An Udaipur Unlike Any Other
The Fairmont Udaipur Palace is unlike any other place. Nothing in the city comes even close!
When the opportunity presented itself, I wasn’t enthused.
Having lived in North India for the better part of my life, the one touristy thing I’ve done the most is travel to Rajasthan. There’s little that hasn’t been explored and barely any palace or fort left in the state that I’ve not seen. Actually, there isn’t any. I’ve seen everything there is to see in Rajasthan. I was convinced about it. Until, of course, I landed in Udaipur (not my first time in the city, mind you) and drove down to the Fairmont Udaipur Palace. I may have seen the city before, but I hadn’t seen anything quite like this palace!
When you think of luxury palaces and hotels in Udaipur, you think of lakeside views of the sunset and the city gazing at you from the other end. You don’t expect the Aravalli Hills surrounding you, and lush greens gazing you with tenderness, and that's one of the first things that takes you by surprise, even before you’ve entered the Fairmont Udaipur Palace. It's beautiful, even before you’ve stepped foot inside the place. Something about the hills, the expanse (the property is massive!) and the enormity of the palace standing atop has to be seen to be believed and appreciated.
An 18-acre estate, Fairmont Udaipur Palace houses 327 rooms and suites (and more are on their way), 7 event venues, 8 dining concepts, a wellness sanctuary (the spa is definitely one of the best in the country – I'll wholeheartedly recommend their signature massage!) and enough space to almost get lost as a guest. When was the last time one saw a hotel or resort this expansive? I doubt any other place in Udaipur comes close. From the time I entered the palace – where the dome is a sight to behold – it was love at every sight. The decor is a true testament to the magical Rajasthani arts and crafts, all of which are in full bloom here, thanks to the wonderful work done by the local artisans from villages that are all supported by the Fairmont Udaipur Palace. A special mention of the blue panels lining the corridors and courtyards – it’s Thikri work and you’ve got to see it first-hand.
To be fair, the entirety of my 2-day stay at the property was a reminder of everything else that Udaipur holds in its cards, apart from everything I’d come to associate with the city. And Fairmont Udaipur Palace might be the perfect shining beacon of the city’s growing modernity while also holding the past close to its heart. You feel it at all times whether you’re relaxing by the poolside, resting in your room or ravishing a sumptuous meal at one of their many restaurants.
The palace has been divided into three interconnected wings – Surya Mahal, Chandra Mahal and Agni Mahal. Each house certain parts of the property, and each of them have a charm uniquely their own. The Panther Patio (my personal favourite spot in the palace) is another great depiction of the palace’s core design sensibility – modernity with the perfect touch of traditional elegance. And that glorious leopard in the middle is an absolute chef’s kiss. The leopard is, actually, the palace’s main motif – you’ll find it every big and small detail everywhere. The surrounding jungles are home to many leopards (you’ll spot them at night, if you’re lucky, apparently) and it makes sense to have the animal’s regal presence felt in the property.
Then there’s the food. Lunch at Bahaar, where the food was decadent and the inhouse infused drinks were uniquely interesting. Evening drinks and Tapas-style dinner at Dahaad (where the leopard holds centre of attention, yet again). Typical Rajasthani fare at Zaika (the daal-baati was the best I’ve ever had!). Sunset drinks at Sitara. Asian fare at Celeste and a live cooking experience at The Alchemist - we got a preview as both places are set to open soon!. Everything was devoured and if I had the time, I’d be going back for more. Which I will, on my next visit!
That’s the thing about the Fairmont Udaipur Palace. You’ll want to go back for more. It’s only fair that you do. There’s another meal to be enjoyed. Another round of drinks. A dip in the pool. That gorgeous leopard to be photographed again. Udaipur has never felt the same. It never will. How often does one get to say that?