Odisha, which is India’s best kept secret, is the land of temples, royal palaces, and many heritage sites. So, let me take you through the Ancient Palaces in Odisha which are filled with architectural grandeur, culture, and historical secrets. If planning a holiday to Odisha, do make a point to visit all these palaces mentioned below to your next destination.
- Aul Palace, Kendrapada
- Belgadia Palace, Mayurbhanj
- Dhenkanal Palace, Dhenkanal
- Gajapati Palace, Gajapati
- Sailashree Palace, Balangir
- Kanika Palace, Kendrapada
- Jogindra Villa Palace, Boudh
1. Aul Palace, Kendrapada-
Geographical Location- Aul Palace aka Ali Rajabati is situated near Aul, Kendrapada, Odisha.
Historical Trivia– Aul Palace was established in the year 1590 AD at the bank of river Kharasrota by Raja Ram Chandra Deb from Chalukya dynasty.
Present Scenario– This palace is now the residence of present king Braja Keshari Deba whose family has a history of over 426 years. In the year 2018, the members of the royal family decided to convert this palace into a heritage hotel.
Nearby Tourist Spots–
- Akhandalamani Temple, Aradi
- Rajkanika Palace
- Sri Sri Lakshmi Varaha Jew Temple
- Baladevjew Temple
- Chandramouli Temple
- Bhitarkanika National Park
- Pentha Sea Beach
For Details and bookings visit-
- Website- www.killaaulpalace.com
- Email Id- brajkesharideb@gmail.com
- Phone- 9437690565
- Location- Aul Rajbati, Lokapada, Odisha 754219
- Nearest Airport- Bhubaneswar Airport (120 km)
- Nearest Major Railway Station- Cuttack Railway Station (93 km)
2. Belgadia Palace, Mayurbhanj-
Geographical Location– The Belgadia Palaceis an 18th-century Victorian-era styled palace located in Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
Historical Trivia– Maharani Sumitra Devi Bhanj Deo, who ruled the state from 1796 to 1810, gave the orders to construct the palace in 1804. The overall construction replicated the style of Buckingham Palace.
Present Scenario– Belgadia Palace, currently the royal residence of sisters Mrinalika and Akshita M Bhanj Deo, descendants of Bhanj Dynasty, used part of the palace as a boutique hotel where you can witness manicured lawn, Moroccan-style pool, theatre room etc with all the amenities.
Nearby Tourist Spots–
- Similipal National Park
- Jagannath Temple
- Maa Ambika temple
- Kichakeswari Temple
- Joranda waterfall
- Barehipani Waterfall
- Mayurbhanj Palace
For Details and bookings visit-
- Website– www.thebelgadiapalace.com
- Email-Id- stay@thebelgadiapalace.com
- Phone- +916372407613, +919692778388
- Location- The Belgadia Palace, Ward no. 2, Mayurbhanj, 757002
- Nearest Airport- Kolkata Airport (230 km)
- Nearest Railway Station- Baripada Railway Station (4 km)
3. Dhenkanal Palace, Dhenkanal-
Geographical Location- Dhenkanal Palace is located in present day Dhenkanal town, Odisha.
Historical Trivia– It was established in 1860 by Maharaja Bhagirath Mahindra Bahadur is the official palace of the Bhoi Dynasty of Dhenkanal princely state, India located in present day Dhenkanal town, Odisha.
Present Scenario– As custodians of rich heritage, Yuvraj Amarjyoti Singh Deo and Yuvrani Meenal Kumari, developed Dhenkanal Palace into a heritage homestay in the late 1990s, opening their home to travellers from around the world where you’ll get to experience spacious well-lit rooms with attached bathrooms while exploring the natural beauty, handicrafts etc.
Best time to visit- Late autumn and winter are the best time to visit Dhenkanal, between October and march. A mild winter and sunny days greet visitors during that period. A visit during the monsoons is a treat for the adventurous.
