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A number of
Chhatisgarh's 16 districts were
formerly princely states,
leaving a legacy of picturesque
palaces. Come, get a taste of
royal hospitality and a peek
into the privileged lifestyle of
a bygone age.
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 Palace
Kawardha, Kawardha
Kawardha is the
natural entry point
for visitors coming
from Madhya Pradesh
(Kanha or Pench).
This stunning 20 th
century palace, made
of Italian marble
and stone, was b
uilt in the 1930's
by Maharaj Dharamraj
Singh. An isolated,
tranquil retreat set
in landscaped
gardens amidst the
Maikal range of
hills, it is still
home to the Royal
family (and their
dogs!). The current
prince and his wife
take an active
interest in running
the property, and
are glad to take
visitors out on
walks and visits to
the local temple.
The elegant building
is a mix of Italian,
Mughal and colonial
styles of
architecture. Inside
are grand staircases
and sweeping
verandahs perfect
for reading,
relaxing or having a
quiet cup of tea.
The main Durbar
Hall, a magnificent
domed room with
Corinthian pillars,
is open to all. The
top floor, private
residence of the
royal family, is out
of bounds to guests.
Accomodation is in
the form of 6
spacious (twin)
rooms with very high
ceilings and cool
marble floors. The
rooms retain the
original,
traditional
furnishings, and
have large attached
bathrooms, with
running hot and cold
water. Some rooms
have large dressing
rooms that can
accommodate extra
beds.
Cuisine (both
vegetarian and non
vegetarian) served
is local (breakfasts
are western). Meals
are usually in the
large dining room,
but can also be
arranged in other
areas if so desired.
Before dinner,
everyone gathers for
drinks in the bar,
which has a zebra
striped marble
floor. Beer and all
forms of alcoholic
drinks are
available.
While you are here,
do try the day walks
or an overnight
trek, and don't
forget to visit one
of the tribal
villages nearby. The
Rashakrishna and
Bhoremdeo group of
temples nearby,
dating back to the 8
th and 9 th
centuries, are in
the Chandela and
Orissan styles.
Interestingly, the
carvings here make
Khajuraho's erotic
carvings seem tame!
The palace is open
from 1 September to
30 April.
Recommended stay
Minimum 3 nights 2
days, one for
walking and one for
visiting temples. |
 Kanker
Palace
This small (3 guest
bedrooms) palace was
originally the
Resident's House in
the British Raj, but
is now the Royal
Family's main
residence. Opened
just a few years
ago, it is cosy and
personal. The family
that runs it will be
delighted to show
you around their
farm and the town,
or take you walking
in the surrounding
Keshkal Hills. E
very one eats
together in the main
dining room.
The bedrooms are
large and spacious,
with high ceilings
and attached
bathrooms and
dressing rooms. No
bathtubs, though -
only showers! The
rooms are furnished
in the local style,
using original
palace furniture.
While you are here,
go walking in the
Muria tribal
territory or drive
out to the Dudhawa
Reservoir at
Sikanadi where the
avi fauna is good
and the views stun.
Visit the potters
and bell-metal
makers at Kondagaon
in Bastar.
The palace is open
from 1 September to
30 April. There is a
colorful local
festival every year,
and this is the
perfect time to
visit. |
 Bastar
Palace
Believe it or not,
you can walk right
off the street and
into this 70 year
old palace, situated
at one end of the
main street. The
erstwhile Royal
Family still resides
in one part, while
another is being
used as a medical
college. Currently,
there are no
residential
facilities here, but
lunch can be
arranged. There is a
weekly haat (market)
here on Sundays. |
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