Kendrapara

Hukitola

Temples, heritage and monuments

Hukitola, a majestic colonial monument situated on Jambu Island in the Bay of Bengal, stands as a silent sentinel of Odisha's maritime history. Located within the Mahakalapara Block of the Kendrapara District, this architectural wonder was constructed by British engineers between 1866 and 1867. Built during the dark days of the Naanka Famine, the structure served a vital purpose as a massive warehouse to store rice imported from Burma (now Myanmar) and other overseas ports to sustain the local population.

Spanning a massive plinth area of over 7,000 square feet, the building is a masterclass in 19th-century construction technology. The most striking feature of Hukitola is its innovative roof design. The roof was engineered with a unique slope that directs rainwater into four massive underground storage pots. This sophisticated rainwater harvesting system provided a reliable source of fresh drinking water for merchants and sailors throughout the year, showcasing an early mastery of sustainable engineering. Beyond its technical brilliance, Hukitola is a symbol of the state’s glorious maritime heritage. While the port and palace began to lose their commercial prominence after 1924—when the British shifted operations to a new port at False Point—the site remains a major draw for history enthusiasts. Today, it attracts students, scholars, and tourists alike, who are drawn to its scenic island location and its role as a testimony to Odisha's survival and ingenuity. Recently, INTACH, under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) programme, has meticulously renovated Hukitola to promote eco-tourism. This restoration ensures that the palace of the island continues to serve as an educational and cultural landmark, offering a rare glimpse into the colonial past and the architectural brilliance of the 1800s.