Although famous as the site of India&rsquos diamond mines, Panna in Madhya Pradesh, has managed to evade the touristy crowd. Not many are aware that this forested region inside the Vindhya hills of central India is also home to one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the country &ndash the Pandav Falls, around 25km from Khajuraho, a national park, and a Gharial sanctuary among other things. And now there is one more excuse to visit this quaint corner.
Did you know that the Panna royal family, custodians of the Mohan Niwas Palace, will be unveiling their heritage property as a luxurious home stay Inspired by the Windsor Palace of London, this architectural gem made of Panna sandstone, was built under the aegis of Lt. Raja Bhartendra Singh Ju Deo. Do not miss the turrets which will remind you of the original.
Thanks to Raj Kunwar Saheb Keshav Pratap Singh and Divya Rani Singh, here is your chance to enjoy the Bundeli hospitality in all its royal splendour. Each room of the restored palace is endowed with character and style which will take you back to the relaxed atmosphere of yore.
This can also be your home to explore the Panna National Park, which is not far from the palace. They can also arrange for wildlife safaris (on separate payment) through the park. Apart from tigers, the park is also home to the sloth bear, Indian wolf, pangolin, leopard, gharial, Indian fox, about 200 species of birds, including migratory birds, and other animals. The royal family has been involved in wildlife conservation in the area and you might pick up interesting nuggets of information from them. If you are fond of angling, the two water bodies inside the palace complex will be your favourite haunts.
You may also visit places such as Khajuraho (about an hour&rsquos drive from here) and the Kalinjar Fort (about three hours&rsquo drive away).
Information Mohan Niwas Palace of Panna will be inaugurated as a luxurious home stay soon. For more details, you may write to mohanniwaspalace@gmail.com
You may follow Mohan Niwas Palace here.