India’s Venice of the East calls for a royal holiday, with the dreamiest stays & heritage experiences. I’m speaking of none other than Udaipur, a gorgeous city in Rajasthan, the Land of Royalty. Udaipur has the most exquisite collection of restored heritage hotels, palaces & forts. Many of these extravagant properties are located by (& on!) Lake Pichola, one of the city’s many pristine lakes. Read ahead to learn more about the 7 most enchanting Udaipur hotels for your next royal vacation.
1. Taj Lake Palace
The dreamiest of all, the 18th-century Taj Lake Palace floats over the pristine Lake Pichola in Udaipur. This white marble wonder, originally built as a pleasure palace for Prince Jagat Singh II of the Mewar dynasty, now houses 83 rooms and suites. Each chamber is wonderfully elaborated with traditional motifs, with carved window arches that open up to stunning views of the lake & the faraway Aravalli hills. The hotel’s signature lily pond courtyard, even featured in a James Bond movie, is otherworldly. Guests arrive via private boat to enter this extravagant palace. The property’s Jiva Spa offers signature experiences with traditional Ayurveda treatments, curated to your needs. The hotel’s most coveted experience remains the Gangaur– private dinner over Lake Pichola on a ceremonial royal barge.
2. Oberoi Udaivilas
Redefining standards in architectural splendor, the Oberoi Udaivilas is one of the most exclusive places to stay in Udaipur India. spread across 50 acres of what used to be former royal hunting grounds. Paying homage to Mewar’s palace architecture, the hotel has artfully interconnected domes and corridors that frame magnificent views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace. A distinctive feature of the Udaivilas is its network of semi-private pools that connect premier rooms. Inside each of the 87 rooms and suites is a marvelous showcase of Rajasthani heritage, from elaborate thekri mirror work to miniature paintings. The signature restaurant Udaimahal, adorned with hand-painted frescoes, serves authentic Rajasthani cuisine.
3. The Leela Palace
On the banks of the serene Lake Pichola is the extravagantly designed Leela Palace. A rather contemporary hotel with a touch of traditional Rajasthani charm, the property’s 80 rooms and suites offer breathtaking lake and mountain views. Their interiors feature vibrant Mewari wall murals, colorful marble in-lays on the ceilings, intricate carvings on the staircase & much more extravagance. The Palace also offers a guided journey to appreciate this art better. Airy courtyards and ornate archways are a feature inspired by the ancient Rajasthani palaces. The Leela’s piece de resistance is its spa which overlooks the lake & offers treatments inspired by India’s ancient Ayurvedic traditions. The property’s signature Indian fine-dining restaurant, Sheesh Mahal, is magical during evening hours with sunset views of the enchanting lake Pichola.
4. RAAS Devigarh
Reimagining an 18th-century palace with modern sophistication is the RAAS Devigarh, perched high in the Aravalli Hills. The hotel’s location in itself is enticing, about a 45-minute drive from Udaipur– expect spectacular views of the surrounding countryside & the distant lights of the city– all with the luxury of an experience so intimate. Built in 1760 by Rajrana Sajja Singh II, this fortress-turned-hotel has a stark white minimalism with original palace architecture, all built with marble. The 39 suites are each unique in layout and still hold original palace elements. Dining here has a multitude of options & every beautiful setting showcases the palace’s hidden jewels in all glory.
5. Raffles Udaipur
Bringing Singapore’s legendary hospitality to India is the country’s first Raffles property on Udaipur’s Udai Sagar Lake. The hotel’s European classical architecture with Rajasthani touches has created an aesthetic that sets it apart from most traditional palace properties. Their Long Bar, a Raffles tradition, serves famous Singapore Sling alongside Indian-inspired cocktails. The Writers Bar is a homage to iconic, while the Sawai Kitchen serves delectable dishes from the royal Indian cuisine. The hotel’s most distinctive dining experience is perhaps its farm-to-table concept, at “Harvest”, an on-site farm providing fresh ingredients for its restaurants.
6. Taj Fateh Prakash Palace
The Fateh Prakash Palace is yet another stunning masterpiece by the Taj group of hotels in Udaipur. Located a mere three minutes away from Udaipur’s City Palace complex, this former royal residence features 65 rooms and suites. Each chamber is an authentic experience of palace living with modern comforts. Its gorgeous arch windows frame enchanting views of Lake Pichola and the Taj Lake Palace. The property’s crown jewel is the Durbar Hall, featuring the world’s largest crystal chandelier and hosting occasional cultural performances. Their restaurants serve traditional Mewari cuisine, following centuries-old recipes from then royal kitchens. These dining rooms feature original artifacts and royal memorabilia for a closer look into Rajasthani heritage.
FAQs
The best time to visit Udaipur in Rajasthan is from September to March. That said, the city of lakes is particularly gorgeous right after the rains have stopped, around the end of August. The Aravalli hills in the backdrop are lush green & replenished, and so are the beautiful lakes in Udaipur.
For peak season (October-March), we recommend booking your luxury stays as well as tours at least 4-6 months in advance. This goes especially for palace hotels. During wedding season (November-February), some properties may be fully booked up to a year ahead. You can expect off-season bookings to require only 1-2 months’ notice.
While 3 to 4 days are enough to soak in the beauty of Udaipur, we recommend extending your trip to other cultural hotspots & lavish stays in Rajasthan’s Jaipur, Jodhpur & Jaisalmer. A custom Rajasthan trip can be of any length between 1 to 2 weeks.
The most authentic way to plan your luxury vacation in India’s Udaipur is via a reputable luxury travel agency, such as TRAVELOSEI. Tell us your vision & we will plan your dream Indian itinerary from scratch. Supported by decades of expertise in the industry, our bespoke tour experts will suggest the best experiences to not miss on your Indian journey.
