--- title: "Gajapati Palace Paralakhemundi: History, Architecture & Guide" description: "Discover Gajapati Palace in Paralakhemundi, Odisha. Explore Robert Chisholm" image: "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/featured/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati.webp" --- ![Historic palace facade with arches and towers in Paralakhemundi.](/images/featured/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati.webp) Plan your visit Gajapati Palace Paralakhemundi Historic 19th-century royal palace of the Eastern Ganga dynasty rulers in Paralakhemundi, designed by pioneer architect Robert Chisholm on the banks of the Mahendratanaya River. Address Palace Street, Paralakhemundi, Gajapati District, Odisha 761200, India [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=18.776%2C84.086) Situated along the green banks of the Mahendratanaya River in southern Odisha, **Gajapati Palace Paralakhemundi Gajapati** stands as a magnificent monument to royal statesmanship, architectural innovation, and Odia political pride. Also widely known as Brundaban Palace, this sprawling three-storey estate served as the ancestral seat of the Paralakhemundi Ganga dynasty. Beyond its striking physical beauty, the palace occupies a sacred place in modern Indian history. It was within these regal chambers that Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb conceptualized, funded, and led the historic movement that created Odisha as the first linguistic province of British India in 1936. > Key Takeaways > > Royal Heritage: Built by the Gajapati rulers of the Eastern Ganga dynasty branch in Paralakhemundi, serving as the royal residence for generations of visionary rulers. > > Architectural Marvel: Designed by renowned British architect Robert Fellows Chisholm, blending Indo-Saracenic, Byzantine, and European classical styles. > > Birthplace of Modern Odisha: The political and intellectual cradle where Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati spearheaded the creation of Odisha as a separate state. > > Signature Features: Symmetrical wings, a magnificent Durbar Hall with Burma teak woodwork, decorative Belgian stained glass, and secret underground river tunnels. > > Location & Visiting: Situated in the heart of Paralakhemundi town in Gajapati district, accessible daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with free exterior grounds access. ## Gajapati Palace Paralakhemundi at a Glance: Timings, Entry & Facts Before setting out on your trip to southern Odisha, review these key visitor facts verified from official district records at the [Gajapati District Administration](https://gajapati.nic.in/), heritage archives from [Odisha Tourism](https://odishatourism.gov.in/), and our detailed [Gajapati district travel guide](/gajapati-district/). | Feature | Details | | --- | --- | | **Official Name** | Gajapati Palace (Brundaban Palace / B.N. Palace) | | **Location** | Paralakhemundi Town, Gajapati District, Odisha | | **Architect** | Robert Fellows Chisholm (Pioneer of Indo-Saracenic Design) | | **Construction Period** | Designed in May 1835; expanded through the late 19th century | | **Dynastic Lineage** | Eastern Ganga Dynasty (Paralakhemundi Zamindari Royal Estate) | | **Visiting Hours** | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday through Sunday) | | **Entry Ticket Fee** | Free exterior viewing; interior entry subject to local family permission | | **Nearest Railway Station** | Paralakhemundi (PLH) and Palasa (PSA, 40 km) | | **Recommended Time** | 1.5 to 2 hours | ### Key Heritage and Location Highlights Gajapati Palace is located right in the town center of Paralakhemundi, flanked by palm groves and the gentle waters of the Mahendratanaya River. The palace complex presents a commanding symmetrical facade flanked by two matching wings, divided centrally by a grand entrance portico and the royal Durbar Hall. The exterior is painted in traditional cream and ochre tones, with carved cornices, arched windows, and projecting stone balconies overlooking manicured lawns. A grand boundary wall punctuated by the historic Singhadwara (Lion Gate) guards the entrance, welcoming travelers into an era of royal majesty. ### Who Will Enjoy Visiting Gajapati Palace Travelers interested in colonial architecture, Indian royal heritage, and political history will appreciate visiting Gajapati Palace. The quiet, dignified atmosphere provides a refreshing contrast to crowded pilgrimage corridors. Architecture students will particularly admire the innovative structural engineering of Robert Chisholm. His clever integration of natural ventilation, vaulted ceilings, and decorative ironwork created a cool, functional living environment suited to the hot tropical climate of southern Odisha. ## The Royal History of Paralakhemundi and the Eastern Ganga Dynasty The history of Paralakhemundi is intertwined with the royal lineages that governed the ancient kingdom of Kalinga for over a millennium. ### Origins of the Paralakhemundi Royal Estate The royal house of Paralakhemundi traces its direct lineage back to the illustrious Eastern Ganga dynasty, the same imperial line that constructed the world-famous Konark Sun Temple and Puri Jagannath