Lying on the banks of Gaibsagar Lake, Udai Bilas Palace is one of the few ‘true’ heritage hotels.

Contrary to other heritage hotels which have been renovated in either a Rajasthani or contemporary style, Udai Bilas Palace has been beautifully restored but remains true to its origins. Much of the interior has strong Art Deco features, whilst the architecture is a fascinating fusion of past styles. It is a wonderful, rambling 19th century palace, which remains the Royal residence, and the traditional rooms and suites lie in different parts of the palace complex. The grand but cosy sitting rooms provide both history and warmth on cold, winter nights. The majestic dining room is stunning - walls decorated in river stones and a marble table to seat 40 with what could almost be mistaken for a ‘lap pool’ in the middle – truly a sight to be seen!

The owning family were keen and respected hunters. Resultingly, the walls of many parts of the palace are adorned with past hunting trophies and relics of what was then a widely accepted custom. A sunset visit to the old, hilltop palace is a must and will reveal some of the finest and most colourful frescoes and miniature paintings in India.

With its glorious lakeside infinity pool and expansive gardens, it is a paradise for birdwatchers, painters, nature lovers and architecture buffs or for those looking for a little peace and tradition.

Udai Bilas Palace is well on the way to becoming full organic and stives towards that. They grown their own vegetables to support their organic food policy and also try to source organically grown vegetables and grains when needed.They have solar power for 90% of their hot water needs and their waste water and sewage is treated and used for irrigation purposes. Energy saving light bulbs are used throughout the palace.

All old towels and bed sheets which would be discarded from the hotel are donated to the poor and schools for poor and handicapped children. Redundant soap is also donated. All waste paper, beer bottles, mineral water bottles, and other scrap is sold and the money is used for animal welfare like feeding stray animals etc.

They have set up a game reserve in the owning family's farm where 54 acres have been donated by the family to go towards the protection and promotion of wildlife. This is slowly being re-wilded and they now have Bluebull, Jackal, wild cat, hare, partridge, two types of quail etc. on the reserve.

Donations are welcome as they aim to enclose it to ensure its longevity.

The Dungarpur family have renovated a ganesh temple and run it very close to the palace. The current Maharaja runs "Laxman Devesthan Nidhi" which is a temple trust and has over 20 temples under it. His son is vice chairman of the trust and is also chairman of Jagat Dhatri Mata trust which was formed by his great uncle who was alsothe President of the World Court at the Hague, under the U.N. He is also the convener for INTACH in Dungarpur.