- Accommodation
Maharawal
Suite
Superior Art Deco
Art Deco Suite
Suites
Standard Double
Nestled in the serene town of Dungarpur, Udai Bilas Palace is a living testament to the regal heritage of the Sisodia dynasty, This architectural marvel tells a story of splendor, tradition, and artistry that spans centuries. The history of Udai Bilas Palace. Dungarpur, Rajasthan dates from the century, when Maharawal Udai Singhji-Il. a great patron of art and architecture, built a wing of bluish grey. local stone “Pareva” overlooking the lake and the “Ek Thambia Mahal”, featuring intricate sculptured pillars and panels, ornate balconies, balustrades, bracketed windows, arches and frieze of marble carvings, a veritable marvel of Rajput architecture.
The Udai Bilas Palace was enlarged in 1940 by Maharwal Laxman Singhji, who built three new wings around the “EK Thambia Mahal (liter-ally one pillared palace) and thus created the famous “courtyard” of the palace. The result is an architectural expression exquisitely detailed. Still the royal residence, the Palace offers accommodation in the house-guest tradition with twenty three spacious, airconditioned and lavishly appointed bedrooms.
Dungarpur the “City Of Hill” was founded in the 13th century and rose to fame under the Guhilot Ahara Suryavanshi Rajputs, who trace their ancestry from the elder branch of the main lineage at Chittorgarh. The cousins however came together to fight many historic battles against the invaders. Some 700 years later, Dungarpur is still a picturesque town set amongst the rugged peaks of the Aravalli mountains.
Udai Bilas Palace is a round-the-year paradise for bird watchers. The cooler months from November to February are the best to see winter migratory birds and the monsoon season, from July to October, is the nesting season when birds can seen from the palace itself at remarkably close range, egrets, night and pond herons, white necked and painted storks, coots and winter or resident ducks among others, depending on the season of your visit.
Birds are also plentiful in the woodlands where one can hope to see the Grey Hornbill, Grey Patridge, Green pigeon, peafowl, Paradise flycatchers and other representative species, Saras Cranes and Wading birds are abundant at marshes en-route from Udai Bilas Palace to the Old Palace (4 kms).
Nature lovers are welcome to spend hours rowing on the lake or trekking in the forest to get a close look at the birdlife. Bird-watching trips can also be arranged to nearby lakes,
Unlike the more recent Udai Bilas, the Old Palace, or Juna Mahalas it islocally known. is no longer occupied, It is still owned by the family and can be visited only on Invitation. Almost as old as the town itself, the construction of the palace was started sometime in the turbulent 13th century amongst the superb natural defences of a rocky peak some 1500 ft. from the sea level. This seven-storied structure resembles a fortress with crenellated walls, turrets, and narrow entrances and passage-ways to slow down the enemy, Inside, one will see the most colourful and vibrant palaces in India embellished with frescoes, miniature paintings, glass and mirror inlay work. The city palace can be reached by vehicle on a road which winds through the narrow lanes of the town, a scenic drive through villages and countryside, or simply by trekking across the well wooded hill track.
