It was constructed by the Maharaja Holkar of Indore State (of the Marathas), as a retreat and used by him and his family to enjoy their holidays and picnics in pre-independent British India.
The Hindi/Punjabi language word "Kothi" means a luxurious home or mansion built by the wealthy higher or royal class.
Today it continues to house the state government offices of the Narmada (River) Valley Development Authority, Circle Number 8.
It is constructed on a fortified embankment just above the high flood level mark on the banks of the Narmada River in Barwaha, in the modern day state of Madhya Pradesh.
It is situated just east of the Khandwa - Indore Road Bridge over the Narmada River on the National Highway 27.