Aul Palace
Aul Palace, also known as Killa Aul, is a majestic historical landmark established in 1590 AD by Raja Ram Chandra Deb. This palace serves as a living testimony to the royal legacy of Odisha, surviving through the eras of the Mughals, Marathas, and the British. Spread across a massive 40-acre estate , the palace complex remains the residence of the current descendant of the Gajapati lineage. The structure is enveloped by the serene waters of the Kharasrota River, providing a picturesque and defensive backdrop typical of medieval forts. Visitors can explore various sections like the Ranimahal (Queen’s palace), Ghodashala (stables), and beautiful Pramoda Udyan (pleasure gardens). The palace reflects a deep sense of history, housing ancient artifacts and preserving the traditional customs of the Aul royalty. It offers a rare glimpse into the princely lifestyle that once governed the coastal regions of Odisha. The atmosphere is tranquil, making it an ideal spot for history buffs and those looking to experience the grandeur of the past. The palace has also opened its doors as a heritage homestay, allowing guests to live like royalty. This preservation of heritage ensures that the stories of the Kalinga kings continue to inspire future generations.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
3 to 4 HoursPlace Type:
Heritage & HistoryEntry Fees:
Nominal Charges: There is no official entry fee for the outer grounds, but a fee of 50 INR is often charged for guided interior tours. Photography might require an additional payment of 100 INR. These funds are used for the maintenance and restoration of the heritage stru...Nominal Charges: There is no official entry fee for the outer grounds, but a fee of 50 INR is often charged for guided interior tours. Photography might require an additional payment of 100 INR. These funds are used for the maintenance and restoration of the heritage structure.Timing:
Regular Hours: The palace is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily for tourists.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to enter is at 10:00 AM when the light is soft, or at 4:00 PM to enjoy the cool river breeze before closing. ...Regular Hours: The palace is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily for tourists.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to enter is at 10:00 AM when the light is soft, or at 4:00 PM to enjoy the cool river breeze before closing.Special Events:
Durga Puja Festivities: The palace celebrates Durga Puja with immense grandeur, following centuries-old royal traditions and rituals. The Maha Saptami and Maha Ashtami rituals involve the royal family and draw huge crowds from the surrounding villages. This is the only ti...Durga Puja Festivities: The palace celebrates Durga Puja with immense grandeur, following centuries-old royal traditions and rituals. The Maha Saptami and Maha Ashtami rituals involve the royal family and draw huge crowds from the surrounding villages. This is the only time many private parts of the palace are visible to the public.Best Photo Spots:
The River Bank: The best angle for a wide shot is from across the Kharasrota River, capturing the palace towers reflecting in the water.
The Main Entrance: The grand arched gateway provides a perfect frame for portraits.
Read MoreThe River Bank: The best angle for a wide shot is from across the Kharasrota River, capturing the palace towers reflecting in the water.
The Main Entrance: The grand arched gateway provides a perfect frame for portraits.
The Verandahs: The long, colonnaded walkways offer beautiful leading lines and play of light for architectural photography.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Heritage Walk: Take a guided tour through the Rajbati to see the collection of vintage weapons and royal portraits.
Photography: Capture the reflection of the palace in the river at sunset.
Garden Exploration: Spend time in the Pramoda Udyan admiring the centuries-old trees.
River Boating: Hire a local boat for a short trip on the Kharasrota to see the palace from the water.
Temple Visit: Offer prayers at the private royal temples within the complex.
Heritage Stay: Book a night at the palace homestay to experience authentic royal hospitality.
Bird Watching: The riverside location attracts many local water birds in the early morning.
...Heritage Walk: Take a guided tour through the Rajbati to see the collection of vintage weapons and royal portraits.
Photography: Capture the reflection of the palace in the river at sunset.
Garden Exploration: Spend time in the Pramoda Udyan admiring the centuries-old trees.
River Boating: Hire a local boat for a short trip on the Kharasrota to see the palace from the water.
Temple Visit: Offer prayers at the private royal temples within the complex.
Heritage Stay: Book a night at the palace homestay to experience authentic royal hospitality.
Bird Watching: The riverside location attracts many local water birds in the early morning.
Cultural Interaction: Speak with the palace staff to learn about the unique folklore and local legends.
Picnicking: Use the outer gardens for a quiet family picnic under the shade of banyan trees.
Information
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Why Famous:
Lineage of Mukunda Deva: The palace is world-famous because its rulers are the direct descendants of Gajapati Mukunda Deva, the last independent king of Odisha. This historical connection makes it a pilgrimage site for those interested in Odia nationalism and history.
...Lineage of Mukunda Deva: The palace is world-famous because its rulers are the direct descendants of Gajapati Mukunda Deva, the last independent king of Odisha. This historical connection makes it a pilgrimage site for those interested in Odia nationalism and history.
Riverside Majesty: Its location on the banks of the Kharasrota River makes it one of the most scenic river-fort palaces in the state. The palace is also famous for its Maa Killa Chandi temple, which is a powerful local deity worshipped with great fervor. -
Architecture:
Royal Fusion Style: The architecture of Aul Palace is a splendid fusion of traditional Odia temple style and colonial influences. The main Rajbati features high ceilings, thick masonry walls, and ornate wooden doorways that showcase the craftsmanship of the 16th century. <...Royal Fusion Style: The architecture of Aul Palace is a splendid fusion of traditional Odia temple style and colonial influences. The main Rajbati features high ceilings, thick masonry walls, and ornate wooden doorways that showcase the craftsmanship of the 16th century.
Structural Dimensions: The palace is spread over 40 acres, with the main building measuring approximately 150 feet in length. The complex includes specialized zones like the Bhandar (treasury) and Debalaya (temple complex), each following Vastu Shastra principles. The use of locally sourced laterite stone and lime mortar has allowed the structure to withstand the humid coastal climate for over four centuries. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 120 KM away.
By Train: Cuttack Railway Station is the closest major hub, situated 91 KM from the palace.
By Road: It i...By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 120 KM away.
By Train: Cuttack Railway Station is the closest major hub, situated 91 KM from the palace.
By Road: It is well-connected by NH-5; take the diversion at Chandikhole towards Kendrapada and then Aul.
By Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and local buses are available from Kendrapada town regularly. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter Season: November to February is the most pleasant period with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.
Morning Visit: Early mornings are best to avoid the heat and see the river birds.
Afternoon Visit: ...Winter Season: November to February is the most pleasant period with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.
Morning Visit: Early mornings are best to avoid the heat and see the river birds.
Afternoon Visit: Late afternoons provide a golden glow on the palace walls for better views. -
Near Tourist Places:
Baladevjew Temple (35 KM), Bhitarkanika (40 KM), Rajkanika Palace (9 KM), Gahirmatha (50 KM), Pentha Beach (45 KM), Hukitola (55 KM), Sakhibata (38 KM), Laxmi Baraha (30 KM), Matia Mangal (32 KM), Gojabayani (34 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Packing: Wear comfortable cotton clothes and walking shoes.
Cash: Carry enough cash as ATMs are limited in Aul village; the nearest ones are in Kendrapada.
Connectivity: Mobile signals are stable, but publ...Packing: Wear comfortable cotton clothes and walking shoes.
Cash: Carry enough cash as ATMs are limited in Aul village; the nearest ones are in Kendrapada.
Connectivity: Mobile signals are stable, but public Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Health: Carry bottled water and mosquito repellent for the riverside area.
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