Kankarwa Haveli

Kankarwa Haveli boasts a long history spanning over 180 years, originally serving as the city residence of the Kankarwa family. The Kankarwas trace their lineage to the Rajput Mewar line, creating a distant relation to the royal family. Having gained permission from the Maharana, the Kankarwa Thakur initiated the haveli’s construction in 1820 to serve as a regal residence, placing it near the City Palace and next to Lake Pichola.

Over the next few decades, the haveli would endure and remain largely intact and unchanged despite later events such as both World Wars, the independence of India, its transition into a republic, and the loss of ruling status for noble families. While they also continued to reside in the haveli, it was only years later that the decision was made to transform the property into a publicly available accommodation. The renovation process started in 1993, and the property was opened to the public in 1995, with the family continuing to own and manage the property until the present day.

In 2022, it was recognized with the Responsible Tourism Award for Best Heritage Conservation, as well as the Overall Winner in the Indian Responsible Tourism Awards, for its emphasis on caring for its architecture and age-old paintings. Frescoes are meticulously repainted, ensuring their colors and the story they depict are always seen clearly. Instead of using glass panels and modern window designs, the Kankarwas opted to maintain their jharokhas and fit them with custom-cut glass instead.

Design and Architecture

The Kankarwa Haveli serves as an interesting example of traditional Rajput architecture. This influence is evident in various exterior features such as soft cream tones, arched passageways, jharokha windows, domed open pavilions, and the selective use of geometric and naturalistic patterns in wall, roof, and floor surfaces. The compact design reinforces a vertical, rectangular shape, resembling a traditional fort structure with its thick walls, internal balconies, and courtyards.

Internally, the haveli features a bright, minimalist design, with arched patterns in corridors, passageways, while wall surfaces remain largely clear with only paintings and elaborately designed tapestries serving to enhance its features. With regards to furnishings, the haveli similarly follows a minimalist or antique-based design, resembling refurbished antiques and largely being made out of wood or featuring wood tones.

Keeping with the cozy ambiance of Kankarwa Haveli and its continuing purpose as a family residence, the on-site restaurant also serves the family kitchen. All meals at the hotel are vegetarian (except for eggs), with hot and cold beverages available at all times. Guests can expect that meals vary daily depending on the seasonal availability of ingredients and the choices of the culinary staff.

While all options are vegetarian, they offer set menus that include family-style servings and thali plate servings. All items are prepared fresh, alongside a rich range of sauces and masalas. All this preparation and cooking is led by the lady of the house herself, Thakurani Suchana Kunwar, who manages the kitchen and serves vegetarian meals in typical family servings, or in thali styles that feature thali dining plates with katori vegetable and dal bowls formerly limited to nobility.

Serving Hours: 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Breakfast); 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (Lunch); 8:00 - 9:00 PM (Dinner); daily

Cultural Events and Experiences

Many of Udaipur’s most beloved heritage sites are just steps away if you’re staying at Kankarwa Haveli. The City Palace, seat of the Maharana, is just a cozy 5-minute walk from the hotel. Similarly, the Bagore Ki Haveli cultural museum is also a 5-minute walk in the other direction. The hotel also celebrates Indian festivals like Diwali.

The hotel can also arrange guided tours if you’d like some friendly company who would also impart knowledge of Udaipur’s rich history.  Guests can go on half-day excursions to Eklingji and Nagda Temples, or full-day excursions to Chittorgarh Fort, Ranakpur Temples, and Kumbhalgarh Fort. Other must-see places include Jodhpur, Ajmer, Jaipur, Pushkar, Bundi, and Ahmedabad.

Other Celebrations

Although Kankarwa Haveli does not have a venue, you can still approach the management if you’re planning to celebrate a private affair. At the very least, they can help you prepare a surprise or help make arrangements at a different location.