Nawab Palace

Because we had unfettered access and photography on the rooftop the place grew on us and left us with the feeling that it seemed to possess wonderful potential for open air events or leisure space. The views were spectacular of the hillside forest opposite the palace front porte cochere, and of the rolling seas in monsoon air.

From this incredible vantage point we were able to see the ‘back yard’ complete with gym, round pool, and what appears to be a lap pool. The round pool is the right of the small structure in the photo below (out of view in the large photo above) with what appears to be a lap pool between it and the apartment wing of the palace to the left.

From the rooftop other significant structures were viewable. Regrettably when we climbed down from the roof we could not explore inside each one. Conceivably these could be converted to guest accommodations. The old office block, bottom right, and three other smaller buildings in progressively less stately attire and upkeep.

An elegant set of stairs let upstairs. The balustrade woodwork and wall facade would be lovely once restored. The photos below do not do this feature justice.

She has been perched dramatically on the bluff overlooking the Indian Ocean for over 125 years. Beaches stretch to her north and south. She has a commanding view of her protective island fortresses and ocean. She is likely the only Indian palace located right on the seacoast - an historic palace with a beach.

The Nawab Ocean Palace (photo above) was built in 1887 after a series of forts were first established starting around 400 years ago. Arriving by boat after an overnight at the historic Taj Mahal Bombay Hotel and sentimental departure near the Gate of India (photo right), resort guests would touch land in Murud after

about 30 minutes (160km), marked by the impressive Janjira Fortress just off the peer (photo below).

On my very last day this visit we managed to find the man with the key. It took three actually and a flood of phone calls to open the gate. Regrettably, it was not possible to linger and take a thousand photos as we didn’t wish to complicate future negotiations. We were not even allowed to photo the interiors, so those that I managed to snap were hasty and are a grainy high ASA setting to avoid flash.

This was our second attempt to view the interior of the palace. A few months earlier we tried, but filed. See Journal Account Here.

Janjira Fortess photo viewed from the landing. I the Google Earth photo below, (GPS: 18˚ 17’ 59.64” N 72˚ 57’ 52.75” E) the proximity of the fortress and the landing is clear - a very dramatic boat landing departing from the Gate of India in Mumbai. See video link at bottom of page.

Once inside the Ahmedganj palace the ruling Nawab we were easily impressed by the potential of the palace. A stained glass atrium makes for a very impressive sense of arrival.

We were not able to pass through all the bedrooms, let alone many of the closed doors. Without floor plans I would guess there are 1-2 bed rooms on the ground floor and perhaps twice that on the first floor. There seems to be a separate wing with three floors of apartments on the left in the photo below.

Downstairs there are at least two formal interior sitting rooms (photo below, right) and a dining room, photo below, left).

India Living Spa:

Ahmedgan Nawab Palace by the Sea

The Ahmedganj palace of the ruling Nawab is an architectural marvel. The descendants of the Siddhi rulers lived in the Nawab's palace, which is known for its unusual architecture. The Nawab built their palace in 1887 and shifted here from the Janjira Fort so that he could administer his kingdom more easily. The architecture of the palace combines both Mughal and Gothic styles. The carvings and emblems are said to have been brought in from Europe; these are fading signs of what used to be a prosperous era.

Janjira Fort travel video explaining history and interior

India Survey

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