British-era Bantony Estate in Himachal Pradesh to be revived as a tourist hotspot

British-era Bantony Estate in Himachal Pradesh will soon be developed as a major tourist attraction. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur recently stated that the state government will be renovating the castle at a cost of INR 25 crore to promote tourism in the region.
The castle was once the summer palace of former Maharaja of Sirmaur. It is now old and in dilapidated condition, which the government is trying to revive it again. As per the reports, the renovation will be as per the original Gothic architecture. After renovation, the building will likely house a restaurant, museum and recreational park.

While speaking at an inauguration function of the five-day state level Gram Shilp Mela, the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister informed that the British-era castle will be built in such a manner that it will showcase the rich cultural diversity of the state. Also, the location of the castle is the famous Mall Road, that will certainly act as a major crowd puller.
Thakur further said that Himachal Pradesh has immense potential because of cultural diversity and rich history, and the region also has historical monuments and buildings, which can be further developed and promoted for tourism. To further promote cultural tourism in the state, the state government has announced a new initiative ‘Aaj Purani Rahon Se,’ which will let tourists explore the folklore of this region.

The state government will also be introducing miniature cultural souvenirs like Kangra paintings, musical instruments and Chamba ‘rumal.’