Hemmed in by the Aravalli ranges, the City of Lakes is a must-see destination. Royalty and luxurious opulence have always been a part of its destiny, even from its foundation; it was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Today, visitors can get a taste of some royal pampering in the form of luxury hotels in Udaipur. There's no better way to experience the epitome of Rajasthani hospitality than vacationing in luxurious hotels. So, here are some of the best luxurious hotels in Udaipur that you must consider as your holiday accommodation!
One of three RAAS (Rajasthan Accountability Assurance System) heritage hotels, Devi Garh is an 18th-century palace-turned-hotel. Before its days as a heritage luxury hotel, it was known as the Delwara Fort Palace. Constructed high in the Aravalli ranges in 1760 under the reign of Rajrana Sajja Singh II, the palace commanded an impressive view of the valley below it. That view remains just as impressive today, as do the semi-precious stones and gorgeous local marble used in its construction.
Fancy a private garden area and tented terrace? Pick the Garden Suites. Palace Suites have magnificent views of the valley and mountains, and the Aravalli Suites are each distinct and tastefully designed. If you want the cream of the crop, stay in the presidential Devi Garh suite, with its own private sun deck and jacuzzi, black marble pool, and a semi-private pool.
Staying at Devi Garh takes you back in time, surrounded by minimalist interiors against ancient elaborate backdrops. Lose yourself walking among the gardens and courtyards, under arches and turrets, and beside Marwari horse murals. Head to the balcony to catch the perfect sunrise, and experience some yoga on the rooftop. Devi Garh is an hour away from Udaipur proper, but it is this distance that enables guests to experience tranquility like never before.
Getting To Devi Garh
Udaipur Railway Station and the city of Udaipur are within 30 km, and the hotel is easily accessible by road. The Maharana Pratap Airport is 45 km away.
Rate per night: Starting from INR 11,200
Also read: Udaipur Travel Guide
Undeniably the most famous of the luxury hotels in Udaipur, the Taj Lake Palace is a premium luxury hotel experience. For one, its location itself is exotic, as it sits as an isle of white marble in the middle of Lake Pichola. It was initially a lake palace built in 1743 to serve as a summer retreat for the Mewars and has today established itself as one of the best luxurious hotels in all of India. Every room offers either a view of the lake or of the hotel’s magnificent garden, and each is as luxurious as the last.
Jiva Spa offers full-service spas, and guests can also enjoy rejuvenating yoga sessions. The Taj Lake Palace also offers astrology sessions, heritage walks, and cultural shows. Dine at Neel Kamal, the five-star restaurant by the lily pond that serves authentic Rajasthani cuisine, or head to the rooftop restaurant Bhairo for lip-smacking European cuisine. The Amrit Sagar Bar has a fine collection of cigars, wines, and sheeshas. And finally, just when you thought it couldn’t get better, the hotel also offers private dining experiences to ramp up the romance and truly make it an unforgettable stay.
Getting To The Taj Lake Palace
Lake Palace is 1 km from the city center and 4 km from Udaipur Railway Station. The Maharana Pratap Airport is 26 km away. The hotel has a boat service that ferries guests across the lake to the hotel.
Rate per night: Starting from approximately INR 22,000
Also Read: Top 9 Things To Do In Rajasthan
Built on 200-year old Mewar hunting grounds, located on the banks of Lake Pichola, the Oberoi Udaivilas is a sprawling 30-acre spot of indulgence. In a stunning display of attention to detail, the hotel reflects the layout of Udaipur; the city’s seven lakes are linked by canals, reflected in the layout of domes and interconnecting corridors of the Udaivilas.
The Udaivilas feels like a world apart, yet ensure that guests can experience the cultural richness of Rajasthan while being robed in luxury. Apart from daily yoga sessions designed to rejuvenate body and soul, guests can also attend a cooking lesson or learn a traditional Rajasthani folk dance. Let your worries float away with a shikara boat ride, lose yourself to nature at the on-location 20-acre wildlife sanctuary, and admire the artwork at the 200-year old Royal Hunting Lodge.
Head to the Udaimahal restaurant for traditional Indian cuisine, or to Suryamahal for some intercontinental food. Traditional music and dance fill the air at Chandni, the hotel’s open-air dining option. Choose from Deluxe or Superior Rooms, and if you want the best of the best, opt for the Kohinoor Suite. No matter what you choose, at the Udaivilas, you wake up to the cry of peacocks in the air and sleep to the hushed sound of the Pichola lake waters.
Getting To Udaivilas
Udaivilas is approximately 8 km and 30 minutes from Udaipur Railway Station, and is a 45-minute drive to the Maharana Pratap Airport.
Rate per night: Starting from approximately INR 18,000
Also Read: Exploring All The Pretty Lakes In Udaipur
Located on the banks of Lake Pichola and fringed by the Aravalli ranges, the Leela Palace Udaipur takes up an effortless spot on our list of luxury hotels in Udaipur. It doesn’t have the heritage of the other luxury hotels, but the modern construction is designed to resemble a palace, while the service evokes the opulence of the Mewar dynasty. There are 80 grand rooms here, each exquisitely embellished with traditional crafts inspired by Rajasthan’s rich culture. Every room boasts views of the city and the mountains.
