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Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel

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Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel

Palaces |

Early Modern & Colonial Expansion

E-1,The palace, Khaskilwada, Sawantwadi. Sindhudurg., 416510 Sawantwadi, India

$230.00 /night for 2 adults View Deal

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$230.00 /night for 2 adults View Deal

Highlights

India’s sole chef-owned palace property

Showcases the Geographical Indication (GI) tagged Ganjifa art and card game

Popular Amenities

Parking
Restaurant
Meeting/banquet facilities
Bar
24-hour front desk
Garden
Non-smoking rooms
Airport shuttle
Fishing
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Family rooms
Ironing service
Free parking
Internet services
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
Children's playground
Chapel/shrine
BBQ facilities
Packed lunches
Car hire
Tour desk
Fax/photocopying
Luggage storage
WiFi
Outdoor pool
Free WiFi
Non-smoking throughout
Air conditioning
Snack bar
Sun terrace
Outdoor pool (all year)
Concierge service
Private check-in/check-out
Shuttle service (additional charge)
Special diet menus (on request)
Trouser press
Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Lockers
Shared lounge/TV area
Daily housekeeping
Parking on site
Private parking
WiFi available in all areas
Swimming pool toys
Board games/puzzles
Kid meals
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Wine/champagne
Airport pick up
Airport drop off
Coffee house on site
Sun loungers or beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Kids' pool
Swimming pool
Beach
Shuttle service
Temporary art galleries
Walking tours
Bike tours
Themed dinner nights
Cooking class
Live sport events (broadcast)
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus
Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays
Physical distancing in dining areas
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
Process in place to check health of guests
First aid kit available
Contactless check-in/check-out
Cashless payment available
Physical distancing rules followed
Screens or physical barriers placed between staff and guests in appropriate areas
Invoice provided
All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Delivered food is securely covered
Access to health care professionals
Thermometers for guests provided by property
Face masks for guests available

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Overview

Sawantwadi was a Princely State that carved itself a place in Western India during the 17th century, serving Adil Shahi's Sultanate of Bijapur. Under the administration of the Sawant Bhosle dynasty, the region prospered, and alongside their many civic projects, they also built their royal palace. Today, Sawantwadi Palace titles itself as a boutique art hotel, showcasing the creativity and heritage of its region. Owned and managed by the royal family, Rajesaheb Khem Sawant VI welcomes travelers from all over to experience a luxurious stay in their ancestral residence. Discover the historic and natural beauty of Sawantwadi and the Ghats, and indulge in a unique vacation you won't find anywhere else.

Exceptional 9.8

14 reviews

E-1,The palace, Khaskilwada, Sawantwadi. Sindhudurg., 416510 Sawantwadi, India

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Local Info

Vengurla

(29.3 km)

Amboli Ghat

(29.2 km)

Narendra Hill

(2.2 km)

Nearest Airport

(40.0 km)

Nearest Railway Station

(8.2 km)

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History

The story of Sawantwadi Palace is deeply tied to the city of Sawantwadi and the Sawant Bhonsle dynasty who ruled it. Their founder, Khem Sawant I, established the family in 1627, following their victory against the Kudal Deshastha. At his side during the battle was his nephew and heir, Khem Sawant II. They first settled atop Narendra Hill, but when he passed away, Khem Sawant II relocated his seat to the village of Charathe, situated below the hill. The village eventually changed its name to Sawantwadi, in honor of its rulers.

The mastermind behind the construction Sawantwadi Palace is Khem Sawant III, who ruled the city from 1755 until 1803. Part of the design was to have the palace face Narendra Hill, the site of their dynasty's triumph and dominion. Later in 1874, the city built Moti Lake, a manmade reservoir, in front of Sawantwadi Palace.

Following nationwide reforms in India and the abolition of royal titles, the Sawant Bhonsles pivoted toward civic pursuits. They transformed their ancestral palace into a posh heritage hotel, with various sections converted into art galleries and museums, showcasing their family treasures and heritage.

The palace's eye-catching red edifice amidst the lush greenery of Maharashtra's jungles Booking

Design and Architecture

Since Sawantwadi Palace was built sometime in the latter 18th century, it bears architectural styles that combine local Maharashtra designs and influences brought by foreign trade. Under Khem Sawant III, the palace was built with a striking red laterite structure with details like curving arches. The palace also makes use of multiple courtyards, taking advantage of natural light and fosters a sense of openness. Elements salvaged from older buildings in the area are also reused, such as the teakwood pillars carved with depictions of scenes in the Ramayana.

The Taisaheb Wada is a palace wing originally built for the Sawant queens, and features classic jharokha windows and verandas. Also decorating its rooms are antique art and woodworks from the family's collection, as well as emblems depicting Lord Vishnu, meant as protective charms. Contrasting the accommodation wing is the lavish durbar hall. This was where the Sawant kings held court, and showcases stained-glass windows, Minton tiles, and a massive chandelier.

