Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of Utkal Divas Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the rejuvenated Rambha Palace, now transformed into a heritage palace hotel.
Located in Ganjam district, the historic Rambha Palace holds a special place in Odia history, having hosted the inaugural session of ‘Utkal Sammilani’. The Chief Minister emphasized the palace’s pivotal role in shaping the Odia identity, recounting its illustrious past of hosting esteemed dignitaries like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Constructed in 1791-92, the palace has undergone a meticulous five-year restoration process under the guidance of renowned architect Channa Daswatte, a protégé-turned-friend of Geoffrey Bawa, along with valuable input from INTACH. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Patnaik praised the palace’s restored elegance. “The intricate textiles and weaves donning the palace sourced from artisans and weavers across Odisha, highlight the diverse cultural wealth of our state. It looks classy and elegant,” he said.
The transformation of Rambha Palace into a heritage palace hotel opens new avenues for tourism in Odisha, particularly in showcasing the unique ecosystem and biodiversity of the nearby Chilika Lake, designated as a Ramsar and UNESCO World Heritage Site, shared CM Patnaik. He expressed confidence that the palace hotel would attract visitors from around the globe, offering them an unforgettable experience immersed in Odisha’s rich heritage and natural splendor.
Acknowledging the vision and dedication of the Khallikote family and the late Rani Saheba Sugnana Kumari Deo, Chief Minister Patnaik applauded their efforts in restoring the iconic palace and revitalizing its significance in modern-day Odisha.