Kali Niketan Palace

Kali Niketan Palace is a historic royal residence located in Chhota Udepur town in eastern Gujarat. Built as the seat of the former princely state of Chhota Udepur, the palace exhibits early 20th-century Indo-European architecture with colonial influences. Set within the town near the palace complex that includes Kusum Vilas Palace, it remains associated with the royal family and reflects the region's princely heritage and Rathwa tribal cultural context.

Visitors can expect a heritage palace complex in the centre of Chhota Udepur town with colonial-era architecture, arched verandas, landscaped grounds and views of the surrounding town. The palace is part of the royal estate and is primarily viewed from the exterior, with opportunities for sightseeing and photography of the facade, gateways and gardens. The setting reflects the former princely state heritage and proximity to local markets and tribal cultural areas.

Kali Niketan Palace served as a royal residence of the princely state of Chhota Udepur, which was founded in 1743 by Rawal Ude Singhji. The palace complex, including the adjacent Kusum Vilas Palace built in the 1920s, represents the later period of princely architecture under British influence, combining European and Indian elements and functioning as the administrative and residential centre of the state before its integration into India.

The palace reflects the princely heritage of eastern Gujarat and its connection to the Rathwa tribal culture for which Chhota Udepur is known. The town is recognized for Rathwa Pithora painting and tribal crafts, and the palace precinct is a focal point for understanding the region's royal and tribal cultural landscape.