Fairmont Udaipur Palace, A Modern-Day Royal Retreat Nestled in the Aravallis

Leaving the chaos of Udaipur’s old city behind, we drive into the Aravallis, which are verdant

after a monsoon spell. Views of the 19th-century Sajjan Garh Palace (or Monsoon Palace) follow us through the journey. At the end of it, we arrive at another sprawling palace, this one a 21st-century edifice built for modern-day royalty.

Regal demeanour

Just under an hour’s drive from the airport and spread over 18 acres, Fairmont Udaipur Palace makes a pretty picture amidst the hills. Its multiple domes, chhatris, jharokhas, and arched doorways reference the Mewari architecture of Udaipur’s City Palace, which is just 25 minutes away. Inside, hand-painted domes, marble pillars, thikri work (traditional Rajasthani mirror inlay craft), and stunning chandeliers add to the regal aura.

Throughout the property, the leopard motif reigns supreme — be it sculptures, artworks, and even cutlery — paying homage to the wild cats that roam the surrounding hills. 327 rooms and suites all sport plush furnishing, marble bathrooms, and bespoke artworks. Some rooms offer courtyard and garden views, while others come with plunge pools (shared across a few rooms). My suite has a private balcony with a day bed-style swing and a direct view of the Monsoon Palace. On the topmost floor, the Royal Maharaja and Maharani suites are the pinnacle of luxury, with opulent interiors, private pools, and expansive terraces.

Culinary destination

Fairmont Udaipur Palace offers no fewer than eight dining destinations. The all-day dining

venue Bahaar serves Indian and international buffets in garden-inspired interiors that

extend into outdoor poolside seating. Breakfast is also served here — everything from eggs

and sausages to poori sabzi and Rajasthani kachori. Then there’s Dastaan, a lounge decked

out in blue walls, literary tomes, and eclectic art where you can sip artisanal teas, coffees, and

cocktails. The sunken Ivory Pool Bar surrounded by water, is perfect for sundowners, as is the

al fresco Sitara for high tea with a view of the Aravallis and a spectacular sunset; don’t miss

their signature cold coffee spiked with Jameson Irish whisky, which is prepared tableside.

Later, the wildlife-themed bar Dahaad beckons with craft cocktails (they make a mean

picante) and bar bites (both Indian and international fare) served under the watchful eyes of

a massive thikri leopard sculpture on the onyx bar. Or opt for the signature Rajasthani thali

that comes loaded with famous dishes like dal-baati-churma, ker-sangri, and laal maas as

well as lesser-known ones like matire ki sabzi (sweet and sour watermelon rind curry). Three

additional outlets — Zaika (modern Indian), The Alchemist (Mediterranean live kitchen),

and Celeste (high-energy Asian bistro) — are set to open by October. The hotel also creates

bespoke dining experiences at various locations around the property, such as an intimate

table for two at a secluded chhatri or near the stepwell or by your plunge pool.

Experiential luxury

Expeditions further afield come with surprise touches; for example, our visit to Sajjan Garh

includes tea and pastry served inside a private room of the palace. Or a morning jeep ride

plus walking trail through the forest leads to a sumptuous breakfast picnic by a stream that’s

surrounded by bamboo groves. Back at the hotel, I promptly head to the spa and indulge in a

90-minute-long Renaissance ritual. The mix of massage and potli treatment by my expert

therapist is a rejuvenating experience, easing all the knots in my shoulders and leaving me

refreshed. In addition to the spa, the 12,000-sq.-ft. wellness sanctuary has a salon and a well-

equipped gym. There’s also the Rendezvous activity are, where you can try your hand at mini

golf or jump onto the pickleball and padel bandwagon. A dedicated play area (including a

mini zip-line) will keep kids occupied.

Wedding Vows

With Udaipur being India’s destination wedding hotspot, Fairmont Udaipur Palace offers an

ethereal backdrop that will make your special day a memorable affair. The Imperial Ballroom

is one of the largest ballrooms in the city, a glittering Art Deco-inspired venue with mirror-

clad walls and crystal chandeliers, opening onto a colonnaded terrace. The open-air Mehfil

lined with marble columns and cascading chhatris is another regal venue for gatherings,

musical evenings, and traditional performances. In addition, the immaculately manicured

ceremonial gardens, Jashn Bagh and Noor Bagh with the palace façade in the background,

are perfect for receptions. For ceremonies and evening spectacles, the dramatic step-well

inspired multi-tiered amphitheatre Chand Baori is an ideal location. The hotel even offers a

dedicated events pool where you can organise intimate poolside soirées or sunset cocktails.

Crafted for grand celebrations and intimate escapes alike, Fairmont Udaipur Palace

seamlessly weaves modern indulgence with regal heritage. Whether it’s a lavish feast, a

healing ritual, or a quiet drink overlooking the Aravallis, every experience feels steeped in

luxury.