Top 3 Best Places to Visit in Chhota Udepur for Culture, Nature & Heritage

1. Kusum Vilas Palace

With its 40-acre size the Kusum Vilas Palace stands as a magnificent royal building from the 1920s. Excellence and elegance mark the palace while its grand features include spacious porticos and decorative walls with a proper alignment of architectural elements. An elegant dome on top of the five-storied central wing gives this majestic residence its royal charm.

History

The royalty of Chhota Udepur built the palace to provide accommodation for their Maharawals who were also the rulers of the Chhota Udepur kingdom from 1762 to 1947. After India achieved independence and the disappearance of princely states Kusum Vilas Palace became part of the state tourism department before being developed into a heritage hotel.

Kusum Vilas Palace represents the best of heritage design through its distinguished elements of:

• Multiple courtyards with lush greenery.
• An elaborate marble fountain.
• Exquisite Italian-sculpted statues.
• The reception area displays elaborate decorations with fine decorative stone art.
• Visitors can experience the British-era elevator that features a decorative cage.

The building contains interior spaces with Louis XIV-era furniture combined with Indian handicrafts and European luxury items.

The Kusum Vilas Palace currently serves as both an attractive historical site and a popular tourist spot. Prem Bhavan exists in the palace complex as an accommodation facility for people traveling through the area. There are two groups who particularly enjoy the palace’s architecture: both cultural historians and those interested in building design.

A trip to Kusum Vilas Palace offers visitors the chance to see additional historic and cultural sites located in the area.

• Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery – A treasure trove of artifacts and art.
• Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum – Showcasing royal collections and paintings.
• The four-time larger than Buckingham Palace offers railway access in addition to showcasing antique collections.

The EME Temple is a contemporary architectural wonder which combines modern design with a single structure to honor different religions.

Tapovan Temple – A well-maintained site of spiritual and cultural significance.

People can visit Kuber Bhandari Temple which stands at the Triveni Sangam where the Narmada River converges.

Best Time to Visit

Visitors can enjoy the most suitable conditions during October to March which creates perfect conditions for sightseeing throughout Kusum Vilas Palace.

2. Kali Niketan

History

During the late 19th century Maharaja Fatehsinhji constructed Kali Niketan as a summer retreat within the 60-acre estate. The translation of ‘Abode of the Goddess’ perfectly fits this property. As the descendent of the legendary Chauhan dynasty which once ruled Delhi he brought forth Prithviraj Chauhan who brought forth the Chauhan dynasty. Nahar Villa acquired its present name Kali Niketan after the people dedicated it to Goddess Mahakali. The rulers of Chhota Udepur established numerous remarkable palaces because they maintained deep interest in both art and architecture.

This heritage hotel functions under the ownership of Maharaj Sajjan Singh together with Rani Devendra Kumari and their son Rajkumar Udayraj Singh under the name Kali Niketan.

• Warm hospitality and personalized services.
• Family members create delicious meals at the hotel.
• Lush open spaces of the hotel consist mainly of mango orchards.
• Throughout the premises elegant antique furniture and historical family portraits decorate all interior spaces.

Kali Niketan hotel provides peaceful lodging spaces with contemporary amenities that include:

• Four-poster beds.
• Air-conditioned rooms.
• Elegant lounges for relaxation.
• Traditional Indian & European décor.
• Attractions Around Vadodara

As a guest of Kali Niketan you can discover the numerous historical sites and cultural attractions in Vadodara region

• Laxmi Vilas Palace – One of India’s grandest palaces.
• Sayaji Baug – A lush green park with a zoo and museums.
• Kirti Stambh – A historical victory tower.
• Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum – Showcasing royal artifacts.
• Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery – An art lover’s paradise.

Tribal haats which operate weekly bring together traditional tribal artisans who create handmade items for customers to purchase. Historical buildings together with the tribal museum attract both photography enthusiasts and people interested in cultural heritage.

An ultimate attraction lies in the Statue of Unity which stands as the globe’s biggest statue at a distance from Vadodara.

Best Time to Visit

The most favorable months to explore Kusum Vilas Palace and Kali Niketan lie between October and March when visitors can enjoy comfortable sightseeing weather.

3. Chhotaudepur Museum

Chhota Udepur Museum is located in the main town of Chhota Udepur itself. It showcases the vibrant life of the tribals in the district, offering an in-depth look into their family life, daily routines, art forms, and paintings.

The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the unique traditions and craftsmanship of the region’s tribal communities. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring intricate tribal artifacts, traditional attire, and indigenous musical instruments. The collection also includes stunning Pithora paintings, a form of tribal art that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance.

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, with visiting hours from 9 AM to 6 PM, making it a convenient and insightful stop for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

Nearby Attractions: While in Chhota Udepur, visitors can also explore the Kusum Vilas Palace, Kali Niketan, and the vibrant weekly tribal haats, where artisans display handmade goods. The surrounding forests and scenic landscapes further enhance the cultural richness of this town.

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