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Unroll Udaipur
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Go Beyond Luxury, Feel the Opulence
Welcome
Go Beyond Luxury, Feel the Opulence
Perched at the western edge of the Great Thar Desert, Jaisalmer stands on a ridge that is regally crowned by the ancient Jaisalmer Fort. Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 CE, Jaisalmer means the “Hill Fort of Jaisal.” The city is sometimes called the "Golden City of India" because of the signature yellow sandstone used in the architecture of both the fort and the houses of the town below. In the late afternoon hours, the sun imbues the entire city with a certain golden-yellow light that brings out a sense of magical beauty. The town has a bustling population of about 78,000, including the many residents of the homes inside the fort.
Situated in the middle of Lake Pichola and built in 1746, Taj Lake Palace is built with marble and features majestic architecture. It offers a full service spa at Jiva Spa and customised programmes including site-specific yoga sessions. It has breathtaking views of the City Palace, Aravalli and Machla Magra hills, and Jag Mandir. Rooms come with butler service.
Spread over 50 acres, pavilions and domes feature at The Oberoi Udaivilas, which boasts grand architecture inspired by the palaces of Rajasthan. The property is built on 200-year old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. Located on the banks of Udaipur’s Lake Pichola
Raffles Udaipur opened in 2021, its ornamental gardens, tumbling fountains and stately Indo-Saracenic architecture describing a love story between India and the West. Set on a 21-acre private island rich with birdlife and exotic flora and fauna, this contemporary reimagining of a country estate is the first Raffles hotel in India.
Strategically placed atop a hill in the Aravalli Range, RAAS Devigarh’s construction was completed in 1760 under the reign of Rajrana Sajja Singh II. The palace was originally built using locally-mined marble, a practice that was also followed during its restoration. The palace fortress, as seen today, is testament to its brave and loyal benefactors. With the coming of the modern age, it has been transformed into one of the most spectacular luxury travel destinations in the region. The restoration of the hotel was undertaken by a team of 750 people over a period of almost 15 years, offering visitors a blend of new-world comforts and old-world charm.
The City Palace Museum, with its grandeur and intricacy stroked all over in granite, marble, and mosaic tiles, displays sparkling white filigreed balconies and stained-glass windows that reflect onto the surface of Lake Pichola below. The palace will amaze with its exquisite interiors consisting of detailed mirror-work, unique paintings, colorful murals, antique furniture, and marble carvings. The Mewar Sound and Light Show in the evening is also worth waiting for!
Within the City Palace, be sure to see Badi Mahal. Also known as the Garden Palace, it is a marvelous structure constructed during the 17th century. The Garden Palace is a rare combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture style known for its beautiful gardens, vast courtyards, massive pillars, elegant terraces, royal balconies, attractive fountains, and royal apartments.
Also located in the City Palace, the Crystal Gallery has been hailed as probably the single largest private collection of crystal anywhere in the world. It was in 1877 that Maharana Sajjan Singh ordered the most exclusive and exquisite crystal collection from the Birmingham-based F&C Osler company. The collection includes an astounding number of objects d'art, dinner sets, perfume bottles, decanters, glasses, washing bowls, and even furniture including the only crystal bed in the world!
No visit to Udaipur would be complete without a boat-ride on Lake Pichola. Reflecting the stately outline of the Aravalli Mountains in the distance, Lake Pichola was built in 1362 CE by Banjara, a gypsy tribesman who transported grain during the reign of Maharana Lakha. Centuries later, Maharana Udai Singh, impressed by the charm of this lake with the backdrop of green hills, founded the city of Udaipur on the banks of the lake. Palaces of pure white marble rise from little islands in the calm water of the gentle lake.
The iconic Lake Palace will capture you with its beauty and scenic location on Lake Pichola. The palace is now operated by the Taj Group and offers captivating views of the Aravalli Hills. This is certainly one of the most romantic locations in the entire state and the heritage walks are quite inspiring!
Another romantic destination in Udaipur is Jagmandir, also situated on Lake Pichola. Alternatively known as the Lake Garden Palace, this 17th-century palace complex will draw you in with its sheer splendor and tranquility. It has elegant features like the Garden Courtyard, Gul Mahal, Darikhana, Bara Patharon ka Mahal, Kunwar Pada ka Mahal and Zenana Mahal.
Sahelion Ki Bari is a spectacular garden displaying the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies who once lived in the palace. Translating to “Garden of Maids,” Sahelion Ki Bari was laid out for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens set below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake have beautiful lotus pools, marble pavilions, and elephant- shaped fountains. Each water channel has its distinct sound and the mingling of these sounds complement the ambience of the grounds.
The Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple in the middle of the city built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651 CE. It is an example of Indo-Aryan architecture and is a great indicator of the fusion of architecture and art. The temple sanctum has an idol of the deity Lord Jagannath, in local parlance of God Vishnu or God Krishna, carved out of a single black stone, resplendent with four arms, flowers, and finery.
Sajjangarh Palace, or the Monsoon Palace, is positioned on a distant hilltop and offers amazing views of Fateh Sagar Lake and the surrounding Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary. This castle-like building is straight out of a fairy tale and is a perfect example of the opulence of the Rajput rulers. The palace was built to enjoy watching monsoon clouds gather promisingly in the sky. Built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884, the Sajjangarh Palace provides spectacular panoramic views of Udaipur city and its stunning lakes, mountains, and palaces. This majestic palace is truly a sight to behold, especially when it is illuminated near the end of the day by the golden glow of the setting sun.
Bhavai dance at Dharohar is the last but longest performance by a single artist. Historically, Bhavai dance originates from the desert area of Rajasthan where women very often need to walk miles far from their home to get water from wells or oases. While returning, they used to carry many water vessels together on their head, and the joy of getting water certainly made them forget the pain of carrying the weight over their head. This happiness is a message in the form of Bhavai dance.
Also enjoy a Bagore ki Haveli Puppet show. This area of Rajasthan boasts a proud heritage of puppet shows and the stories they tell. Bagore-ki-Haveli is a gorgeous 18th century mansion that has been converted into a museum showcasing Mewar art and architecture. The hour-long puppet show is staged in front of the historic backdrop of the haveli.
The Vintage and Classic Car Collection, a museum of vintage vehicles, is a must-see for antique connoisseurs. Housed in the former Mewar State Motor Garage, the museum displays luxury vintage wheels like the 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II that was later converted into a pick-up truck used during royal hunts. Another 1934 Rolls-Royce was converted to transport the entire Mewar royal cricket team. You can also see Cadillacs, several Mercedes-Benzes, Buicks, a Ford Model A, and many others. A high point of the museum is the royal Shell Petrol Pump that still works!