Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II after the final sack of Chittorgarh by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. According to legend, Udai Singh II found the site of his new capital some years before the last assault on Chittor, after coming across a holy man meditating on a hill near Lake Pichola. The old sage advised the Maharana to establish his capital on the very spot, and thus Udaipur was born. Surrounded by forests, lakes, and the protective Aravalli mountain range, the new capital of Mewar was in a far less vulnerable spot than Chittor.
Maharana Udai Singh II died in 1572 and was succeeded by his son, the famous Rana Pratap, who bravely defended Udaipur from further Mughal attacks and fought bravely at the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. After fighting the Mughals, Udaipur came under further attack. late by the Marathas. But unlike many other Rajasthan rulers, the Mewar rulers refused to be controlled by foreign invaders.
The end of the bloody battles and instability came with the British intervention in the early 19th century, when a treaty was signed in which the British undertook to protect Udaipur from invaders. This protective umbrella ended when India gained independence from the British. Along with all the other princely states, Udaipur surrendered its suzerainty and became part of a united India.
The 76th Custodian of the House of Mewar, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, has made incredible changes to the Udaipur City Palace complex. His far-reaching vision has resulted in the conversion of famous palaces into palatial Grand Heritage Hotels, Royal Retreats and Resorts.
EL AODHI, KUMBHALGARH
After Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh is the most important fort in the Mewar region. It is a secluded and fascinating place 84 km from Udaipur, built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha. Due to its inaccessibility, at 1,100 meters high at the top of the Aravalli range, it was only occupied once in its history. Even then, it took the combined armies of the Mughal emperor, Akbar, and of Amber and Marwar to break through their defenses. It was here that the rulers of Mewar withdrew in times of danger. The thick walls of the fort stretch for some 36 km and enclose many temples, palaces and gardens. This powerful fort was renovated in the last century by Maharana Fateh Singhji. A leisurely stroll through the huge compound, with its imposing ruins, is intriguing. The fort is open daily and admission is free.
There is also a large wildlife sanctuary here, known for its wolves. The scarcity of water holes between March and June makes this the best time to dry animals. Other wildlife include chowsingha (the four-horned antelope), leopard, panther, and sloth bear. This is one of the few sanctuaries that allow people to enter on horseback. Aodhi Hotel in Kumbhalgarh can arrange horse safaris and jeep safaris for adventurous guests.
Just two kilometers from the spectacular Kumbhalgarh Fort, The Aodhi Hotel sits like a small village on the hillside, blending into the landscape.
The rooms are themed and inspired by the rich and varied wildlife of Kumbhalgarh; (hence the Parrot room and the Tiger room). Everything, down to the smallest detail, contributes to the unique atmosphere. Each room has a private balcony where one can relax and enjoy the natural beauty and glimpse the wildlife in the Kumbhalgarh sanctuary.
The Aodhi has an excellent multi-cuisine restaurant, organized around a central fireplace and with an adjacent bar surrounding it. The Aodhi also has a pool, and the pool is a wonderful place for a BBQ dinner or just relaxing with a drink.
For those who enjoy nature trails, the path that leads to the nearby lake is ideal for walking or biking, while the hill next to the hotel offers fabulous sunrise and sunset views. Meanwhile, the historically minded can visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort and the 15th-century Ranakpur temples.
The hotel organizes jeep safaris to the Kumbhalgarh fort and wildlife sanctuary, as well as a special village safari: a trek that leads to the homes of the Garasia and Bhil tribes, who live in seclusion in the forest.
Total rooms: 26
Suites: 3 luxury suites
Rooms: 23 deluxe rooms
Fee: Rs 1,399 – Rs 5,500
SHIV NIWAS PALACE
The view will take your breath away. The wide crescent of the Shiv Niwas Palace overlooks both the city of Udaipur and the beautiful Lake Pichola. The Udaipur City Palace complex was built over the centuries by no less than twenty-three Maharanas. But Shiv Niwas Place itself was built in the early 20th century by Maharana Fateh Singh as his private residence. Later, during the reign of Maharana Bhopal Singhji, the apartments around the impressive courtyard were used to entertain royal guests. It was the vision of the late Maharana Shri Bhagwat Singhji that led to the conversion of the palace into a luxury hotel.
Throughout the Shiv Niwas Palace, the accommodation is impressive, from the Imperial, Royal and Historic suites to the deluxe rooms that overlook the courtyard access.
The most exquisite of all is the Imperial Suite, where everything from the dining table to the bed is made of silver. All suites feature original royal furniture and paintings. Some also have intricate glass inlay work on the columns and ceilings, dating back a century. Terrace Suites enjoy panoramic views of Lake Pichola, Jagmandir Island Palace and Lake Palace Hotel or the city.
