The Spectacular Ruins of Govindgarh Palace - {In Photos}
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Govindgarh Palace, summer home of Maharaja's of Rewa
Meandering through dusty and nondescript lanes of erstwhile Baghelkhand, our motley group stumbled upon a time-capsule from another era. The guard at the entrance of the palace was amused by our appearance, given that very few tourists stray this far. After some convincing and assurances, he allowed us into a long driveway flanked by wild growth on either side. As evidenced by a rundown chariot wedged in between one of the three main gates of the palace, the driveway must've seen thousands of vintage cars and fancy chariots in its century-long run. These days, it's only the silent footfalls of an occasional visitor that echoes in these dilapidated premises. We had arrived at Govindgarh reluctantly in the harsh afternoon sun, paying a cursory visit only as part of work, but what a find it turned out to be! The local boys had to literally come in search of each one of us lost in different corners and drag us out of the ruins of the palace by the end.
Fading reds, mouldy floors, flaky walls, overgrown bushes, fallen ceilings, broken windows, musty smell and a tantalising longing for the lost stories – this is all that awaits at Govindgarh Palace. Having arrived here with zero knowledge of the royalty of Rewa or Baghelkhand's palpable splendour, the entertaining caretaker came to our aid in sealing the fascination further. Commissioned by Raghuraj Singh in 1857, right on the banks of Raghuraj Sagar lake, Govindgarh palace must've been quite the sight until 1984 after which it was abandoned by the royal family for good. Rumour has it that Madhya Pradesh tourism department has leased the palace to a company from Delhi to renovate and ready the palace as a heritage stay in the coming years.
In it's heydays, Govindgarh Palace was the cynosure of many eyes given Mohan, the famous white tiger captured in the wild was bred and housed here. It was here that Mohan lived along with its progeny and helped create a long lineage of white tigers that continues till date. (Look at this fascinating Getty image collection of White Tigers at Govindgarh and read my story on Mohan, A princely state with an unfortunate legacy of white tigers) Govindgarh Palace was beautifully constructed as a summer refuge for the royalty of Rewa. The palace was designed in Rajput style of architecture with victorian influences. However, only ghosts of the past haunt the corridors today, until the renovation gets underway.
There isn't much else to tell about this palace, the stories are gone along with the rulers of Rewa into their chest of treasures in their new residence. What you and I are left with are these images of haunting ruins where imagination runs wild!
Join me on this virtual tour, will you?
There isn't much else to tell about this palace, the stories are gone along with the rulers of Rewa into their chest of treasures in their new residence. What you and I are left with are these images of haunting ruins where imagination runs wild!
Join me on this virtual tour, will you?
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Would you like to visit this crumbling palace or do you prefer the grandeur of well-preserved? Tell me in the comments!
Other posts from this trip:
The tragedy of Khajuraho: A misguided stereotype shrouds an enduring mystery
In Photos: From Popular to the Offbeat, north-eastern Madhya Pradesh's diverse charms
Where I stayed: In Madhya Pradesh's Parsili, Rewa, Panna & Khajuraho
Hidden Gems of MP - Into the Wilds of Sanjay National Park & Raneh Canyon
Also read:
10 Pictures and Stories of Ruins from Across India
From Bhuj, with love: Ruins of Rani ka Vas, Prag Mahal & Aina Mahal
P.S - At the time of publishing(Feb 2017), this place is so off the beaten track that you'll find no other images of this palace except from the ones who were on this trip, that's eight of us in all. Go ahead, Google and see for yourself! ;)
18 comments
Amazing..Neelima, the photos are lovely.. such beautiful ruins.. these photos transported me to these ruins with you... Fascinating, how much hidden treasures our country has!
ReplyDeleteTotally, India never ceases to surprise or amaze me! :)
DeleteSo beautiful pictures and must have been great visiting the palace
ReplyDeleteIt was such a pleasant surprise, absolutely loved being there. :)
DeleteMagnificent palace! This is a wonderful find.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful place! Torn between it should be preserved or just left as is… but I think I will choose the former, else a lot will just be lost to time and the fury of the elements.
ReplyDeleteHa ha, I'm totally with you on that dilemma and your final preference! Well said. :)
DeleteWooh.. This place is so intriguing. Looks like a perfect setting for a mystery!
ReplyDeleteIndeed! It was quite spooky even in the noon, must be a scary place after dark.
DeleteFading reds, mouldy floors, flaky walls, overgrown bushes, fallen ceilings, broken windows, musty smell and a tantalising longing for the lost stories and not to forget, the chariot (whatever remains of it )! Aren't each one of these by themselves enough to make you fall in love!
ReplyDeleteFascinating!
Absolutely, it was love at first sight! ;)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Neelima, I so much enjoy your blog and gratefull you go to the ends of India to make your posts. Have you ever considered creating a show in India as a travel documentary? There are few Indian travelers such as you.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to ask if it is OK if I can use a photo or two of yours as a background image into an Indian website I am creating. I would credit you on my website of course.
Wonderful photos! Fascinating history, would be interesting to see once renovated.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that would be quite a sight! Thanks for dropping by. :)
DeleteI had visited the fort last December. and its a beauty even in its ruins. i wish there could be more to the story of the fort.
ReplyDeleteAs I traveller i roam here and there but for last month i hadnt went to places .
ReplyDeleteBut after reading this I like to visit THE SPECTACULAR RUINS OF GOVINDGARH PALACE.
Thank uuh for this wonderful blogs
It is really effective
I was truly surprised to see your photo-essay on this place, its my backyard. I am a dyed in the blood baghelkhandi.. and somewhat of a chronicler of all things Rewa. I urge you to come again.. may be I could share a story or two as I heard them from my grandfather.. who was part of the establishment for a long long time.. for there's definitely more to it than what you've captured in pixels :)
ReplyDeleteYou can reach me on rewarian at g mail dot com (guess the id says it all)