Balasore: The entrance to the Nilgiri king's palace, a lions' gate, has become a place of tourist attraction following its makeover with the help of the tourism and culture department in technical assistance with the Indian National Trust or Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach).

The gate building having a prominent clock-tower had been built in the palace in 1895 by the then ruler of Nilgiri princely state Shyam Chandra Mardaraj.

With the financial support of the tourism and culture department and technical support from Intach, the repair was undertaken. The roof beams of the first and second floors of the clock-tower were replaced as well as the ceilings and entry gates were repaired with the fund. Now with completion of the renovation, the heritage structure has started drawing attention of tourists with its new look.

"With support from the state government and Intach, the gate has been renovated," said the hereditary trustee and board president Manoja Manjari."

The state tourism department has sanctioned Rs 20 lakh for renovation of the gate," she said.

Tourists, who would visit the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, often make a trip to the Nilgiri royal palace. Royal descendant Jayant Mardaraj said: "The lions' gate's upper portion was known as clock-tower. The tower had four clocks that were imported from London by the then ruler, Shyam Chandra Mardaraj. All these clocks have become defunct and are removed now. There is a plan to install at least a clock in the tower."