Boutique Palaces & Forts of Regal Rajasthan
Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Mihir Garh, Jawai, Udaipur
Known as the Venice of the East, the city of Udaipur, with its elaborate palaces, serene lakes, exotic temples, intricately carved balconies and resplendent gardens, has a romance unmatched in Rajasthan and possibly even all of India.
The two tiny islands in the lake Pichola, both topped by gleaming white palaces are indeed a site to behold and of course the iconic Lake Palace, is now a world-renowned luxury hotel. The Lake Palace was built in 1746 by the Maharana Jagat Singh II as a pleasure palace. Located in the centre of the lake each of the suites has a breathtaking view, across the lake to the city Palace, Jag Mandir palace, city Palace and the surrounding ancient Aravali Hills.
Udaipur is also home to Jaisamand Lake, the largest artificial lake in Asia. The beautiful City Palace and Sajjan Garh (Monsoon Palace) add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city.
Udaipur was once the capital of the state of Mewar, one of the only states that managed to uphold its Hindu origins in the face of the Mughal invasions. It still remains today as one of the longest standing dynasties. As the city prospered, the school of miniature painting along with other arts began to flourish and is still very much a legacy of the city today.
The old city is arranged around the grand City Palace, a wonderful maze of cobbled streets, that are well worth a day or two of exploring. There are colourful bazaars, streets of bangle sellers, beautiful gardens, many museums, elegant boutiques and of course the surrounding countryside of rolling hills and mighty forts.
Luxury holidays to Udaipur prove to be a popular end following a tour of the ‘golden triangle’ circuit and the city is well worth a few nights to relax in such a scenic setting. After basking in the Rajput-era opulence along Lake Pichola, it’s certainly not difficult to understand why Udaipur is considered one of the most romantic spots in all of Asia.
Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Mihir Garh, Jawai, Udaipur
Delhi, Udaipur, Ranakpur, Jaipur, Agra,
Delhi, Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Agra, Jaipur
Mumbai, Udaipur, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra, Delhi
Delhi, Samode, Jaipur, Nimaj, Rohet, Jodhpur, Narlai, Deogarh, Delwar
Udaipur offers some of the best romantic luxury hotels in Rajasthan. The Taj Lake Palace Hotel is without a doubt one of the most romantic palace hotels in the world. Restored to its pristine glory, this spectacular palace became world renowned when the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ was filmed at it. Its location on an island in the midst of a lake affords every room breathtaking views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir.
Situated on the far side of Lake Pichola, overlooking the Lake Palace and the glorious City Palace, The Oberoi Udaivilas is a luxurious retreat with a moated pool, picturesque turrets, mosaics and mirrored halls. The nearby Leela Palace Hotel, which opened in 2009, has done wonders in emulating the opulence, marrying the look and feel of a Maharaja palace with state-of-the-art service. Here every room looks out onto the famous lake.
For luxury heritage why not stay at the beautiful, The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace, showcasing the rich history and culture of the vibrant state of Rajasthan. This luxury heritage hotel sits on a hilltop, with a majestic architecture and décor that reflect the culture, charm and grandeur of the bygone era.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, located in a small village of Bujera with the backdrop of Aravalli hills Bujera Fort is a lovely new-build fortress hotel, that takes you back into time. Each room has been lovingly furnished with many unique antiques and fabrics. Or nestled in the Aravalli mountains on the outskirts of Udaipur, RAAS Devigarh is a glorious 18th century fort-palace. It’s grand domes, turrets and balconies evoke the rich romance and heritage of Rajasthan with an aura of fairy-tale like magic.