If you are interested in the royal and historical palaces of India and their stories, you should definitely visit the Thiba Palace in Ratnagiri. This palace, also known as the Thibaw Palace or the Thibaw Min Hall, is a 20th-century palace that was built by the British for the exiled king of Burma, Thibaw Min and his family. The palace is located on a hill, about 3 kilometers from the Ratnagiri city center and 2 kilometers from the Ratnadurg Fort.
The palace is known for its elegant architecture, spacious rooms, beautiful gardens, and museum that display various artifacts and memorabilia related to the king and his life. The palace is also known for its historical and cultural significance as it was the last residence of the last king of Burma. Here is everything you need to know about the Thiba Palace. Best Tourist Place In Ratnagiri.
Distance From City Center Location of Thiba Palace
The Thiba Palace is located on a hill, about 3 kilometers from the Ratnagiri city center and 2 kilometers from the Ratnadurg Fort. The palace is situated on the Ratnagiri-Thiba road.
Timing/Entry Fees Thiba Palace
The Thiba Palace is open to visitors every day from 9:30 am to 5 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person for Indians and Rs. 100 per person for foreigners. There is no camera fee or parking fee.
How to Reach Thiba Palace
You can reach the Thiba Palace by road, rail, or air. The nearest railway station is Ratnagiri, which is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Goa, etc. From there, you can take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to the palace, which will take about 10 minutes. The nearest airport is Mumbai, which has domestic and international flights from various destinations. From there, you can take a cab or a bus to the palace, which will take about six hours.
Things to Do/See Thiba Palace
The Thiba Palace has many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things to do and see at the palace are:
- Explore the palace: You can explore the palace by walking or taking a guided tour that will take you through various features and sections of the palace like the Durbar Hall, the King’s Bedroom, the Queen’s Bedroom, the Dining Hall, the Library, the Balcony, the Garden, etc. You can also see the original furniture, the paintings, the photographs, the weapons, the coins, the stamps, the medals, etc. that belonged to the king and his family.
- Learn about the history: You can learn about the history of the palace that dates back to 1910 CE and was built by the British as a residence for the exiled king of Burma, Thibaw Min and his family. The king was dethroned by the British in 1885 CE after the Third Anglo-Burmese War and was sent to Ratnagiri along with his wife Supayalat and four daughters. The king lived in this palace until his death in 1916 CE. The palace was later converted into a museum in 1985 CE.
- Enjoy the views: You can enjoy the panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape from various points of the palace. You can also witness the sunrise and the sunset from the palace and capture some beautiful pictures.
- Visit the nearby attractions: You can visit some of the nearby attractions that are located close to the palace like Ratnadurg Fort (2 km), Ganpatipule Beach (25 km), Jaigad Fort (35 km), Guhagar Beach (80 km), etc.
Significance of Thiba Palace
The Thiba Palace is not only a tourist destination but also a historical and cultural landmark of Maharashtra and India. It represents the royal and colonial legacy of the British Raj and its impact on the Burmese monarchy. It also reflects the life and culture of the last king of Burma and his family who spent their last days in this palace. The palace is a testimony to the courage and dignity of the king who faced his fate with grace and humility.
FAQ’s
Q: How long does it take to explore the palace?
A: It depends on your interest and pace but generally it takes about an hour to explore the palace.
Q: What are some other places to visit near the palace?
A: Some other places to visit near the palace are Ratnadurg Fort (2 km), Ganpatipule Beach (25 km), Jaigad Fort (35 km), Guhagar Beach (80 km), etc.
Conclusion
The Thiba Palace is a must-visit place for anyone who loves history and culture. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the elegance and splendor of a royal palace that showcases the colonial architecture and design of its builders. It also offers a chance to appreciate the history and culture of the last king of Burma and his family who lived in this palace. So if you are planning a trip to Ratnagiri or nearby areas don’t miss out on visiting the Thiba Palace.
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