Thibaw Palace, Ratnagiri - Image 1
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Thibaw Palace Ratnagiri

4.1
·3k reviews·Ratnagiri, India

Former residence of Burma's last king, Thibaw, this 1910 palace blends European & Indian styles, housing ancient sculptures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, 8–9 PM

Laser show adds a magical touch

CrowdMedium
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Thibaw Palace, Ratnagiri - Image 1

Thibaw Palace Ratnagiri

Best Time

Weekends, 8–9 PM

Laser show adds a magical touch

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Former residence of Burma's last king, Thibaw, this 1910 palace blends European & Indian styles, housing ancient sculptures.

4.1
(3k reviews)

"A beautiful old-styled structure, fascinating from the outside, with a valuable collection of ancient sculptures."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Entry Fee & Hours

Entry is a nominal ₹10 per person. Closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly! :ticket:

📸 Photography Rules

Photography might be restricted inside the palace. Check for current rules before you start snapping. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Palace Architecture

The Palace Architecture

Exterior

A beautiful old-styled structure, fascinating from the outside, blending European and Indian architectural influences.

InstagramReddit
Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum

Interior

Discover ancient stone sculptures, many dating back to the 10th century, excavated from nearby Sangameshwar.

InstagramReddit
King Thibaw's Legacy

King Thibaw's Legacy

Dedicated Room

A room dedicated to the last King of Burma, offering a glimpse into his life in exile.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Plan your visit to Thibaw Palace to avoid disappointment. While the palace itself is a historical gem, some visitors note that many rooms are off-limits. Consider checking local event listings for any special exhibitions or laser shows that might enhance your experience. TikTok

Navigating to the Palace

Finding the main entrance to Thibaw Palace can be a bit tricky. Maps might be misleading, so pay attention to directions upon arrival. Taking the extreme right when you think you've reached the end often leads to the correct entrance. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends, 8–9 PM
Why
Laser show adds a magical touch
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Less crowded, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🥰#marathimulgi #कोकण #ratnagiri #kokan#nishu3434
@nishu_3434
2.2K likes • 17.1K views

🎯 Entry Fee & Hours

Entry is a nominal ₹10 per person. Closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly! Reddit+1 :ticket:

📸 Photography Rules

Photography might be restricted inside the palace. Check for current rules before you start snapping. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Last Burma King Thibaw Palace,Ratnagiri #kokandairies #traveldairies #ratnagiri #kingthibaw #burma #burmaking #burmakingdom #kokan #maharashtra #history #historyofindia #historyofburma
mdipak_41
52 likes • 782 views
Uncover the untold tale of Myanmar's last king, Thibaw Min, exiled to Ratnagiri Palace. Journey through history, witness the struggle for freedom, and explore the legacy of a monarch in captivity. #MyanmarHistory #ThibawMin #RatnagiriPalace #FreedomFighter #Ratnagiri #konkan #HistoryLovers #history #historyfacts
purva_s_desai
14 likes • 417 views

🗺️ Entrance Navigation

Maps can be misleading. Take the extreme right if you think you've reached the end for the main entrance. Reddit :world_map:

💡 Laser Show Experience

Check timings for the mesmerizing laser show that tells stories of Konkan's legends. TikTok :movie_camera:

India & Southeast Asia Part 2: Thibaw Palace - King of Burma’s Last Abode Nestled in the scenic town of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, is a grand mansion, which was the final residence of the last monarch of Burma, King Thibaw. Thibaw Palace, as it became known, was built in 1910 by the British to keep King Thibaw under house arrest, who had been exiled to far-off Ratnagiri from his homeland after lo...
peepultreestories
247 likes • 4.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Entry Fee & Hours

Entry is a nominal ₹10 per person. Closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly! Reddit+1 :ticket:

📸 Photography Rules

Photography might be restricted inside the palace. Check for current rules before you start snapping. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🗺️ Entrance Navigation

Maps can be misleading. Take the extreme right if you think you've reached the end for the main entrance. Reddit :world_map:

💡 Laser Show Experience

Check timings for the mesmerizing laser show that tells stories of Konkan's legends. TikTok :movie_camera:

🚶‍♂️ Limited Access

Be aware that about 75% of the palace is off-limits to visitors. Reddit :walking:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Thibaw Palace is a historically significant site with affordable entry, offering a glimpse into the life of an exiled Burmese king and showcasing ancient sculptures. While many find the architecture fascinating and the laser show engaging, visitors often note the limited access to rooms and wish for more exhibits related to the king and the region.

