Uttar Pradesh is embarking on a significant endeavor to bolster its tourism sector by converting historic forts and palaces into opulent heritage hotels. This initiative aims to provide tourists with unique accommodation options while preserving the state's rich cultural heritage.

Several leading hospitality brands, including Leela Hotels, Indian Hotels Company (Taj Group), Neemrana Group, Mahindra Hotels and Resorts, Oberoi Hotels, Hyatt Regency, and Lalit Hotels, have expressed interest in developing and managing these heritage properties, according to media reports.

To cater to tourists seeking experiential tourism, the state is investing in infrastructure and facilities to accommodate visitors from diverse economic segments. Discussions with prominent hotel groups have commenced to revitalize palaces and havelis in alignment with the new tourism policy, based on public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Under the tourism policy, the transformation of heritage properties into hotels requires a minimum investment ranging from Rs 30 crores to Rs100 crores. Depending on the investment level, heritage buildings will be categorised, and investors will receive various incentives and concessions.

The first phase of transformation targets iconic sites such as Chunar Fort in Mirzapur, Barua Sagar Fort in Jhansi, Jal Mahal in Barsana, Chattar Manzil, Kothi Roshan-ud-Daula, and Shukla Talab Haveli in Kanpur. Pending government approval, the project will expand to include Mastani Mahal and Lake Palace in Mahoba, Tehroli in Jhansi, and TalBehat Fort in Lalitpur.

Beyond forts and palaces, the program extends to other historical buildings, including those at Akbar’s hunting ground in Kirawali, Agra, and Baradari in Bithoor. In Lucknow, Kothi Gulista-e-Iram, Kothi Darshan Vilas, and Baradari in Wazirganj, Gonda, are also slated for conversion.