After a pleasant drive from Maharana Pratap Airport to Seesarma road, arriving at the Fairmont Udaipur Palace feels like stepping into a grand historical narrative. The moment one passes through its majestic Raj Dwar, the hotel’s distinctive architectural style immediately captures attention. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Mewar forts, especially Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh, the facade beautifully reinterprets their regal aesthetic. The result is a structure that is deeply rooted in history, emotionally evocative, yet perfectly suited for modern luxury and purpose.
Its commanding presence, seemingly rising naturally from the Aravalli landscape, echoes the grandeur of Chittorgarh Fort. Furthermore, elements like intricate stonework, textured facades, and majestic ceremonial gateways are inspired by Kumbhalgarh, famously known for its formidable encircling walls.
A breathtaking view of the Aravallis from the main pool.
The palace features three interconnected wings – Chandra Mahal, Agni Mahal, and Surya Mahal – each offering stunning views of the lush Aravallis, a verdant contrast to Rajasthan’s typically arid landscapes. During my stay, I enjoyed a room in Surya Mahal, complete with a private swing. The entire palace design thoughtfully incorporates the elemental forces of nature: sun, fire, water, air, and space. The element of fire is beautifully expressed through eternal mashaals (flaming torches) that illuminate the courtyards, making Agni Mahal truly the radiant heart of this magnificent property.
This expansive 18-acre property, owned by Swati and Somesh Agarwal of Rockwood and Keystone Hotels, boasts 327 luxurious rooms, including seven suites with private pools. It also offers seven unique event venues, eight distinctive dining experiences, and a serene wellness sanctuary. The exquisite interiors, unveiled this year, were meticulously designed by the Malaysian firm, Designwilkes.
This isn’t just a palace built from stone and marble; it’s a creation steeped in stories, craftsmanship, and soul, as Chairman and Managing Director Somesh explains. His vision transcended simply building a hotel; he aimed to ‘craft a world.’ He states, “Udaipur has always been a jewel of India, and with Fairmont Udaipur Palace, we wanted to create a destination within a destination — where every guest feels like a modern maharaja or maharani.” From the intricately hand-carved jharokhas to the opulent architectural design, every minute detail of the craftsmanship celebrates India’s royal heritage and Rajasthan’s enduring artistry.
Celebrating Heritage Through Exquisite Craftsmanship
A magnificent setting for weddings and grand celebrations.
As one wanders through the palace’s stunning pavilions, lush gardens, elegant colonnades, and sprawling terraces, a consistent theme of exquisite artistry emerges. Panels adorning corridors, the grand lobby, courtyards, elevator lobbies, and intimate alcoves shimmer with Rajasthan’s traditional thikri work – precisely cut mirrors arranged in mesmerizing symmetrical patterns. This intricate thikri work is thoughtfully presented as art, strategically positioned to capture and reflect light, especially in areas where guests naturally pause. Other cherished heritage techniques featured throughout the property include pichwai artworks, which are hand-painted scenes inspired by traditional Nathdwara art, along with delicate stone inlay, richly textured walls, handcrafted woodwork, and beautifully embroidered textiles.
Royal comfort in a beautifully designed room.
The creation of this palace was a true community effort. Master artisans from Pindwara village, located about 100 kilometers from Udaipur, played a pivotal role, meticulously crafting the palace’s numerous pillars, magnificent domes, and delicate marble trays. From carving over 500 pillars to meticulously shaping every architectural detail, the entire village contributed its skill and dedication to this monumental project.
The Grandeur of the Central Dome
The impressive palace lobby.
The architecture of Udaipur beautifully blends Rajput and Mughal influences, a legacy perfectly captured in the palace’s grand central dome and magnificent royal chandelier in the lobby. This breathtaking centerpiece is a marvel, brought to life by over 100 artisans and craftspersons who collaborated closely with architects and engineers. Reportedly, the final design emerged after three iterations, as earlier attempts were deemed either too formal or overly modern. The current hand-painted dome achieves a perfect balance, gracefully framing the distant Aravalli hills and metaphorically connecting earth to sky, and heritage to the vast horizon.
Sheesh Mahal offers an authentic Rajasthani dining experience.
Unlike traditional circular domes, this remarkable cylindrical structure soars 52 feet high with a 30-foot diameter. Its precisely symmetrical blocks are entirely handcrafted, significantly enhancing its aesthetic allure. Swati and Somesh conceived this dome not merely as an architectural element, but as an emotional gateway—a contemporary durbar hall ceiling designed to inspire both awe and tranquility. Drawing inspiration from the Mughal and Rajput domes found in Udaipur’s palaces and the magnificent courtyards of Fatehpur Sikri, the primary challenge was to achieve a perfect balance: creating something grand yet never overpowering.
The elegant Dastaan lounge.
The lobby’s design is a testament to eclectic style, gracefully blending influences from diverse cultures and historical periods. French Art Deco furniture, for example, is beautifully complemented by Mughal-inspired textiles, featuring soft floral and garden motifs in upholstery, drapery, and tapestries. This sophisticated foundation is further enriched with authentic Rajasthani elements, including dazzling thikri mirrorwork, exquisite hand-carved stone, and other locally crafted details, creating a harmonious and opulent ambiance.
Bahaar, a vibrant hub of global flavors.
Exceptional Culinary Experiences
At the Sitara terrace, high tea offers a delightful experience, featuring the beloved Rajasthani kachori (Kota-Ajmer style, filled with spiced lentils) served alongside savory kadhi (a spicy and sour yogurt-based curry). For a truly grand indulgence, visit Sheesh Mahal for the magnificent Rajasthani thaali – a 56-item platter presented with much fanfare by waiters accompanied by traditional music. This feast includes a variety of rotis, pulaos, and even rediscovered Rajasthani recipes like Watermelon ki subji, made from the fruit’s rind. Before dinner, head to Dahaad (meaning ‘roar of a leopard’) for cocktails. This stylish bar features an illuminated onyx counter and a striking life-sized leopard statue. Signature drinks include the “Untamed Sour,” a sophisticated blend of bourbon and citrus, and “Leopard’s Roar,” a bold mix of vodka and scotch.
A luxurious suite featuring a private plunge pool.
Culinary Director Amitesh Virdi expresses his passion for the diverse menu, which includes Rajasthani, Asian, Italian, global tapas, and a curated Pintxo selection for the Palace bar. He takes particular pride in their exquisite laal maas, succulent tandoori guchhi, and traditional dal bati. Additionally, he highlights their unique pizzas, which evoke the crisp, thin style of Tirata pizzas from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region.
A striking leopard statue at Dahaad lounge.
Given that the Aravalli hills are home to approximately 60 leopards, the palace respectfully honors this magnificent wild animal throughout its design. Tributes can be seen in various artworks, the impressive life-sized Dahaad (leopard) statue, and even as a subtle motif on cocktail stirrers. The sculptural leopard was brought to life through a collaboration with local artisans, who employed traditional metalworking techniques. The in-house designed motif ensures thematic continuity, from grand statement pieces to the smallest guest detail. This careful integration serves as a profound way to honor the land’s original inhabitants – not only the royals and artisans but also the abundant wildlife that has long graced these ancient hills.
This review was compiled based on a visit to Fairmont Udaipur Palace.