An Interview with Yuvraj Lakham Khem Sawant Bhonsle & Yuvrani Shraddha Lakham Sawant Bhonsle the owners of Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel.
What is the history and significance of The Sawantwadi Palace?
The Mulpurush (first man) of the Sawant Bhonsle belonged to the Sisodiya Rajput family from Udaipur. The Gadi/Kingdom of the Sawant Bhonsle dynasty was founded by Khem Sawant I in 1627. Lakham Sawant was a very brave and dutiful ruler. He along with his nephew Khem Sawant II with the army of 12000 defeated Kudal Deshastha, took possession of their land and later established themselves at Narendra Hill. The first Palace (Juna Kot) was built by them atop Narendra Hill. After his demise, Khem Sawant II succeeded him.
Khem Sawant II established his capital at Sundarwadi (now Sawantwadi), a hamlet of the village Charathe which later came to be known as Sawantwadi as the rulers were known as Sawants.
Sawantwadi Palace was built by Khem Sawant III. Sawantwadi, known as the land of the artists, is an integral part of the Konkan region which is in the mid-western coast of India. The Princely State of Sawantwadi was ruled by the Royal Family of Sawant Bhonsles. The Sawantwadi Palace was built by Khem Sawant III during his reign from 1755 – 1803 stands as a pride of the city.
What was the inspiration to return to the family home and convert it to a boutique Palace hotel?
The decision to transform part of the palace into a boutique hotel was a culmination of lifelong dreams and the perfect timing, driven by our passion for hospitality and culinary arts.
The palace has always held a special place in our hearts, and the thought of sharing its grandeur with the world was a constant aspiration. However, it was the convergence of two key factors that finally set our vision into motion. First and foremost, my husband Lakham and I, Shraddha, both come from hospitality backgrounds, which made the transition from dream to reality a natural progression.
Interestingly, our journey toward the Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel was further influenced by a personal story. During the early days of our courtship, Lakham and I had envisioned launching a restaurant venture in Goa. This endeavour symbolised our shared love for hospitality and cuisine. However, as time passed, we realized that our ambitions were much grander. We yearned to create a haven where guests could not only relish exquisite flavours but also immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the region.
The Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel stands today as a testament to the family’s dreams and aspirations. Every corner of this heritage property reflects our commitment to preserving history while offering a luxurious retreat for modern travellers. The fusion of art, culture, and cuisine creates an enchanting experience that transports guests to a bygone era, where they can savour the essence of royal living.
We invite travellers from around the world to join us on this culinary journey back in time and experience the enchantment of the Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel.
Tourism to Maharashtra is usually confined to Mumbai, Aurangabad, Ellora and Ajanta. How would you describe this southern region and what should tourists expect to find as they go off the beaten track, this far south of the state?
It brings me immense joy to share with you the remarkable evolution of tourism in the captivating town of Sawantwadi.
Over the past few years, Sawantwadi has undergone a transformation that has truly elevated its status on the tourism map. Nestled in the heart of the lush Konkan region of Maharashtra, Sawantwadi offers a blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and authentic experiences that are now attracting travellers from all corners of the globe.
Sawantwadi’s allure extends beyond the walls of our palace. The town’s vibrant markets, such as the Moti Market, come alive with the colours and aromas of locally crafted goods and fresh produce. The serene landscapes, from the tranquil shores of Moti Lake to the rolling hills of the Sahyadris, offer travellers a chance to reconnect with nature in its purest form.
The annual Sawantwadi Arts and Crafts Festival has become a magnet for artists, artisans, and enthusiasts, fostering a creative ambiance that resonates throughout the town.
We aspire to continue crafting a destination that appeals to the discerning traveller, one who seeks a deeper connection with the places they visit.
Would you suggest a combination of North Goa and Sawantwadi to provide a more interesting and cultural / beach holiday? Is it possible to do day trips to the beach from your property?
Yes, absolutely. We recommend travellers to do 3 nights in Goa followed by 4 nights in Sawantwadi. This combination itinerary provides a perfect blend of beach relaxation and cultural immersion in both North Goa and Sawantwadi. Guests will get to enjoy the best of both worlds, from the vibrant beaches of Goa to the regal ambiance and cultural experiences at the Sawantwadi Palace.
There seems to be a real focus and passion on food at the palace, please tell us a little more of what you offer and what inspires you?
In the heart of Sawantwadi, where history and culture intertwine, lies a haven for your taste buds at the Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel. I, Shraddha Bhonsle alongside my partner Lakham Bhonsle, both Chefs and Owner of this enchanting establishment, invite you to embark on a culinary journey that fuses the delicate balance between sweet and savoury, creating a symphony of flavours that is truly a rare and delightful experience.
Our cooking styles are as unique as they are complementary – I bring the touch of savoury to our creations (Heart of the kitchen), while Lakham adds his sweet expertise (Soul of the kitchen). From breakfast to dinner, every meal is a testament to our passion for culinary excellence and our love for the diverse cuisines we offer.
Imagine freshly baked croissants and pain-au-chocolat that melt in your mouth, accompanied by an array of sumptuous choices on our butter board. Fresh fruit adds a burst of freshness to your palate. The main dishes for breakfast vary from Maharashtrian treasures like Misal Thali and Thalipeeth, paying homage to our roots, to the exotic Sawantwadi special, Eggs Benedict.
