage Withers Away > Situated near Mandakini Kund in Sirohi's Mount Abu, the two-storey fortress palace built by Maharana Kumbha for Queen Okha is crumbling amid a lack of maintenance. **Type:** article · **Category:** Rajasthan · **Published:** 2026-10-31 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/achalgarh-durga-men-khndahara-bana-raha-okha-rani-ka-mahala-upeksha-ke-chalate-mita-rahi-sadiyon-purani-pahachana-54004 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Mount Abu, Achalgarh, Okha Rani Palace, Maharana Kumbha, Sirohi, Rajasthan Tourism, Historic Heritage Mount Abu in Rajasthan's Sirohi district houses several historic treasures within its famed Achalgarh zone. While many travellers readily recognise the main fort, an inner sanctuary known as Okha Rani Palace is gradually disintegrating under neglect. Once considered the safest refuge in the entire fortification, this two-storey royal quarter is now struggling for survival as structural decay sets in. ## Reconstruction Under the Mewar Ruler Following historical assaults that ruined the original fort at Achalgarh, Mewar ruler Maharana Kumbha secured victory here in the year 1452 and commissioned a comprehensive reconstruction of the entire defensive complex. During this rebuilding effort, separate quarters were carefully laid out for the king and his queen. It was under this master plan that Maharana Kumbha established an exclusive residential palace specifically for Queen Okha. ## Crumbling Remains Beside Mandakini Kund Constructed in the foothills near the Mandakini Kund amid verdant mountain surroundings, this multi-level masonry structure has deteriorated significantly over time. Deprived of regular upkeep, a portion of the two-storey building collapsed a few years ago. Despite the advanced state of ruin, visitors can still observe massive heritage brickwork, traditional windows, and ornate stone balconies that echo the craftsmanship of a bygone era. ## Elevated Refuge Known as Okha Rani Ka Nohra Speaking about the layout, tourist guide Deepak Singh explained that the structure was deliberately situated in the highest and most secure precinct of the fort complex. Locally referred to as 'Okha Rani Ka Nohra', the palace commanded sweeping views of lush greenery and nearby water bodies. Passing centuries have reduced much of the complex into ruins, yet the durable masonry still recalls the strength of medieval engineering. Travellers wishing to visit must navigate through the historic Hanuman Pol and Champa Pol gateways. ## Lack of Directional Signage Keeps Tourists Away For visitors exploring Achalgarh, these quiet ruins offer rare insight into the everyday existence of medieval royal households. Nevertheless, very few travellers manage to reach the palace because most lack proper guidance regarding the access route. Despite being missed by mainstream tourist crowds, the structure continues to reflect elegant architectural planning and enduring structural strength. ## What this means for you This neglected historical site in Achalgarh presents practical considerations for travellers and heritage enthusiasts visiting Mount Abu. - **In Rajasthan:** Visitors touring Sirohi and Mount Abu can discover an overlooked segment of Mewar architecture by venturing beyond the main fort ruins. Explorers should identify access points through Hanuman Pol and Champa Pol to reach the secluded site safely. - **For Tourists:** Lack of route awareness means casual travellers might miss this spot entirely without prior planning. Those keen on seeing the palace should inquire locally before trekking toward the Mandakini Kund foothills. - **Heritage Value:** With sections of the two-storey complex having already collapsed, the physical structure poses potential hazards and highlights urgent conservation needs. Visitors need to exercise caution while examining the crumbling masonry walls and exposed balconies. - **Local Guidance:** The absence of prominent trail markers makes reliance on local tourist guides almost essential. Engaging a knowledgeable guide helps visitors navigate the rugged uphill pathways without getting lost. ## Why this happened The creation and current state of the Okha Rani Palace stem from medieval military rebuilding followed by prolonged contemporary neglect. - **Post-War Reconstruction:** Following enemy attacks that flattened the original fortress, Mewar ruler Maharana Kumbha recaptured the site in 1452 and undertook massive rebuilding. He commissioned this designated residential complex specifically to house Queen Okha in a private enclave. - **Defensive Fortification Strategy:** Builders selected the highest and most secure parcel of the terrain to establish the queen's quarters. This elevated location beside Mandakini Kund offered both strategic protection and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. - **Decades of Maintenance Neglect:** The structure gradually deteriorated because no sustained conservation measures were implemented after the fort ceased serving as a royal seat. Weathering and administrative abandonment eventually caused a significant section of the two-storey masonry building to collapse a few years ago. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. Where is the Okha Rani Palace located? The palace is located near Mandakini Kund in the Achalgarh fort area of Mount Abu in Rajasthan's Sirohi district. ### 2. Who built the palace and in which year? Mewar ruler Maharana Kumbha built the palace in the year 1452 following his victory at Achalgarh. ### 3. What is the local name for this palace complex? Locally, the two-storey historical structure is also known as 'Okha Rani Ka Nohra'. ### 4. Which gates lead visitors to the palace ruins? Visitors can reach the historic site by passing through the Hanuman Pol and Champa Pol gates of the fort. ### 5. Why do very few tourists visit this historic structure? Very few tourists reach the site because most travellers are unaware of the route leading to it. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._