Cooch Behar Palace
Place Details: The Cooch Behar Palace, also known as the Victor Jubilee Palace, is a magnificent landmark that serves as a testament to the grand history of the Koch Dynasty. Built in 1887 during the reign of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, this palace was designed to reflect the European idealism and m odern aspirations of the royal family. The history of Cooch Behar is deeply intertwined with this palace, as it functioned as the official residence of the rulers of this princely state, which was one of the few to join the Indian Union as late as 1950. The palace is surrounded by sprawling green lawns and manicured gardens that cover a vast area, providing a serene backdrop to the red-brick structure. Inside, a significant portion of the palace has been converted into a museum managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This museum houses a treasure trove of artifacts, including royal oil paintings, old photographs of the Maharajas and Maharanis, terracotta figures, and rare weapons. One can see the personal belongings of the royal family, providing a glimpse into their opulent lifestyle. The most notable resident of this palace was arguably Maharani Gayatri Devi, who was born a princess of Cooch Behar before becoming the Queen of Jaipur. The town itself is unique for its planned layout, which was also a contribution of the progressive Koch rulers. Visiting this palace is like walking through a portal to a bygone era of elegance, where the fusion of Bengali heritage and Western sophistication is visible in every corner. The historical legacy of the Koch kings is preserved not just in the walls of this palace but in the very fabric of the city, making it a crucial destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts traveling through North Bengal. The palace stands as the heart of the city, visible from afar with its towering dome that has become a symbol of the region's identity. :
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 DaysPlace Type:
Heritage and CultureEntry Fees:
Place Entry Fees:
Standard Entry: For Indian citizens, the entry fee is approximately Rs. 25, while Foreign tourists are charged around Rs. 300.
Photography Charges: There is a separate fee for carrying sti...Place Entry Fees:
Standard Entry: For Indian citizens, the entry fee is approximately Rs. 25, while Foreign tourists are charged around Rs. 300.
Photography Charges: There is a separate fee for carrying still cameras, usually around Rs. 25, though professional videography requires special permission and higher fees.
Student Discounts: Students with valid ID cards can often avail of discounted entry for educational tours.
Light and Sound Show: Tickets for the evening show are sold separately at the venue, usually costing around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 depending on the seating category.
:Timing:
Place Timings:
Regular Timings: The palace museum is generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It remains closed on Fridays and public holidays.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to enter is at 10:00 AM to avoi...Place Timings:
Regular Timings: The palace museum is generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It remains closed on Fridays and public holidays.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to enter is at 10:00 AM to avoid the afternoon heat and crowds.
Light and Sound Show: Usually starts after sunset, around 6:30 PM, on specific days of the week (typically Friday to Sunday).
Garden Timings: The surrounding gardens may have slightly longer hours for morning walkers.
:Special Events:
Place Special Event:
Rash Mela: The most significant event in Cooch Behar is the Rash Mela, celebrated in November to honor Lord Krishna. It features a giant Rash Chakra and attracts thousands of artisans and performers.
Read MorePlace Special Event:
Rash Mela: The most significant event in Cooch Behar is the Rash Mela, celebrated in November to honor Lord Krishna. It features a giant Rash Chakra and attracts thousands of artisans and performers.
Huzur Saheb Mela: A major local fair that reflects the secular fabric of the region, bringing together people of all faiths.
Durga Puja: Like the rest of West Bengal, Cooch Behar celebrates Durga Puja with grand pandals and traditional royal rituals at the palace and local temples.
:Best Photo Spots:
Place Best Photo Spots:
Palace Front Facade: The most iconic shot is from the main gate, capturing the full symmetry of the red-brick palace and its dome.
Sagar Dighi Reflection: At sunset, the lake provides ...Place Best Photo Spots:
Palace Front Facade: The most iconic shot is from the main gate, capturing the full symmetry of the red-brick palace and its dome.
Sagar Dighi Reflection: At sunset, the lake provides a mirror-like reflection of the surrounding colonial buildings, perfect for landscape photography.
