Cooch Behar

It is stated by some that the ‘Koch’ dynasty followed the lineage of Nilambar. But the most widely accepted view holds that king Maharaja Viswa Singha was responsible for establishment of an independent ‘Koch’ kingdom in 1510 AD or 1530 AD. This magnificent Palace was constructed by the ‘Koch’ king Maharaja Nripendra Narayan in 1887 AD. Built in bricks, in the classical Western style this double-storied structure rests on 4 feet 9 inches above the ground and covers an area of 51309 square feet. It is 395 feet in length and 296 feet in breadth. The Palace is fronted by a series of arcaded verandahs in the ground and first floors with their piers arranged in an alternate use of single and double rows. The kings left behind many memorable places. Some of them are the huge palace, Modonmohon Kali Mandir (the goddess of hindu), Sagardighi, Rajmata Dighi, Marapora Dighi, Lal Dighi (dighi means big ponds. Those dighies mentioned were being used by the kings). The places can be covered in a single day.