MAHISHADAL RAJBARI - reviews,open hours,photo spots,things to do | WanderBoat AI Trip Planner

In my almost 35 years stay in Haldia, this is the first time I visited this historic place. Never got the chance nor was I actually interested in seeing what's there. Recently it came to my mind to explore what's really there as I have heard several good reviews of the place. With these things running through my head, I planned a half day tour to the Rajbari from Haldia Township. It was a 29 kms drive. The road was maintained and the drive was smooth. On reaching Mahishadal more you have to turn left to enter the Rajbari road. When you enter this by lane it becomes narrow and the traffic increases. A college is also there on the road. So, reaching Rajbari from Mahishadal more wouldn't be a hassle free drive. Overcoming those huddles, as you reach the main gate of the Rajbari, I was a bit depressed seeing the main gate. There was no dedicated parking place in front of the gate. The road is narrow in front of the gate and you have to manage your own parking as your own risk. After parking my car in a safe place, I stood still in front of the gate and wanted to feel the ambiance. It was calm and quiet but it didn't give me that gorgeous feel, as it was not at all like I expected a Rajbari Gate to be. The size of the gate was bigger than our normal gates but not as big as a Rajbari Gate should be. After entering the gates the view inside was awesome with old aged trees covering the paths going towards the portico of the Rajbari. Going a few steps towards the portico, saw two persons sitting with a table in front of them, who were actually selling entry tickets. Got ticket for my family. It was cheap. Finally, after going few steps from the counter, reached the lawn in front of the Rajbari. The lawn was not best maintained. Few old iron furniture are kept there. You can sit there ans spend few minutes before entering the main Rajbari area. From the lawn after crossing the paved path, there are stairs going inside the Rajabari. I was gradually feeling excited as I was proceeding through it. The Rajbari was not that big, but still the ambiance inside made me feel thrilled. There are numbers of museums in the rooms of the Rajbari. I was amazed seeing the collection these museum holds. Loved it totally. Gradually, we completed our inside trip and then after coming out from the main building, we walked towards the old palace. Photography inside the rooms in the palace is prohibited. I appreciate the decision. Seeing items from the past with own eyes will make the trip more thrilling. Overall, ambiance around the new palace, the Shiv Mandir, the old palace and the ruined gates of old palace will pack you with historical thrills. So do plan a weekend trip to the palace. Heard that the present generation of the family rents one night stay in a room in the palace. I am not sure if it's still on our not. Try it out.

Punpun IN (Suvobroto Ray Chaudhuri)Punpun IN (Suvobroto Ray Chaudhuri)

10

Mahishadal Rajbari is a timepass visit while staying at Gadiara or nearby or anywhere near Tamluk. Its maintained satisfactorily (should be as they charge visitors - presently Rs.15 per head). There are 4 / 5 rooms open to visitors displaying various items the Rajas used and they are worth viewing. Stuffed animals which the Rajas hunted, are also exhibited. The tigers are very big and they appear lifelike. A grand piano (perhaps), tables with italian marble tops, gramophones, clocks, sofas, furniture, weapons, photographs etc are placed for viewing. Overall enjoyable for a couple of hours visit. Alternatively, one can stay here and enjoy the grandeur throughout the day. The room charges are reportedly from 4K to 8K and can be booked online or over phone. Internet is the best friend in this regard. The older Rajbari and a temple is located a few 100 metres from this new Rajbari but was not visted by us. The 8K room supposedly is a three room suite and can accomodate around 8/9 persons as informed by the management. The food is available on order and served accordingly. Detailed menu and other things are not readily available. If one goes from Gadiara then avail ferry services from Gadiara to Geonkhali (starts from Gadiara at 6.30AM to 6.20PM at an average interval of 1 or 1.30 hour with an average journey time of 20 minutes. The last (launch) from Geonkhali starts at 6.30PM. So one has to plan visit accordingly. The distance from Geonkhali jetty to Rajbari is 11/12 kms and TOTO (battery rickshaw) takes 30/35 minutes a side and charges Rs.200 one side as on date. Better to book for to and fro journey as TOTOs are not readily available near Rajbari. Total visit time may be considered 4 hours from Gadiara (going and coming back) including an hour of time spent at Rajbari.

