JABALPUR will soon have first heritage hotel in Mahakoshal region as a new tourist attraction. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC) will develop Royal Hotel (Purana Bungalow) as heritage hotel in a joint venture with private investor. Secretariat Archaeology Archives and Museum, Bhopal handed over the State Protected Monument Royal Hotel to Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.

Regional Manager Moncy Joseph took possession of Royal Hotel from P C Mahobia, Deputy Director, Archaeology Archives and Museum, Eastern Zone, Jabalpur. The State Government had declared Royal Hotel as State protected ancient monument under Madhya Pradesh Ancient Monument and Archaeological Site and Remain Act-1964.

MPTDC, General Manager, Dinesh Kumar Jharia, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’ informed that the Royal Hotel will be developed as heritage hotel with private investment to attract tourists in Jabalpur. The Corporation conducted a survey of heritage site through School of Planning and Architecture for analysis of damaged part of the historic structure and requirements of repairing and renovation.

The site will be handed over to private firm of concerned sector through tender process with a long term lease agreement. The agreement will have separate criteria for allowing or disallowing renovation and reconstruction of historic structure.

Regional Manager Moncy Hoseph informed that on behalf of MPTDC he took possession of old structure of Royal Hotel along with vacant land 0.4259-hectare from Archaeology Archives and Museum, Eastern Zone Jabalpur in presence of Tehsildar Ranjhi. The Royal Hotel is situated in front of Old RTO, Jabalpur, at 14,144 square feet area and is reminiscence of starting war of freedom. Royal Hotel was constructed in 1857 by Anglo-Indian Timber Merchant, Mr. Bert that was later given on lease to Raja Gokuldas for teakwood forest. The hotel was available only for lodging of British and European citizens. Raja Gokuldas gave the hotel to her daughter Rajkumari Bai as a marriage gift. She was married with Chamanlal Gupta of Seoni district.