The palace by the lake and the city of Rajput

Arriving at Oberoi Udaivilas of Udaipur is like stepping into one of the pages of the “Thousand and One Nights”, an oriental tale full of splendor and elegance.

It is a place built in honor of Surya, the Hindu god of the Sun. Decorated with ivory ornaments, it also features an immense patio that welcomes guests from all corners of the globe. Nearby, a fountain shoots streams of water into a pool that reflects the palaces’ domes.

 

 

Staff draw bindis on guests foreheads and give flowers to them upon arrival, it’s a prelude to dazzle with a awesome golden hall dome surrounded by elegant lounges.

From there, guests are led through a long hallway into their rooms, each of them featuring a private terrace facing the pool. From the pool, guests can admire the views overlooking the Lake Palace hotel, the City Palace, and the city. Nearby, locals clamor in and around Lake Pichola. It makes for an unforgettable experience.

Guests can also take pleasure in admiring the numerous sculptures of gods and guardians to be found around the palace. In the gardens, peacocks majestically parade and remind one of the legends of the past. From here, guests can make their way to the restaurant, and the palaces’ dining halls. Here, they are attended to as a Maharaja would. Fine cuisine from across India is served, and guests can enjoy numerous exotic dishes.

To live in Udaivilas for a few days is akin to live as a king. Living amongst palaces and near mystical bodies of water elevates the soul and stimulates the senses. It is, without a doubt, the best option seeking to explore a city through and through.

 

 

 

 

Text: Patrick Monney ± Photo: OBEROI HOTELS