PARTHA BHATTACHARJEEPARTHA BHATTACHARJEE

20

other Raj families of East Midnapore, Mahisadal Raj also belonged to a Mahishya family (arguably the word Mahishadal itself originated from the word "Mahishya"). It was founded by Bhuiya Ray Mahapatra, whose sixth descendant, Kalyan Ray, could not realize the revenue and had to furnish Janardan Upadhaya, a Brahmin of substance, as his security. The zamindari was held over a century by this Brahmin family till the Permanent Settlement.[4] During the days of Rani Janaki Devi, it reached its zenith in the 18th century.[5] There are two palaces – the old one was built in 1840 and the new one in 1935. One can see stuffed animals, hunting weapons of the 16th and 17th century, paintings and furniture. Gopaljew and Ramjew temples are popular with tourists. The place is half an hours drive from Haldia.[6]other Raj families of East Midnapore, Mahisadal Raj also belonged to a Mahishya family (arguably the word Mahishadal itself originated from the word "Mahishya"). It was founded by Bhuiya Ray Mahapatra, whose sixth descendant, Kalyan Ray, could not realize the revenue and had to furnish Janardan Upadhaya, a Brahmin of substance, as his security. The zamindari was held over a century by this Brahmin family till the Permanent Settlement.[4] During the days of Rani Janaki Devi, it reached its zenith in the 18th century.[5] There are two palaces – the old one was built in 1840 and the new one in 1935. One can see stuffed animals, hunting weapons of the 16th and 17th century, paintings and furniture. Gopaljew and Ramjew temples are popular with tourists. The place is half an hours drive from Haldia.[6]

Suraj MidyaSuraj Midya

00

The palace would have looked more at home in a European setting than in this rustic countryside in a corner of West Bengal. Lofty Ionic columns supported the roof from all sides. Elaborate ornamentation, including shields and floral patterns, in golden hues, marked the white façade. Ornate wrought iron benches were arranged in the lawn in front, at whose centre stood a cannon mounted on a carriage. “The 1926 palace, known as the Phool Bagh, was indeed designed by a French architect,” said Hara Prasad Garg, a descendant of the former Mahishadal Raj family who ruled here. Less than three hours’ drive from Kolkata, the Mahishadal Rajbari (Bengali for royal palace) is one among the handful of former palaces of Bengal that have opened their doors to visitors. West Bengal has many similar palaces and grand houses belonging to former royal and zamindar families,” said Samrat Chowdhury, a heritage enthusiast who is trying to spread awareness about developing these family homes as tourism products similar to the forts and palaces of Rajasthan, Gujarat and other places. “These edifices are part of our history and heritage, and we need to preserve them for posterity. Developing these as tourism products will help the owners maintain the buildings.”

Nikku SinghNikku Singh

30

Mahishadal Rajbari One name for grandeur, royalty and perfect blend with nature. This beautiful property is also known as Phulbagh Palace. We had our wonderful stay at this beautiful Rajbari. Location: Nearest station is Satish Samanta which is next to Tamluk station.. Rooms: 5 Rooms are there to stay at night.. we stayed at Nandini. The most expensive room is Kalyani. Food: They have a meal package. Foods have to be ordered the day before check in. Usually they will call you to take your lunch order. Check-in 12pm Check out 10 am Unlike Itachuna Rajbari this Rajbari is open for day trips. They have a beautiful museum with all sorts of artefacts preserved carefully. This museum and the outside premises remain busier during the day.. As the museum remains open from 10am to 6pm. You can take a stroll to the older Rajbari and Gopal Mandir during evening. Though we went there during our morning walk. We spent the evening looking at the majestic view of the Architecture with steaming hot pakoras and tea. Both lunch and dinner were filled with royalty. Everything was taken care of by the Manager (Suman Babu). Each and every staff member were so cooperative and kind.

Labani RoutLabani Rout

10

A very good place to visit and to stay too if anyone wants. One would get to see the historical records and collections belonging to the Rajbari's history. The best way to reach there is to take local train from Howrah to Satish Samanta Halt. Preferably the train which departs howrah at 9:30 is best suited relative to the timing for which the Rajbari remains open for visitors. Please check the time table of the train as the schedule may vary. After one gets to Satish Samanta Halt then take a Toto from there to Rajbari, the distance is not much. In the Rajbari, if you are not staying, then you will be mostly able to view the collections in the ground floor of the Rajbari, which includes rooms having old used items from the Royal Family, the hunting room, the room for hunting weapons, etc. On the way back from Mahishadal Rajbari you can also make a stop at Tamluk (falls on the same train route from Mahishadal to Howrah) there you can also visit Tamluk Rajbari and an archaeological museum. To travel to and from Howrah if you are taking ferry service from one of the Ghats of Kolkata, then thats a bonus.

Aritra DasAritra Das

30