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Although I had come to Udaipur to experience the all-new Fairmont Udaipur Palace, my trip couldn’t begin without a pit stop at Raaj Kachori – just a few minutes from the airport – for some freshly made kachoris and steaming chai. Nothing says "you’ve arrived in Udaipur" quite like that first bite of flaky, spiced goodness.
From there, we set off toward the palace, the road winding through the lush green Aravalli Hills. As we drew closer, the majestic silhouette of Fairmont Udaipur Palace came into view – a sight straight out of a royal tale. Built high on a hilltop with sweeping valley views, it draws inspiration from the grand forts once constructed by Rajput warriors for protection, blending traditional Mewar architecture with modern elegance.
Stepping through the Raj Dwar, the palace’s dramatic gateway flanked by cannons, felt like entering another era. The car meandered along stone-paved roads as the palace towered beside us, every arch and dome exuding grandeur. And then came the royal welcome as soon as we got out of the car – a shower of rose petals. I had stepped inside modern royalty.
The first space we entered – the Panther Patio – immediately set the tone. This open-air, double-height courtyard, surrounded by lush forest views, celebrates the wild elegance of Rajasthan. Its walls are lined with intricate miniature paintings depicting stories of wilderness and royalty, anchored by a majestic fountain crowned with a regal panther sculpture. The sound of trickling water and the cool breeze made for the perfect introduction before we made our way upstairs to the grand lobby.
The Interiors
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While the Panther Patio is striking, it’s the grand Palace Lobby that captivated me the most. The dramatic, durbar-like space features soaring marble pillars and a central star-shaped fountain beneath a magnificent hand-painted dome, from which a massive crystal chandelier hangs, instantly drawing your eye upward to the dome's intricate work. On one side of the lobby sits Sitara, a sunlit atrium bar by day and a moody salon by night, its floor-to-ceiling windows framing the rain-washed Aravalli hills. On the other side, one can see the view of the Aravali Chowk (a level below), an open courtyard featuring a stunning infinity pool framed by magenta umbrellas and white marble chhatris, which is the perfect Instagram moment. Come evening, fire torches flicker around the pool, their reflections dancing in the water as live Rajasthani folk music fills the air.
The palace celebrates the elemental forces through its three interconnected wings — Surya Mahal (Sun Palace), Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace), and Agni Mahal (Fire Palace). And at its heart is the majestic leopard, symbolising resilience, grace, and quiet ambition. Depicted in regal sculptures and works of art, it celebrates the spirit of the wild with silent poise and power. The palace’s aesthetic also honours the craftsmanship of local artisans, with exquisite Thikri mirror inlay work and hand-embroidered panels reflecting Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.
Rooms & Suites
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Spread across 18 acres, the Fairmont Udaipur Palace offers 327 rooms and suites that seamlessly blend royal opulence with contemporary comfort. Each space feels like an ode to the hills with arched windows framing the Aravallis and interiors that balance intricate details with modern indulgence.
You can choose from Fairmont Rooms, Signature Rooms with Plunge Pools, or Luxury Rooms with garden or courtyard views. The suites – including the Fairmont, Maharani, and Maharana Suites – offer greater privacy and personal outdoor spaces perfect for morning tea or sunset watching.
My Signature King Suite came with a charming balcony swing overlooking the valley, where I spent lazy afternoons watching the light change over the hills. For those seeking unmatched indulgence, the specialty suites – such as the Rajputana Suite, Regal Mewar Suite, and the breathtaking Jewel of Udaipur Suite – come with private pools, terraces, and custom elements that spell luxury in every detail. And at the very top, the Royal Maharaja and Royal Maharani Suites are true palatial residences, complete with gold Thikri-worked bathtubs, spa rooms, and panoramic views of the Aravallis.
Culinary Delights
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Bahaar is the all-day dining restaurant where you can indulge in regional Indian cuisine and global flavours. My meal here began with a series of Italian favourites such as Caprese toast, saffron gnocchi, and pan-seared salmon, and ended with a cloud-like tiramisu. Breakfast at Bahaar is equally lavish, featuring everything from chole bhature to made-to-order eggs and fresh fruits.
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At Dahaad, the palace bar, evenings come alive under the glow of flaming onyx marble. Its centrepiece – a Thikri sculpture of a leopard – pays tribute to the wild cat that once wandered into the site during construction. Between picante cocktails and kebabs, it’s the perfect setting to unwind.
Dastaan is a lounge celebrating the art of storytelling. Its name, meaning narrating stories, sets the tone for thoughtful conversations, surrounded by curated coffee table books, artful sculptures and the warm glow of candles. Its ornate yet warm and cosy interiors allow you to sit and savour one of its exquisite teas or coffees, along with a book. We enjoyed a chef’s table experience here — a Pan-Asian meal of Sichuan chicken baos, vegan duck rolls, and grilled noodles, ending with a DIY dessert of mascarpone cream, berries, and almond crumble.
And then there’s Sitara, the sunset-facing bar I mentioned earlier, where I tried Fairmont’s signature Dastaan Royale — a 48-hour slow-brewed coffee spiked with whisky and served flaming, paired with high-tea bites and pastries.
One evening, the team curated a traditional Rajasthani thali for us, featuring over 15 local delicacies. While the dal baati churma and gatte ki khichdi were stellar, it was the vegetable preparations that truly surprised me – like Matera Hara Pyaaz (watermelon cooked with onions) and Ker Draksh ki Subzi (wild berries and grapes slow-cooked with spices).
Coming soon are two more restaurants Celeste (an avant-garde Asian bistro) and The Alchemist (a Mediterranean live-kitchen concept inspired by seasonal produce and nostalgic warmth), adding even more depth to the palace’s culinary repertoire.
Wellness
At the Fairmont Spa & Salon, wellness isn’t about escape; it’s about alignment. Spanning 12,000 sq. ft., this sanctuary combines time-honoured traditions with modern therapies. I opted for the Fairmont Signature Massage, which eased every stubborn knot and left me feeling feather-light. You can also try a morning sound-bathing session – a gentle, rejuvenating way to start your day in the hills.
Weddings & Special Occasions
If there’s one thing Udaipur does best, it’s weddings — and Fairmont Udaipur Palace offers that dreamy backdrop. Its grand ballroom, Jewel, glitters with crystal chandeliers and opens onto terraces with sweeping valley views. The adjoining Jashn Bagh lawns, framed by the palace façade, create a breathtaking backdrop for receptions and sangeets. The Ivory Pool and Garden is perfect for intimate soirées or sunset cocktails, glowing golden under torchlight.
Beyond The Palace
When you’re ready to step outside the palace gates, there’s lots to explore. Take a trip to Sajjangarh Fort, also known as the Monsoon Palace, as it was built to serve as a vantage point for observing monsoon clouds and experiencing the arrival of the rainy season. Its hilltop location offers a panoramic view of Udaipur town as well as the Aravalis. In fact, you can also spot the hotel from the fort. The special touch, though? A private high-tea set up arranged by the Fairmont team for us to enjoy some beverages with a good view.
Adventure seekers can sign up for off-roading or horseback rides through the Aravali trails, ending with breakfast by a stream. And of course, no trip to Udaipur is complete without seeing the City Palace and the famed lakes – Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, and Pichola.
So, whether you’re there for a royal wedding, a wellness escape, or a weekend of pure indulgence, the Fairmont Udaipur Palace wraps you in a world of luxury, legacy, and landscape, where every view, every corridor, and every cup of chai feels touched by magic.