"The place was the palace built by and for the last King Of Burma, after he was captured by British was back in 1885.
Now it’s just used to showcase artefacts like sculpture found in nearby area and one room dedicated to the king.
Max rooms are out of limit for visitors.
The place is average to say max. The sound and light should be good observation after seeing the new setup of it in the compound.
It could have been better if the palace could have more open rooms and showcase more things about the region and the king itself."

S D

"Thiba palace

Beautiful old styled structure.
From outside it's fascinating.
Inside they have stored old handmade stone sculptures.

Entry fee 10/- per person

Note: This road is little bit confusing. According to map entrance point is miss guided once you reach the end don't go straight take extreme right. That is the main entrance."

Anand Bhadre

"The Thiba Palace, situated in the Ratnagiri district, is a beautiful heritage monument with rich historical significance. Built during the British era, this elegant structure once served as the residence of King Thibaw, the exiled ruler of Burma (Myanmar). The palace is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The entry ticket is just ₹10 per person, and there is ample parking space available inside the premises. A peaceful and informative place, perfect for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike."

anshu dixit

What People Like

Affordable entry fee
Fascinating architecture
Ancient sculptures

What People Dislike

Limited room access
Fewer exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thibaw Palace is located on Thibaw Palace Road in Ratnagiri. While maps might be confusing, locals suggest taking an extreme right turn if you reach what seems like the end of the road to find the main entrance. Reddit Many visitors arrive by car and find ample parking available. Reddit

While specific details on direct public transport routes are scarce, Ratnagiri is well-connected by bus and train. From the city center, local auto-rickshaws or taxis can take you to the palace. TikTok

Ratnagiri has a railway station with good connectivity to major cities in Maharashtra. The nearest airport is in Kolhapur, which is a few hours' drive away. Road connectivity via NH17 is also excellent. TikTok

Thibaw Palace is situated in the scenic Konkan region, known for its beautiful beaches like Ganpatipule and Pawas. You can also explore the Ratnagiri Fort and the Jaigad Fort nearby. TikTok

According to Reddit users, the road leading to Thibaw Palace is generally good. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee for Thibaw Palace is very affordable, typically around ₹10 per person. Reddit+1

Thibaw Palace is generally open to visitors, but it is closed on Mondays. It's advisable to check for any seasonal changes or specific timings, especially for the laser show. TikTokReddit

Currently, there is no information available about online ticket booking for Thibaw Palace. Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance. Reddit

While the entry fee is minimal, photography might be restricted inside the palace. It's best to confirm the current policy upon arrival. Reddit

The entry fee is quite low, but there might be a nominal charge for children, as indicated for the laser show (Rs. 20). Group discounts are not widely advertised. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside Thibaw Palace, you can see a room dedicated to King Thibaw, a collection of ancient stone sculptures excavated from Sangameshwar (dating back to the 10th century), and admire the palace's architecture. InstagramReddit+1

Unfortunately, a significant portion of the palace, approximately 75%, is off-limits to visitors. Reddit

Thibaw Palace was built in 1910 by the British as the residence for King Thibaw, the last monarch of Burma (Myanmar), who was exiled here after his capture in 1885. Instagram+3

Yes, there is an archaeological museum within the palace premises that showcases ancient stone sculptures. InstagramReddit

The laser show at Thibaw Palace celebrates and tells the story of Konkan's Bharat Ratnas and legends born in the region. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no specific food or dining facilities mentioned within Thibaw Palace itself. Visitors are advised to explore local eateries in Ratnagiri town for meals. TikTok

Ratnagiri is famous for its delicious seafood, especially fish curries and fried fish. You should also try the local Alphonso mangoes when in season. TikTok

You can find various restaurants and local eateries in Ratnagiri town, a short drive from the palace, offering a range of Maharashtrian and coastal dishes. TikTok

While not explicitly stated, it's generally good practice to consume outside food in designated areas or outside the historical monument to help preserve it. Reddit

