Heard of restored palaces? If you are a fan of heritage havelis and vintage vibes, then Rambha Palace in Odisha is just meant for you
Many of us born in the late 70s, early 80s were fed on narratives of history (books) which showcased our past as a series of defeats- one where we were constantly plundered, conquered and overpowered- sometimes by the Mughals, at other times by the British. The stories were more of conquest than valour, of plundering rather than pride, of regret than revival.
But today there are quite a few efforts being made to in- still pride in our heritage, in our roots and culture. Going to Rambha Palace, a meticulously restored 18th-century heritage property, on the banks of Chilika Lake in Odisha was an exercise in diving deep into Oriya culture. The architectural nuances, lotus-petal motifs, terracotta installations, ikat weaves, Dhokra tribal metalwork and even the authentic local Oriya thali with as many options in non-vegetarian (esp seafood) as vegetarian (saag sabzi, fermented curd rice, kathal achaar) – all this offered an insight into the rich Odisha heritage.
The restoration of a 200-year-old palace property into a lakefront hotel was the dream of Himangini Singh, Co-founder of Hunch Ventures, New Delhi based venture capital fund. Hunch Venture stook over this property in 2018 after and then followed a six-year restoration project, led by Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte, a protégé of Geoffrey Bawa. It was inaugurated as a boutique hotel on Utkal Divas (Odisha Foundation Day held on April 1, 2024) by former chief minister Naveen Patnaik. Says Himangini Singh who spent her childhood in Odisha- “As a child, I would often come to Chilika Lake with my parents. It was pure nostalgia. In a beautiful way, it felt like life had come full circle. Through this ambitious revival project we are trying to breathe new life into a palace that once hosted the Utkal Conference, a landmark moment in Odisha’s journey toward statehood. Rambha Palace is not just a luxury destination, it is a cultural beacon, a place for guests to immerse them-selves in the rich heritage and vibrant traditions of Odisha.”
The highlight of this property is an art installation which captures the 5,000- year history of the state on canvas with its myriad references to Kalinga war, Mahabharata. Painted by young emerging artist Guruvinayak Singh Budhwar, this installation took over 7,000 hours to create, spread across one and half years including research and planning and daily studio work extended to nearly 13 hours. Explains Chandigarh based Budhwar- “The piece starts at the lower bottom corner, where history, mythos, and folklore combine, with a representation of Prince Kalinga, son of Bali, blended with the reference of Srutayudha as per the Mahabharata. Behind him is a chair with mandala-like characteristics, rendered in the modern Jagannath art style and format.” There are depictions of Hathigumpha Caves, Ashoka Stambh, Tribhuvana Mahadevi of the Bhaumakara Dynasty, one of the earliest female monarchs of antiquity, Lingaraja Temple, Narasingha Deva I, chariot of the Konark Temple, Dharani Penu etc.
A key aspect of any restoration project is retaining the old while bringing in the new- here too they have retained several things such as the original mandap, or the wall hand wrapping technique. Local artisans from the Sundarbans were instrumental in reviving the palace’s grandeur using authentic materials and age-old craftsmanship. “The walls at Rambha Palace are hand-rubbed with choona—a lime mortar mixed with spices like cinnamon and clove,” says Mallika Ahluwalia, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Hunch Ventures. “We traced artisans all the way to a remote Sundar bans village to revive this traditional method. Initially hesitant, the tribal artisans agreed to come only after being assured of their safety. Their secret choona recipe, passed down through generations, remains closely guarded—even architects weren’t allowed in on it.”
The property is spread across five acres, and features a presidential villa and 14 restored suites with 18th-century furniture, Venetian chandeliers, Persian carpets, and original terrazzo floors. Guests an unwind with Ayurvedic therapies at the Mantnam Spa, bespoke yoga, and curated dining—from Odia to vegan and allergen-free menus—served in intimate indoor and scenic outdoor spaces. Room tariffs range from Rs 25,000 to Rs 55,000 per night, including meals and personalized experiences like birdwatching, blackbuck and dolphin sightings. “It’s a slow hotel,” says Mallika Ahluwalia. “You come here to truly relax.”
On the downside, Rambha Palace’s remote location—a two-hour drive from Bhubaneswar airport—can feel isolating. Nestled in a small village with no nearby eateries, guests are left with no choice but to dine exclusively on the property. While the seclusion is marketed as a virtue, some may find the lack of flexibility limiting. The suites, though elegant, come without modern locking systems, relying on old fashioned door bolts—an unsettling detail for urban travellers. Moreover, the ‘silent service’ approach, where staff enter your rooms without your permission and when you are exploring the property, may sometimes become awkward or intrusive especially for guests who value privacy over caring hospitality. Also, the tariffs are a bit too steep.
However, the one thing that truly sets Rambha Palace apart is its stunning lakefront location, perched on the banks of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon—Chilika Lake. The everchanging moods of the lake, from misty mornings to flamingo-filled evenings, offer a rare, immersive connection with nature.
