This 200-year-old palace near Chilika stands silent witness to Odisha's royal legacies

Nestled on the banks of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, the 200-year-old Rambha Palace stands as a silent witness to Odisha’s colonial past, royal legacies, and pivotal political movements.

Built in 1792 by British administrator Thomas Snodgrass, then Collector of Ganjam, the palace’s construction, overseen by European engineers and local artisans, led to Snodgrass’s dismissal for misusing government funds.

Over centuries, it transitioned from British hands to the Khallikote royal family, serving as a political and cultural hub before falling into disrepair. However, in recent years, a meticulous restoration has reestablished it as a cornerstone of Odisha’s heritage tourism.

A Monument to Colonial Ambition and Odia Craftsmanship

Rambha Palace’s architecture reflects a unique fusion of European grandeur and Odia artistry. Roman arched windows, Doric columns, and French-inspired gardens speak to its colonial origins, while intricate floral motifs, terracotta installations, and Dhokra tribal metalwork root it in Odisha’s cultural identity.

The palace’s terrazzo floors, preserved from the 18th century, still bear the imprints of dignitaries who shaped India’s history.

The central piano room, once the durbar hall of the Khallikote kings, features a wood-railed balcony where courtiers observed royal proceedings.

Venetian lime-plastered walls, crafted by Sundarbans artisans, and restored 18th-century furniture underscore the palace’s hybrid aesthetic. Even the gardens, lined with Ashoka trees and grand fountains, blend formal European design with indigenous flora like mango and pink siris trees.

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A Stage for History

Rambha Palace’s legacy extends beyond architecture. It hosted luminaries such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Lord Curzon, and was the site of the first Utkal Conference in the early 20th century, a landmark event in the movement for Odisha’s provincial autonomy.

A Konark Chakra embedded in the palace grounds commemorates this historic gathering.

After decades of neglect, its restoration was led by Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte. Original materials, from terrazzo tiles to Dhokra artefacts, were preserved, while decayed sections were revived using traditional techniques. This six-year effort transformed the crumbling structure into a living archive of Odisha’s past.

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Reviving Heritage, Igniting Tourism

Rambha Palace’s location near Chilika Lake, a biodiversity hotspot, and proximity to the Sun Temple in Konark and Jagannath Temple in Puri position it as a key stop on Odisha’s heritage circuit.

Unlike many colonial-era buildings repurposed as hotels, Rambha’s restoration emphasises its historical narrative over commercial appeal.

Today, the palace stands not as a relic but as a testament to resilience, bridging centuries of change to secure its place in Odisha’s cultural tapestry.