The Shiv Niwas Palace offers its guests a host of facilities and attractions. There is the Paantya restaurant, which serves continental food and a wide variety of Indian dishes. There’s Paneera Bar, whose original mirror inlay work on the walls and ceiling, not to mention the huge mirrors and rare portraits of the Maharanas, make it one of a kind. The Palace also has a billiards room and a squash court.
As the Palace is built on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, a sunset stroll along the lake shore is delightfully refreshing after a busy day.
Total Rooms: 34
Suites: 2 imperial, 3 royal, 4 historical and 8 terrace
Rooms: 7 deluxe rooms
Fee: US$90 – US$600
PLACE FATEH PRAKASH, UDAIPUR
Fateh Prakash Palace is part of the magnificent City Palace Complex built in the early 20th century during the reign of Maharana Fateh Singhji. Located on the shores of Lake Pichola, it is one of the most exclusive palace hotels in India. Each suite is decorated for sumptuous comfort and contains original portraits and furnishings that have been in the royal family for generations.
One of the most spectacular mosaic features of Fateh Prakash Palace is the Durbar Hall, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1909 by Lord Minto, Viceroy of India. In fact, the Durbar Hall was originally named Minto Hall in his honour. The walls are covered with portraits of the Maharanas of the House of Mewar. This majestic building has hosted weddings, court events, formal durbars, state banquets, and royal parties over the decades. The size and splendor of the ballroom is to be believed, and its capacity makes it the ideal venue for any grand reception or party.
Overlooking the Durbar Hall is the Crystal Gallery. Originally the viewing gallery from which the ladies (the court) watched official functions, the Crystal Gallery now houses an astonishing collection of crystal.
First opened to the public in 1994, this unique collection was commissioned by Maharana Sajjan Singhji in 1877 from the Birmingham-based company F&C Osler, whose Kolkata showroom provided Maharana Sajjan Singhji with the inspiration for the collection. Unfortunately, the shipment of crystal did not arrive from England until after the Maharana’s early demise.
The variety of glassware includes fountains, vases, tableware, furniture, and beds. Alongside these magnificent objects are silver, brocade and velvet beds and chairs, adding to the opulence of the collection.
Total rooms: 31
Suites: 7 Historic Suites
Rooms: 21 Dovecote rooms and 3 Deluxe rooms
Price: US$90 to 600
The Durbar Hall buffet capacity: up to 300
GAJNER PALACE, GAJNER:
In the midst of the dry and arid lands between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, just 40 kilometers from the city of Bikaner, lies an oasis of lush and almost unreal beauty; an oasis that is the site of an incomparable palace known as ‘the jewel in the Thar desert’.
Built by Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner, Gajner Palace is an extravagant architectural celebration in flamingo pink sandstone. Previously used as a royal hunting lodge, its location is unrivaled. Set in a 6,000-acre wildlife sanctuary, the palace sits on the shores of Lake Gajner, whose mesmerizing waters dreamily reflect its gardens, walls, and terraces.
In winter, the palace, the forest and the lake become a refuge for different species of migratory birds, the most famous being the imperial capercaillie. Endangered antelopes such as chinkaras, black bucks, neelgais and other animals such as wild boar roam the area freely.
Gajner Palace hosts bonfire-lit parties in tents in the nearby dunes, where folk dancers and local musicians entertain guests. Puppet shows are another regular feature. But boating, horseback, camel and jeep safaris are perhaps guests’ favorite leisure activities.
The Gajner Palace has four wings, each with its own distinctive style. Dungar Niwas is home to the royal suites, which overlook the lake and are furnished with the elegance of an English country house with exquisitely painted ceilings. Each suite features expansive bath and dressing areas, elaborate fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, and intricate mosaic floors of exceptional beauty.
Gulab Niwas offers a breath of freshness with its green gardens and private seating areas; Mandir Chowk is named after the temple in the courtyard around which the rooms are built, while Champa Niwas is a new jewel in the crown. Each room is in fact a private palace.
The high ceilings, intricately carved fireplaces and gilt-framed mirrors of the lakeside Imperial Terrace restaurant are nostalgic for a grand and elegant era of royal dining. Nearby, The Mrigtrishna Bar, with its magnificent chandeliers, frescoed ceilings, furniture and paintings, perfectly evokes the atmosphere of a truly majestic hunting lodge.
The palace, the forests and wildlife, the water – all in all, Gajner Palace is one of the most perfect palatial retreats in the world.
Total rooms: 42
Suites: 11 historic suites
Rooms: 31 luxury rooms
Fee: Rs 1,399 – Rs 5,500
For more details visit www.hrhhotels.com