A smooth two-hour drive from Bhubaneswar airport brought my father and me to the charming Rambha village in Odisha. The sky was still a bit cloudy from the cyclone Dana, which had settled down a day prior, right in time for our visit. Along the way, women in traditional Odia sarees sold fresh vegetables while men fished in waist-deep waters, painting a vivid picture of local life. Many vibrant, multi-coloured temples dotted the route before we reached the striking pink Rambha Palace, a beautifully restored 200-year-old boutique hotel perched on the scenic banks of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest saltwater lagoon.
Its entry gate might be tiny in comparison, but it’s only when you enter the premises that you realise how massive this palace is. We had set foot in a space that dated back over two centuries. I couldn’t imagine the history that surrounded me.
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In fact, the very first thing we saw upon entering indoors was a long 18th-century wooden pool table. “It’s only been polished, but otherwise, it’s the same table that’s always been at the palace,” shares Ramakan, one of the hotel’s staff members. “Even the floors here are as old as the palace!” he adds. Over a refreshing welcome drink, Ramakan guided us through the hotel, weaving together its fascinating history with the thoughtful restoration that preserved its legacy.
Time Travel
Rambha Palace was first built by the British governor, Thomas Snodgrass (the then collector of Ganjam), his retirement home, evident in the classical European and British chateau-like aesthetics. As he had built the palace with government expenditure, he was suspended and sent back to Britain. Following his demise, the palace changed hands among notable figures. It was home to King Rama Krishna Maharaj of Khalikhote, later purchased by F.J.V. Minchin, the owner of Asia’s first sugar factory, before being acquired by Raja Harihar Mardaraj.
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A place of political and cultural significance, Rambha Palace hosted vital figures such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. It was also the site of the first Utkal Conference. This historic gathering laid the groundwork for Odisha’s independence–the Konark Chakra within the palace grounds symbolises this significant day.
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After lying dormant for decades, Rambha Palace found new life under the stewardship of Himangini Singh, co-founder of Hunch Ventures, and her husband, Karanpal Singh. The couple, native to Odisha, aimed to showcase the state’s rich heritage and cultural opulence through the palace’s restoration. Enlisting the expertise of renowned Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte, a protégé of Geoffrey Bawa, the restoration process took six painstaking years to complete.
Architectural Splendour
The restored palace is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with modern sophistication. Artisans from the Sundarbans played a vital role, reviving original terrazzo flooring and refurbishing 18th-century furniture. Venetian chandeliers, antique Persian carpets, and metal figurines crafted by Odisha’s Dhokra tribe further enrich the interiors.
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Flanking the impressive building are French-style gardens, where orderly rows of Ashoka trees border elegant fountains. On either side of the palace, two grand staircases, steeped in history, rise gracefully to the first floor, leading to the piano room. This is the same space featuring the 18th-century pool table and flooring (remember I mentioned earlier), adding to its timeless charm.
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Rambha Palace offers an exclusive retreat with fourteen exquisitely designed suites — eight in the main palace and six in the adjacent orchard. Each suite blends traditional Odia art and modern luxury. For those seeking privacy, a villa with a private pool provides the perfect hideaway for families or groups.
Culinary Offerings
Gourmands and connoisseurs can indulge in a variety of exquisite offerings presented with seven cuisines and special menus catering to vegan and Satvik diets, allergen-free options, and personalised meal plans designed for detox and wellness retreats. The property boasts multiple dining venues, including a formal dining room, al fresco options, a poolside cafe, two bars, as well as riverside picnics and beachside meals.
However, my favourite dining experience was savouring the indulgent Odia thali with seasonal vegetables and seafood prepared in local preparations in the poolside dining area. It began with some crunchy white sesame papad and chuna macha fry (small fish fry) before moving on to the main characters of the plate: tomato chutney, aloo chokha, badi chura, palak saag, aloo parwal, macho besar, mutton curry, bhindi masala, drumsticks with potato, prawn achaar and dahi baingan.
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Experiences & Excursions
After you have spent enough time exploring the magnificent palace, you must enjoy some of the excursions that the hotel offers. A boat ride on the Chilika Lake is a must. The peaceful ride takes you to the abandoned Breakfast Island (a house that was used for picnic purposes by Britishers), where you can enjoy an afternoon tea surrounded by the gentle lapping of waves and breathtaking panoramas.
Fancy an aquatic adventure? Head to the lake in the wee hours of the day to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins, the star residents of the Chilikha Lake. I was lucky enough to spot one just in time. The Prayagi Sea Beach, which is Rambha Palace’s privately-owned beach located just in front of the Praygi lighthouse, is the ideal experience for you to soak in the surroundings–the sound of the waves of the Bay of Bengal and the sight of sand crabs running about, playing hide and seek with the sea while you sip on a cup of tea with marble cakes and pastries.
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Following a long day out, it’s wise to go straight to the Mantnam Spa at Rambha Palace, which offers restorative treatments aimed at healing and balance. You can choose from a range of Ayurvedic therapies, including massages, facials, wraps, scrubs, and personalised yoga sessions. Wellness rituals are designed to refresh your body and mind while promoting balance and longevity. I opted for the ninety-minute deep tissue massage, where the therapist eased every knot in my body, making me feel light as air.
What’s more? The palace will soon launch a series of art, music, and cultural programs that allow guests to immerse themselves in creative richness.
ELLE’s Verdict
Puri and Konark are Odisha’s most popular destinations, but to enrich your journey, consider adding this third gem to your itinerary. Complete the triangle trail of your Odisha experience with a visit to Rambha Palace – a regal hotel where you’ll not just find a story in every nook and corner but also enjoy its luxurious offerings indoors and outdoors. Oh, and if you’re wondering what souvenir you can take, don’t worry. The hotel leaves a surprise gift every night on your bed during turndown service. I received a bookmark adorned with the iconic Pattachitra painting and a colourful Bamboo woven fan, giving me a slice of Odisha to take back home as cherished memories.
