Uttar Pradesh set to transform historic forts and palaces into luxurious heritage hotels

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Tourists visiting Uttar Pradesh will soon be able to stay in opulent heritage hotels located within the historic Chunar Fort and the palace of Mastani, Peshwa Baji Rao’s consort.

A new policy has been enacted to transform old palaces, forts, havelis, and heritage buildings into luxury heritage hotels, aiming to boost tourism in the state. Esteemed hotel chains like Leela Hotels, the Indian Hotels Company (Taj Group), Neemrana Group, Mahindra Hotels and Resorts, Oberoi Hotels, Hyatt Regency, and Lalit Hotels are interested in developing these historic sites into hotels.

Mukesh Kumar Mesharam, Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Culture in Uttar Pradesh, stated that tourism in Uttar Pradesh is reaching new heights with a notable increase in both domestic and international visitors. To accommodate tourists seeking immersive experiences, the state is enhancing infrastructure and facilities for all economic segments. For those desiring a lavish experience, discussions have begun with various leading hotel groups keen on refurbishing palaces and havelis according to the new tourism policy through public-private partnership (PPP).

The tourism policy mandates a minimum investment of ₹30 crores to ₹100 crores to convert heritage sites into hotels. Depending on the investment amount, heritage buildings will be classified, and investors will receive different incentives and concessions.

Initially, sites like 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 are slated for hotel conversion. Project reports have been finalized and presented to the state government for approval. Following approval, the subsequent phase will include the transformation of Mastani Mahal and Lake Palace into heritage hotels.”