Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The heritage hotel concept floated by the tourism department is gradually taking shape. At least 11 forts have been identified, and after a successful bidding process, they have been leased out for 90 years to be converted into heritage hotels, according to sources in the department.
These properties include the Mahendra Bhawan of Panna and the Lonera Saray of Mandu. Renovation work is underway at most of these properties. Almost 90% work to develop Rajgarh palace of Chhatarpur as a heritage hotel is complete, and it may become operational in a couple of years.
Renovation of such properties requires special care. It has to be done in such a way that the original look of heritage properties is not altered. For instance, if there is a faded painting, it has to be restored in such a fashion that it does not lose its sheen.
Rajasthan has been successful in turning many of its forts into heritage hotels. However, the MP tourism department’s policy is quite liberal when compared to that of Rajasthan. The offset value to participate in the bidding process to acquire a heritage property on lease is just Rs 1 lakh. “This has been done to encourage more people to participate in the bidding process,” said an officer of the department.
Once the heritage hotels become operational, the state is likely to attract more tourists as a stay at such hotels gives a royal feeling.
