Palace Homestay in Odisha
Close your eyes and imagine sipping chai on a sun-dappled veranda, surrounded by centuries-old walls that whisper tales of kings, queens, and grand feasts in some of the best Luxury Palace Stay in Odisha. Odisha, a treasure trove of royal heritage, invites you to step into this dream with its stunning palatial stays. Ready to live like royalty? Let’s explore the best Palaces offering luxury stays in Odisha that promise to make your trip unforgettable!
Rambha Palace: Lakeside Royalty
How to Reach
- Distance: 120 km from Bhubaneswar Airport (2-hour drive) and 55 km from Berhampur Railway Station (1-hour drive).
- Best Travel Options: Book a cab from Bhubaneswar for a picturesque ride along Odisha’s highways, or opt for a local cab from Berhampur.
Accomodation
- Room Options: Rambha Palace features a presidential villa and fourteen opulent suites, each designed to reflect its royal heritage.
- Suite Details: The suites are painted in vibrant shades such as rich terracotta, sunshine yellow, and Robin egg blue. They boast high ceilings, elegant four-poster beds, and art nouveau furniture. Suites offer a mix of historical charm and contemporary luxury, with some providing orchard views and outdoor bathtubs in the adjacent wellness-focused areas.
- Bathrooms: The spacious bathrooms are clad entirely in veined Italian marble, featuring sleek freestanding tubs as a striking centerpiece.
Culinary Options
- Dining Experience: The palace employs a team of sixteen chefs capable of preparing a diverse array of cuisines, from local Odiya delicacies to international flavors like Japanese, Peruvian, and Thai.
- Local Specialties: Guests can enjoy authentic Odiya dishes such as courgette flower fritters (kakharu phula bhaja) and fermented rice with curd (pakhala bhat).
- Seafood Focus: Proximity to Chilika Lake ensures fresh seafood is a highlight, with dishes like grilled bhetki with mustard sauce, plump prawns, crabs, and tilapia prepared in Odia style featured daily.
Services Available at Rambha Palace
- Personalized Butler Service: Each suite comes with a dedicated butler to arrange dining, excursions, and spa appointments, ensuring a pampered experience.
- Spa and Wellness: The property includes an in-house Mantnam Spa with a central courtyard, open-to-sky bathtubs, and offerings like Ayurvedic therapies and wellness treatments.
- Fitness Facilities: A poolside gym with floor-to-ceiling glass windows is available for guests.
- Excursions: The hotel organizes activities such as bird-watching in the wetlands, boat rides on Chilika Lake, jeep safaris to see blackbucks, and visits to nearby temples.
Rich Surrounding of the Palace
Pricing Information
For detailed room options and pricing information please visit: Rambha Palace
Dhenkanal Palace: A Hilltop Luxury Palace Stay in Odisha
DHENKANAL PALACE, a large complex of apartments, courts and gardens nestled against the gradual slope of the Garhjat Hills of the Eastern Ghats in Odisha. The Palace, built during the latter part of the 19th century on the site of the fort that witnessed a long drawn siege and war by the Marathas, led by Chemnaji Bhonsle, is the residence of the Raja of Dhenkanal and his Family. Dhenkanal Palace is situated 75 kms northwest of the state capital of Bhubaneswar on National Highway 55.
How to Reach
- Distance: 75 km from Bhubaneswar Airport (1.5-hour drive) and 10 km from Dhenkanal Railway Station (20-minute ride).
- Best Travel Options: A cab from Bhubaneswar towards NH 55 is your smoothest bet.
Amenities & Features
- Rooms & Suites: Grand rooms with royal artifacts, wooden floors, and hill views that steal your breath. It’s rustic luxury at its finest.
- Dining Options: Dig into hearty Odia thalis in the dining hall or request a custom meal.
- Gardens & Outdoor Spaces: Sprawling gardens and shaded courtyards invite you to unwind with a book or a cup of tea.
- Special Attractions: Browse the king’s private library, take a guided trek to Saptasajya Hills, or visit nearby temples for a cultural dip.
Places Around the Palace
Just 26 km from the palace lies Kapilash Temple. Built in 1246 AD by Narasinghdeva-I, this 60-foot-high temple dedicated to Lord Chandrasekhar. Another notable site, also 26 km away, is Joranda Gadhi, a temple complex central to the Mahima Dharma movement. These destinations, nestled in the Garhjat Hills, provide a captivating glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage.
