Name: Cooch Behar
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Rajbari, Cooch Behar Overview

Rajbari or the Cooch Behar Palace is located in the city of Cooch Behar in the East-Indian state of West Bengal. Rajbari is also known as Victor Jubilee Palace and is considered of great historical importance in the country. The palace belongs to the Mantris and is a grand structure that drips elegance from every corner, inside and the outside. Visitors will be awestruck right from the moment they see the fabulous building several feet away from the Facade. The numerous verandas add character to the structure, and the sheer expanse is enough to tell the world about its splendour. With the beautifully maintained gardens in the front and the splendid palace standing elegantly under the clear blue skies will take your breath away.

The Rajbari was constructed under the reign of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan in 1887, and the design was inspired by the Buckingham Palace in London. The main entrance resembles St. Peter's Church in Rome and the rooms have beautiful paintings on the walls and the ceilings. Since the opulent palace has been refurbished many times, the original colours on the front are mostly lost. However, if you happen to take a stroll on the back side, you are sure to see the original colour of the monument that gives a glimpse into the aesthetics that the royalty enjoyed over a century ago.

Today, the monument is open to tourists by the West Bengal Department of Tourism who arrange various activities at the monument including the Sound and Light Show that happens between 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

History of Rajbari

Rajbari or the Cooch Behar Palace was built by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan in 1887. His father, Maharaja Narendra Narayan ruled as a Maharaja from 1841 to 1863. Narendra Narayan was adopted by his uncle, Shivenra Narayan after his son died. Soon after, Shivenra Narayan passed away, and the throne was left for Narendra Narayan, who was underage at the time and could rule Cooch Behar only after attaining age.

Narendra Narayan had two sons Nripendra Narayan and Jatindra Narayan. After his death in 1863, the eldest son Nripendra Narayan succeeded to the throne when he was just about a year old. The administration, however, was handled by a commissioner appointed by the Governor. The Commissioners brought about the modernization of the administration which was later on continued when Maharaja Nripendra Narayan came of age and attained control as a ruler.

He married Smt. Sunity Devi in 1878 and built the Cooch Behar Palace in 1887. They had two sons, Rajendra Narayan and Jitendra Narayan, who succeeded the throne after their father's death. Jitendra Narayan's son was the last Maharaja of Cooch Behar who managed the administration of the state and the Victor Jubilee Palace.

Architecture of Rajbari

The Rajbari or the Cooch Behar Palace is a grand monument constructed in the Italian Renaissance form of architecture. The entire monument expands gracefully over an area of 51,000 square feet; about 390 feet long and 296 feet wide and is a brick-built structure. The monument stands 125 feet tall from the ground and has the entrance on the ground floor with a projected porch that leads to the Durbar Hall. The first floor has a series of beautiful arcaded verandas with alternately arranged piers in double and single rows. The palace houses over 50 rooms including bedrooms, dressing rooms, billiard room, kitchen, dining hall, dancing hall, library, Tosha khana and the ladies gallery.

Durbar Hall at Rajbari

A splendid porch positioned in the centre of the monument serves as an entrance to Rajbari through the Durbar Hall. The Durbar Hall has a beautiful metal dome with a cylindrical louvre on the top that also acts as a ventilator. The dome is at 124 feet high from the ground level and is built in the traditional Italian Renaissance architecture. The dome also is beautifully carved in step pattern and rests on four arches supported by huge Corinthian columns adorned with a lantern on the top. Several small yet elegant balconies also surround the dome of the Durbar Hall.

Best Time To Visit Rajbari

The best time to visit Rajbari is between November and February as the weather is pleasant during the season with the maximum temperature ranging from 23 to 27 degrees Celcius and minimum ranging from 9 to 13 degrees Celcius. April to June are the summer months with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 33 degrees Celcius the s and minimum of 20 degrees Celcius whereas the Monsoon months, July to October, receive an average annual rainfall of about 3200 mm.

Tips For Visiting Rajbari

1. No food items are allowed inside the palace premises.
2. Provisions have been made for clean drinking water for visitors.
3. Toilet facilities are available.
4. Photography is not allowed inside the main building.

How To Reach Rajbari

Rajbari is accessible by road from any part of the Cooch Behar District by public transport. The nearest railway station is the New Cooch Behar Railway Station which is just about 8 kilometres away from the palace. Tourists can hail public transportation and reach the palace via SH12/A or SH16.

The closest airport is the Cooch Behar Airport which is just about a 20 minutes ride away. Visitors can hail public transport and take the route via SH12A or SH16 to reach the beautiful Cooch Behar Rajbari.