Odisha’s Royals Advocate for Palace Tourism Revival Amid Challenges

Bhubaneswar: The former royals of Odisha and owners of heritage properties are calling for a revamp of the state’s tourism policy to include palace tourism as a key attraction. At the annual meeting of the Association of Heritage Palaces of Odisha held in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, heritage property owners expressed the need for a structured and supportive framework to promote palace homestays and preserve the rich cultural legacy of the state.

Many royals have already transformed their ancestral palaces into heritage homestays, with properties like Gajalaxmi Palace and Garh Dhenkanal in Dhenkanal, Belgadia Palace in Mayurbhanj, and Killa Aul in Kendrapada, among others, drawing tourists eager to experience Odisha’s regal history. However, significant challenges remain.

Braj Keshari Deb, owner of the 400-year-old Killa Aul Palace, highlighted the financial strain of maintaining these old assets, with high costs for conservation, restoration, and maintenance. “Heritage hotels in India are not just hotels but living museums that offer a glimpse into the country’s unforgettable past. The state should have an effective tourism policy to fully exploit the potential of heritage tourism,” Deb emphasized.

The need for government support was echoed by Anil Dhir, Convener of INTACH’s Bhubaneswar chapter. He stressed the importance of promoting palace homestays while lamenting the poor condition of many former royal properties. “These properties boast distinctive architecture, history, and ambience. INTACH has restored numerous royal and colonial monuments in Odisha, such as the Rani Bakhri of Sambalpur and the Maritime Museum in Cuttack,” Dhir noted.

Heritage tourism has the potential to not only preserve Odisha’s history but also boost the local economy. Utpal Pati, former Tourism Advisor, and Adyasha Das, a professor at the Indian Institute of Travel Trade Management, both highlighted the need to revamp the state’s Tourism Policy to fully capitalize on the heritage sector. Das added, “Sustainable tourism can revitalize traditional arts, crafts, music, and folklore by promoting these cultural elements through heritage hotels.”

Biswajit Mohanty, Chairman of Greenpeace India’s South Asia operations, pointed out the untapped potential of Odisha’s natural heritage in boosting tourism. “This sector can generate employment, revenue, and foreign exchange while enhancing cultural preservation through fairs, festivals, and creative activities,” he said.