PALACE KAWARDHA
A variety of unique experiences...
KAWARDHA AND IT'S PALACE
Unlike the better known attractions of Delhi
Bombay
Calcutta or Madras
Kawardha's unique magic lies in its unexpected tranquility
beauty and isolation from India's well-troddden paths. This peaceful town
overlooked by
the MAIKAL hill range
is in the heartland state of Madhya Pradesh. Of all India's many
jewels
Kawardha is truly a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery and fascinating
reminders of India's cultural heritage. PALACE KAWARDHA was designed and built by Maharaja
Dharamraj Singh in the period 1936-39. This inspiring monument to the past was created
using Italian marble and stone
and is set in eleven acres of private lush gardens. The
magnificence of the domed and filigreed DURBAR HALL
along with the marble staircases and
elegant sweeping verandahs
(which surround all the suites) and the high ceilinged
lounges
are reminiscent of bygone eras. The main entrance to the palace grounds is known
as the HAATHI DARWARJA (Elephant Gate). In former times this was the scene of stately
processions of the Maharajas riding in splendor on bejewelled elephants. 
In those days there were only a fortunate few who were able to share in and experience the
lifestyles of the Maharajas. Now
however
the family has been persuaded to share their
beautiful home with guests
so that you too can enjoy the history
beauty
excitement and
tranquillity of their veritable paradise. The accommodation provides tradit
ional elegance
of the highest standard
along with western style facilities. The family
headed by
Maharaja Vishwaraj Singh and Maharani Shashi Prabha Devi
have traced their family
ancestry through the last forty-five generations. The family are more than happy to
discuss their history
and that of the region
with guests.
KAWARDHA TOWN AND ITS ENVIRONS
Among the many places of interest in Kawardha
is the RADHA KRISHNA TEMPLE. This family temple was built by the present Maharajas
forebear
Raja Ujiyar Singh
180 years ago. The underground rooms where the Sadhus
practised their special ceremonies of ritualistic asceticism can still be seen. While a
walk around the adjacent Ujiyar Sagar (Holy water tank)
provides many different and
interesting views of the temple
as well as an insight into the everyday activities of the
people.
The other temples that can be visited during your stay include BHOREMDEO
MANDWA MAHAL and
the MADAN MANJARI MAHAL. All three date from the 11th century and can be found twenty
minutes north of Kawardha. Both BHOREMDEO and MANDWA MAHAL are decorated with exquisite
stone carvings illustrating many of the favored Deities involved in religious activities.
Visions of beauty
tenderness and nature are combined with baffling eroticism
(comparable
to those of the KHAJURAHO temples)
and violent war like encounters. BHOREMDEO temple was
erected next to the PUSHPA SAROVAR (lake)
where beautiful Paradise Fly-Catcher birds can
be spotted among the trees and bushes.
Equally fascinating are the TOLAS (settlements) of
the BAIGA tribal folk. The Baigas adhere rigidly to a simple and primitive lifestyle and
live alongside nature in the heart of the remote forested areas. They are a gentle
peace-loving people who make even the slightest incident a cause for celebration. It is a
privilege to witness their delightful fire-lit tribal dances
and particularly exciting if
you are invited to participate in their colorful gaiety. For those of you who wish to
explore the natural beauty of the area
Yuvraj Yogeshwar Raj Singh
has carefully planned
a number of TREKS of varying ease and duration. The treks incorporate the pleasures of
stumbling across temple ruins
crossing bubbling streams and climbing the hills to see
breathtaking views of the valleys below. The flora and fauna in this region are
particularly colourful
and provide wonderful examples of nature in its purest form.
OTHER PLACES OF INTERESTS
The LOHARA BAVLI is about 20 kms to the southwest of Kawardha. The well was built 120 years ago by Baijnath Singh a member of a branch of the ruling Kawardha family. The unusual feature of this well is the presence of chambers within the interior walls. These rooms were built to provide relief to the ruling family from the scorching mid-summer temperatures before the arrival of the long awaited monsoon.
The SARODA RESERVOIR covers 500 acres of lowland and is about 12 kms from the palace. Here you can swim wander along the shore or try your hand at fishing from small boats. Alternatively it is a wonderfully peaceful place to simply sit and read or contemplate your surroundings for a while. The sunsets here are beautiful and capturing one on film to take home is quite inspiring. For the more adventurous walkers among you the treks can commence and finish at this beauty spot.
KANHA NATIONAL PARK is approximately 3 hours away from Kawardha by road which takes you through some of the finest examples of SAL forests in India. Here the fortunate may glimpse the majestic . Indian Tigers in their natural habitat along with leopards many species of deer monkeys the sloth bear colourful and rare birds and many other jungle dwelling creatures. Accommodation and transportation for Kanha can be arranged by the family if guests would like to visit the jungles of central India during their stay here. Prior notice is needed though for the special camps.
HOW TO JOIN US
BY AIR The nearest domestic airport is RAIPUR (M.P) which has daily flights to and from Delhi Bombay and Calcutta. Carriers servicing this route include Indian Airlines
BY RAIL The overnight MAIL and EXPRESS trains from Delhi Bombay Calcutta and Madras traverse the Indian subcontinent on a daily basis. You can alight from the trains at either Raipur or Bilaspur railway station.
BY ROAD Palace Kawardha management will on request make advance arrangements for you from and to Raipur Bilaspur and Kanha. Alternatively private car hire and regular express bus services are available from Raipur and Bilaspur. Raipur is 117 kms from here and Bilaspur is 124 kms. The duration of the journey is approximately 3 hours .
for further details please write to:
Yogeshwar Raj Singh
Palace Kawardha
Kawardha 491995
Dist Rajnandgaon (MP) India
Tel: 07741-32408
