HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
According g to TOI, Uttar Pradesh is set to boost its tourism sector by converting historic forts and palaces into opulent heritage hotels, aiming to offer unique accommodation options while preserving the state’s rich heritage. Leading hospitality brands such as Leela Hotels, Indian Hotels Company (Taj Group), Neemrana Group, Mahindra Hotels and Resorts, Oberoi Hotels, Hyatt Regency, and Lalit Hotels have shown interest in this initiative.
Mukesh Kumar Mesharam, Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Culture, noted the state’s significant growth in domestic and inbound tourism. To cater to tourists seeking experiential tourism, the state is developing infrastructure and facilities for visitors across all economic segments. Discussions with prominent hotel groups are underway to revitalize palaces and havelis under a new tourism policy on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis.
The policy requires a minimum investment of INR 30 to 100 crores for transforming heritage properties into hotels, with various incentives and concessions offered based on investment levels. The first phase targets iconic sites such as 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. Following government approval, the project will expand to include Mastani Mahal and Lake Palace in Mahoba, Tehroli in Jhansi, and TalBehat Fort in Lalitpur.