Local recommendations often include trying fresh seafood at restaurants along the coast or exploring smaller eateries in the town for authentic Maharashtrian thalis. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography inside the palace might be restricted. It's best to check the current rules upon arrival to avoid any issues. Reddit

The exterior of the palace offers a fascinating architectural backdrop. The courtyard and the areas around the museum might also provide good photo opportunities. Instagram+1

There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions for Thibaw Palace, but it's always advisable to check local aviation regulations before flying drones in any historical or public area. TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Given the potential restrictions inside, a versatile camera that handles both indoor and outdoor lighting well would be ideal. Instagram

Photography of artifacts in museums is often prohibited to protect them. It's crucial to adhere to the signage and instructions provided by the palace staff. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Thibaw Palace can be an educational outing for families. The laser show is a definite highlight that will captivate children with its storytelling and visual effects. TikTok The entry fee is very affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. While many rooms are off-limits, the museum with its ancient sculptures can spark curiosity in young minds. Reddit

Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Pack some snacks and water, as food options within the palace are limited. The relatively short visit due to restricted access might also be ideal for younger children with shorter attention spans. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about history and architecture, Thibaw Palace offers a unique glimpse into the colonial past and the life of an exiled monarch. The blend of European and Indian architectural styles is noteworthy, and the ancient stone sculptures in the museum are a significant historical find. InstagramReddit

While the limited access is a drawback, the historical significance of the palace as the last residence of King Thibaw is undeniable. Exploring the grounds and the accessible parts of the palace allows for reflection on a pivotal period in regional history. Reddit+1

📸 Photographers

The exterior architecture of Thibaw Palace provides a compelling subject for photographers, showcasing its unique blend of styles. Instagram+1 The surrounding grounds can also offer picturesque views. While interior photography might be restricted, especially of artifacts, capturing the palace's facade and the general ambiance can yield great shots. Reddit

Visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset can enhance the visual appeal of the palace. Be mindful of any signage regarding photography rules to ensure a smooth experience. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Exile of King Thibaw

Thibaw Palace stands as a poignant reminder of a king's downfall and exile. King Thibaw Min was the last monarch of the Konbaung dynasty of Burma (Myanmar). Following the Third Anglo-Burmese War, he was captured by the British in 1885 and subsequently exiled. The British constructed this grand mansion in Ratnagiri, India, in 1910, to serve as his residence, effectively keeping him under house arrest. Instagram+3

The palace, therefore, is not just a historical structure but a symbol of colonial power and the end of an era for the Burmese monarchy. Visitors can explore a dedicated room that offers insights into the king's life during his confinement, providing a somber yet fascinating historical narrative. Reddit

While the palace's current state might be a shadow of its former glory, its existence in Ratnagiri is a unique chapter in the history of both India and Myanmar, highlighting the intricate political relationships of the colonial era. Reddit

Architectural Blend and Artifacts

Thibaw Palace is noted for its interesting architectural style, described as a blend of European and Indian influences. Instagram Built in 1910, its design reflects the colonial period, with elements that would have been considered grand at the time. Visitors often find the exterior architecture particularly fascinating. Reddit

Inside, the palace houses an archaeological museum that is a significant draw. This museum displays a collection of ancient stone sculptures, many of which were excavated from the nearby town of Sangameshwar. These artifacts are remarkably old, with some dating back to the 10th century, offering a valuable glimpse into the region's past. InstagramReddit

Despite the limited access to most of the palace rooms (around 75% are off-limits), the preserved architecture and the historical artifacts make Thibaw Palace a worthwhile visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. Reddit

The Laser Show Experience

For an enhanced evening experience, Thibaw Palace hosts a mesmerizing laser show. This show aims to celebrate and narrate the stories of Konkan's Bharat Ratnas and legends, bringing the region's rich heritage to life through light and sound. TikTok

The timings for the laser show are typically 8:00 PM on weekdays and an additional show at 9:00 PM on weekends. The charges for this spectacle are quite reasonable, with adults paying Rs. 50 and children Rs. 20. TikTok

This laser show offers a unique way to connect with the local history and culture, making a visit to Thibaw Palace more engaging, especially for families and those looking for an evening activity. TikTok