One of the palace's many courtyards and its charming wood architecture Booking

Amenities

Popular Amenities

Parking
Restaurant
Meeting/banquet facilities
Bar
24-hour front desk
Garden
Non-smoking rooms
Airport shuttle
Fishing
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Family rooms
Ironing service
Free parking
Internet services
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
Children's playground
Chapel/shrine
BBQ facilities
Packed lunches
Car hire
Tour desk
Fax/photocopying
Luggage storage
WiFi
Outdoor pool
Free WiFi
Non-smoking throughout
Air conditioning
Snack bar
Sun terrace
Outdoor pool (all year)
Concierge service
Private check-in/check-out
Shuttle service (additional charge)
Special diet menus (on request)
Trouser press
Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Lockers
Shared lounge/TV area
Daily housekeeping
Parking on site
Private parking
WiFi available in all areas
Swimming pool toys
Board games/puzzles
Kid meals
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Wine/champagne
Airport pick up
Airport drop off
Coffee house on site
Sun loungers or beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Kids' pool
Swimming pool
Beach
Shuttle service
Temporary art galleries
Walking tours
Bike tours
Themed dinner nights
Cooking class
Live sport events (broadcast)
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus
Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays
Physical distancing in dining areas
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
Process in place to check health of guests
First aid kit available
Contactless check-in/check-out
Cashless payment available
Physical distancing rules followed
Screens or physical barriers placed between staff and guests in appropriate areas
Invoice provided
All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Delivered food is securely covered
Access to health care professionals
Thermometers for guests provided by property
Face masks for guests available

Services

Meeting/banquet facilities
24-hour front desk
Airport shuttle
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Ironing service
Express check-in/check-out
Packed lunches
Car hire
Tour desk
Fax/photocopying
Luggage storage
Concierge service
Private check-in/check-out
Shuttle service (additional charge)
Trouser press
Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Lockers
Shared lounge/TV area
Daily housekeeping
Shuttle service

Activities

Fishing
Children's playground
Beach
Temporary art galleries
Walking tours
Bike tours
Themed dinner nights
Cooking class
Live sport events (broadcast)

Outdoors

BBQ facilities
Outdoor pool
Sun terrace
Outdoor pool (all year)
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area

Pool and wellness

Swimming pool toys
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Sun umbrellas
Kids' pool

Parking

Parking
Free parking
Parking on site
Private parking

General

Non-smoking rooms
Safety deposit box
Chapel/shrine
Non-smoking throughout

Food & Drink

Snack bar
Kid meals
Wine/champagne
Coffee house on site

Internet

Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi

Safety & security

CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers

Physical distancing

Contactless check-in/check-out
Cashless payment available
Physical distancing rules followed

Transport

Airport pick up
Airport drop off

Entertainment and family services

Board games/puzzles

Safety features

First aid kit available

Reception services

Invoice provided

View deal

Dining

The ones in charge Sawantwadi Palace's royal kitchens are none other than its Yuvraj and Yuvrani - meaning its Crown Prince and Princess, respectively. Prince Lakham met the love of his life, Shraddha, at the Culinary Institute of America. After honing their skills in prestigious hotels and restaurants in the United States, they've returned to Sawantwadi with the goal of turning the city into a culinary destination. Chef Lakham Bhonsle specializes in baking and creating amazing pastries, with a flair for scientific curiosity and artistic presentation. Contrasting and complementing him is Chef Shraddha Bhonsle's expertise in international cuisine, with each item prepared in a warm and authentic home-cooked fashion.

Guests dining at Sawantwadi Palace will be treated to magnificent meals showcasing local Maharashtrian cuisine, the flavors of the Indian subcontinent, and international favorites such as Japanese ramen. The palace also serves signature thali plates, each made with seasonal ingredients such as jackfruits and mangoes.

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Destination Wedding

Begin your Happily Ever After with a fabulous wedding in an actual royal palace. Sawantwadi Palace welcomes couples looking to celebrate their destination weddings with grand ceremonies and banquets amidst the lush greenery of Maharashtra. Contact the hotel via their email or website inquiry form in order to find out more regarding venues, services, and quotes.

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Events and Experiences

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Embracing its status as an art boutique hotel, Sawantwadi Palace ensures that guests will not only be observers, but actual participants in Sawantwadi's local culture and heritage.

Learn to make Ganjifa art at the palace's workshop, taught personally by lacquerware artists. You'll be painting your very own Ganjifa cards, which you can take home as a souvenir or to be given as a gift. You may also visit the lacquerware workshop and observe the artisans make Ganjifa cards, along with a variety of lacquered items such as furniture, chess sets, and toys.

For a much closer and in-depth look at Sawantwadi's heritage, you can also get to personally know the royal family. Take a personal guided tour of the palace and its museum wings, and enjoy afternoons and evenings sipping tea with the Sawant Bhonsles, sharing tales and experiences.

For excursions outside the palace, guests can travel to the nearby Amboli Ghats. Up on the royal mountain estate, travelers can enjoy a picnic surrounded by the lush vegetation and diverse wildlife of Western India. The estate also contains the remnants of the Sawant Bhosles' earlier palace, before they relocated to Sawantwadi.

Other wonderful day trip options include the beaches at Shiroda or Vengurla, and trips to outlying communities like Pinguli Village, to see its leathercrafting and leather puppetry heritage.

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A post shared by Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel (@thesawantwadipalace)

Other Celebrations

If you're planning to celebrate a birthday or anniversary while at Sawantwadi Palace, you can reach out to the management via email or website contact form and express your plans. Since they offer on-site dinner services, you can request a personalized affair, with some special items such as a commemorative cake or dish.

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