The Royal Heritage of Keonthal
"Escape the Shimla crowds and find your soul in the silent pine forests of Junga. Experience a legacy that spans over 800 years in structures holding 200+ years of active history."
The Foundations of Keonthal State
The princely state of Keonthal, with its capital at Junga, was founded in the 13th century by Giri Sen, who migrated from West Bengal to the Shimla hills. He was acclaimed as one of the three sons of Rup Sen of Ropar. Historically, Keonthal covered an expansive 482 km² and reigned over 18 Thakuries before it was structurally consolidated during the British Raj.
The state faced occupation by the Nepalese (Gorkhas) from 1803 to 1814 before British intervention restored the land to its hereditary rulers. It officially acceded to the Indian Union on April 15, 1948, becoming an integral part of what is now Himachal Pradesh.
Architectural Masterpiece
The Palace itself is a masterpiece of traditional kath-kuni Pahari architecture, defined by its extensive, masterful use of old timber and natural stone, carrying over 200 years of direct heritage and preserving the regal aura of times past.
The Modern Royal Custodians
Today, the heritage property proudly operates as a boutique homestay, allowing guests to step back in time and experience aristocratic lifestyles firsthand. The legacy is currently represented by the 80th-generation king, Tikka Raja Kush Dev Sen (born April 8, 1996, in Junga).
The royal family continues to passionately oversee the area's development. Prominent family representative Kush Vikram Sen remains an active public figure, notably serving as a Zila Parishad member for the Junga Ward, seamlessly blending local governance with heritage preservation.