The Heritage Fervour
In 1905, Thakore Saheb Verisalji Bawa of Roha’s transparent visions culminated in a manor in the classically-ornamented Kutch-Roha style of architecture, replete with heritage porticos, chowks (courtyards), intricately carved pavilions, and pillared halls. Three years went into the making of Darbargadh, using local sandstone, limestone, lime mortar and wood that the earthquakes of 1956 and 2001 affected, but were carefully restored. Later, the Darbargadh was turned to accommodate a CBSE School and more recently into a traditional Kutchi Homestay to welcome travellers to its cultural vistas, for an experiential stay with the family.
Meet Your Host
My wife Nitu Bharti and I, Krutarthsinh of Devpur are the fifth generation in our ancestral home in Kutch. Our family has been hosting travellers from the world’s furthest quarters at our heritage home since 2008. In shared camaraderie of the whole family, welcoming guests often roots to familial hearty greetings with garlands, teeka and gud to sweeten the beginning of guests’ stay. We also run a CBSE-affiliated English Medium School on the premises that caters to Devpur and nearby village children. Just two furlongs away is a boundless expanse of land seated loosely on a 12-acre organic Vijaya Orchard, with one thousand Kesar Mango trees counting days of Summer.
Accommodation Options
Darbargadh is now listed as a member of the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The local architectural elements and designs adorn Darbargadh’s six thoughtfully-preserved rooms and an eco-friendly serviced Farmstay amidst the Kesar mango orchard.
The Medi (room on the first floor) has always been pink with two beautiful Jharukhas and painted ceilings. The bedroom has two lacquered dholiyas (queen-sized beds) and an ensuite bathroom.
A thoughtfully appointed suite with period furniture and paintings. The bedroom has a double bed, a writing desk and an ensuite bathroom. The guests enjoy their chhota hazri in the living room and when it’s not too cold, they move to the verandah that opens into the zenana chowk garden.
As the name suggests the room has sixteen pillars that support cross-vaulted gothic arches and there are two high-legged Kutchi Dhoynis (queen-sized beds), one extra single Dhoyni, a sitting, dining, writing desk and an ensuite bathroom.
The set of two different rooms was recently renovated which was earlier the Rath Khana and Ghodaar. Both rooms have double beds, Jharukhas and ensuite bathrooms. There is a mezzanine floor above the bathroom in each room for children to play or sleep. There is a common ante room for lounging, and a tea / coffee maker.
A set of two small rooms is on the first floor, also with an external private entrance. The bedroom has a double bed with an ensuite new bathroom with a tub bath. The ante room has a sofa-cum-bed, writing desk and a tea / coffee maker. There is a high screened terrace for privacy and another that overlooks the zenana chowk.
Or, the New Room is a set of two rooms. The bedroom has a king-sized bed and an ensuite bathroom. The ante room has a sofa-cum-bed and a tea/coffee maker. The sit-out overlooks the zenana chowk garden.
In and Around Devpur Darbargadh
The spacious heritage rooms are all different but warm and comfortable, with en suite modern bathrooms, living and dining areas.
Devpur Farmstay is just two furlongs from the Darbargadh Devpur and is set amidst one thousand Kesar mango trees on a 12 acre organic Vijaya Orchard.
Since 1994 The White Eagles School is being run by the family on the same campus.
Volunteering at the school and interacting with the locals here is a highly recommended way of experiencing the authenticity.
The Farmstay has two rooms, Water Lily (first floor), which is bright and sunny with three beds.
Testimonials
‘At Devpur, you will find the real India. From the moment you arrive, you would feel embraced and supported, and leave feeling nourished. I spent 5 nights here, and felt that it was far too soon to be leaving.’
‘Morning breakfasts and evening dinners are a delight listening to the stories of Kutch and India, meeting other travellers, sharing travel experiences and getting pampered with the amazing home-cooked meals and an attentive host.’
‘You can also stroll through the nearby fruit orchards and be greeted with moos by milch cows. Devpur is certainly not a sleepy village. It is a vibrant, rustic background to the delightful Devpur Homestay.’
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