Situated in Maharashtra’s scenic Konkan, Sawantwadi Palace Exhibition is a striking monument of laterite stone, built between 1755 and 1803 by Khem Sawant III. The palace welcomes guests with its ornate Lester Gate, erected in 1895 to honor Col. Lester, a British Political Superintendent, and leads them into the impressive Darbar Hall, a legacy of Raghunath Sawant Bhonsle’s reign

The exhibition celebrates the Sawant Bhonsle royal family—descendants of Mangal (Mang) Sawant, a Sisodiya from Udaipur who established the dynasty as Subhedar in the early 16th century. Khem Sawant I founded the kingdom in 1627, while later generations developed an enduring patronage for the region’s unique arts, notably Ganjifa cards and lacquerware

Inside the palace, visitors enjoy direct access to the royal lineage and remarkable artifacts including ancient photographs, regal furniture, and rare Ganjifa card collections. The current royal family, led by His Highness Shrimant Khem Sawant VI, actively promotes cultural and artistic traditions—their presence in the palace transforms every visit into an engaging heritage experience. Guests often encounter the Yuvraj and Yuvrani, who blend their hospitality expertise with the palace’s legacy in boutique accommodations and supervised art programs

Sawantwadi’s lacquerware art, revived in 1972 by H. H. Shivramraje Bhonsle and H. H. Satvashiladevi Bhonsle, flourished under historical royal patronage. It encompasses three major forms: turned lacquerware polished with Kewda leaves; painted floral borders and motifs; and vibrant depictions of mythological subjects. Today, this heritage craft includes board games, candle stands, utility and decorative items, all hand-painted in traditional styles.

Beyond the exhibition’s walls, travelers can explore Moti Lake, bustling local markets, and artisan studios that showcase the living legacy of Konkan’s cultural vibrancy. Sawantwadi Palace Exhibition is a centerpiece for history and art lovers, offering an immersive experience into the luxury, creativity, and resilience of one of Maharashtra’s storied dynasties