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From Royal Fort to Luxury Stay: Rajgarh Palace Reopens in India

A 350-year-old palace in northern India has reopened after a long and careful restoration. Located in the Khajuraho region, the palace sits inside a large 76-hectare private estate. It is surrounded by old forests, hills, and a peaceful natural lake. After several years of work, the historic building has been restored and is now welcoming guests from around the world as a luxury hotel.

The palace, now known as Rajgarh Palace, was built in the late 1600s by King Bundela Raja Hindupat Singh as a fort. Later, when King Chandela Maharaja Chhatrasal made Panna his capital, the fort was turned into a royal palace. Over the years, the building went through many changes. In 1996, it was handed over to Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, and in late 2025, the Oberoi Group officially opened it as a premium hotel.

The restored palace now offers 65 rooms and suites. Guests can choose from Palace Suites, private villas with swimming pools, or rooms with gardens and terraces. Every space has been designed to keep the royal look while adding modern comfort. The hotel also has two swimming pools, one inside the palace and another overlooking the lake.

Food is an important part of the experience at the palace. The hotel has several restaurants serving Indian and international dishes. One restaurant focuses on old royal recipes, while another by the lake serves food all day. There is also a courtyard bar where guests can enjoy drinks and light snacks in a relaxed setting. The spa, located by the lake and reached by boat, offers private treatments, calm spaces, and a beautiful infinity pool.

The palace is not just about luxury, but also about culture and nature. Guests can easily visit Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve, the famous temples of Khajuraho, and the scenic Raneh Gorge. Inside the palace, guided walks reveal hidden paths, ancient shrines, and forgotten ruins. In the evenings, guests can enjoy local music, dance, and stories that share the history and legends of the region.

January 13, 2026
10:47 IST

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