The short answer
The Belgadia Palace: what visitors should know first
A good choice if you want a quiet, heritage stay in Baripada rather than a standard hotel. It is a few hours from the state capitals, so combine it with Simlipal. Check current rates, room types and safari arrangements with the property directly.
History and context
The story behind The Belgadia Palace
The property describes the palace as built in the 1800s, in Victorian style with Georgian decor, originally to host the Mayurbhanj royal family's visiting foreign dignitaries. After independence, the family moved in. Other sources give 1804 as the date and say a part opened as a heritage hotel in 2016, though that is not confirmed on the official page.
The Bhanja dynasty is described as having ruled the princely state of Mayurbhanj until the late 1940s.
Useful facts
The Belgadia Palace facts at a glance
- Location
- Baripada town, Mayurbhanj
- Stay style
- Heritage palace, boutique hotel
- Location trade-off
- In town, a drive from the Simlipal gates
- Best suited to
- Heritage-minded couples, families and older travellers
- Origins
- 1800s Victorian, Georgian decor, per the property
- Operator
- Run by Mrinalika and Akshita Bhanj Deo
Why it matters
Why The Belgadia Palace is worth your time
Belgadia is one of the few places in the region where you can stay in a historic building connected to the Bhanja dynasty that ruled Mayurbhanj. It combines a heritage setting with a stated commitment to sustainable, community-focused tourism.
For a Simlipal trip, it offers a comfortable alternative to basic forest lodging and puts you close to Baripada's cultural sites. The setting and family connection give visitors context for the region's history.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Palace rooms
Four types are listed, from Palace Room to Garden Historical Suite.
- 02
Family-run
The owners belong to the 48th generation of the Bhanj dynasty.
- 03
Grounds
About 15 acres of gardens in the town.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The Belgadia Palace sits in Baripada town and is partly a hotel and partly the family's home. The official site lists four room types: Palace Room, Historical Suite, Royal Suite and Garden Historical Suite. Rooms are described as having garden views.
The palace was built in the 1800s in a Victorian style with Georgian decor, according to the property, and was first intended to host visiting foreign dignitaries. After independence the royal family moved in. The owners are Mrinalika and Akshita Bhanj Deo, the 48th generation of the Bhanj dynasty, and they stress sustainable tourism in the tribal region.
Use it as a base for Simlipal, Baripada's temple and Chhau, and ask the hotel what day tours and arrangements are available. The site lists Experiences and Day Tours, though details were not visible in the text I read.
Plan with confidence
Before you book the room.
- Book directly and confirm room type and access needs
- Ask about day tours and Simlipal arrangements
- Check whether non-guests can visit
- Allow a few hours of road time from state capitals
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Baripada town, Mayurbhanj, set in about 15 acres of grounds
- Time needed
- An overnight stay or longer
- Best time
- November to February
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Grounds are large and low-rise, and rooms are described as having garden views, but check about steps, lift and bathroom access before you book, as a heritage building may not suit all mobility needs.
- Tickets and access
- Stays are booked directly with the property. The official site lists rooms from a Palace Room to a Garden Historical Suite. Non-guest access to the palace is not described, so ask before you visit.
Best for
Plan it with
Book with confidence
Check rates at The Belgadia Palace
Compare room types, cancellation terms and breakfast before you book. Ask for a ground-floor or lift-access room if anyone finds stairs hard.
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Travelling with parents?
Grounds are large and low-rise, and rooms are described as having garden views, but check about steps, lift and bathroom access before you book, as a heritage building may not suit all mobility needs.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How many rooms are there?
Sources differ. The official site lists four room types; other sources give different totals. Ask the property.
Can non-guests visit?
The official page does not say. Contact the property directly.
Does it arrange Simlipal trips?
Guest reviews mention trips to Simlipal, but confirm arrangements directly.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.