RAAS Devigarh

The story of the RAAS Devigarh began back in 1760, when it was constructed as a hilltop palace and fortress. It was originally known as Delwara Fort Palace and was the project of Rajrana Sajja Singh II to both guard their domain and serve as a defended residence, with features and items related to this purpose still observable today. Made with locally mined marble, the palace-fortress was a stalwart bulwark that protected the routes of northern Udaipur that passed through the Aravalli Hills.

While the palace survived the next few centuries, including the events of both World Wars, the independence of India, its transition to a republic, and the loss of ruling status for its noble owners, it did so in a declining manner, becoming dormant and in need of repair. By the late 1960s , the property was mainly empty and would remain so for the next two decades.

In 1984 , the empty palace was acquired by the Poddar family, who began renovation work with the help of 750 workers, and continued for about two decades before it was opened to the public in 1999. Having local workers on the project also served to highlight its sustainability efforts, which was further compounded by the preferred use of local marble as building material, the use of solar power for water heating, a special Platinum LEED-rated regulating system for air conditioning, and vegetable gardens for culinary use. Since then, under the RAAS brand, the property has continued to offer guests a hospitality experience while surrounded by the natural beauty and ambiance of Rajasthan.

Having been built in the 18th century, RAAS Devigarh follows the Rajputani architectural style popular in that place and era. Its purpose as a defensive fort is evident, given its high and thick walls, emphasizing that role more especially in its external features as opposed to the elegance expected of a palatial residence.

Other noticeable Rajputani design influences include the continued use of jharokha windows and terraces, used as lookout stations and rallying points during the hotel's time as a fort. Despite its military function, the marble walls and columns feature carved designs as well as intricate hand-painted murals. Windows and interior passageways use styled arches, while structural supports are readily apparent inside, both thickly built and numerous, and indicative of the palace’s dual purpose.

Interior spaces are neatly decorated, with discrete tapestries and patterned engravings side by side on brightly colored walls. Alternatively, certain spaces are carefully maintained and preserved in their authentic ornate detailing, with murals and patterns in the floor and wall surfaces. Meanwhile, furnishings are largely of a conventional design with marble or wood tones, functional and minimalist forms, and lavishly styled upholstery.

The dining experience at the RAAS Devigarh is primarily centered around its restaurant, which provides guests with scenic views of the Aravalli hills, valleys, and historical sights courtesy of the various photographs and paintings decorating the venue. The palace’s restaurant offers guests a wide selection of both local and international cuisine, showcasing seasonal dishes that vary depending on the availability of ingredients and the decisions of staff, with a special wellness menu to give guests a health boost, including medicinal herbal teas.

Visitors have many potential venues within the palace premises to savor their meals. Aside from the restaurant, guests also have private dining and in-suite options available throughout the day. Kothar features modernist indoor and outdoor settings, offering coffee, juices, and a variety of alcoholic beverages from Indian and international vineyards. Meanwhile, Durbar Bar features a primarily indoor setting, where guests can have their meals and drinks amidst the luxurious and culturally authentic venue design and arrangement.

The hotel also features various other indoor dining venues, each with its own appeal. The Hawa Gokhra is a minimalist-styled dining hall that can accommodate 4 guests and is decorated with candles and roses. The Sheesh Mahal, on the other hand, features a more traditional design, having been previously used as a space for entertaining royal guests and other royals, refurbished and renovated to maintain its authentic frescoes, murals, and other features. It is also decorated with flowers and candles, and can accommodate up to 5 guests. Finally, the Silver Lounge features surfaces that are largely silver in color and tone, decorated with candles and comfortable furniture, while providing scenic views of the city below.

Outdoor dining venues within the premises of the property include the Garden Dining experience, where 4 to 20 guests can dine amidst the hotel gardens while getting an up-close look of chefs preparing plant-based meals. The Janana Courtyard, once reserved as part of the women’s quarters of the palace, features local delicacies while decorated with flowers and candles.

The Pool Deck allows 25-45 or more guests to savor their meals, snacks, or tea while swimming and bathing in the rooftop pool, with available umbrellas in case of adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, the Restaurant Terrace also offers a similar experience for 50-60 guests, but instead features a fireplace instead of a pool and a larger available area for occupancy.

Those interested in holding their weddings at the property have many options available as to the venues and services provided by the hotel for such events. Guests and attendees staying at the hotel have the luxury to choose between staying in one of the 17 garden suites and the Devigarh Suite for honeymooners. Furthermore, 25 royal tents may be pitched within the premises for further accommodation.

For the ceremony and reception itself, there are 4 available venues offered by the hotel:

Main Lawn
Venue type and style: Spaced out garden lawn with plenty of areas for guests and performers
Capacity: 300 guests

Garden Lawn
Venue type and style: Smaller lawn area that can also be booked as a Sangeet venue of a much larger reception
Capacity: 150 guests

Poolside & Reception Lawn
Venue type and style: A more intimate outdoor space with art deco aesthetics
Capacity: 120 guests

Restaurant
Venue type and style: Scenic signature restaurant of the hotel, with an outdoor area for holding the ceremonies
Capacity: 84 guests

Food and drinks can be provided by the Restaurant, including special meals such as dhungar lal maas, sangri ki galouti, pyaaz murgh tikka, macher jhol, dahi bada, as well as international cuisine like pizza and idiappams, and many other dishes. The bar is also open to provide various local and international spirits and wines, as well as servings featuring organic herbs and fruits. As with regular meals and drinks, guests can expect the use of natural and locally sourced ingredients, which can be further adapted for dietary preferences or special choices.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Placed right in the heart of Udaipur, RAAS Devigarh offers its guests a variety of opportunities to explore and get to know the city and its people better. Within its premises, visitors can experience traditional Indian wellness practices such as yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and various natural treatments overseen by experts.

As for outdoor experiences, the property provides an extensive list of recommendations of places that visitors can visit. In particular, Rajasthan’s plentiful temples allow guests an immersive experience to learn about the history and culture of its people. Among the temples recommended by the property for visits and tours are Ranakpur, Bullet Baba, Kumbhalgarh, Nagda, Chittorgarh, Sawaryaji, and Nathdwara, each with its unique features, styles, and appeal.

Other Celebrations

RAAS Devigarh’s private venues are ideal for those holding events such as birthdays and anniversaries. Interested guests should be sure to book their preferred locations and coordinate with the staff and management for additional assistance and services in order to ensure a smooth and orderly event.