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Getting There
The Oberoi, Udaivilās is located on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur of Rajasthan, a Northwest province of India. Udaipur, also called the City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Arravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples.
By air: Udaipur’s Dabok airport is 30 kilometers from the resort and the drive takes 45 minutes.
By road: The drive from Udaipur to Jaipur takes approximately eight hours and to Jodhpur it takes five hours.
By rail: The Oberoi, Udaivilās is approximately 8 kilometers from Udaipur railway station.
Things to do
City Place: The City Palace stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola, surrounded by crenulated walls. Built in 1567, it is composed of 4 major palaces and several minor palaces that form a single faēade. Its main entrance is through a triple arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725.
Crystal Gallery: The Crystal Gallery in Fateh Prakash Hotel overlooks the grand Durbar Hall. It has a rare collection of Osler's crystal ordered from England by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1877. It includes crystal chandeliers and crystal furniture like chairs, dressing tables and a bed.
Jagdish Temple: Built in 1651 AD the temple has an imposing 79 ft high pagoda covered with sculptures of dancers, musicians, elephants and horsemen. It is the city's largest and most resplendent temple.
Sajjan Garh: Also known as the Monsoon Palace, it is located on top of a hill overlooking Lake Pichola and dominates the city's skyline. Built in the late 19th century by Maharana Sajjan Singh as an observatory, it has a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding lakes, rivers and Aravalli ranges. It is surrounded by wooded hillsides and was once a royal hunting ground.
Lake Pichola: Hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments, surround Udaipur's famous lake. The two island palaces, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, are situated on it.
Sahelion ki Bari: Maharana Sangram Singh built this garden for his daughter and the ladies of the Queen's court. It is said he wished to recreate the monsoon for his daughter, who had been ill for a long period. The garden has many fountains in four pools embellished with delicately chiselled pavilions and elephants. The fountains still work on the unique hydraulic system devised in 1700 A.D
Ahar: It was chosen as the site of cremation for the Maharanas, following the founding of Udaipur. It has 19 cenotaphs or 'chattris' made of white marble, to commemorate the 19 rulers cremated here along with their queens, the most recent being in 1861. It is also an ancient archaeological site and a small museum displays its relics, some dating back 3000 years.
Fateh Sagar: This elegant lake is surrounded by hills on three sides and a dam on the fourth side.
Shilpgram: Literally meaning, 'Craftsmen's village', it is a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversities in rural folk craft, art and culture in India. It comprises 26 huts set amidst rustic surroundings representing the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa and Daman. Musicians and dancers perform daily and there are camel rides. Authentic handicrafts of the region are sold as well.
Sri Eklingji: Located 25 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās in a remote mountain pass on the way to Nathdwara. Chiselled out of sandstone and marble, the temple of Eklingji was originally built in 734 AD and rebuilt in the 15th century. Eklingji, an incarnation of Lord Shiva is the principle deity of the people of Udaipur. The complex of 108 temples is built on the shore of a lake and enclosed by high walls.
Nagada: Located 2 km north of Sri Eklingji and 23 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās. It has temples dating back to the 6th century, including the famous 11th century Sas-Bahu (mother-in-law-daughter-in-law) twin temples and the Adbhutji temple. Both temples are at the edge of a lake and submerged within the lake are several later structures.
Jaisamand Lake: Located 50km from The Oberoi Udaivilās, it is the second largest man made lake in Asia. On the banks of the lake are vast marble steps descending to the water, embellished with pavilions and sculpted elephants. There are 11 islands in the lake, some providing sanctuary to migratory birds. Its surrounding area is now the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary. Covering 64 square km, it houses spotted deer, antelopes, gazelle and panthers.
Nathadwara: Located 55 km north of The Oberoi Udaivilās on the bank of the river Banas. It has the most celebrated Vaishnava shrine of Lord Krishna or Shri Nathji. It is a major pilgrimage destination and also a centre for traditional meenakari (enamel) work.
Haldighati: Located 40 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās. The historic battle between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor Akbar was fought here in 1576 AD. A chattri stands dedicated to the valiant horse of Maharana Pratap, Chetak, who died after seeing his master out of danger.
