Set on the banks of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is not just a regular hotel but a palace-style property that gets you hooked from the moment you arrive by boat. The lake views, private pools, heritage walks and craft-led experiences make this Udaipur hotel one of the most beautiful hotels in India.
Udaipur is a truly special Indian city. Some cities are built for explorers, some for romantics, but only a few cities are built for dreamers quite like Udaipur. From the palaces rising from the lakes to the marble facades glowing at sunset, every corner in Udaipur is as beautiful as it is rooted in history. Known as the city of lakes, the corner of Rajasthan, India has long drawn royals, artists and travellers looking for a slower, more beautiful and cultured side of India. It is also home to a hotel that captures the true essence of Udaipur better than anywhere else. And no, we're not talking about the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, although that also comes close.
Standing on the shores of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is a jolt to the senses. It blends the grandeur of Rajasthan's royal past with the comfort of modern hospitality. At sunrise, when Lake Pichola is wrapped in golden light, and the City Palace reflects sunlight, this building seems to belong naturally to the landscape. Inspired by the traditional Mewari palace and surrounded by gardens, fountains, and pools, it very much feels a part of the city's architecture rather than just a more than two-decades-old hotel. It is one of the country's most luxurious and celebrated hotels, often considered the most beautiful in India.
A palace rising from the waters of Lake Pichola
One of the major reasons Udaivilas is considered beautiful is the setting. Nestled on the banks of Lake Pichola, the lake just doesn't serve as the backdrop of the hotel. Instead, it shapes the whole mood of the place. Thanks to its location, it can also be reached by private boat, evoking the feeling of drifting away to a far-off land. Add to it the stunning city skyline, and that's half the reason behind the hotel's beauty.
From the hotel, the views are equally dramatic, with the City Palace and Jagmandir, two of Udaipur's most recognisable landmarks, in full view. At night, when the city lights begin to sharpen across the water, Udaipur's Udaivilas feels softer, quieter, and more theatrical at once. This is where the hotel becomes more than a beautiful building, but a part of Udaipur's history.
Built like a Maharaja Palace
The second most charming aspect of Udaivilas is the architecture. Conceived as a modern interpretation of royal Mewari architecture, it reflects Udaipur's heritage through its construction. There are large domes, cupolas, cusped arches, ornamental pavilions, and carefully worked surfaces that give the whole resort a sense of age and weight. According to Architectural Digest, Udaivilas rises along the slope of the land, creating different levels in the process. This layered layout matters because it gives the hotel a living, royal-estate feel rather than a mere static building.
The interiors also echo this idea with mirror inlays, decorative ceilings, and a sophisticated palette. The property has over 80 rooms, but the highlight is the Kohinoor Suite with a private pool. It comes with gold-domed ceilings, mirror mosaics, hand-carved marble privacy screens, a dining room, a living room, and a large private pool with lake views.
More than just an aesthetic hotel
This Udaipur hotel is not just limited to aesthetics. In 2025, Udaivilas was recognised with Two Michelin Keys. What gives it the final layer of distinction is that it does not treat local culture as decoration but works with it, too. The dining scene also carries the same rootedness with signature restaurants Suryamahal and Chandni. For special moments, a private dinner by the pool can also be arranged.
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