For lunch, we proudly present the Rajwada Thali, a grand display of Malvan flavors that are an intrinsic part of our heritage. The thali showcases a splendid range of options, whether you’re inclined towards Mutton, Fish, Chicken, or a vegetarian delight.
As the sun sets, embark on an exquisite journey through our tasting menus. The first, a ramen tasting menu, is a result of years of dedication, making each bowl a labour of love in itself. The second, a 5-course tasting menu, takes you on a tour of South East Asian flavours, reflecting our passion for diverse cuisines. And let’s not forget the sublime plated desserts by Lakham that grace our dinner tables, leaving a lasting impression.
As you explore our menus, don’t miss the chance to indulge in some of our royal recipes – Sunti Gola and Kesari Maas. These are more than just bar snacks; they are flavour bombs that explode with the essence of tradition and history.
While people are drawn to us for our history and culture, we are dedicated to ensuring they stay for our food.
The in-house artists sound fascinating, local arts and crafts are often of great interest to our clients, can you tell us a little more about the Ganjifa traditions?
Ganjifa, the ancient art of hand-painted playing cards, is a truly captivating tradition that has a rich history and has been lovingly revived in Sawantwadi. These intricately crafted cards, traditionally circular or rectangular in shape, have a unique charm that has piqued the interest of our guests at The Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel.
Originating from Persian card games, Ganjifa playing cards gained widespread popularity during the illustrious Mughal era of the 16th century. This popularity led to the emergence of regional variations, each of which bore the cultural and artistic influences of the regions they represented. However, over the course of time, this exceptional art form faced the risk of fading into obscurity.
Fortunately, in the picturesque town of Sawantwadi in southern Maharashtra, Ganjifa found a new lease on life, thanks to the dedicated patronage of my ancestors, the Sawant-Bhonsle Royal family. This revival has been nothing short of a cultural renaissance, breathing fresh life into an almost forgotten art.
At The Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel, our darbar hall is home to a small but passionate team of 14 Ganjifa artisans who are committed to preserving and promoting this remarkable tradition. Their craftsmanship is a living testament to the legacy of Ganjifa, and it’s truly heart-warming to witness the intricate artistry unfold before our guests’ eyes.
In addition to Ganjifa, Sawantwadi is also renowned for its Lacquerware tradition. This intricate craft involves the application of lacquer to wood, creating beautiful and durable pieces of art. This tradition has a deep-rooted history and legacy in Sawantwadi. The lacquerware artisans of the region have perfected their skills over generations, crafting exquisite items such as boxes, utensils, and jewellery, all adorned with stunning lacquerwork. The artistry and precision that go into each piece make them highly sought-after collectibles.
Visitors have the unique opportunity to witness these crafts in action, and we take great pride in preserving and showcasing these time-honoured traditions.
We conduct Ganjifa Painting and Playing workshops where our guests can try their hands of painting a card and learn how to play with them.
Could you expand a little on the local region and what can be explored from the palace?
We at The Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel have carefully curated a few activities that will help you embark on a captivating voyage through the riches of Sawantwadi. Immerse in rural traditions, explore royal narratives, and unearth the timeless art of Ganjifa. Partake in private museum tours, savour heart-warming high tea moments, and meet Sushi, the golden companion. Extend your exploration to the serene Amboli Ghats for a private picnic for the day, a visit to the pristine beaches of Shiroda or Vengurla, taking in the pure air, gentle waves, and unfolding wildlife.
Visit nearby, Pinguli Village, a hidden treasure, where you will discover the origin of Leather Puppetry. Honoured with a prestigious Padma Shri award, the legacy of the founder’s remarkable contributions remains. His son, the talented Chetan Gangavane, will personally guide you through the fascinating puppetry museum.
Experience nature unfold at this haven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially birdwatchers. From November to February, diverse migratory species grace the area, while April brings enchanting songs of the Indian Pitta. In July, thrilling encounters with Ceylon frogmouths await, providing year-round opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
What initiatives are you undertaking for the welfare of the host population and sustainable tourism?
At The Sawantwadi Palace, we believe in responsible tourism that not only provides an exceptional experience for our guests but also contributes positively to the local community and environment. Here are some of the key initiatives we’ve undertaken:
We have always prioritized hiring from the local community. Our staff comprises residents of Sawantwadi and the surrounding areas. Cultural Preservation & Exchange: Sawantwadi has a rich cultural heritage, and we take great pride in preserving and promoting it. We regularly organize Ganjifa painting workshops, and demonstrations of traditional art forms, such as Pinguli leather puppetry and Konkani cuisine at a humble home in Sawantwadi.
To reduce our carbon footprint, we’ve implemented several sustainable practices. We have energy-efficient lighting, are plastic free, use eco-friendly cleaning products, and have adopted waste management techniques like composting and recycling.
We source most of our ingredients for our restaurant from local farmers and markets. This not only ensures freshness but also supports local agriculture, contributing to the economic well-being of the region.
Our property is situated amidst lush greenery, and we take our responsibility to protect the environment seriously. We’ve created a garden sanctuary that attracts local wildlife, and we educate our guests about the importance of conserving the local ecosystem.
We actively participate in local and regional tourism development initiatives that aim to create awareness about responsible tourism practices and their benefits.
