Dhenkanal Palace

The simple yet delightful Dhenkanal Palace was originally the private residence of the Raja of Dhenkanal and was built during the latter part of the 19th century. Today, lovingly converted into a heritage homestay by his great-grandchildren, this atmospheric, two-storied stone house retains many original features and enjoys a rural setting between Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack.

With its stained glass windows, colonial-style architecture and period-style furnishings, Dhenkanal Palace exudes old-world charm and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the former royal family. Accommodation is in 13 rooms and suites individually decorated and simply furnished with antique furniture. Whilst the two rooms set next to the lounge are more suitable for elderly guests, it must be noted that these rooms are relatively modest. The more recently added rooms on the first floor are charming and comfortably furnished (relatively speaking).

At Dhenkanal Palace, tasty home-cooked traditional Odian Indian meals are prepared using the freshest ingredients, often using vegetables and herbs from their garden and milk/cheese from their home dairy. The lounge, adorned with numerous trophy mounts representing past hunting expeditions, is part of the main house and has an interesting collection of books for guests to borrow. Activities on offer at Dhenkanal Palace include visiting the weaving village of Nuapatna and the metal casting village of Dokra.