Pricing Information of this Luxury Palace Stay in Odisha
For detailed room options and pricing information please visit: Dhenkanal Palace
Gajlaxmi Palace: Where Wilderness Meets Royalty
Gajlaxmi Palace is a heritage homestay located in Dhenkanal, Odisha, nestled in the heart of a dense forest on Megha Hill. Originally a royal palace, it has been preserved and transformed by Kumar Saheb Jitendra Pratap Singh Deo and Kumarani Navneeta Singh Deo into an offbeat holiday destination. The palace offers travelers a chance to experience the mysticism of royalty amidst nature, combining old-world charm with modern hospitality.
How to Reach this Luxury Palace Stay in Odisha
- Distance: 80 km from Bhubaneswar Airport (1.5-hour drive) and 10 km from Dhenkanal Railway Station (20-minute drive).
- Best Travel Options: Pre-book a cab to navigate the forest roads.
Accomodation
- Accommodation Style: The palace offers heritage-style rooms as part of its homestay experience. These are non-AC rooms, emphasizing a connection with nature over modern amenities like air conditioning or televisions.
- Customization: The hosts accommodate special requests, such as adjusting room arrangements for families or groups (e.g., travelers with infants or additional staff like babysitters).
- Rules: Guests are advised to respect private quarters of the royalty, and access to certain areas like the terrace may be restricted or locked unless permission is granted.
- Ambiance: The rooms are part of a historic structure, offering an authentic royal experience with a veranda shrouded in quietness, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Food & Drink
- Cuisine: Meals are home-cooked by Kumarani Navneeta Singh Deo, blending Rajasthani and Odishan culinary traditions. Dishes feature fresh, organic ingredients sourced from the palace’s garden or nearby farm.
- Variety: The menu is diverse and non-repetitive, including specialties like Dal Bati Churma, Lall Maas, Odishan white brinjal, Rajasthani-style chicken, salami sandwiches, and unique desserts like guava pudding.
- Dining Experience: Food is served in a communal dining room, not via room service, reflecting the homestay’s familial atmosphere. Guests can suggest preferences, but there’s no à la carte system.
- Quality: Emphasis is on quality, organic, and freshly prepared meals, tailored to various palates, with Navneeta’s exceptional culinary skills being a highlight for guests.
Area Surrounding this Luxury Palace Stay in Odisha
Situated on Megha Hill, the palace overlooks vast stretches of thick forest, dotted with small villages. The area teems with wildlife, including birds, elephants, deer, civets, monkeys, wild boars, and occasional leopards. A nearby water hole, just minutes from the palace, is a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Jungle trails around the palace offer opportunities for bird watching and small game spotting, though stepping out requires a trained forest guard for safety. The palace is 65 km from Bhubaneswar (via NH 55) or 80 km via the Athgarh route, 10 km from Dhenkanal railway station, and 45 km from Cuttack. A tribal village is accessible with a few hours’ drive.
Services Available
- Nature Walks & Safaris: Guided by Kumar Saheb Jitendra Pratap Singh Deo, who shares extensive knowledge about the forest’s characteristics and local history. These walks are often included for guests.
- Hospitality: Personalized attention from the hosts, ensuring guests feel comfortable and informed about the property and nearby destinations.
- Wildlife Viewing: Access to strategic spots like the water hole, facilitated by the hosts or forest guards.
- Tribal Village Visits: Arranged with prior notice, offering a cultural experience beyond the palace grounds.
- Basic Amenities: Efficient staff support is available, though the focus is on a nature-centric experience rather than luxury services like room service or constant electricity (noting rare power cuts during storms)
Pricing Information of this Luxury Palace Stay in Odisha
For detailed room options and pricing information please visit: Gajlaxmi Palace
The Belgadia Palace: A Victorian-Tribal Masterpiece in Mayurbhanj
The Belgadia Palace is an 18th-century Victorian-style heritage boutique hotel located in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India. Built in 1804, this neo-classical residence, featuring Doric-Corinthian architecture, has been the family home of the royal Bhanja dynasty of Mayurbhanj for over 220 years. Today, sisters Mrinalika and Akshita Bhanj Deo—48th-generation royals—run it as a boutique heritage hotel, infusing their family’s legacy with a passion for local culture and sustainability.
How to Reach
- Distance: 250 km from Bhubaneswar Airport (about a 4.5-hour drive) and 8 km from Baripada Railway Station (15-minute ride).
- Best Travel Options: Book a cab from Bhubaneswar or Kolkata (3.5-hour drive) for a comfy, scenic ride. From Baripada, a quick auto-rickshaw or taxi will whisk you to the palace gates.
