Royal Hosts in India Offer Luxurious Glimpse Into Heritage-Rich Former Kingdoms

India’s former royalty is now welcoming visitors into their palaces and leveraging their clout to draw tourists and showcase the legacy of their historic realms.

Lean young men dressed in dhotis and carrying shields and swords stamp their feet rhythmically as they march to the drumbeats through the gardens surrounding the Belgadia Palace.

The Mayurbhanj Chhau, a dance form originating from the 18th century and infused with elements of martial arts and folklore, represents some of the various cultural practices found in this region of eastern India. Visitors at the former royal residence now converted into an exclusive boutique hotel can experience these traditions firsthand.

Located in Baripada, a small town in the state of Odisha, the palace was constructed in 1804 and is managed by
Akshita Manjari Bhanj Deo
, aged 30, and her sister Mrinalika Bhanj Deo, who is 32 years old—the duo represents the 48th generation of the illustrious Bhanja dynasty. This lineage ruled over the princely state of Mayurbhanj for approximately eight centuries until the late 1940s. At this time, members of royal families were required to renounce their titles subsequent to India gaining its independence.

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Up until then, India was a region governed by various kingdoms led by opulent nawabs and maharajas. Following independence in 1947, these royalty figures had to relinquish control to the national government; however, they retained funding and the right to oversee their territories, which persisted up till 1971.

This might signal the close of an epoch, yet numerous royal dynasties continue to hold sway and possess palaces as well as fortresses.
The Bhanj Deo sisters
Are part of an increasing group of heirs to leaders who are transforming their wealth into high-end accommodations or leveraging their clout to create other tourism hotspots, all while aiding in the resurrection of fading customs and traditional crafts.

The frequently traveled brothers currently manage an establishment with 11 rooms and suites adorned in vibrant hues of red, green, and blue. These spaces are located past a marble hallway embellished with antique mirrors, chandeliers, and sepia-toned photographs of their regal forebears, leading upward via a rich mahogany staircase. The property began welcoming fee-paying visitors in 2019.

Bringing Mayurbhanj into the limelight was our main drive,” states Mrinalika, who came back to India in 2014 after working in New York for a fashion and perfume brand. “Our aim was to showcase the area’s deep-rooted heritage, dynamic culture, and stunning landscapes globally, all while providing chances for local craftsmen and residents.

“The initiative aimed not only at reviving pride and boosting the economy among our community but also focused on rejuvenating a tangible area. We offer activities like workshops with sabai grass—a native wild fiber—and traditional Mayurbhanj Chhau dance performances from regional groups, alongside guided excursions through Simlipal National Park. This ensures guests experience a fulfilling and memorable visit filled with engaging and hands-on adventures,” she explains.

The siblings manage an artist residency program and also oversee a charitable organization known as the Mayurbhanj Foundation. This entity concentrates on improving healthcare, education, and providing vocational training for women and girls. By collaborating with various nonprofits and local enterprises, they’ve initiated educational programs centered around Dokra metalworking—a traditional method involving lost-wax casting—and other eco-friendly craft techniques. Additionally, these efforts assist craftsmen in accessing global marketplaces. They also support a nonprofit called Future Star Sports Academy, which empowers disadvantaged young individuals via athletics, schooling, and essential life skill instruction.

However, nothing has drawn tourists quite like the Belgadia Palace.

Ever since we reopened the palace as an exclusive boutique hotel, there’s been a notable rise in travelers discovering Mayurbhanj either as lodgers within the palace itself or via partnerships and small-scale events involving embassies and high-end companies,” explains Mrinalika. “Now acting as a portal, this historic site serves to acquaint these visitors with the area’s deep-rooted culture, fauna, and customs.

This inflow has enhanced the local economy, aiding businesses and generating job opportunities.

Surrounded by rocky terrain and caves in the tawny granite hills, Bera is a tiny village located in the Pali district of the western state of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan
Approximately 140 kilometers away from Udaipur lies Bera, renowned for its leopard population and their peaceful cohabitation with the indigenous Rabari tribe.

Kings from various parts of India hunted their first leopards in Bera. After a hunting prohibition was implemented in 1972, several of these former royalty turned to wildlife preservation efforts instead.

By 2013, leopards were regarded as nuisances until environmentalist and wildlife photographer Shatrunjay Pratap—in collaboration with his spouse, Rajkumari Katyaini—initiated an effort in tandem with the Rabari community over a span of two years. Their mission was to reconcile humans and animals and also fight against local mining activities.

The two come from royal backgrounds: Pratap hails from the Sisodia dynasty, which governed the Mewar territory (renamed as Udaipur state under British rule) starting in the 17th century. On the other hand, Rajkumari Katyaini originates from the Karauli lineage, rulers of an area spanning from Mathura (located in today’s Uttar Pradesh) to Gwalior (situated in present-day Madhya Pradesh), with their reign beginning in 1348. They also trace their ancestry directly back to Lord Krishna.

Currently, their recently constructed small-scale retreat, Bera Safari Lodge – featuring seven stone cabins spread across four hectares amidst the Aravalli Hills – serves as an excellent starting point for observing leopards and bird-watching.

During our Jeep safari, we traverse a terrain dotted with caves and fissures, catching sight of leopards resting atop stone cliffs and rocky outcrops. We also come across Rabari herders adorned in lengthy skirts and intricately embroidered tops, carrying loads of firewood delicately placed upon their heads.

Pratap elucidates, “The Rabaris are devotees of the Hindu deity Shiva, and they regard the livestock casualties from leopard attacks as sacrificial offerings to their god.”

