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ODISHA / INDIA / GULF TIME
Bathed in deep emerald green, the Belgadia Palace walls carry an aura of quiet royalty in India, as though they have witnessed centuries of stories unfold within them. The living room is adorned with stately portraits of the Bhanjdeo ancestors, their gazes seeming to watch over the home with timeless dignity. Imagine the elegance of Georgian interiors, softened and
elevated by Roman-inspired architectural flourishes — columns, arches, and intricate moldings that lend grandeur without overwhelming warmth.
Located in the heart of Odisha — a culturally vibrant state in eastern India — the Belgadia Palace is a stunning example of royal heritage revived. Today, this 200-year-old palace has been lovingly restored into a heritage residence that does far more than preserve the past. Under the care of its able custodians, it stands as a living institution deeply committed to community empowerment and storytelling. The palace calendar is thoughtfully curated and always full — from immersive heritage walks and monthly cultural experiences to artist residencies, certified skill-building courses, wellness retreats, farm-to-table Odia cuisine, Chhau dance workshops, and tribal village tours. Every program is rooted in the rich cultural narrative of Mayurbhanj, ensuring that guests don’t just visit history, they participate in it.
Nestled in the charming heritage town of Baripada in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, the Palace is more than a place to stay. It is a luminous chapter of Kalinga history reimagined for the present. Featuring 15 rooms in total and located four hours from both Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar international airports respectively, it offers a rare chance to step away from city life and into a world wheretradition, art, and hospitality converge.
A Royal Revival
Princesses Akshita and Mrinalika Bhanj Deo, part of the 48th generation of the Bhanj dynasty, have transformed the Belgadia Palace into a luxurious boutique hotel. At the heart of this revival are the young royals, Mrinalika M Bhanj Deo and Akshita M Bhanj Deo. Deeply connected to their lineage, the sisters have poured their energy into honoring the legacy of the Bhanj Deo royal family while shaping its future. Their vision is threefold: to champion local art and culture, to run a sustainable boutique palace hotel with conscious luxury at its core, and to embrace eco-tourism as a way to showcase the best of Incredible India.
The Directors aim to preserve the palace’s antique charm while incorporating modern amenities, promoting sustainable tourism, and empowering local communities.
Sustainable Tourism
What makes the palace truly special is its living connection to the surrounding communities. Through meaningful partnerships with local artisan clusters — including the renowned Dokra handicraft villages — the palace helps create sustainable livelihoods powered by eco-tourism. Visitors don’t just observe craft here; they meet the makers, understand the process, and directly support the economy.
A highlight you cannot miss is Hasa Atelier, the palace’s signature handicraft souvenir boutique. It is a treasure trove for collectors and culture lovers alike, celebrating age-old craftsmanship through a fresh, contemporary Odia perspective. Inside, you’ll find an exquisite range of pieces made with intention and care — from hand-cast Dokra jewellery with its signature earthy textures, to woven sabai grass coasters that bring rustic elegance to everyday living. Each item carries the fingerprint of the artisan who made it.
As the Founder of Hasa Atelier, Princess Mrinalika has carved out a distinct space for local artisan empowerment and a cultural renaissance that is very much in motion. Through Hasa Atelier and her leadership at the Mayurbhanj Foundation, she has built more than a brand. She has built a platform where stories travel with the products — stories of skill, heritage, and community.
Speaking about the initiative, Princess Mrinalika shares: “While the foundation sets aside a portion of revenue for social and environmental projects, our bigger goal is to create direct market linkages. We connect local communities and neighborhood craftsmen straight to travellers, with no middleman. That way, every bit of profit goes back to the hands that actually create the work.”
A quick visit to the palace’s website reads like this: “With views that inspire towards the poetic and profound, this eclectic historical palace invites lazy days spent playing croquet, taking afternoon tea near the outdoor swimming pool and walking amidst the manicured mango orchards sprawled across the property.”
Quite aptly! Princess Mrinalika signs off saying the heritage palace would be the perfect retreat for visitors from the UAE, a friendly nation that also values arts, culture and sustainable tourism.
For more details and reservations, visit www.thebelgadiapalace.com
By Arunima Mishra