kathiwada

Kathiwada Raaj Mahal, Kathiwada – Madhya Pradesh

The Kathiwada Royal family can be traced back nearly 700 years to 1434 AD. The erstwhile principality is a flat land valley situated in modern day Madhya Pradesh covering 181 sq. kms of dense forest surrounded by the Vindhya Hill Ranges. The Raaj Mahal offers spectacular views from every direction. Once the erstwhile Royal family’s hunting lodge commissioned by Rana Onkar Sinh in 1895, the Mahal was bequeathed to late Yuvraj Bharat Sinh and Sangita Devi Kathiwada at the time of their marriage.

Having fallen into decay from being uninhabited for years, Sangita eventually took up the great challenge of restoring their home in 2007. She invited Professor Rabindra Vasavada, conservation expert of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to preserve the noble structure of the building followed by skilled artisans from West Bengal, Gujarat and Rajasthan were brought in to fortify the Mahal.

An expert in the field of textiles and design, Sangita lent her aesthetics to the interiors and specially commissioned hand-woven fabrics for the upholstery. She painstakingly framed the family photos with different textiles denoting the character of each Royal family member.

Flooded with mementos, art deco furniture, precious books and family photographs collected over generations, Raaj Mahal encapsulates the regal era gone by.

Each room has been tastefully done up with great thought and care. The rooms retain an old-world charm while offering modern amenities and fixtures. The present-day members of the Kathiwada family considers themselves to be privileged custodians of such rich culture and heritage and invite like-minded individuals to come and enjoy a royal experience woven with tales of an era gone by.

The family also works with the local schools to create sustainable programs such as tree plantation drives, organic farming, preservation of tribal culture, awareness of healthcare and education to name a few.

Wander through the mansion to reminiscence an era gone by. The trophy room studded with memorabilia and photographs take pride of place. The spacious rooms with vintage furniture and modern bathrooms are a traveller’s delight. Rooms open out on to verandas and terraces which offer a spectacular view of the picturesque countryside.

Please find below few unique experiences which can be explored during your stay at Kathiwada.

Trekking
The magical forests of Kathiwada lure you to take a guided trek into the dense jungles abound with indigenous trees. Enroute, bask in the beauty of the Jholia waterfall onward to Ratanmaal plateau, a sloth bear and leopard sanctuary.

Hand-Block Printing
Take some time off to practice the art of hand block printing at our in-house facility. Design and print your own scarf or your clothes under the guidance of a master craftsman.

Pottery
Sign up for a unique experience of life on the farms. Depending on the season, you can plant your own sapling or participate in harvesting activities.

Farming
Learn and express your creativity at the potter’s wheel with the help of the local potter. Your artwork will make for a great souvenir with memories of a lifetime.

Guided walks exploring the Tribal culture and Mud Architecture
A guided walk through the tribal settlements of Muljhipura & Juna Kathiwada is a must to-do. Visit the local houses decorated with Pithora paintings which are more a ritual than an art form. The age-old Indian tradition of mud architecture is not just sustainable but also versatile. The time-tested building technique has become a reference point for contemporary architects.

Total no. of rooms : 11, spread across 3 categories namely Heritage Rooms, Royal Suites and Cottage Villa

Nearest Airport : Vadodara (135 kms) and Indore (215 kms)

Nearest Railhead : Chotta Udepur (28 kms) and Vadodara (135 kms)

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