Cooch Behar Rajbari is a magnificent palace located in the city of Cooch Behar, West Bengal. The place is now transformed into a museum and is one of the famous landmarks of the area. It showcases the glorious past of the region.
It was built by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan in 1887 and is also known as the Victor Jubilee Palace. The palace has great historical significance for the country and draws visitors from both within and outside India.
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Beautiful gardens surround the palace and is open to tourists who can admire its elegance and splendor. A ton of things are there to see and explore inside the palace.
In this article, you will get to know the following points about Cooch Behar Rajabari,
Let’s see each of these points in detail.
Cooch Behar Rajbari Timings
The timings of Cooch Behar Rajbari are,
| Palace Timings | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Museum Timings | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays) |
| Sound and Light Show Timings | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Fridays and Saturdays) |
*The timings of Cooch Behar Rajbari are subject to change. Please check the latest timings on the official website.
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Cooch Behar Rajbari Ticket Price
The ticket price to enter Cooch Behar Rajbari is,
| Indian Visitors | Rs. 10/- (Free for kids below 14 years) |
| Foreigners | Rs. 250/- |
| SAARC Visitor | Rs. 2o/- |
*Ticket prices (or entry fee) of Cooch Behar Rajbari are subject to change. Please check the latest prices on the official website.
How to reach Cooch Behar Rajbari
| Address | Kesab Rd, Near Central, Cooch Behar, West Bengal – 736101 |
| Nearest Railway Station | Cooch Behar Railway Station |
| Nearest Airport | Bagdogra Airport |
Cooch Behar Rajbari is well connected with all major cities. You can also get direct trains from Howrah and Sealdah Railway stations.
Flights are also available from Kolkata to Bagdogra airport (Check Timings). Bagdogra Airport is about 180 kilometers away from Cooch Behar Rajbari.
Cooch Behar Rajbari History
The Cooch Behar Rajbari was built in the year 1887 by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, a descendant of the Koch dynasty.
Maharaja Nripendra Narayan was the son of Narendra Narayan, who was adopted by his uncle Shivenra Narayan. Narendra Narayan inherited the throne after his uncle’s death, but he also died soon after, leaving his one-year-old son Nripendra Narayan as the heir.
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Nripendra Narayan grew up under the guidance of a commissioner appointed by the Governor, who initiated the modernization of the administration. Nripendra Narayan continued the reforms and innovations when he became the ruler. He married Smt. Sunity Devi in 1878 built the Cooch Behar Palace nine years later. He had two sons, Rajendra Narayan and Jitendra Narayan, who succeeded him as the Maharajas of Cooch Behar.
Jitendra Narayan’s son was the last Maharaja of Cooch Behar. After his death in 1950, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) converted the place into a museum.
The Cooch Behar Rajbari witnessed many events and changes in its history. It faced the threat of Bhutanese invasion and sought the help of the East India Company, which resulted in a treaty in 1773. It also faced the impact of British colonialism and the Indian independence movement.
The museum now showcases the rich history and culture of Cooch Behar.
Architecture of Cooch Behar Rajbari
The Cooch Behar Rajbari or Cooch Behar Palace is a magnificent building that holds a specific grandeur to it with a mixture of European culture and India’s rich heritage. It was built in 1887 by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan of the Koch dynasty, who was inspired by Buckingham Palace in London and St. Peter’s Church in Rome.
The palace is designed in the Classical Italian Renaissance style and covers an area of more than 51000 square feet. It is completely constructed from red bricks and is about 120 feet tall. The length is about 390 feet and has a width of about 296 feet.
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The Cooch Behar Rajbari has two floors. The grand entrance on the ground floor has a beautifully projected porch designed at the center of the palace that leads to Darbar Hall. This hall has a metal dome, adorned with intricate step patterns and a cylindrical louver for ventilation. It rests on four massive pillars with elegant balconies around them. Walking up to the first floor, you can admire the stunning arcaded verandas, which feature alternating double and single rows of piers.
In total, the Rajbari has 50 rooms that consist of dressing rooms, dining hall, bedrooms, dancing hall, kitchen, billiard room, Tosha Khana or the treasure room, ladies’ gallery, and the library. Each of these rooms is adorned with beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings.
The palace also has a museum that displays the history and culture of Cooch Behar.
Best time to visit Cooch Behar Rajbari
The best time to explore Cooch Behar Rajbari is between the months of November and February. The temperature during this period varies from 9 to 27 degrees Celsius and so the weather remains cool and pleasant.
Other attractions near Cooch Behar Rajbari
| Attraction | Distance from Cooch Behar Rajbari |
|---|---|
| Madanmohan Temple | 1.5 kilometers |
| Maharaja N N Park | 3 kilometers |
Apart from these, there are several other attractions in the Cooch Behar district that you can visit.
These are some points you must know about the Cooch Behar Rajbari.
If you are fascinated by history and nature, you will love the Rajbari of Cooch Behar. The palace has many remarkable features that deserve your attention and admiration.
But be aware that you cannot take any photos or videos of the place, as cameras and phones are not allowed. You will have to rely on your eyes and memory to capture the beauty of the palace.
So plan a trip to Cooch Behar, and get ready for some exploration. Do some research on the palace before you go, and experience its history and culture firsthand. You will be amazed by its royal splendor and the natural scenery that surrounds the Rajbari.
FAQs
On which day is the Cooch Behar Rajbari Museum closed?
The Museum of the Cooch Behar Rajbari remains closed on Friday.
When was the Cooch Behar Rajbari built?
The Cooch Behar Rajbari was built in 1887.
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