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Udaipur - Introduction
Udaipur is in the central part of the fascinating
region of Mewar. The kingdom of Mewar, with which
many legends of bravery are associated, was
considered the most respectable of all Rajput
princely states in Rajasthan. Claiming descent from
the sun (Suryavansha), the Sisodia dynasty that
ruled Mewar for 1200 years is one of the oldest
dynasties in the world. With a lineage of 67
generations behind, this clan fought for its respect
and freedom. Like other Rajput kingdoms of the time,
it never married off its daughters to the Mughals. A
part of this lineage were Rana Sanga and Rana Pratap,
great warriors who fought to defend their kingdom
from invaders.
The capital of the Sisodia dynasty was Chittor till
the 6th century, when it was moved to Udaipur, named
after Maharana Udai Singh. According to legend, the
Maharana was out hunting one day when he met a holy
man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake
Pichola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and told
him to built a palace at that very spot, as it would
be well protected. The Maharana followed his advice
and Udaipur came into being.
Today, Udaipur is a one of the better-known tourist
destinations of India and an integral part of any
itinerary for Rajasthan.
Heritage Hotels of Udaipur
In the cities of Maharajas, the
hospitality also tends to treat you like a king.
Udaipur has a number of heritage hotels and heritage
resorts to serve you in the most grandeur fashion.
Most of the heritage hotels were at once residences
of former kings and queens of this region. These
heritage hotels that were at once crumbling old
structures, have returned to life today because of
their renovation and the money coming from the hotel
trade. If you are in Udaipur or for that matter any
part of Rajasthan, don't forget to pamper yourself
with a royal treatment at any one of these sprawling
mansions.
Lake Palace Hotel
It is hard not falling in love
with the place as one goes gliding on the placid
waters of Pichola past the Lake Palace Hotel.
Perhaps the most unforgettable sight from the boat
ride is that of the old walled city which spreads on
a rising hillside abutting the City Palace of which
Fateh Prakash is a natural extension. Originally
known as the Jag Niwas, Lake Place was built in 1774
by Maharaja Jagat Singh II. The Palace is a
harmonious arrangement of courtyards, pavilions,
terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens.
Eight marble porticos mark the spot where the Mewar
sovereigns were weighed in gold, the equivalent
value of which was then distributed to the poor.The
hotel has 84 well furnished rooms which were at once
serving the royalty only. Today, all of them are
ready to serve you.
Fateh Prakash Palace
Fateh
Prakash Palace Hotel was the residence of the former
rulers of Mewar, the present day city of Udaipur.
Each suite has been designed to provide sumptuous
comfort and contains original portraits and
furniture which have been in the family for
generations. There are miniature paintings on the
walls. Persian carpets covering the floor, an
antique brass bed and of course, mahogany cupboards
and tables. This indeed is princely luxury. The
hotel has 10 rooms in total, all equipped with
modern facilities.
Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel
The palace was originally a
part of royal residence but later, the apartments
around this beautiful courtyard were used as a place
for entertaining personal guests. It was the vision
of the late Maharana Bhagwat Singhji which led to
its conversion into a luxury hotel and today, it is
undoubtedly the most special and palatial property
in Udaipur. Part of the charm of this exclusive
hotel is the range of accommodation, which has been,
categorized as Imperial, Royal and Historic and no
two suites are alike. The hotel has 35 rooms all
fitted with modern facilities.
Shikarbadi
Once the personal hunting
lodge of the Royal Family, Shikarbadi today serves
as a hotel. This exclusive resort is replete with
its swimming pool, sprawling lawns, bar and two
restaurants. In winters, a tented village comes up
around the Risala restaurant, for those who prefer a
more earthy feeling. To set the mood right, a
campfire is lit under the starlit heavens with folk
musicians and dancers providing beat and rhythm to
an evening's celebrations that includes barbecued
delicacies washed down with shots of rum and whisky!
The enduring charm of Shikarbadi is its small patch
of reserved forest which is rich in bird and
wildlife. The hotel has 25 well-maintained rooms
fitted all the modern amenities.
Hotel Rang Niwas
Palace
Built in the late 19th
century by Maharaja Sajjan Singh, the palace was
renovated in the early 20th century. At that time
the palace was acting as the guesthouse for the
guests from the neighboring states. The hotel has
been renovated again and equipped with modern
facilities to entertain guests from around the
world.
Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel
Located in the heart of
Udaipur, Laxmi Vilas Palace is run by Bharat Hotels. The hotel has all
the modern facilities in its 54 rooms (including 8
royal suits and 1 maharani suit).
Hotel Caravanserai
Originally known as Jaiwana
Haveli, this hotel was a property of Thakurs of
Jaiwana, one of the jagirdars (feudatories) of kings
of Mewar. The hotel has all the modern facilities
with rooms overlooking the Lake Pichola.
Caravanserai also has a popular rooftop restaurant
that overlooks the lake. The building is constructed
in true Rajastahni style and still lives in
grandeur.
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