Cooch Behar Palace: An Architectural Masterpiece

Touted as one of the most magnificent heritage sites in India, the Cooch Behar Palace is a unique blend of European and Indian architecture. Inspired from the Western Renaissance period and the design of the Buckingham Palace, it holds a strong vintage essence. Upon entering the Cooch Behar Rajbari, you are instantly transported to the royal era of the Koch dynasty. While its beautiful verandahs still echo the golden era of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, the various artefacts, weaponry, tribal paintings give a glimpse of the life that was.

 In this article, let’s get to know about the rich history and architecture of the Cooch Behar Palace including how and when you can visit it. 

All About the Royal Cooch Behar Palace

Cooch Behar Palace, also known as the Victor Jubilee Palace, is an architectural marvel located in West Bengal, India. Koch King Maharaja Nripendra Narayan constructed it in 1887 in a classic western style, inspired by the Buckingham Palace.

 The palace, now turned into a museum, is one of the prominent tourist attractions in West Bengal. Let’s get to know about its history below.

History Of Cooch Behar Palace, West Bengal

Maharaja Nripendra Narayan created the Cooch Behar Palace in 1887. It is one of the architectural masterpieces that displays the regal era of the Koch Dynasty in India. Currently the palace  is owned by ‘The Mantris’.

 Nripendra Narayan and his younger brother, Jatindra Narayan were the sons of Maharaja Narendra Narayan. Being the eldest son, Nripendra succeeded the throne after his father’s demise when he was only a year old.

 Initially, he ruled under a commissioner appointed by the Governor at that time. However, in October 1862, Nripendra Narayan finally took control as the ruler and ruled till 18 September 1911. It was 25 years after his ascension to the throne that he built the Cooch Behar Palace and ruled from there.

Architectural Design of The Cooch Behar Palace

Upholding a classical western design, the Cooch Behar Palace covers a sprawling area of 51,309 sq.ft. Its royal architecture is the amalgamation of the best of both worlds of the time – the European culture and the Indian heritage. 

 A mammothian structure of exuberant beauty, the palace comprises a length of 395 ft and 296 ft width. Constructed 1.45 metres above ground, the Cooch Behar Rajbari flaunts multiple breezy verandahs on both the floors. 

 With a porch at the centre, the Rajbari extends to its northern and southern ends making the entryway to the resplendent Durbar Hall. The tall metal dome ceiling of 124 ft boasts of Renaissance architecture while its interiors display rich and intricate steppe carvings and Corinthian columns.  

 The Cooch Behar Palace also possesses multiple halls, luxurious bedrooms, living and dining areas, billiards hall, dressing room and ladies’ gallery, library and toshakhana (treasure house).

 It is quite interesting to note that originally, the Cooch Behar Palace was three storeyed. However, it was ruined in the 1897 earthquake whose epicentre was in the neighbouring state of Assam. What we see today is a restoration of what was left of the palace after the devastating catastrophe.

Facts About Cooch Behar Palace, West Bengal

The Cooch Behar Place shows the acceptance of the Koch king’s European idealism without the rejection of the Indian heritage. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, Cooch Behar Palace is listed among the top monuments with national importance.

 Here are some interesting facts about the Cooch Behar Palace in West Bengal.

• In North Bengal, Cooch Behar is the only planned town with remnants of royal heritage.
• The Cooch Behar Palace is surrounded by a vast expanse of pleasing gardens.
• The Rajbari displays an intriguing collection of arms and weapons originally used by the Koch Dynasty.
• The doors are made of heavy black mahogany wood that depicts traditional woodwork and intricate carvings.
• The shining silver dome on the top of the Cooch Behar Palace is an inspired design from the European Renaissance architecture that can be rarely seen in any other heritage sites in India. 
• Standing tall and strong, the whole double-storied structure is brick-built throughout with elaborate and extensive balconies on both floors.   
• A section of the Cooch Behar Palace has been turned into a museum. It has a variety of antiques, oil paintings, arrows, sandstone, spade, and terracotta figures. The local life of tribal people is also depicted in one of the galleries of the palace museum.
• Maharani Gayatri Devi was born in the Rajbari Palace and was believed to be the world’s most beautiful woman during her time. She left Cooch Behar and went to the Pink City, Jaipur after she got married.
• Cooch Behar is not only famous for its palace but there are also a number of attractive temples in town.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Visiting the Rajbari Palace

Before visiting the Cooch Behar Palace, one must keep the following things in mind, including its timing and entry fees.  

•   Edible items are not allowed inside the Cooch Behar Palace.
•   Photography is not permitted inside as well.
•   Washrooms are available inside.

Timings and Entry Fees for Cooch Behar Palace

The Cooch Behar Palace is open seven days a week. Check out the timings and the ticket prices below. 

What Are The Best Seasons To Visit Cooch Behar Palace?

It’s best to visit Cooch Behar between October and February as autumn, winter and spring have ideal weather conditions. On the flip side, summers and monsoons are not that favourable as West Bengal experiences a hot and humid climate at those times. 

Ways To Reach Cooch Behar Palace, West Bengal

You can reach the Cooch Behar Rajbari by road, rail and flight. Local transportation facilities are also available.

• Railways: Trains are the most convenient transport option while travelling to Cooch Behar Palace from another city.

• Airways: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri is the nearest airport to reach Cooch Behar by flight. Once you reach Siliguri, you can take a cab or bus to Cooch Behar. It will not take more than four hours.

• Roadways: Cooch Behar has well-connected road ways from nearby cities. The government also offers state tourism bus services for visitors for touring purposes. The cheapest way to reach Cooch Behar from other neighbouring towns and cities is via bus.

• Shared Transportation: As a traveller, you can also opt for shared public transportation services like local buses, rickshaws, and pooling cabs. This costs a lot cheaper compared to other modes of transport.

Places to Visit Along with Cooch Behar Palace

Cooch Behar Palace isn’t the only tourist attraction in Cooch Behar. There are multiple temples and baris located in this small town that draws the tourist’s attention. Some of them were created by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan.

Madan Mohan Bari

Madan Mohan Bari is also a great creation of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, which was completed in the year 1889 AD. Moreover, Madan Mohan Bari is also on the tourist’s must-visit list, along with Cooch Behar Palace. Even today, one can see idols of Madan Mohan, Maa Tara, Maa Kali and Maa Bhawani in the palace. The Rasa puja is conducted annually at Madan Mohan Bari, in which several tourists participate enthusiastically.

Kamteswari Temple

Kamteswari is the temple where both Koch and Khen dynasties used to worship. Maharaja Pran Narayan created this beautiful temple in the year 1665 AD. Kamteswari temple is one of the oldest temples in West Bengal. This is the actual reason behind drawing tourists’ attraction towards itself. The temple is located near Dinhata railway station in West Bengal.

Ardhanarishvara Temple

In Ardhanarishvara temple, people worship Shiva. After entering the temple, one can see a huge 10 feet (3.05 m) long Shivling, adjacent to a pond in the courtyard. However, on the day of Shiv Chaturdashi a week-long fair is organised within the temple premises. Local residents and tourists take part with full enthusiasm in this event.

Siddhanath Shiva Temple

Maharaja Shivendra and Maharaja Harendra Narayan jointly constructed Siddhanath Shiva Temple. It took around 44 years to finally complete this unique terracotta styled temple in the year 1843.

Frequently Asked Questions