The White Palace in Swat, constructed in 1940 by the first ruler of Swat, Miangul Abdul Wadud (known as Badshah Sahib), is located in the small town of Marghazar, approximately 13 kilometers from Saidu Sharif. The palace received its name due to its white marble construction. Today, it operates as a hotel. Serving as the summer residence for the Wali of Swat, Miangul Jehanzeb, the White Palace is situated at an elevation of 7,000 feet on Marghazar Hill. Eventually, it was transformed into a tourist destination. The stunning landscape inspired King Miangul Abdul Wadud in 1935 to create a summer retreat in this location.
The King sourced marble from Agra, bronze from Belgium, and brought in craftsmen from Turkey to design and build the palace, which was finished in 1941. Initially named Swati Taj Mahal, it was later referred to as Motti Mahal and is presently known as Sufed Mahal (White Palace). The area around the palace was enhanced with selected plant and animal species, turning it into both a mini zoo and a small botanical garden. The palace features 24 spacious and beautifully decorated rooms, along with the Royal Suite (the former King’s bedroom), where Elizabeth II (Queen of England) and Prince Philip (Duke of Edinburgh) spent three days in 1961.
There are two large conference halls where King Abdul Wadood held his cabinet meetings. The King’s lobby offers a lovely view of the garden lawn, while to the right is the king’s veranda, which overlooks a meandering stream. On the left side of the palace lies the Lord’s Block, consisting of six rooms for the ministers and advisors. Above this area is the eight-roomed Prince Block, nestled among trees and shrubs. Ascending further stairs leads to the twelve-roomed Queen’s Block. King Abdul Wadood, having two wives, designed this block so that each wife received three rooms, three servant rooms, and a private lawn.
The counterpart area of the second wife mirrors that of the first. In front of their lawns, there is a single balcony furnished with marble benches and a table adorned with grape engravings. The Palace is not only stunning in summer; it also remains captivating during winter, particularly after snowfall. Similarly, consider visiting Swat’s White Palace: made from the same stone as the Taj Mahal.
