Kannauj Welcomes First Luxury Heritage Homestay to Boost Perfume Tourism

Published on September 13, 2025

Kannauj, India’s perfume capital, has unveiled its first luxury heritage homestay, MY Heritage Resort. This 120-year-old ancestral haveli has been carefully restored. Guests can now experience the city’s rich olfactory heritage in comfort. Tourism officials believe this new initiative will elevate Kannauj as a premium cultural and fragrance tourism destination.

A Blend of Tradition and Modern Luxury

Located at 24 MG Marg, Kannauj, MY Heritage Resort combines traditional charm with modern comforts. Each room retains the elegance of the old haveli while offering contemporary amenities. Visitors can enjoy a serene stay that reflects local culture and history.

The resort features several unique facilities. Guests can visit the Fragrance Gallery to explore the art and history of perfumery. At the Perfume Bar, they can create their own signature scents. Distillery tours showcase ancient perfume-making methods. Aromatic farm experiences allow visitors to participate in flower harvesting. Special fragrance and flavor pairing dinners offer locally sourced culinary delights.

Immersive Perfume Tourism Experiences

MY Heritage Resort is part of a broader Perfume Tourism initiative led by Pranav Kapoor, an 8th-generation perfumer. The initiative offers curated itineraries to showcase Kannauj’s perfume legacy.

Visitors can join perfume distillery tours to observe copper distillation techniques. They can craft personalised fragrances from over 500 fragrant ingredients. Seasonal flower plucking provides hands-on farm experiences. Guests also enjoy seven-course fragrance and flavor pairing dinners that combine scents with local cuisine.

Tourism experts say these experiences provide a new dimension to India’s cultural tourism, highlighting local traditions while creating interactive learning opportunities.

Kannauj: The Perfume Capital of India

Kannauj, often called the “Grasse of the East,” has perfumery roots dating back to the 6th century. The city is famous for Kannauj Ittar, made from natural ingredients like rose, jasmine, sandalwood, and Mitti attar. Mitti attar uniquely captures the scent of the first rain on dry earth.

Officials emphasise that MY Heritage Resort not only preserves this centuries-old art but also promotes it as a tourism asset. Heritage and fragrance tourism are expected to attract both domestic and international travelers, enhancing local economic growth.

Seasonal Festivals and Cultural Highlights

The resort is linked with seasonal festivals such as the Rose Festival and Jasmine Festival. Visitors can attend workshops on perfume distillation, fragrance creation, and themed dining experiences. Local artisans demonstrate traditional techniques, giving tourists an authentic cultural immersion.

Tourism boards are actively promoting these festivals to boost visitor engagement. They highlight the city’s unique perfume heritage as a key attraction for global travelers.

Boosting Tourism and Local Economy

The launch of MY Heritage Resort is expected to significantly increase tourism in Kannauj. Hospitality experts believe it will create employment opportunities, support local flower cultivation, and encourage artisanal fragrance production. The initiative aligns with India’s broader strategy to develop niche tourism sectors like heritage, cultural, and sensory tourism.

Visitors now have a chance to experience Kannauj beyond its traditional markets. The homestay allows tourists to live, learn, and create, fostering long-term interest in the region.

A Fragrant Future for Kannauj

Kannauj’s first luxury heritage homestay offers more than accommodation. It provides a complete sensory experience that celebrates India’s perfume traditions. Tourism authorities are confident that MY Heritage Resort will attract international tourists, strengthen local culture, and boost the city’s economy. This initiative marks a milestone in combining heritage preservation with modern luxury tourism.