Uttar Pradesh Set To Transform Historic Forts And Palaces Into Luxurious Heritage Hotels

The Chattar Manzil Palace in Lucknow stands as an architectural marvel on the banks of the River Gomti. To the south lie the Gulistan-i-Iram ('Rose Garden of Paradise') and the Darshan Bilas, both featuring facades reminiscent of other Lucknow structures. The Lal Barah-dwari, initially a durbar hall and later Nasiruddin Haider's royal room, is a sight to behold. This incredible palace, along with other palaces, forts, havelis, and heritage buildings in Uttar Pradesh, is soon to be transformed into luxurious heritage hotels.

Repurposed Heritage

Soon, tourists will have the chance to immerse themselves in the rich history of Uttar Pradesh by staying in heritage hotels within ancient forts and palaces. To enhance tourism in the state, a groundbreaking policy has been introduced to transform old palaces, forts, havelis, and heritage buildings into exclusive heritage hotels. Esteemed hotel chains such as Leela Hotels, the Indian Hotels Company (Taj Group), Neemrana Group, Mahindra Hotels and Resorts, Oberoi Hotels, Hyatt Regency, and Lalit Hotels have expressed keen interest in bringing these historical properties to life as luxurious accommodations. Don't miss this chance to be part of something truly special!

Mukesh Kumar Mesharam, the Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Culture in Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the significant growth in domestic and inbound tourism in recent times. Efforts are being made to develop infrastructure and facilities to cater to tourists from all economic segments seeking experiential tourism. Additionally, dialogues have been initiated with prominent hotel groups to revitalize palaces and havelis in line with the new tourism policy on PPP mode, offering luxurious and unparalleled experiences.

The Road Ahead

The state's tourism policy requires a minimum investment ranging from INR 30 crores to INR 100 crores for transforming heritage properties into hotels. Based on the level of investment, heritage buildings will be categorized, and investors will be offered various incentives and concessions.

The initial stage will see the conversion of historical properties such as Chunar Fort in Mirzapur, Barua Sagar Fort in Jhansi, Jal Mahal in Barsana, Chattar Manzil and Kothi Roshan-ud-Daula in Lucknow, and Shukla Talab Haveli in Kanpur into hotels. Proposals for these initiatives have been drafted and forwarded to the state government for consideration. Following approval, the subsequent phase will focus on transforming Mastani Mahal and Lake Palace in Mahoba, Tehroli in Jhansi, Tal Behat Fort in Lalitpur, and Rangarh Fort in Banda into hotels.

Plans are also underway to convert a heritage building at Akbar’s hunting ground in Kirawali, Agra, into a hotel. Agra is a city that attracts the highest number of tourists in the state. Additionally, other sites such as Baradari in Bithoor, Kothi Gulista-e-Iram in Lucknow, Kothi Darshan Vilas, and Baradari in Wazirganj, Gonda will also be transformed into heritage hotels. These heritage hotels will offer wellness centers, museums, heritage restaurants, and thematic parks, providing tourists with luxurious accommodations while also creating employment opportunities.