The royally connected individual recalls frequently visiting Bera as a child, where they would spot leopards alongside their family members. During one such visit, they heard an explosive sound and learned about approximately 10 to 15 active granite quarries along with another 144 planned ones. This news did not bode well for the leopard population in Bera.

“I had to make a difficult choice and resigned from my position at
Sula Vineyards
India’s premier wine label], and devoted myself to safeguarding the Indian leopard. I went through numerous channels, battling the state government and collaborating with the forest department to bring the mining department before the High Court.”

Today, granite mining has become obsolete, and the Bera area stands out as one of India’s premier locations for wildlife and bird watching, attracting visitors from within the country and abroad alike. In response to this growing interest, over 40 lodges have been established to accommodate these guests.

The growth in eco-friendly tourism hasn’t affected the leopard population here; their numbers have actually risen steadily over time,” states Pratap with pride. “This area stands out as an ideal habitat for Indian leopards, boasting absolutely no conflicts with people whatsoever.

A new addition to the local nobility, Yaduveer Singh Bera, operates as a hotelier after gaining experience with top-tier hospitality groups. He now manages his family’s centuries-old heritage site, which has been transformed into an exclusive boutique hotel known as Castle Bera, boasting over 385 years of history.

Singh Bera — whose ancestry can be traced back to the warrior king Maharana Pratap
Udaipur
(who ruled from 1572 to 1597) and is known for designing the well-known Bera hunting jacket — additionally plays a role in conservation efforts, teaching villagers and shepherds how to monitor and safeguard leopards and other wild animals.

Lakham Sawant Bhonsle is another royalty figure who lived overseas before coming back to reinstate the family estate—an 18th-century structure located nearby.
Goa
– into a chic boutique hotel.

The forebears of Sawant Bhonsle, the rulers of Sawantwadi dating back to 1627, were renowned for their valorous deeds against Portuguese colonizers. They set exemplary standards in governance, political acumen, and charitable acts.

Constructed from 1755 to 1803, the Sawantwadi Palace stands along the verdant Konkan coastline in Maharashtra. It has been transformed into an artistic boutique hotel popular among food enthusiasts. While part of the palace remains inhabited by the royal family, another section serves as a museum. Additionally, craftsmen specializing in wood toys and various local artists utilize a separate area for their studio work.

While studying at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Sawant Bhonsle encountered his spouse, Shraddha, who was a 32-year-old woman from Mumbai with ties to a business-oriented family. Today, she plays an essential role as the driving force behind the operations in the palace kitchen. She emphasizes their uniqueness by stating, “Our establishment stands out as the sole chef-operated heritage hotel in all of India,” adding proudly, “Moreover, we’re also distinctively recognized as the one and only palace hotel within the region of Maharashtra.”

The pair are likewise contributing to the revival of

ganjifa

And the artistry integral to this age-old card game.

Ganjifa

The cards, known for their intricate designs and typically found in either round or square shapes, originated from Persia and gained popularity during the 16th century. These early versions were created using materials like ivory and tortoiseshell. In an effort to resurrect this artistic tradition, the final recognized monarch of Sawantwadi, King Shivram Sawant Bhonsle, along with his spouse, initiated Sawantwadi Lacquerware in 1971. The craftsmen involved in this project produce items such as tea trays, coasters, and placemats inside studios located within the royal palace premises.

When Sawant Bhonsle and Shraddha welcomed visitors into their space, they made sure that each of the six suites embodied a distinct incarnation of Lord Vishnu and was adorned accordingly.

ganjifa

Art and woodworking, contributing to secure a GI (geographical indication) status for the creations in 2024, aimed at safeguarding the genuineness of these traditional products and highlighting local heritage.

“Upon entering a room, every detail—from the doorknob to the décor—reflects the craftsmanship of our artisans and features distinct local designs and techniques,” explains Shraddha.

Past the verdant lawns, the porch leading into the crimson laterite palace features teak columns adorned with reliefs depicting episodes from the Hindu epics.

Ramayana

.

As well as

ganjifa

Art workshops and guest experiences encompass a trip to Pinguli village to watch a traditional leather puppet show along with a leisurely picnic within the scenic Amboni ghats.

Behind the scenes, the couple run a kindergarten, a school and a college, and in their hotel employ mainly local women, particularly in the kitchen.

“We both journey for the cuisine offered at a location, and although we hope visitors will come for the heritage and culture, we also want them to
stay for the food
According to Shraddha, who has developed into a self-proclaimed specialist in Japanese and Korean food due to her extensive cooking background, these cuisines are included alongside region-specific dishes and locally sourced ingredients on the hotel’s menu.

She mentions, ‘We don’t offer buffet-style dining; instead, every item is prepared fresh upon request—from handcrafted chocolate croissants to traditional Maharashtra specialties such as misal [spiced sprout curry] and thalipeeth [savory multigrain pancake].’ She continues, ‘Our kitchen produces all the breads and prepares a distinctive pickled platter inspired by both our regal ancestral dishes and cuisine from the Konkan coast. At noon, guests can enjoy the intricate Rajwada Thali, showcasing rich flavors characteristic of Malvani cooking—a vital component of our cultural legacy.’

Lakham, being more artistically inclined and a skilled pastry chef, crafts plated desserts that are true masterpieces. Among his creations is a coconut shell crafted from chocolate and coconut cream, which he presents elegantly alongside pineapple sorbet, kokum jelly, and a dusting of cashew soil.

Frequently, people describe Sawantwadi as being ‘near Goa,’ but we aim to shift this viewpoint,” states Shraddha. “Sawantwadi possesses a distinct identity and cultural richness; it’s an integral part of Maharashtra and our legacy.

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