Kawardha

Kawardha is a municipality of the Kabirdham district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It came into existence on 6th July 1998 and was renamed Kabirdham after Kabir Sahib. It extends between 21.32` to 22.28` North latitude and 80.48` to 81.48` east longitude. The city is bordered by Dindori District in the north, Bilaspur and Durg in the east, Rajnandgaon in South, and Balaghat District in the west.

Kawardha had witnessed the advent of Kabir Sahib and the establishment of the seat of descendants of his disciple Dharmdas; it was named as Kabirdham District. Before Damakhera, this place was the seat of Kabir Panthis. About 17 km from District Headquarters, Bhoramdeo is a popular place historically as well as archeologically. This place had been the capital of Nagvanshi kings who ruled from 9th century to 14th century. After them the region was ruled by the Haihayvanshi Kings who were related to state Ratanpur. The Archaelogical remains of the temple and the old fort that were erected by these kings are still available.

Kawardha is marked by rugged mountainous terrain in the north and west while low-lying plains cover the south and east. The Maikal ranges of the Satpura Mountain Range fringe the region in the north and west. The highest peak of Kawardha is the Kesmadra (925 m). The Haf, Pok, Sakri, Phen, Holnia and Jamunia rivers drain the district whose sole all weather water channel is the Sahila Nala. Climatic conditions are extreme and vary from sweltering summers to very cold winters. The region also suffers from paucity of rainfall receiving only 990mm rainfall annually. Mainly Black, Dosra and Kanhar soils can be found in this region.

Gandai Temple, Kawardha, Chhattisgarh: Much is unknown about the history of Gandai Temple, built in lines of the illustrious Janjgir temples.

Chherka Mahal, Kawardha, Chhattisgarh: Chherka Mahal houses yet another manifestation of the ubiquitous Lord Shiva.

Radha Krishna Temple, Kawardha, Chhattisgarh: Radha Krishna Temple has the Maharaja touch to it, with vault chambers for public view.

The magnificent palace of Kawardha was built at an altitude of 941 metres above sea level in the Maikal Hills of Kawardha, Chattisgarh. The Kawardha Palace is a famous tourist spot and is considered to be one of the luxurious palaces in the vicinity.

History of the Kawardha Palace
The Kawardha Palace belongs to the Royal family of the Kawardha state. It was built under the patronage of Maharaja Dharamraj Singh between the periods of 1936-39. This palace is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India.

In the year 1991, Maharaja Yogeshwar Singh, the successor of Dharamraj Singh restored the palace into a luxury Palace hotel. It now forms one of the prime tourist attractions of Kawardha.

Architecture of the Kawardha Palace
The Kawardha Palace spreads over 11 acres of land with lush green surroundings and scenic hills. The palace is built with Italian marble and stone. The architecture of the palace is an exquisite blend of Italian, Mughals and the Colonial styles, thus making it all the more interesting. It has several well maintained rooms and cottages, each given a personal touch which is unique from that of other constructions. The Durbar Hall which is more than 80 feet in height with its majestic towering dome and gold leaf filigree, provides a setting for relaxation. The interior of the palace has a spot called the Zebra room, which serves as an evening bar and a library.

The main gateway of the Kawardha Palace is known as the Haathi Darwaza, which means the elephant gate. This structure marks the royal procession of the past that were headed by elephants. The marble staircases and the graceful courtyards show the intricate architecture of that time. With the palace getting renovated, additional structures like the arched corridors, residential quarters and the courtyard has also been extended. The fresco which has been well designed with the furniture used in the palace is rare and unique.

Kawardha is nestled in the lap of nature and endowed with tribal heritage. The central east and southern part of the district is plain but the northern and western part is mountainous.

For wildlife enthusiasts Kawardha offers the Kanha and Sahaspur National Parks. These wildlife sanctuaries have leopards, sloth bears, cheetahs, jackals and jungle cats. The city also has the ancient Shiva Bhoramadeo Temple and the Radha Krishna temple. The exotic Kawardha Palace and the panoramic ecstasies of Saroda Reservioir are also worth visiting. Apart from these there are many prominent picnic spots for the tourists. Kawardha is well connected by road, airport and railway.