The Leela Palace Udaipur

Udaipur

Located in legendary Rajasthan, in north-eastern India, Udiapur is known as the “Little Venice of Asia” and “the city of lakes.” Founded in 1559 by the Maharana Udai Singh, it is one of the region’s true wonders. Its picturesque coast, with Lake Pichola spread out in front of it, its palaces and other historic buildingshave made it a very popular tourist site.

The emblematic City Palace, and the residence of the Maharana, consists of several bunched together buildings. This fascinating labyrinth like complex enables visitors to travel through several centuries of history in the space of just a few meters. Its sister building faces the lake: the Lake Palace, reconverted into a luxury hotel. On the mountaintop overlooking Udaipur, we find the Monsoon Palace, the royal residence during the rainy season.

Magnificent, royal and unique, Udaipur is one of most beautiful sites in this proud region. It’s not surprising therefore that a number of films have chosen it for their décor like for example, Octopussy, the 13^th James Bond adventure. The city is also known for the quality of its craft work and of course for its varied culinary, often very spicy specialties.

A contemporary palace in an eternal city

Arriving at the Leela Palace Udaipur is a dream like moment in itself. After the comfort of being transported by car from the airport, the guest embarks on a traditional boat, enabling him to discover the incredible beauty of Lake Pichola. Then, almost at the foot of the mountain, an imposing, royal type building appears.

At the hotel’s embarcadero, the guest is greeted with songs, a shower of rose petals and a breathtaking circular lobby. Everyone, with no exception, receives the same welcome. At the Leela Palace, the guest is treated like a god. This is more than an impression. It’s the motto of the Leela hotel group: “Attithi Devo Bhava“,means “The client is God“.

There is no check in at the immaculately white marble reception area. Fomalities are carried out in the rooms. All of the rooms face the lake, offering guests magnificent views of this magical site. The hotel’s philosophy is to be in total osmosis with the environment.

The Leela is a modern day palace. Gold, ornamental decorations, statues and spectacular bouquets of flowers attract the eye wherever you look. The hotel’s veritable jewel is the interior courtyard whose walls are enhanced with candles and traditional mosaic work known as “tikrit”.

The outside world tends to disappear in this magical and restful site, especially in the evening when the area is lit with candles and the nightly performance of traditional Rajasthan dances begins, guests succumb to the intoxicating and thrilling rhythms.

The hotel’s spa consists of several treatment tents which once again recall local customs. Around them, we find a carefully maintained garden where one can almost breathe the soul of the sublime city of Udaipur.