Mysuru's iconic Lalith Mahal Palace Hotel to be privatized?

Mysuru: Efforts are on to privatize Mysuru’s iconic heritage palace-turned-luxury hotel, Lalith Mahal Palace Hotel. A decision might be taken to this effect at the state cabinet meeting on June 14.

Lalith Mahal Palace is on the threshold of its centenary celebrations. First commissioned by Mysore ruler Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV in the year 1921 for the exclusive stay of the Viceroy of India, the opulent palace was converted into a heritage hotel after its takeover by the Government of India in 1974.

It was run by the Ashok Group of the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). In 2018, the property was transferred to the Karnataka Government and is being managed by the Jungle Lodges and Resorts.

As per sources, the tourism department has sought permission for the sale of the property to Taj Hotels citing management issues.

Earlier it was decided to hold the centenary celebration of Lalith Palace in October this year. However, the news of privatizing this iconic piece of erstwhile Mysore’s history has drawn criticism from Mysorians.

There are apprehensions that the 500-odd staff currently employed at the hotel might lose their jobs if privatization happens. A public representative told Udayavani that privatization poses a threat of commercial exploitation of the 53-acre heritage property.

Privatizing Lalith Mahal may deny the public the chance to savor the grandeur of Mysore’s history and culture, and its best to run the hotel through the current arrangement with Jungle Lodges and Resorts, many opined.