Chanakya BNR Puri, has now been redefined, uniquely blending a timeless heritage of a bygone era combined with modern conveniences for today's luxury traveler
Puri, Odisha—The Chanakya BNR Hotel in Puri is an enduring symbol of India’s railway heritage, combining old-world charm with modern luxury. Following an extensive renovation, this distinguished property is poised to set new benchmarks in heritage hospitality. Located just 200 meters from the pristine Puri beach, this majestic colonial structure is not only the city's only heritage hotel but also the country’s sole railway-themed hotel, making it a truly unique destination for travellers.
Originally part of the Indian Railways legacy, the Chanakya Group of Hotels took over the property on August 24, 2007. Since then, Mr. Akhil Kochhar, Director, Chanakya Hotels., has meticulously maintained it and is working to preserve its historical essence while offering modern-day comforts.
This landmark in the sacred city of Puri is stretched across a large area of over 3 acres the hotel accommodates 37 beautifully designed rooms classified into Deluxe (16), Executive (19), and Heritage Suites (2). Each room is adorned with rare and iconic photographs that celebrate the monumental achievements of the Indian Railways. The entire hotel is dedicated to the Indian Railways, with extensive effort invested in curating photographs from books, archives, and the Rail Museum to build a compelling theme. The property is uniquely structured around the achievements of Indian Railways, divided into seven sections highlighting aspects such as iconic bridges, historic railway companies, princely states, and the intricate artwork associated with them.
History
The Bengal Nagpur Railway was an important part of history in linking Puri to the majority of India, thereby making the city a favorite seaside destination. On 1st August, 1897 Puri got linked to Khurda which put this scenic seaside town on the Indian Railways map and earned it the nickname 'Brighton of India.' The Britishers had a vision for the beauty of this destination and built a magnificent hotel to accommodate high-profile tourists, which resulted in the establishment of BNR Hotel in 1922. After World War II, the hotel was transformed into an army resort for officials above the rank of Captain. It was subsequently reinstated to BNR after the war and the hotel received its heritage status in 1998 soon. The hotel started functioning in 1925, with C. Stoner as its initial manager. Extensive expansion was carried out in 1938 under railway engineer E. J. Zachuk, with construction done by the Calcutta-based Britannia and Burn Company.
Design Concept
The Chanakya BNR Hotel, Puri, is renowned for its stunning Victorian architecture, distinguished by its striking arc-shaped verandah, wooden plate-framed arches, and mahogany-wood reception counter. The interiors are adorned with antique black-wood cushioned chairs, opulent flooring, and historic black-and-white photographs featuring luminaries like Jacqueline Kennedy, Rajaji, and Pandit Nehru. Notably, BNR Hotel was the first building in Odisha to feature an RCC roof. Even today, its serpentine wooden staircase, arched corridors, and grand patio exude colonial charm harmoniously blending heritage furniture with contemporary elegance. Every corner narrates a story, whether through the meticulously preserved corridors, expansive terraces, or the curated rail heritage memorabilia on display. The property is a living museum celebrating India’s grand railway history.
Weddings and Events
Chanakya BNR Puri is emerging as the premier destination for boutique weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events in Odisha. With the largest wedding lawns in Puri, a 3,700 sq. ft. banquet hall, and two expansive lawns (6,000 sq. ft. Front Lawn and 15,000 sq. ft. Back Lawn), the hotel offers an unparalleled setting for grand celebrations. Complete with a picturesque poolside venue and renowned for its exceptional cuisine, Chanakya BNR Puri provides the perfect blend of heritage charm and modern amenities. As Odisha emerges as a preferred destination for weddings and corporate events, with the Mohan Majhi government attracting investment intents worth Rs 8,155 crore in this sector, the hotel is uniquely positioned to cater to the growing demand for luxury celebrations and conferences in the region.
The hotel also offers a wide range of premium amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, indoor games, and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring that guests experience exceptional comfort and relaxation.
F&B
Dining at Chanakya BNR Hotel is an extraordinary experience, where every meal is a culinary masterpiece. Led by the talented Chef Ashok Poddar and his expert team, the in-house restaurant, The Dining Car, offers an exceptional curated menu that seamlessly blends the rich flavors of Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisines. The food is nothing short of amazing, with standout dishes like the perfectly spiced Mercury Chicken, the rich and flavorful Takshila Dal, and the tender Lal Mirch Kebab that will leave you craving more. The Grilled Fish in Lemon Butter Sauce offers a delicate, zesty finish, while the Murgh Biryani and Champaran Mutton are packed with bold, unforgettable flavors. Every bite promises a remarkable experience, making it truly a must-visit for food lovers. Moreover, guests outside the hotel can even have the food delivered via aggregators like Zomato & Swiggy.
Over the years, the hotel has hosted many prominent personalities, one of whom is the American Ambassador, Prof John K. Galbraith, who praised its unrivaled service and grandeur. Over the years, Chanakya BNR Hotel has been a favored retreat for royalty, filmmakers, authors, journalists, and dignitaries. The guest list includes illustrious personalities such as filmmaker Satyajit Ray, music maestro Sachin Dev Burman, US Ambassador J. K. Galbraith, former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, Prince Schwarzenberg of Austria, Odisha’s Chief Ministers Biju Patnaik and Janaki Ballav Patnaik, Justice Ranganath Mishra, celebrated writer Nirad Choudhuri, and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. These distinguished guests have frequented the hotel over generations, drawn by its timeless charm, sylvan surroundings, and legendary hospitality.
As Chanakya BNR Hotel embraces its rich legacy, it stands as a timeless symbol of heritage, history, and warm hospitality, offering travelers an unforgettable experience of grandeur and nostalgia.
About Sujata Hotels Pvt. Ltd.
Chanakya Group of Hotels operating under Sujata Hotels Pvt. Ltd., is a premier hospitality brand headquartered in Patna, Bihar. Led by Akhil Kochhar, Director, the group is committed to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across key markets in Eastern India. With a portfolio of close to 300 rooms across multiple properties, Sujata Hotels is a trusted name in heritage, luxury, and business hospitality.
As part of its growth strategy, the group plans to expand by adding 300 more rooms in the next five years, focusing on emerging hospitality hubs like Patna and Ranchi. Known for its excellence in service, rich legacy, and premium offerings, Sujata Hotels continues to redefine hospitality standards while preserving the cultural and historical essence of its properties.
Additional information
Address : Chakra Tirtha Rd, Penthakata, Puri, Odisha 752002