Dowlat Villas Palace-The Heritage

Dowlat Villas Palace The Heritage has been the private residence of the Idar royal family for five generations. The family’s revered deity is Nageshwari Devi, and the town of Idar, originally called Ilvadurg, is said to be named after the first demon king Ilvan from the Dwarpara Yug. The current dynasty belongs to the Jodha Rathod clan of Marwar (Jodhpur), established by Maharaja Anandsinghji in 1731 AD, and is now known as the Idarya Rathod clan. The present Maharaja, Rajendra Singhji, serves as the 12th ruler of this lineage.

The palace was built in the 1920s by Maharaj Man Singhji, the second son of Maharaja Dowlat Singhji. Maharaj Shri Umeg Singhji served as an honorary Home Guard District Commandant for 27 years. During his service, he received several government awards and medals, which are now proudly displayed by his son, Maharaj Narendra Singhji, who also takes care of the palace and invites guests to experience it as a heritage hotel.

Dowlat Villas Palace The Heritage is a striking blend of British Colonial and Rajput architecture. The palace has 36 bedrooms, banquet and dining halls, conference and convention spaces, and sprawling lawns, making it ideal for various events and large gatherings. Currently, 11 rooms are open to guests, including seven Heritage Suites and four Heritage Executive Rooms, all furnished with Victorian and art deco furniture.

The palace is set amidst beautifully landscaped grounds, which include a mango orchard featuring the rare Idar Ratan variety. For recreation, the property offers a swimming pool, a dedicated kids pool, a children’s playground, and facilities designed to accommodate guests with disabilities, ensuring comfort for all visitors.

At the palace, meals are served in the heritage dining room, with every detail adding to the royal feel. The menu covers Continental, Indian, and Rajput dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, and many are family recipes, so the food has that authentic touch. Guests can also dine outdoors, enjoy a relaxed barbecue, or unwind at the palace bar.

For those who want to explore local flavors, Mad Over Grills is famous for “over-the-table barbeques,” where live grills are set into tables and guests can enjoy unlimited starters, mains, desserts, and mocktails in a lively atmosphere. Another well-loved place in the vicinity is Royal Bites, which serves a mix of fast food and multi-cuisine dishes. From filling thalis and soups to Punjabi and Kathiyawadi specials, it’s a reliable choice for both locals and visitors. Closer to Riverfront, Jalaram Kathiyawadi is known for serving authentic Gujarati and Kathiyawadi cuisine. Its homely flavors have made it a favorite among those looking for a true taste of the region.

Dowlat Villas Palace The Heritage offers an ideal backdrop for destination weddings. The property features well-laid-out lawns, elegant banquet halls, and a spacious convention hall, supported by in-house catering facilities. The palace lawn can accommodate up to 700 guests in seating and around 1,050 in floating capacity, while the dining area comfortably seats 150 guests.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Art lovers will enjoy the temporary galleries at the palace that bring local creativity, while games like billiards, badminton, and cycling keep things lively. Families are especially well looked after, with a children’s playground and a kids’ pool that make sure the little ones are entertained too. A highlight for many visitors is the vintage car museum, where the royal family’s old collection of classic cars is displayed. Maharaj Narendra Singhji, a passionate car enthusiast, has curated a museum of vintage and classic vehicles, including cars, carriages, and motorboats.

Outside the palace, the team can help plan visits to places such as the 10th-century Roda Temple, the famous Shamlaji Temple, or the quiet trails of Polo Forest. You can also explore Khedbrahma Temple and wander through the old town of Idar, where forts, stepwells, and stone-carved heritage sites sit against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills. The wider Sabarkantha region is full of history, and guided programs can be arranged to bring its stories and culture to life.

Other Celebrations

Dowlat Villas Palace- The Heritage offers intimate spaces for birthdays, anniversaries, or small family gatherings. The palace can also accommodate corporate events, conferences, and professional gatherings. From private indoor spaces to outdoor courtyards, the staff will help plan events in detail. Make sure to get in touch with them beforehand to make your celebration truly special.