Matiabag Palace Complete History Travel Guide & Trekking Experience
Prabhuling jiroli
🌄 Introduction
Matiabag Palace, also popularly known as Cooch Behar Rajbari, is one of the grandest royal palaces of Eastern India. Nestled in the Cooch Behar district of West Bengal, close to Assam, it blends medieval history with Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Unlike many forts that were built solely for defense, Matiabag Palace was a royal residence, cultural hub, and administrative seat of the Cooch dynasty. With its opulent halls, sprawling gardens, and historic aura, it remains a must-visit destination for heritage lovers and travelers.
🏰 History of Matiabag Palace
The history of Matiabag Palace is deeply tied to the Cooch Behar royal family.
| Era | Rulers / Dynasty | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Early Medieval (16th Century) | Koch Dynasty founded by Maharaja Biswa Singha | Foundation of Cooch Behar kingdom. |
| 17th Century | Successors of Nara Narayan | The palace region developed as a royal seat of power. |
| 18th Century | Cooch Behar rulers | Fortified palace structures built with earthen embankments and wood. |
| 19th Century (Colonial) | Maharaja Nripendra Narayan (1879–1911) | Palace reconstructed in Indo-Saracenic style, modeled after Buckingham Palace. |
| Modern Day | Govt. of West Bengal | Palace is a protected monument & museum. |
✨ Interesting Facts:
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Matiabag Palace was inspired by European palaces during the colonial period.
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Maharaja Nripendra Narayan hired British architects for its redesign.
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The palace still houses royal portraits, artifacts, and historic weapons.
🏛️ Architecture of Matiabag Palace
The palace is a blend of Mughal, European, and traditional Assamese design.
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Style: Indo-Saracenic Revival.
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Floors: 2-storey structure.
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Main Dome: 124 feet high, inspired by Renaissance style.
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Halls: Durbar Hall, Reception Hall, Library, Royal Chambers.
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Garden Layout: Symmetrical Mughal-style gardens with fountains.
Architecture Table
| Feature | Details | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Central Dome | 124 ft | Symbol of royal authority |
| Durbar Hall | Marble flooring | King’s audience & ceremonies |
| Underground Chambers | Limited access | Historical refuge/storage |
| Arched Windows | European design | Ventilation + aesthetics |
| Gardens | Mughal-inspired | Beauty + symmetry |
🗺️ How to Reach Matiabag Palace
📍 Location: Cooch Behar, West Bengal (close to Assam border).
By Road 🚗
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From Siliguri: ~150 km (4 hrs drive).
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From Guwahati: ~320 km (7–8 hrs).
By Train 🚉
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Nearest station: New Cooch Behar Railway Station (5 km).
By Air ✈️
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Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport (~160 km).
Transport Table
| Mode | Distance | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car (from Siliguri) | 150 km | 4 hrs | Scenic drive |
| Train | 5 km | 15 min | Easiest access |
| Air (Bagdogra) | 160 km | 4.5 hrs | Flight + car |
🥾 Trekking & Exploration Routes
Though not a “hill fort trek,” visiting Matiabag Palace involves heritage walking tours around its grounds.
Routes
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Palace Perimeter Walk
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Distance: ~1 km
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Covers gardens, fountains, external architecture.
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Interior Exploration
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Guided entry to Durbar Hall, Library, Museum rooms.
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Fortification Remains & Old Roads
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Walk to remnants of earthen embankments around palace.
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Exploration Table
| Route | Distance | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perimeter | 1 km | 30 min | Gardens, fountains |
| Interior | Guided | 1 hr | Durbar Hall, artifacts |
| Fortification | 2 km | 45 min | Old walls, pathways |
🔑 Gates & Towers
Unlike typical forts, Matiabag Palace has grand entrances and decorative towers.
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Main Royal Gate (East): Ceremonial entry.
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Garden Gate (South): Access to Mughal-style gardens.
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Service Gate (West): Used by staff & guards.
Towers & Features:
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Clock Tower: Colonial addition.
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Central Dome Tower: Symbol of royal power.
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Side Minaret-like Towers: Inspired by Mughal design.
Table – Gates & Towers
| Name | Type | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Gate | Main | East | Ceremonial entry |
| South Gate | Secondary | South | Garden entry |
| West Gate | Service | West | Staff access |
| Central Dome | Tower | Center | Royal authority |
| Clock Tower | Tower | Side | Colonial heritage |
📋 Things to Do
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🏛️ Explore Durbar Hall & Museum.
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🌳 Stroll through gardens & fountains.
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📸 Capture European-Mughal architecture.
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📜 Study royal artifacts & portraits.
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🥾 Walk heritage trails around fortifications.
❌ Things Not to Do
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Don’t litter 🚯
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Don’t touch fragile exhibits 🏺
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Avoid climbing restricted areas ⚠️
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No flash photography in museum 🚫
🎒 What to Carry
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Water bottle 💧
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Comfortable walking shoes 👟
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Camera 📸
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Hat / Sunglasses 🕶️
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Notebook (for history enthusiasts) 📓
👣 Safety & Precautions
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Visit only during opening hours.
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Follow museum guidelines.
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Avoid monsoon season – outdoor areas muddy 🌧️.
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Hire guides for historical context.
🏞️ Best Time to Visit
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Winter (Nov–Feb): Pleasant, best for walking.
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Avoid: Heavy monsoon (Jun–Sep).
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Summer afternoons: Can be hot.
✅ Who Should Visit vs Avoid
Best for:
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History lovers 🏰
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Families 👨👩👧👦
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Photographers 📸
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Students & researchers 📚
Avoid:
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Elderly with difficulty walking 👵
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Very young children (<5) 👶
📝 Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 19th century (reconstruction) |
| By | Maharaja Nripendra Narayan |
| Style | Indo-Saracenic |
| Location | Cooch Behar, WB |
| Floors | 2 + underground |
| Best Season | Nov–Feb |
🌟 Conclusion
Matiabag Palace is not just a palace – it is a window into royal Cooch Behar’s past, blending medieval legacies with colonial architecture. With its grand dome, Mughal gardens, secret chambers, and museum treasures, it remains a must-visit for heritage enthusiasts, travelers, and cultural explorers.
👉 If you’re planning an Assam-Bengal trip, make sure Matiabag Palace is on your list!