KENDRAPARA: The 380-year-old palace in Aul block of Kendrapara district will be converted into a heritage hotel by the members of the royal family with assistance from the State’s Tourism department.
‘The magnificent two-storied palace with 30 rooms spread over a sprawling 32 acres of land will be renovated by us with financial assistance from the Tourism department”, said Brajakishor Dev, one of the scions of the Aul royal family. He added that in many States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and others, the Government and royal family members have converted palaces and forts into hotels to promote tourism. “We too aim to promote tourism by converting the palace into a heritage hotel”, added Dev.
He said it was decided last year at the convention of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) in Bhubaneswar that the royal palaces of the State would be converted into heritage hotels. Aul palace is situated at a distance of 20 km from Bhitarkanika National Park. The royal scion said special packages will be arranged for tourists to visit Bhitarkanika mangrove forest. “Tourists will have the option to visit Bhitarknika national park, Gahiramatha marine sanctuary, the world’s largest rookery of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, a doorless village called Sialia, beach at Pentha and Satabhaya, Hukitola island and nearby beaches”, he said.
Deputy director of State Tourism department Utkal Kumar Pati said a team of the Tourism department will soon visit the palace to estimate the cost of its renovation. “The palace has been built beautifully. The very glimpse of the structure oozes luxury and affluence. The 30 rooms of the palace will be divided into two wings and serve as residence for the royal family and a heritage hotel”, he said, adding the palace showcases the grandeur of the maharajas and the elegant style of the British Raj.
“The palace is impressive with its tradition portraying the royalty of the Dev family spanning nearly 400 years”, said the official. He said the State Tourism department will also help the royal family members convert their palaces at Talcher, Gajalaxmi Palace at Borapada in Dhenkanal, Kalahandi Palace, Dalijodi Palace and Nilgiri Palace.