Devi Garh Palace

Devi Garh Palace, a timeless wonder situated in the Aravalli highlands, 28 kilometers northeast of Udaipur, Rajasthan, invites you into a world steeped in history. Once the regal abode of the Delwara principality's monarchs from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s, this 18th-century palace now stands as a captivating heritage hotel and resort. Garnering international acclaim, The New York Times hailed it as a top luxury hotel in 2006, and Frommer's Review dubbed it "the best hotel on the subcontinent." Featured in the 2008 Discovery Travel and Living series, "Dream Hotels," Devi Garh Palace shares this prestigious spotlight with only two other Indian hotels. Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur and Rambagh Palace in Jaipur complete the trio, making Devi Garh Palace not just a destination but a testament to opulence and history.

History

Delwara, nestled in the Aravali hills, is about 28 miles from Udaipur, close to the Eklingji Temple. Originally known as "Devkul Patan Nagri," it was a town of gods with over 1500 temples, including 400 Jain temples built by Emperor Samprati around 215-224 BC. Sadly, these ancient Jain temples in Delwara are now destroyed.

In the 12th century, the sons of Jalorean Rao Samant Singh ruled over different areas. Raja Sagar, a courageous king in the 13th century, defended Delwara against Muslim invasions, being a descendant of Rao Kirtipal of Jalore. The Jhala Rajputs took over Delwara in the 15th century, rendering honorable service to Mewar alongside Maharana Kumbha.

During the 16th-century Battle of Haldighati, Raja Sajja Singh, a lieutenant of Maharana Pratap, was granted the principality of Delwara. In the 1760s, Raghudev Singh II built a seven-story hilltop fort palace, showcasing Rajasthani architecture. Today, it stands as a historic example of the region's rich past.