Accomodation
The Belgadia Palace offers a variety of accommodations across different luxury segments, designed to cater to solo travelers, couples, and families. The rooms retain their historical charm while incorporating modern amenities. Here are the key room types:
- Heritage Standard Rooms: Approximately 16 sqm, Double bed, air-conditioned, tea and coffee set, complimentary WiFi, en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. Suitable for 2 people located on the Ground floor. It is suitable Solo travelers or couples
- Deluxe Rooms: Approximately 30 sqm, Double bed, lounge area, air-conditioned, tea and coffee set, complimentary WiFi, en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. Located on the ground floor it is suitable for 2 people.
- Heritage Junior Suites: Approximately 42 sqm, Large double bed or twin beds, lounge area, writing desk, high ceilings, large bay windows, air-conditioned, tea and coffee set, complimentary WiFi, en-suite full bathroom with bathtub and shower. Can accommodate a maximum 4 people. It is Spread over two floors (1 suite on the ground floor, 5 on the first floor)
All rooms emphasize sustainability, with eco-friendly materials like sabai grass used in furnishings and a ban on single-use plastics (glass bottles and ceramic mugs are provided instead).
Food & Drink
- Dining Experience: Guests can enjoy meals that reflect the local culture and heritage of Odisha. The palace likely offers a mix of traditional Odia cuisine and continental options, served in a setting that complements its royal ambiance (e.g., dining rooms with historical decor).
- Sustainability Focus: Refreshments are served in glass bottles, ceramic mugs, or refillable containers, aligning with the palace’s eco-friendly ethos.
- Tea/Coffee Amenities: All rooms include a tea and coffee set, indicating a focus on in-room convenience.
- Customization: For specific dietary needs or preferences, guests are encouraged to contact the palace directly, suggesting flexibility in catering to individual requests.
Area Surrounding the Palace
The palace is close to Simlipal National Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the second-largest national park in India, known for elephants and tigers), Barheipani Falls, and Joranda Falls. The property hosts 15 species of birds, including Yellow Oriole, Woodpecker, and Indian Kingfisher, observable during morning walks. 15 km away, the former capital of Mayurbhanj with ruins and temples like Rasikraya Temple. An ancient capital with the Kichakeswari Temple and a small museum of historical artifacts.
Services Available at this Luxury Palace Stay in Odisha
The Belgadia Palace provides a range of services to enhance the guest experience while promoting sustainability and cultural engagement. Chhau dance performances and Dokra art demonstrations by local artisans like Jaggannath, a sixth-generation craftsman. Artist Residency Program under the Mayurbhanj Foundation to support local arts. Organic pest and farm nutrition management on-site. Binoculars and guided morning walks available to spot the property’s bird species. The palace historically hosted festivals like Chaitra Parva and continues to offer cultural events for guests.
Pricing Information of this Luxury Palace Stay in Odisha
For detailed room options and pricing information please visit: Belgadia Palace
Mahodadhi Palace: Coastal Royalty on Puri’s Golden Shores
Mahodadhi Palace – A Beach View Heritage Resort in Puri – is the perfect amalgam of old-era charm, contemporary opulence, and absolute comfort. Gazing at the vast Bay of Bengal the Mahodadhi Palace is an impressive red stone monument that once was the summer palace of Maharaja Panchkot. Today, Mahodadhi Palace – A Heritage Beach Resort in Puri – is a world-class resort and one of the best Puri resorts that offer top-of-the-line facilities for travellers who love to have a perfect vacation..
How to Reach
- Distance: 60 km from Bhubaneswar Airport (1-hour drive) and 2 km from Puri Railway Station (10-minute ride).
- Best Travel Options: Grab a cab from Bhubaneswar for a smooth, scenic journey, or hop into an auto-rickshaw from Puri station—it’s fast, affordable, and oh-so-local!
Amenities & Features of this Luxury Palace Stay in Odisha
- Rooms & Suites: Coastal-inspired interiors with wooden accents, sea-facing windows, and modern comforts like minibars and plush bedding. Each room feels like a royal retreat with a beachy twist.
- Dining Options: Enjoy fresh seafood and Odia specialties at the on-site multi-cuisine restaurant, or opt for in-room dining with the sound of waves as your backdrop.
- Gardens & Outdoor Spaces: A charming garden spills onto the beach, perfect for sunset strolls or a quiet moment with a cup of tea.
- Special Attractions: Walk to the Jagannath Temple (just 1 km away), soak up beach vibes, or bring your pet along—this palace is pet-friendly (extra charges apply).
Pricing Information of this Luxury Palace Stay in Odisha
For detailed room options and pricing information please visit: Mahodadhi Palace
