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Sawantwadi Palace
Heritage · Sawantwadi, Sindhudurg
The palace of the former rulers of Sawantwadi state, beside Moti Talav, known for keeping alive the painting of Ganjifa cards.
Sawantwadi was once the capital of a princely state ruled by the Sawant Bhonsle family, and their palace still stands near the Moti Talav lake in the heart of the town. Its laterite walls and courtyards give a sense of the town's royal past.
The palace is known for its connection with Ganjifa, an old card game with round, hand-painted cards. The royal family supported Ganjifa painting when the art was fading, and visitors can learn about these intricate cards here.
Sawantwadi is also famous for its painted wooden toys and fruit made by local craftsmen, which you will find in shops around the lake. The town is a pleasant base for Amboli, the southern Sindhudurg coast and north Goa.
Visiting arrangements and timings can change, so ask locally before you go.
Best time to visit
All year; October to March is the most pleasant.
How to reach
In Sawantwadi town, beside Moti Talav. Nearest railway station: Sawantwadi (Madure).
Places nearby
Facts: Wikidata (CC0) and OpenStreetMap; map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.