Kathiwada Raaj Mahal

The Kathiwada royal family has long since been the stewards of this land, first establishing themselves in 1434, ruling a large area of what is now Madhya Pradesh's forests and the Vindhya Hills. The palace we now know as the Kathiwada Raaj Mahal was a project of Rana Onkar Sinh, who built it as his hunting lodge back in 1895. The forests surrounding the estate were also planted by Rana Onkar, which now cover the hills and fields.

Yuvraj Bharat Sinh inherited the palace upon his marriage to Sangita Devi Kathiwada. Yuvraj had a passion for horticulture, which inspired the planting of organic farms and groves around the property. The 120 acres (48.56 hectares) of the estate now grow a variety of regional delights, including mangoes, bananas, coconut, and rice.

Today, Raajmata Sangita Devi and her son Rana Shri Digvijay Sinhji own and manage the palace. Although Kathiwada Raaj Mahal had fallen into disrepair during the latter half of the 20th century, the family acquired the help of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for its restoration, which began in 2007. Around the same time, the family also began the Kathiwadi Foundation. Through it, they support the local tribal communities, as well as accomplish initiatives that involve protecting the environment, preserving and celebrating local industries and cultures.

Because it was constructed in 1895, Kathiwada Raaj Mahal features Indo-European architecture brought about by the influences of the British Colonial Period. The former hunting lodge has hallmarks of native Indian designs, such as verandahs with parapet banisters, and arches on portals, complementing the European-style doorways and windows, with some featuring the more ornate and cloud-like jharokhas. The structure's handsome, white facade is reminiscent of both Mughal marble palaces like Agra's Taj Mahal and Udaipur's Taj Lake Palace, as well as posh Victorian mansions back in England. During the estate's restoration in 2007, the palace hired artisans from West Bengal, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, who in turn made their own contributions to the architecture.

Contrasting the palace's traditional exteriors are its Art Deco-inspired interiors, particularly the addition of vintage furnishings from the 1960s. Complementing these are the antiques, artworks, and photographs decorating the halls and suites, many of which came from the family's generations-old collections.

As the palace does not have a restaurant, meal services take place at fixed times and locations. Menus are also pre-set and come in buffet form. In the case of dietary restrictions, such as religious convictions or allergies, please notify the management before arrival. A sunset bar can be prepared by request, and can be set-up in select locations at the estate. Do note that room service is not available at the heritage stay.

As part of the Kathiwada Foundation's initiatives to promote and develop the region's heritage and culture, guests are encouraged to participate in a variety of experiences and adventures while staying at Kathiwada Raaj Mahal.

Sign up for a workshop lesson, where you'll be taught by a master craftsman on how to create hand block prints or clay pottery. If you don't mind getting your hands and feet dirty, you should also try farming experiences, where you'll be helping plant or harvest crops and produce around the estate. For those who would like to get the local culture much more intimately, tribal village visits will let you interact with the local tribes, and see their crafts, such as Pithora paintings, up close.

A good way to stay active while staying at Kathiwada Raaj Mahal is to join local cricket games. Casual matches are regularly held between the Kathiwada family and other royal neighbors. And for those who find meditation and exercise therapeutic, the palace holds yoga sessions on its vast lawns.