Ranakpur Temples: Located 95 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās, this is one of the holiest Jain sites of India. Nestled on the banks of the river Maghai and sequestered by mountains, Ranakpur's beauty is accentuated by its seclusion. The main Chaumukha (four faced) temple was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first Enlightened One, Adinatha Rishabdeva. Erected on a raised platform, it is surrounded by 66 subsidiary shrines. It has 1444 beautifully carved pillars, of which no two are alike.
Kumbhalgarh Fort: Located 95 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās, 1,100 meters above sea level. Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, one of Mewar's greatest warriors, this vast bastion was renowned for its inaccessibility. It was captured only once (that too due to poisoning of its water supply) and was the most important fort in Mewar, after Chittor.
Chittor Fort: Located 115 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās, at the end of the Aravallis, on a rocky outcrop. For 8 centuries it was the most important bastion of Rajput power and its occupation was the primary objective of any would-be ruler. It survived waves of Turkish, Afghan, Tartar and Mongol invaders and was attacked 3 times.
Mount Abu: Located 195 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās at 1220 meters above sea level, it is a summer resort and a Jain pilgrimage centre. The Dilwara Jain temples are Mount Abu's main attraction and are among the finest examples of Jain architecture in India. Built between the 11th and 13th century, their sober exterior belies the rich, intricate marble carvings inside.
Nakki Lake, situated at the centre of Mount Abu and a hub of activity, is another attraction. It is India's highest lake outside the Himalayas.
Accommodation
Deluxe rooms: At the first level are sixty-three richly appointed deluxe rooms, all with private walled courtyards, complete with silken parasols, table and chairs. Inlaid furniture, Rajput inspired decoration and marble bathrooms help to create a luxurious haven for our guests.
Superior deluxe rooms: Nineteen superior deluxe rooms open onto the beautiful semi-private moated pool that meanders past the terraces. From here guests overlook either Lake Pichola or the wildlife sanctuary at the rear of the hotel.
Luxury Suites: Higher up, the Luxury Suites, Great Mogul, Orloff and Regent, each 1,150 sq ft, have private infinity pools and tented dining pavilions. These suites have an unrivalled view of the City Palace horizon – and a telescope!
Kohinoor Suite: The jewel in the Udaipur crown is the Kohinoor Suite, 2,650 square feet of palatial comfort. With its fountained courtyards, massive private pool, sitting room with real fireplaces, and master suite with its own wooden sauna it is fit for Royalty.
Eating
Udaivilas has two restaurants, Suryamahal and Udaimahal, the specialty Indian Restaurant. Executive Chef Jean Christophe Basseau aims to satisfy every palate with the very best of International and Indian cuisine.
The informal 30s style Suryamahal is open all day. The menu here is a fusion of light Western, Mediterranean and Thai style dishes. Chandni, the courtyard for open air dining, hosts evenings of traditional Indian music and dance.
At Udaimahal, guests dine by candlelight on a rich variety of traditional, Rajasthani and North Indian fare in regal surroundings.
More adventurous guests can take a picnic lunch basket onto a private gondola. Or even, most decadent of all, take a party of friends to cocktails or dinner on the Bhagwanti Royal Barge, floating to the islands across Lake Pichola.
The cosy bar offers a fine selection of wines, spirits and cigars.
Facilities
Broadband Internet access
Dual line telephones with data port
Personal bar
2 hour in room dining
Tea and coffee maker
Air conditioning with thermostat
Electronic safe
Hairdryer
Voltage 110-220
Business center open 24 hours
Meeting rooms
Concierge
Car rental
Beauty salon
Laundry and valet service
Doctor on call
Wheelchairs
Outdoor Swimming pool
Steam and Sauna
Spa
Fitness Center
Spa
The Oberoi Banyan Tree Spa resembles a miniature-domed palace painted to evoke heaven. From its large airy treatment suites, guests can gaze across the pool through a cusped arch to the lake beyond.
The extensive range of non-clinical therapies is designed to treat the whole body, mind and soul. In this haven of peace and relaxation, guests can really unwind and feel rejuvenated from the inside out.
The best of Western and Ayurvedic therapies (based on the ancient Indian art of healing) are administered by a highly trained Banyan Tree staff. Imagine yourself in a bath of roses. Be wrapped in tomato, scrubbed in oatmeal.
Fitness
Opportunities for swimming – or just floating – abound here. Either in your own private pool or in one of two striking swimming pools, beautifully tiled and terraced. Both are heated in winter.
The state of the art gym is fully equipped to burn off any excess calories that might have come on board.
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