Durbar Hall Interiors: Though photography is restricted in some areas, the corridors with Corinthian columns offer a regal perspective.
Palace Gardens: The manicured lawns and seasonal flower beds provide a colorful foreground for palace shots.
Baneshwar Temple Pond: Capturing the sacred tortoises and the ancient temple architecture makes for a unique cultural photograph.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Place Things to Do:
Historical Exploration: Spend a full morning exploring the Cooch Behar Palace and its museum to understand the lineage of the Maharajas.
Evening at Sagar Dighi: Take a leisurely stroll around Sagar Dighi, a massive man-made lake surrounded by colonial-era buildings, which is the cultural heart of the town.
Visit Madan Mohan Temple: Pay respects at the Madan Mohan Temple, a beautiful white structure dedicated to Lord Krishna, which comes alive during the Rash Mela.
Photography Sessions: Capture the symmetry of the palace architecture and the reflection of the building in the surrounding water bodies.
Bird Watching: Drive to Rasik Bil during December or January to see rare migrat...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Why Famous Place:
Royal Heritage: The palace is world-famous as the ancestral home of the Koch dynasty and the birthplace of the legendary Maharani Gayatri Devi.
Architectural Marvel: It is renowned for being...Why Famous Place:
Royal Heritage: The palace is world-famous as the ancestral home of the Koch dynasty and the birthplace of the legendary Maharani Gayatri Devi.
Architectural Marvel: It is renowned for being the finest example of Italian Renaissance architecture in Eastern India, standing as a unique red-brick monument that rivals European palaces.
Museum Collection: The ASI-managed museum within the palace is famous for its rare collection of Rajbari memorabilia, offering a deep dive into the princely state's history that survived the transition into independent India.
: -
Architecture:
Place Architecture: The architecture of the Cooch Behar Palace is a splendid example of the Classical Western or Italian Renaissance style, inspired significantly by the Buckingham Palace in London.
Dimensions: The entire structure spans an ...Place Architecture: The architecture of the Cooch Behar Palace is a splendid example of the Classical Western or Italian Renaissance style, inspired significantly by the Buckingham Palace in London.
Dimensions: The entire structure spans an area of 51,309 square feet, with a length of 395 feet and a width of 296 feet. It stands on a raised platform approximately 1. 45 meters above the ground level.
Architectural Style: The building is constructed entirely of red bricks and features a double-story layout. The most striking feature is the central Durbar Hall, which is crowned by a magnificent metal dome reaching a height of 124 feet. The dome is topped by a cylindrical ventilator and is supported by massive Corinthian columns. The interiors are equally grand, with multiple halls like the Billiard Room, Library, and Ladies Gallery featuring beautifully painted ceilings and intricate woodwork that highlight the Indo-European design influence.
: -
How To Reach:
Place How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Bagdogra International Airport (IXB), located about 154 km away. From there, you can hire a private taxi or take a bus to Cooch Behar. A smaller local airport exists in Cooch Behar wi... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Madan Mohan Temple (3 km), 2. Sagar Dighi (2 km), 3. Baneshwar Shiva Temple (10 km), 4. Rasik Bil (42 km), 5. Chilapata Forest (40 km), 6. Jaldapara (75 km), 7. Alipurduar (25 km), 8. Gosanimari Rajpat (40 km), 9. Siddheshwari Kali Temple (11 km), 10. Siddhanath Shiva Temple (10 km)
Tourism Tips
-
Place Tourism Tips:
Health and Safety: Carry bottled water and wear comfortable walking shoes as the palace grounds are vast. The town is generally very safe for solo travelers.
Packing: Pack light cotton cl...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(575+) of West Bengal Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
West BengalDighaKolkataDarjeelingPuruliaKalimpongBishnupurDooarsMalda CityBankura CityShantiniketanMirikShankarpurBakkhaliKurseongLataguriLavaLolegaonMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Bakkhali
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bankura City
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bishnupur
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Cooch Behar Palace
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Darjeeling
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dooars
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kalimpong
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kolkata
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kurseong
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Lataguri
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities