Uttar Pradesh Tourism has unveiled Anand Bhawan Palace, Tirwa, Kannauj, as the state’s first luxury heritage homestay. Developed in collaboration with amã Stays & Trails of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), the opening marks not just the 150th bungalow in amã’s national portfolio, but also the beginning of a new era for Kannauj — India’s perfume capital — as it opens a fresh chapter in experiential tourism.
Historical significance and location
Built in 1929 and spread across five acres, Anand Bhawan Palace is a zamindari-era property reimagined as a cultural stay highlighting Kannauj’s heritage and perfumed traditions.
Accommodation and curated experiences
The palace features six heritage suites named after Kannauj’s timeless perfumes — Jasmine, Patchouli, Oudh, Neroli, Gulaab, and Bakhoor. Guests can enjoy verandas, gardens, and heritage galleries, alongside curated experiences like farm-to-table dining, barbecue nights, poolside leisure, billiards, birdwatching at Lakh Bahosi Bird Sanctuary, and guided tours of Kannauj’s attar-making traditions.
Official statements on the launch
Commenting on the launch, Tourism & Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “UP Tourism is making all efforts in line with the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to promote heritage-led tourism and position Uttar Pradesh as a pioneer. Anand Bhawan Palace is a symbol of how our heritage homes can be preserved and brought alive as spaces of culture, hospitality, and economic growth.”
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism, UP, said, “Kannauj is celebrated worldwide as the perfume capital of India and attracted over 13 lakh tourists last year. With Anand Bhawan Palace opening as a heritage homestay, we are adding a new dimension to the tourism appeal. I encourage property owners across Uttar Pradesh to walk hand in hand with us, so that together we can conserve heritage, generate livelihoods, and create unforgettable experiences for visitors.”
Prakhar Misra, Director, UP Tourism (Eco), said, “Uttar Pradesh has numerous zamindari homes, havelis, and palaces that cannot be developed as commercial hotels but hold immense value as heritage spaces. Anand Bhawan Palace is a model of how such properties can be converted into luxury homestays, keeping their soul intact while giving travellers an authentic experience of history and culture.”
Inauguration ceremony
The inauguration was marked by a ribbon-cutting by Mukesh Kumar Meshram, in the presence of Ashutosh Agnihotri, District Magistrate Kannauj; Prakhar Misra, Director, UP Tourism (Eco); Sumit Bazaz, Vice President, amã Homestays; and Vinod Pandey, Cluster General Manager, IHCL.
Owners’ reflections
Homestay owners Divyaudit Singh and Shruti Shandilya, who belong to the family of Anand Bhawan Palace, expressed gratitude to UP Tourism for its support.
Divyaudit Singh said, “We are proud to see our family’s heritage come alive as a space for visitors. With UP Tourism’s support, Anand Bhawan Palace can now share the legacy of Kannauj with the world.”
Shruti Shandilya added, “This initiative is not just about a homestay, but about preserving history and offering travellers a true cultural experience. We are grateful to UP Tourism for making this possible.”
