RAAS Devigarh, Delwara (Near Udaipur)

RAAS Devigarh is an 18th-century seven-storey hilltop fort palace in the village of Delwara, 28 km northeast of Udaipur in the Aravalli Hills. Restored over 15 years by a team of 750 craftspeople and redesigned in minimalist marble interiors by Mumbai-based architect Rajiv Saini, it opened in 1999 and has 39 all-suite rooms, each unique. The New York Times named it one of India's leading luxury hotels in 2006; Frommer's called it "the best hotel on the subcontinent." It commands one of three passes into the valley of Udaipur.

‍

What Makes RAAS Devigarh Different

The architectural tension is its defining quality: a ramparted Rajasthani fort exterior, ancient domes and turrets, and inside — white marble, glass, silence, and almost no ornamentation. It is the opposite of most heritage hotels in Rajasthan, where the interiors compete with the history. Here the interiors step back. The Sheesh Mahal (mirrored chamber), the semi-precious stone inlay corridors, and the rooftop terrace with views across the Aravalli valley to Delwara village below are the architectural highlights. RAAS Devigarh is also the sister property of RAAS Jodhpur — travellers who want both can build a Jodhpur-to-Udaipur journey entirely within the RAAS universe. LocalHi designs that circuit regularly.

‍

What to Expect

39 suites across 14 floors, linked by stairwells and a lift. Garden Suites have private patios; Aravalli Suites have panoramic valley views; the Devigarh Complex (two connected suites) has a private black marble pool. Ila Spa with a Himalayan salt cave sauna. Swimming pool. The pavilion restaurant serves Indian and international cuisine and can arrange private dining almost anywhere in the palace.

‍

Experiences Not to Miss

Sunset from the rooftop terrace, looking across the valley toward the temples of Eklingji and Nagda. A private dinner in the Sheesh Mahal. A morning drive to Eklingji (12 km) — one of Rajasthan's most important Shaivite temples, rarely crowded at dawn. Riding excursions on Marwari horses can be arranged through the hotel.

‍

When to Go and How to Combine It

Open year-round. October to March is ideal. 45 minutes from Udaipur Airport. LocalHi pairs Devigarh with Amet Haveli in Udaipur city for a Udaipur stay that captures both the lakeside intimacy and the hilltop grandeur — two very different expressions of Mewar heritage within 30 minutes of each other.

‍

FAQ

What is RAAS Devigarh?
An 18th-century hilltop fort palace in Delwara village, 28 km from Udaipur, now a 39-suite luxury hotel managed by RAAS Hotels.

Is RAAS Devigarh better than staying in Udaipur city?
It is a different experience — quieter, more remote, with Aravalli views rather than lake views. LocalHi often recommends combining one or two nights at Devigarh with nights at Amet Haveli in the city for the full Udaipur picture.

How far is RAAS Devigarh from Udaipur Airport?
45 minutes by road.

How many rooms does RAAS Devigarh have?
39 all-suite rooms, each uniquely configured.

Does LocalHi include RAAS Devigarh in Rajasthan itineraries?
Yes. It features regularly in LocalHi's Rajasthan journeys as an Udaipur-area stay for travellers wanting something beyond the standard lake-view hotel circuit.