There’s an indulgent spa for guests, as well as an outdoor pool. Rooms feature local artworks, and marble bathrooms have bathtubs alongside premium toiletries. Indian meals are all the more pleasurable when they’re enjoyed under the stars at the Sheesh Mahal, while international cuisine is served in the Dining Room. While you wake up to a stunning sunrise, it’s the evenings at the Leela that are unmissable – the sound of traditional music fills the air, folk dances are performed, and if you wish, you can go on a romantic boat ride across the peaceful Lake Pichola.
Getting To The Leela Palace
Leela Palace Udaipur is 4 km away from the city center and a 45-minute drive away from the Maharana Pratap Airport. The Udaipur Railway Station is 15 minutes away.
Rate per night: Starting from INR 21,000
Also Read: Places In Rajasthan For Photography
Part of the HRH Group of hotels, Shiv Niwas Palace is a heritage hotel. This crescent-shaped palace was built in the early 20th century during the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh and now offers some of its exemplary service and royal treatment to its guests.
There are a number of rooms, each as elegant as the next, and 17 unique, individually-decorated suites bear original furnishings and portraits that have been part of the royal family for years. All the suites have a stunning view of Udaipur city unfolding below them.
There’s a range of dining options to choose from at Shiv Niwas Palace, from delicious Rajasthani to European cuisine. Paantya has a selection of Mughlai, Rajasthani, and Continental cuisine, and your meals are accompanied by an elevated view of the city. The Pool Deck serves light snacks and dinner, while the Palki Khana restaurant serves a variety of cuisines from around Europe. Take in the magnificent views while the sun sets, drink in hand, at the Panera bar. Shiv Niwas Palace gives you a perfect, memorable taste of royal life in Udaipur.
Getting To Shiv Niwas Palace
Shiv Niwas Palace is 28 km away from the Maharana Pratap Airport, and the Udaipur Railway Station is 3.5 km away.
Rate per night: Starting from approximately INR 7,000
Summing Up
The 'City of Lakes' is absolutely incredible decked with majestic forts, architecturally stunning palaces, and beautiful lakes. The city offers a peek into the best of Rajasthani hospitality and the life of the royals of old. And if you wish to get the most out of this experience, nothing beats the luxury hotels of the city! So for you're next Udaipur vacation you should definitely try out the city's luxury hotels for an unforgettable holiday!
How Many Days Are Needed To Visit Udaipur?
2-3 days will be enough for you to explore and experience the major attractions of Udaipur. But you can always extend your stay and visit the places at your leisure.
Is Udaipur Safe For Tourists?
Yes, Udaipur is quite a safe city to visit even at night. But as a general precaution, stay away from shady alleyways especially after dark.
What Is The Famous Food Of Udaipur?
Dal Baati Churma: Wherever you go in Rajasthan, you can be sure of finding this dish. A lentil soup and balls made out of wheat or jowar, having Dal Baati Churma make for a nice lunch.
Laal Maas: This mutton dish made with yogurt, red chilies, and garlic should be on the list for the meat-lovers. Remember that it’s going to be quite spicy!
Ghevar: A must-have for those with a sweet tooth. Ghevar is made out of refined flour and soaked in sugar syrup. If you’re not watching your waistlines, feel free to indulge!
How Can I Plan 3 Days In Udaipur?
Day 1: Start off by visiting Udaipur City Palace and the ghats surrounding Lake Pichola. Visit the Jagmandir Island Palace, and if you’re willing to splurge, spend the night at Taj Lake Palace!
Day 2: Visit the magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort, which is about 80 km away from Udaipur. After returning to the city, go shopping for local handicrafts at Hathipole Market.
Day 3: Take a trip to the rural arts complex of Shilpgram and a glimpse into the rural life of western India. You’ll get to buy a lot of handicrafts too! Make sure you don’t miss out on a trip to Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace too.
Which Is Better Mount Abu Or Udaipur?
Comparing Mount Abu and Udaipur would be quite difficult as both places have their own charm. While Udaipur is all about lakes, palaces, and forts, Mount Abu is a relatively quieter town which is also iconic for being the only hill station in Rajasthan. But if traveling isn’t a huge issue for you, Udaipur and Mount Abu are just a three-hour drive from each other.
Is Udaipur Better Than Jaipur?
Being the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is naturally more crowded and noisy than Udaipur. While Jaipur has more monuments, Udaipur has lakes and palaces. What do you like more?
Is It Better To Book Directly With Hotel?
If you’re travel often, booking directly with a hotel would be recommended as you could be part of the hotel’s loyalty programs. Communicating directly with the hotel means you can have an experience more customized to your preferences, which may not be the case otherwise.
On the other hand, booking through third-party apps/websites would help you compare the prices of many different hotels, filter out places based on your budget and preferences, and also find better deals. So based on what want, you can choose either.
Where Should I Stay In Udaipur?
The area around Lake Pichola is arguably the best place to stay in Udaipur, as you’ll be in proximity to the major palaces.