Temple. Following the decline of the central imperial throne in Cuttack, a cadet branch of the Ganga rulers established an independent principality in the rugged southern frontier of Paralakhemundi during the sixteenth century. Surrounded by protective hill ranges and dense sal forests, the estate grew into a powerful zamindari center. The rulers were generous patrons of Odissi music, classical literature, and indigenous horn crafts, establishing Paralakhemundi as the cultural capital of southern Odisha. ### Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati and Odisha Statehood The most famous figure in Paralakhemundi history is Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb (1892–1974). A visionary statesman and polyglot, the young Maharaja ascended the gaddi with a clear mission to unite the scattered Odia-speaking populations who were divided across Bengal, Bihar, Madras, and the Central Provinces. Working alongside legendary reformers like Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das, the Maharaja revitalized the Utkal Sammilani. He traveled to London to attend the historic Round Table Conferences in 1930 and 1931, presenting compelling historical arguments and maps directly to the British parliament for a separate Odia state. His persistent diplomacy achieved historic success. On April 1, 1936, the separate province of Odisha was officially formed, celebrated annually today as [formation of Odisha province on Utkal Divas](/utkal-divas-celebrating-the-spirit-of-odisha/). Maharaja Krushna Chandra was unanimously elected the first Prime Minister of the new state, guiding its initial governance with unmatched personal philanthropy. ### The Historic Birthplace of Modern Odisha in 1936 The private libraries, meeting chambers, and gardens of Gajapati Palace witnessed high-stakes political debates during the 1920s and 1930s. Delegations of regional leaders from Sambalpur, Cuttack, and Ganjam regularly gathered in the palace’s central Durbar Hall to plan strategies for statehood. The Maharaja personally financed schools, colleges, research institutions, and agricultural irrigation canals across southern Odisha. Today, the local university in Paralakhemundi proudly bears his name as Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Autonomous College. ## Indo-Saracenic Architecture and Design by Robert Chisholm The architectural brilliance of Gajapati Palace places it among the finest royal residences in eastern India, comparable to the [Victorian royal residence of Belgadia Palace](/belgadia-palace-baripada-mayurbhanj/) in Mayurbhanj and the [historic Rajkanika Palace in Kendrapara](/rajkanika-palace-kendrapara/). ![A weathered arch shows the palace’s architectural detail.](/images/inline/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati-masonry.webp) *Look closely at the layered details around the facade.* ![Arches and roofline mark the historic palace facade.](/images/inline/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati-facade-detail.webp) *The palace complex reflects a distinctive regional royal-era architecture.* ### Robert Fellows Chisholm and Pioneering Colonial Design The palace concept was finalized in May 1835 and designed by the celebrated British architect Robert Fellows Chisholm (1835–1915). Chisholm was a pioneer of the Indo-Saracenic style, renowned across India for designing landmark structures like the Senate House in Madras and the Baroda Museum. In Paralakhemundi, Chisholm created an ingenious synthesis of traditional Indian motifs and European structural discipline. He incorporated classical Byzantine arches, decorative Islamic jali work, and Gothic window traceries into an Indian palace plan that accommodated royal religious ceremonies and grand social durbars. ### Symmetrical Three-Storey Layout and Royal Wings The main building is designed as a three-storey structure with an underground foundation level: - **Central Axis**: Dominated by the grand royal portico, high-ceilinged reception vestibule, and central ceremonial staircase. - **Raja Mahal (Northern Wing)**: Housed the private suites, personal study, state council chambers, and treasury of the Maharaja. - **Rani Mahal (Southern Wing)**: Served as the private zenana residence of the royal ladies, featuring enclosed inner courtyards and privacy screens. - **Underground Crypt Level**: Provided naturally cooled storage rooms, ammunition vaults, and domestic staff preparation quarters. ### The Splendid Durbar Hall and Burma Teak Craftsmanship The crown jewel of the palace interior is the magnificent Durbar Hall. Rising across two storeys with an open mezzanine gallery, the hall was designed to host British viceroys, royal guests, and state assemblies. The entire ceiling is supported by massive beams and pillars carved from seasoned Burma teak wood imported through the port of Rangoon. Decorative plaster cornices on the upper walls display gilded floral friezes, while tall French windows feature authentic Belgian stained-glass panels that cast jewel-toned colors across the polished floor tiles. ## Secret Subterranean Tunnels and Defensive Fortifications Beneath the refined colonial exterior, Gajapati Palace retains traditional defensive mechanisms reflecting the volatile military history of the Eastern Ghats frontier. ### Underground Passageways to the Mahendratanaya River One of the most intriguing features of the palace is its network of subterranean brick-lined escape tunnels. Originating beneath the private royal apartments in the basement, a secret tunnel extended southward toward the bank of the Mahendratanaya River. This concealed passage was designed to provide a secure evacuation route for the royal family in case of military siege or surprise attacks. Another branch of the tunnel network reportedly linked the palace with the older fortress citadel located on the surrounding hills. ### Singhadwara Lion Gate and Traditional Fortified Boundary The outer entrance to the royal estate is guarded by the historic Singhadwara (Lion Gate). Flanked by twin stone sculptures of reclining lions, the gateway features elevated guardrooms and decorative domed minarets (*gombuja*). A high protective masonry wall surrounds the entire palace compound, buffering the royal quarters from the surrounding bazaar. Lush gardens, shaded orchards of mango and jackfruit trees, and open parade grounds fill the inner grounds. ## Best Time to Visit Paralakhemundi and Seasonal Weather Paralakhemundi enjoys a pleasant winter season, while summers in the interior river valley can become quite hot. Planning your visit during the cooler months ensures the best travel experience. ![Trees shade the palace grounds in Paralakhemundi.](/images/inline/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati-garden.webp) *The grounds offer context for the scale of the palace setting.* | Season | Months | Average Temperature | Travel Experience | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Winter (Best Time)** | October to March | 16°C to 28°C | Cool morning breezes, comfortable afternoon walking, clear skies; peak tourist season for waterfalls and mountains. | | **Summer** | April to June | 32°C to 42°C | Hot and dry with high afternoon temperatures; best suited for early morning or late evening visits. | | **Monsoon** | July to September | 24°C to 33°C | Moderate to heavy rainfall; river swells and surrounding hills become exceptionally green and scenic. | ### Winter Window (October to March) Winter is the ideal window to explore Paralakhemundi. Mild temperatures and low humidity make walking around the palace grounds pleasant throughout the day. Visiting between November and February also allows you to pair your palace tour with hiking expeditions in the nearby Eastern Ghats mountains, where waterfalls flow with clear post-monsoon volume. ### Summer and Monsoon Travel Considerations Summer months from April to June bring intense heat to the interior plains of Gajapati district. If traveling during this period, schedule your palace visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to avoid the midday sun. The monsoon season transforms the surrounding rural landscape into lush greenery. However, sudden mountain downpours can occasionally slow road transit along winding hill highways. ## How to Reach Gajapati Palace Paralakhemundi: Road, Rail & Route Paralakhemundi is well connected by road and rail to major transport hubs across southern Odisha and neighboring Andhra Pradesh. | Transit Stage | Distance & Highway | Travel Time | | --- | --- | --- | | **Berhampur to Paralakhemundi** | 120 km via SH-17 and SH-32 | 3 to 3.5 hours by taxi or regular bus | | **Palasa to Paralakhemundi** | 40 km via State Highway | 50 to 60 minutes by taxi or auto-rickshaw | | **Bhubaneswar to Paralakhemundi** | 290 km via NH-16 and Palasa | 6 to 6.5 hours by private car or train | ### Driving from Berhampur via SH-17 and SH-32 From Berhampur (Brahmapur), take State Highway 17 through Digapahandi and continue along the scenic rural route through R. Udayagiri or Hinjilicut: - Follow State Highway 17 from Berhampur southwest toward Digapahandi. - Continue along the well-paved state highway toward Temburu and Paralakhemundi. - Upon entering Paralakhemundi town, follow signboards toward Palace Street near the Mahendratanaya River bridge. The drive offers expansive views of granite boulders, rolling hillocks, and cashew plantations across southern Ganjam and Gajapati districts. ### Rail Connectivity via Paralakhemundi and Palasa Paralakhemundi has its own historic railway station (PLH) on the Naupada-Gunupur broad-gauge line: - Passenger trains connect Paralakhemundi with Gunupur and Naupada Junction daily. - For travelers on express and superfast trains, **Palasa Railway Station (PSA)** in nearby Andhra Pradesh (just 40 km away) is the most convenient railhead. - Dozens of trains along the Howrah-Chennai trunk line stop at Palasa. Regular taxis and private buses operate between Palasa station and Paralakhemundi around the clock. ### Air Access via Bhubaneswar Airport The nearest major operational commercial airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, situated roughly 290 km northeast. Travelers flying into Bhubaneswar can hire an outstation cab or board an express train down to Palasa or Berhampur. ## Nearby Attractions in the Gajapati Heritage Circuit A trip to Gajapati Palace can easily be expanded into an exciting two-day travel circuit exploring the wildlife, waterfalls, and mountain peaks of Gajapati district. ### Gandahati Waterfall Natural Wonder Located about 30 km northwest of Paralakhemundi, the famous [perennial cascade at Gandahati Waterfall](/gandahati-waterfalls-rayagada-gajapati/) drops across a wide rock amphitheater surrounded by dense sal forests. It features an integrated eco-tourism picnic park and wooden viewing bridges. ### Khasada Waterfall and Chandragiri Tibetan Settlement Approximately 75 km north of Paralakhemundi, [Khasada Waterfall near Chandragiri](/khasada-waterfall-gajapati/) flows over wide natural stone steps into a crystal-clear swimming pool. Nearby sits the grand Buddhist monastery of Jiranga (Padmasambhava Mahavihara), the largest Tibetan settlement in eastern India. ### Mahendragiri Mountain Sacred Peak Rising to an elevation of 1,501 meters above sea level, the [sacred peak of Mahendragiri Hills](/mahendragiri-hills-a-haven-for-nature-lovers/) is the second-highest mountain peak in Odisha. Mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the summit features ancient stone temples attributed to the Pandavas and offers sweeping panoramic vistas across the Eastern Ghats. ## Visitor Tips, Photography Guidelines, and Heritage Etiquette To ensure a respectful and rewarding visit to Gajapati Palace, keep these practical traveler guidelines in mind. > [!NOTE] > > Because parts of the private palace remain under the care of the royal family descendants and INTACH conservation teams, visitors should request permission at the gate before exploring inner rooms. ### Permitted Photography and Local Guidelines - **Exterior Photography**: Handheld phone and camera photography of the palace facade, gardens, and Lion Gate is permitted without charge. - **Interior Filming**: Video recording inside the private residential suites or Durbar Hall requires prior permission from the estate caretakers. - **Dress Code**: Modest, comfortable casual clothing is recommended when touring the heritage building and nearby town temples. ### Respecting Royal Heirlooms and Ongoing Conservation - **Protect Fragile Woodwork**: Do not touch or lean on carved Burma teak pillars, balcony balustrades, or vintage furniture displays. - **Keep the Grounds Clean**: Place all food packaging and water bottles in municipal trash bins to preserve the scenic riverbank setting. - **Support Local Artisans**: While in Paralakhemundi, visit local artisan workshops famous for traditional buffalo horn handicrafts, lacquer toys, and fine Jaunsari textile weaves. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ### Where is Gajapati Palace located in Odisha? Gajapati Palace is located in the heart of Paralakhemundi town, the administrative headquarters of Gajapati district in southern Odisha. It sits along the bank of the Mahendratanaya River, roughly 120 km southwest of Berhampur. ### Who built Gajapati Palace in Paralakhemundi? The palace was commissioned in 1835 by the Eastern Ganga dynasty rulers of Paralakhemundi and was the ancestral residence of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb. It was designed by renowned British architect Robert Fellows Chisholm in the Indo-Saracenic style. ### Why is Paralakhemundi important in Odisha state history? Paralakhemundi was the intellectual and political birthplace of the modern separate Odisha statehood movement in the 1920s and 1930s. Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati led the campaign that established Odisha as India’s first linguistic province on April 1, 1936. ### What are the opening hours of Gajapati Palace? The palace grounds and heritage exterior are open daily to the public from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the week. Exploring the grounds typically takes between one and two hours during daylight hours. ### Is there an entry fee to visit Gajapati Palace? Exterior viewing of the palace facade, Lion Gate, and surrounding gardens is completely free of charge. Access to private interior rooms or the royal Durbar Hall may require permission from local estate caretakers or tourism authorities. ### What is the architectural style of Gajapati Palace? The palace displays a masterly blend of Indo-Saracenic, Byzantine, and European classical architectural styles designed by Robert Chisholm. Notable features include carved Burma teak woodwork, decorative stained glass, vaulted ceilings, and a symmetrical three-storey facade. ### How to reach Paralakhemundi from Berhampur? You can drive or take a direct state transport bus from Berhampur via Digapahandi, covering the 120 km route in about 3.5 hours. Alternatively, take an express train to Palasa station (40 km away) and hire a local taxi or bus to Paralakhemundi. ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "BlogPosting", "@id": "https://incredibleodisha.in/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati/#article", "headline": "Gajapati Palace Paralakhemundi: History, Architecture & Guide", "description": "Discover Gajapati Palace in Paralakhemundi, Odisha. 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It sits along the bank of the Mahendratanaya River, roughly 120 km southwest of Berhampur." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Who built Gajapati Palace in Paralakhemundi?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The palace was commissioned in 1835 by the Eastern Ganga dynasty rulers of Paralakhemundi and was the ancestral residence of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb. It was designed by renowned British architect Robert Fellows Chisholm in the Indo-Saracenic style." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why is Paralakhemundi important in Odisha state history?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Paralakhemundi was the intellectual and political birthplace of the modern separate Odisha statehood movement in the 1920s and 1930s. Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati led the campaign that established Odisha as India's first linguistic province on April 1, 1936." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the opening hours of Gajapati Palace?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The palace grounds and heritage exterior are open daily to the public from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the week. Exploring the grounds typically takes between one and two hours during daylight hours." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is there an entry fee to visit Gajapati Palace?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Exterior viewing of the palace facade, Lion Gate, and surrounding gardens is completely free of charge. Access to private interior rooms or the royal Durbar Hall may require permission from local estate caretakers or tourism authorities." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the architectural style of Gajapati Palace?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The palace displays a masterly blend of Indo-Saracenic, Byzantine, and European classical architectural styles designed by Robert Chisholm. Notable features include carved Burma teak woodwork, decorative stained glass, vaulted ceilings, and a symmetrical three-storey facade." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How to reach Paralakhemundi from Berhampur?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can drive or take a direct state transport bus from Berhampur via Digapahandi, covering the 120 km route in about 3.5 hours. Alternatively, take an express train to Palasa station (40 km away) and hire a local taxi or bus to Paralakhemundi." } } ] }, { "@type": "TouristAttraction", "name": "Gajapati Palace Paralakhemundi", "description": "Historic 19th-century royal palace of the Eastern Ganga dynasty rulers in Paralakhemundi, designed by pioneer architect Robert Chisholm on the banks of the Mahendratanaya River.", "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati/", "image": [ { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/featured/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati.webp", "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/featured/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati.webp", "width": 1200, "height": 630, "caption": "Historic palace facade with arches and towers in Paralakhemundi.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Rajesh Kumar", "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/" }, "creditText": "Incredible Odisha", "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha", "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/", "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati-masonry.webp", "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati-masonry.webp", "width": 1200, "height": 800, "caption": "A weathered arch shows the palace’s architectural detail.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Rajesh Kumar", "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/" }, "creditText": "Incredible Odisha", "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha", "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/", "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati-facade-detail.webp", "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati-facade-detail.webp", "width": 1200, "height": 800, "caption": "Arches and roofline mark the historic palace facade.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Rajesh Kumar", "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/" }, "creditText": "Incredible Odisha", "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha", "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/", "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati-garden.webp", "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/gajapati-palace-paralakhemundi-gajapati-garden.webp", "width": 1200, "height": 800, "caption": "Trees shade the palace grounds in Paralakhemundi.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Rajesh Kumar", "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/" }, "creditText": "Incredible Odisha", "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha", "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/", "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/" } ], "address": "Palace Street, Paralakhemundi, Gajapati District, Odisha 761200, India", "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 18.776, "longitude": 84.086 } } ] } ```