The Oberoi Udaivilas Udaipur

Udaipur

Rajasthan, also known as the “land of kings”, is the second most popular tourist region in India. Located in the northeast of the country, this proud land possesses a dry climate, a very rich culture and a great many ancient Indian traditions. The forts, which can be seen on the mountaintops, have added to the reputation of this impressive region.

As the birthplace of several very influential dynasties including the Rajputs and the Mewars, Rajasthan has such a fascinating history that it is still the source of many legends. The most famous cities are Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Jaisalmer and of course, the city of lakes, Udaipur.

Magnificent, regal and unique, Udaipur is one of the region’s most beautiful sites. Located on the banks of several lakes including Lake Pichola, the city is often called the “Venice of the East.” It’s not surprising therefore that a number of international films have chosen it as their décor like for example, “Octopussy”, the thirteenth James Bond adventure.

The city is also known for the quality of its craft work and of course for its varied culinary, often very spicy specialties.

The emblematic City Palace, the residence of the Maharana, consists of several bunched together buildings. This fascinating labyrinth like complex enables visitors to travel through several centuries of history in the space of just a few meters. Its sister building faces the lake: the Lake Palace, reconverted into a luxury hotel. On the mountaintop overlooking Udaipur, we find the Monsoon Palace, the royal residence during the rainy season.

A palace in honor of the Mewar dynasty

The Udaivilas is one of the most precious jewels of the Oberoi hotel group, one of India’s most important luxury hotel chains. For this hotel, located on a 12 hectare property, the group created a palace in harmony with local traditions, abiding by the typical architectural codes of the Mewar region.

The first impression of the Udaivilas is striking by the presence of nature in the heart of a traditional palace. Whether it’s the centuries old banyan trees or the peacocks, squirrels and birds that welcome the visitor, the hotel seems to have been built around lush vegetation.The Oberoirespects the Indian tradition of Maharajahs’ palaces.

The imposing, magnificent and royal Udaivilas is a residence fit for kings that gives guests the impression of travelling several centuries back in time and witnessing the splendor and opulence of a bygone era. Created to thrill the visitor, it is also very peaceful.

Although ancestral palaces have a charm of their own, their history can often be too overwhelming. Here however, guests are gently taken on a serene journey to the heart of the purest of Indian traditions with the presence of legendary Rajasthan craftsmanship in the hotel’s numerous domes, some of which are covered in gold leaf.

The Udaivilas has 87 rooms and suites, numerous passages bathed in light and omnipresent nature. In addition, the hotel has a superb view of Udaipur’s City Palace which can be enjoyed from the more than 50 meter long swimming pool that runs along several suites; a dream setting in a venue where luxury is discreet but unforgettable.

Tradition is once again present in the spa with the use of techniques based on ayurvedic medicine, the most famous being the Shirodhara whichconsists of applying a steady stream of hot oil on a part of the forehead known as the third eye.

The Udaimahal restaurant serves an updated and aesthetic version of local Indian cuisine. Traditional Rajasthan dishes are highlighted, including vegetable curry and kebabs with the spicy flavors and aromas of this dry but fertile region rich in culinary pleasures. The journey through India’s regions and its eras continues at your table to the sound of the Santoor, a traditional Iraqi instrument that came to India via the Silk Route.

The hotel is located on a 12 hectare property with 3 hectares of buildings in the Mewar style, and a 9 hectare nature reserve. The site of the Udaivilas was originally a hunting ground for the Maharana. To respect its past history, the hotel has preserved the nature reserve which is classified and maintained.