When you think of heritage villages and palaces in India, traditionally the palatial hotels of Rajasthan are what come to mind first. But with the homestay revolution sweeping over India, the eastern belt of the country is slowly waking up and putting on offer their best properties to be a part of this travel trend.
Around 22km from Cuttack, Kila Dalijoda is a royal home that belongs to the erstwhile rulers of Panchakote. This former hunting lodge has now been refurbished to welcome travellers to explore the Kapilas Elephant Sanctuary surrounding this royal hunting lodge.
The Story of Kila Dalijoda
Dalijoda Palace near Chaudwar is one such old hunting lodge that belongs to the descendants of the erstwhile princely state of Purulia Bengal. Debjit Prasad Singh Deo, scion of the royal family, and his family play host at this heritage stay.
The palace was built by JP Singh Deo, the great grandfather of Debjit Singh in 1931, and the story behind this hunting lodge in the middle of the astounding wilderness is indeed an interesting one.
The former ruler JP Singh was an avid hunter who paid regular visits to the princely state of Deogarh. The trips became less frequent when a British official raised his concern over the practice of hunting in the state of Deogarh. JP Singh Deo was further put off when the officials sent a message warning of an arrest, if the hunting practice was continued. Hurt by the experience, the king decided to build his own hunting lodge with the help of the Maharaja of Talcher and purchased the Dalijoda Reserve Forest and built a palace at the site in 1931.
This palace near Choudwar was opened to the public in 2012 as a heritage property and has been attracting visitors from across the world since then.
Experience at Kila Dalijoda
This offbeat palace in Odisha is reminiscent of the popular gothic architecture in the past century. The laterite stone walls can be seen as an influence of the popular British architecture during the 20th century. The palace is in the middle of the Kapilas Elephant Sanctuary and gives you a sense of escape from the daily grind of city life.
Kila Dalijoda accommodates a maximum of seven guests and is a convenient getaway home for a family or friends travelling together. The palace offers a double bed suite, a triple bed suite and a roof top double bed suite.
Meals at the homestay
The room tariff prices do not include meals. Food and beverages are provided on request with additional charges. The kitchen serves vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food, although cooking and serving chicken is traditionally barred. Quail served here can be a great alternative.
Book the property here.
Things to do during your stay at Kila Dalijoda
Take a property tour
The fish pond, bio-gas set up and the vegetable garden can be a delightful experience in self-sustainable living at this offbeat location. This could also be a chance to get yourself acquainted with the eco- sensitive methods acquired by the hosts.
Scout the nearby villages
The host can arrange transportation to local villages during the stay. This craft village tour can be a great way to learn about the skill of weaving and dyeing that the villagers excel in. Visitors can buy local handicrafts as souvenirs at Dhokra village.
Go angling with the host
The hosts at Kila Dalijoda can take visitors on a special leisure tour that includes angling and sport fishing during the stay. This could be a great day tour for outdoor enthusiasts who wish to explore the wilderness around the palace.
Explore the Kapilas Elephant Sanctuary
You can walk to the nearby forest area or go on a cycle tour arranged by the hosts. Quiet mornings are the best time to explore the wilderness around the region.
Participate in special cooking classes
The wonderful hosts also offer special cooking classes for visitors who would like to connect with the local culture through food. Coconut dal, delectable fish cutlets, and steamed rice-based dishes are some of the local gastronomical delights you can learn to cook during your stay.
Best time to visit
A good time to visit the region is winter, since the weather is feasible for outdoor tours.
How to reach
The airport nearest to the location is Bhubaneswar. Taxis can be hired to the location from the airport. The hosts at Kila Dalijoda can also arrange pick up and drop on request.
Since the homestay is situated at a remote location, getting your own vehicle is the best way to get here. There is a special provision for the accommodation of guides and drivers accompanying visitors.
Interested? Book the property here.
Know of any other hidden gem? Let me know in the comments section below. Or write a travelogue of your own on Tripoto.
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