Historical Places in Chattisgarh - The Forts and Palaces of Chhattisgarh

The Forts and Palaces of Chhattisgarh

Apart from its diverse culture, mesmerizing natural beauty and biodiversity, Chhattisgarh also has the chief drawing card of the Forts and Palaces. These forts and palaces represent rich royal culture of Chhattisgarh. During old times, a number of districts of Chhattisgarh were erstwhile princely states. The rulers of Chhattisgarh built several massive palaces during their rule, which now provide a glimpse of the bygone era. Chhattisgarh gives you a taste of royal hospitality in the magnificent palaces. Kawardha palace (Kawardha), Kanker palace and Bastar palace are the most beautiful palaces of Chhattisgarh.

The palace of Bastar is situated in Jagdalpur, the district headquarters of Bastar. The Bastar palace is 80-yearsold building. A part of the palace has been converted into a medical college. The palace is one of the main attractions of the Chhattisgarh heritage tour. The palace in Bastar is an extensive and impressive fort that glitters in the sun. It was built at the time of the shifting of the capital to Jagdaplur from Barsur where it was situated earlier. The main attraction here is the exquisite carvings and engravings that one can find on the walls and ceiling of the palace. There is a museum inside the palace, wherein tourists can enjoy seeing various artefacts and the portraits of the former kings. The beautiful gardens that encircle the palace are a sight to behold. Shopping at the weekly ‘Haat Bazaar’ held near the Batsar palace is one of its kind experience. The best time to visit the palace is during Dussera (October) when the whole palace is adorned with lightings and a 75 day long tribal festival is celebrated.

Bastar Palace

Chattisgarh

Kanker palace, the residence of the erstwhile ruling family of the princely state of Kanker, has been developed as a retreat from where sensitive and interested international tourists might access the region. Built in the first quarter of the last century and rebuilt and set in a garden in 1937, Kanker palace was earlier known as Radhanivas bagicha. The residence of the British agent during the raj, it is now lived in by the royal family. With its colonial style architecture, the palace is stately, elegant, and has an old world charm and ambience. Kanker palace is a mid-way on the Raipur - Jagdalpur route and is a region situated in the dense tropical forestlands of Kanker, Chhattisgarh.

Kanker Palace

Chattisgarh

Kawardha palace is located at Kawardha (Chhattisgarh). This peaceful town overlooked by the Maikal hill range is in the heartland of Chhattisgarh. Of India’s many jewels, Kawardha is truly a treasure trove of splendid scenery and mesmerising reminders of India’s cultural heritage. Palace Kawardha was designed and built by Maharaja Dharamraj Singh in the period 1936-39. There is the representation of the artisans, craftsmanship at a display. This palace is now the residence of successors of Maharaja Vishwaraj Singh. 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.

Kawardha Palace

Chattisgarh

Ratanpur fort in Bilaspur district, is an old fort whose exact date of construction is cloaked in mystery. The fort is guarded on all four sides by gorges. It has four entrances - Singh, Ganesh, Bhairav and Semar Dvars. Near the entrance of the fort is a huge stone statue presumed to be that of the valiant king Gopal Rai, of which only the head and the feet remain. A little further down the road, one can see the Laxmi Narayan Temple which was built by the Maratha queen, Anandi Bai. It is next to the much older Jagannath temple, built by Kalyan Rai that houses beautiful images of Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra. The west gate of the fort faces Motipur, where the twenty queens of Lakshman Rai is said to have performed Sati. Bilaspur’s Ratanpur fort, at present, lies in a dilapidated state. Over the years, the fort has lost its grandeur and splendour. It is not difficult to form a conception as to how the fort looked during its prime

Ratanpur Fort

Chattisgarh