When it comes to Udaipur there is much more than just lakes. Wondering what it can be! When you are in Udaipur there is one thing which every tourist must do – staying in a heritage hotel regardless weather is a multi – starred or single starred.
The beautiful land of Udaipur surrounded by hills all around; it’s a perfect destination for a romantic as well as family stay. And when you think of staying in a Heritage Hotel; which are often a shadow of yesteryear royal lives. The luxury and comfort which these places offer are simply incomparable. With the world – class facilities like royal spa, swimming pool, indoor games, Wi-fi, beauty services and authentic cuisines served at in – house restaurants – it’s a class apart. Not only heritage hotels, even you can experience all the royal facilities in Maharaja Express Train.
Some of the best Heritage Hotels of Udaipur include names like Shiv Niwas Palace, Taj Lake Palace, Fateh Prakash Hotel, Hotel Rang Niwas Palace, Hotel Fatehgarh, Jagmandir Island Palace, Jagat Niwas Palace, Karni Fort, The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace, Lake Pichola Hotel, Devigarh Palace, Oberoi UdaiVilas and Lalit LaxmiVilas Palace. These are 5-star heritage hotels with world class amenities.
Apart from these 5-star hotels, there are others too like Hotel Mahendra Prakash, Hotel Boheda Palace, The Udai Bagh, The Amargarh Resort, Hotel Aashiya Haveli and Anjani Hotel.
Interestingly these havelis have been some of the actual residences of the royals or Richie – riches of Udaipur. And that is why one can expect to see some ages old paintings, artifacts, karigari and even old books. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that some of these havelis have the owners as the past age Kings, Nobles and rich merchants of Rajasthan. When the royals were abolished of their royal heritage properties after the independence of India; some of them converted their properties into Heritage Hotels. And that is what you get to stay in when you choose to stay in a Heritage hotel.
A Heritage hotel is not just another place to stay in. It’s a lifetime experience of Rajasthan. From the moment one enters the place, one is filled with an experience. From tilak to designs on walls, the painted glass windows from which sunlight shimmers inside the room, inbuilt swimming pool with crafted designs all around, huge glasses with carved panels, miniature paintings on the wall and pots which are painted with old age designs.
Fine dining has a different experience altogether. Look out at the way each serving is served which is another aspect from the yummy dishes which are served. Even the platter in which food is served and the bowls in which curry are served; it’s out of the world experience. Traditional architecture and painted rooms, as well as dining room, are unique in themselves. Most of these havelis are painted with the royal sketch of kings and queens, peacock painting in azue blue, stinking red and orange Sun God designs, local women and men walking in local dresses are some of the most eye – catching things you will in these havelis. Furnished with individually designed and exquisitely furnished furnishings these are a must stay place in all over Rajasthan.
Some of these havelis are spread in acres of land offering nature walks and bird watching. Some have the river flowing by their walls and offer morning and evening boat rides in addition to the magnificent view one can see from their windows. The larger ones even have wildlife reserve hosting migratory birds like musk deer, antelopes and other non – harmful animals playing in open. However, animal – hunting is legally NOT PERMITTED in any of these and there is strict legal action against it. Royal “shauks” like horse riding, nature walks, and live entertainment is what these havelis offer. One can also expect to see “kalbeliyaan dance”, local rajasthani dance and entertainment in these havelis.
There are also experts to apply world famous “mehandis”, do the local attire for you and also, some teach one or two traditional dishes if one wishes so! These are offered by some on the welcome basis and some on chargeable basis. One has to check out for these. So, once you are in a haveli, relax and enjoy the courtyard with old carvings, savour the local delicacies, indulge into hand block prints, sleep on so antique furniture and do take lots of photographs for years to come! Leave nothing to try for next time – do whatever is there as you enjoy the relaxation tour of Udaipur.
A perfect blend of modern amenities and ages old tradition; the royal havelis are not just a place to stay in but a place which will be there in your memories for lifelong. People generally come for a honeymoon or family stays. The stays are good if planned for 4 – 5 days if one wishes to get a real experience of the culture and religion of rajasthan. So, next time you travel to Rajasthan do not forget to book a Heritage haveli of your choice for a different stay experience!