Nearby Tourist Spots-
- Kapilash Temple
- Joranda Temple
- Saptasajya Hill
- Dandadhar Reservoir
- Astasambhu Temple
- Jatan Nagar Palace
- Sapua dam
- Nandinia Waterfall
For Details and bookings visit-
- Website- www.dhenkanalpalace.com
- Email-id- contact@dhenkanalpalace.com
- Phone- +91-9437292448/ +91-9748478335
- Location- Pati house, Anatapur, Odisha 759001
- Nearest Airport- Bhubaneswar Airport (66 km)
- Nearest Railway Station- Dhenkanal Railway Station (4 km)
4. Gajapati Palace, Gajapati-
Geographical Location- Gajapati Palace located at Paralakhemundi, of Gajapati district, Odisha was built in 1835 by Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati (first prime minister of Odisha under British rule).
Historical Trivia– The iconic Gajapati Palace in Paralakhemundi should be preserved and developed as a museum as it has a rich history behind it. One of the wealthy architectural and cultural heritage of India, built for the purpose of permanent residence for the Gajapati rulers of Paralakhemundi Estate, this palace is worth a visit.
Present Scenario– At present the property is under the protection of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
Nearby Tourist Spot-
- Mahendragiri Hill
- Padmasambhava Statue
- Gandahati Waterfall
- Khasada Waterfall
- Gudguda Waterfall
- Chandragiri Temple
- Brahmani Devi Waterfall
- Harabhangi Dam
- Nearest Airport- Visakhapatnam Airport (180 km)
- Nearest Railway Station- Paralakhemundi Railway station (1.3 km)
5. Sailashree Palace, Balangir-
Geographical Location– Sailashree Palace also known as Balangir Palace, is in the Balangir city, Odisha.
Historical Trivia– Belonging to the Royal family of Balangir, it was built by Raja Rajendra Narayan Singh.
Present Scenario– Considered one of the best palaces ever built in Odisha state, it is one of the major tourist attractions in western Odisha.
Nearby Tourist Spot-
- Bhima Dunguri
- Harishankar
- Pataneswari Temple
- Ranipur Jharial
- Saintala Chandi Temple
- Jogisarda
- Gaikhai M.I.P
- Turekela
- Kumuda Pahad
- Location- Balangir, Odisha, 767001
- Nearest Airport- Jharsuguda Airport (193 km)
- Nearest Railway Station- Balangir Railway Station (4 km)
6. Kanika Palace, Kendrapada-
Geographical Location– Kanika Palace is situated in Rajkanika Block of Kendrapada district and is around 50 km from the district headquarters.
Historical Trivia– This palace is famous due to its massive infrastructure and beauty built around a century ago by the king of then Kanika Raja R N Bhanjadeo.
Present Scenario– It is surrounded by two big rivers called Kharasrota and Baitarani. One of the floors has been converted into a museum and it has the largest crocodile skull in the world.
Best time to visit: Oct-Mar
Opening Time: 10 AM-5 PM
Nearby Tourist Spot-
- Bhitarkanika National Park
- Nrusinghanath Temple
- Lord Gopinath Temple
- Maa Dakshina Kali Temple
- Laxmi Narayana Temple
- Gopaljew Temple
- Maa Siddheshwari Temple
- Radhakanta Temple
- Location- Rajkanika, Kendrapara, Odisha
- Nearest Airport- Bhubaneswar Airport (128 km)
- Nearest Railway Station- Cuttack Railway station (100 km)
7. Jogindra Villa Palace, Boudh-
Geographical Location- Jogindra Villa Palace is located at Boudh district, Odisha.
Historical Trivia– This is the palace of the ex-Ruler of Boudh locally known as Rajabati. This was constructed during the reign of Raja Jogindra Dev.
Present Scenario– The palace is a picturesque and handsome building commanding a fine view of Mahanadi.
Nearby Tourist Spot-
- Panchara Hill
- Maa Samalei Temple, Ghantapada
- Latajharan Waterfall
- Nayakpada Cave
- Gandharadi Charisambhu Mandir
- Location- Jogindra Villa Palace, Boudh, Odisha 762014
- Nearest Airport- Jharsuguda Airport (156 km)
- Nearest Railway Station- Rairakhol Railway Station (30 km)
There are still some more ancient palaces, which are still owned by royalty or converted to museums and rest are lost in ruins. Some of these heritage properties allow you to experience the luxury that was once limited to the royal families. So, you can visit these ancient palaces of Odisha and enjoy your stay there and share your experiences with us.
