Uttar Pradesh has decided to convert its historic forts and palaces into luxurious heritage hotels as part of an effort to boost tourism. Notable properties, including the ancient Chunar Fort and Mastani Palace, are slated for repurposing. Several renowned hotel chains, such as Leela Hotels, Taj Group, Neemrana Group, Mahindra Hotels and Resorts, Oberoi Hotels, Hyatt Regency, and Lalit Hotels, have shown interest in developing and managing these sites.
Mukesh Kumar Mesharam, Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Culture in Uttar Pradesh, mentioned that there has been a significant increase in both domestic and inbound tourism to the state recently. To accommodate tourists seeking experiential tourism, efforts are underway to develop infrastructure and facilities catering to visitors from various economic backgrounds. Discussions have been initiated with several prominent hotel groups interested in revitalizing palaces and havelis in accordance with the new tourism policy on a public-private partnership basis.
The state's tourism policy mandates a minimum investment ranging from Rs 300 million to Rs 1 billion for converting heritage properties into hotels. Depending on the level of investment, heritage buildings will be categorised, and investors will be provided with various incentives and concessions.
In the first phase, properties 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 will be transformed into hotels. Reports for these projects have been prepared and submitted to the state government for approval. Once approved, the subsequent phase will involve converting Mastani Mahal and Lake Palace in Mahoba, Tehroli in Jhansi, Tal Behat Fort in Lalitpur, and Rangarh Fort in Banda into hotels.
Furthermore, there are plans to convert a heritage building at Akbar?s hunting ground in Kirawali, Agra, a city with the highest tourist influx in the state, into a hotel. Other sites such as Baradari in Bithoor, Kothi Gulista-e-Iram in Lucknow, Kothi Darshan Vilas, and Baradari in Wazirganj, Gonda, will also undergo conversion into heritage hotels.
These heritage hotels will feature wellness centres, museums, heritage restaurants, and thematic parks, offering tourists luxurious accommodations while simultaneously creating employment opportunities.
