UP Government to Denotify and Redevelop 11 Historic Buildings as Heritage Tourism Destinations Under PPP Model
In a major step towards revitalizing its historic architecture and boosting heritage tourism, the Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to denotify 11 ancient and culturally significant buildings currently protected by the state’s Archaeology Department.
Once this process is completed, the buildings will be refurbished, repurposed, and developed as tourist attractions through adaptive reuse strategies.
Officials have confirmed that these properties will be conserved and transformed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The selected buildings—comprising centuries-old forts, palaces, and grand residences—have been identified for their architectural charm, historical significance, and potential to be converted into revenue-generating heritage tourism assets.
Under this new initiative, the government aims to create heritage hotels, public museums, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) venues that would not only preserve the legacy of these structures but also breathe new life into them.
According to officials involved in the project, the buildings will be leased out initially for a period of 30 years, with the possibility of extending the lease in phases for up to 90 years.
This long-term model is expected to attract serious investment from private players who would be responsible for conserving, maintaining, and operating the properties for tourism and cultural activities.
The 11 heritage sites slated for denotification and development include:
- Balabehat Fort (Lalitpur)
- Rangarh Fort (Banda)
- Wazirganj Ki Baradari (Gonda)
- Alambagh Bhawan (Lucknow)
- Kothi Gulistan-e-Eram (Lucknow)
- Darshan Vilas (Lucknow)
- Tikait Rai Baradari (Kanpur)
- Mastani Mahal (Mahoba)
- Senapati Mahal, Kulpahad (Mahoba)
- Tehrauli Fort (Jhansi)
- Bhuragarh Fort (Banda)
- Sitaram Mahal (Kotwan Qila) (Mathura)
Many of these structures, despite their historical and architectural importance, have been underutilized for years. Some have undergone limited conservation efforts in the past decade, with state funding running into crores of rupees.
However, several remain in disrepair, with sections crumbling and access restricted due to safety concerns. This initiative seeks to reverse that trend by ensuring sustained investment and professional management.
Officials from the State Tourism Department emphasized that the buildings would be repurposed with utmost sensitivity to their original architectural integrity.
The goal is to achieve “adaptive reuse”—a practice that ensures modern utility without compromising historical character.
For example, a centuries-old palace could be converted into a boutique heritage hotel, while retaining its original arches, frescoes, and courtyards. Similarly, a fort could be turned into a museum or exhibition center, showcasing local history, art, and culture.
This move is being undertaken in alignment with the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Policy, 2022, which encourages public-private collaboration to harness the potential of heritage and cultural tourism.
Tenders for the initiative have already been issued, and the government is optimistic about receiving interest from established hospitality and tourism management firms.
By revitalizing these properties and bringing them into the mainstream tourism circuit, the government aims to not only boost visitor numbers but also generate employment, stimulate local economies, and promote cultural awareness.
The successful execution of this initiative could make Uttar Pradesh a frontrunner in heritage tourism in India, offering immersive cultural experiences through restored palaces, forts, and mansions that tell the story of its royal and architectural past.
