Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipurs Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address

Imagine walking into a castle on the hill, spread across 5 acres of undulating hilltop. As you drive in, you'll find yourself cocooned by a cream-colored facade and perfectly manicured bushes that act as a pathway to the bastion gate. Thereafter everything boasts grandeur of the Rajput royals on stepping out of the car. This is Aurika by Lemon Tree Hotels and the pristine surroundings provide a splendid scenery for holding colourful weddings. Those big fat weddings I mean. The already married, worry not. A family reunion or a luxury stay at the beautiful Aurika by Lemon Tree, Udaipur, is always an option to get on with.

Why a luxurious address?

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 2/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — The Presidential Suit

The outdoor stands out with its grand courtyards and terraced gardens, and transports you back a few centuries in time. Living in style takes on a new meaning here with 139 aesthetically designed rooms and suites and one presidential suit. Some rooms come with private terraces and private plunge pools. All rooms are spruced up with antique furniture and luxurious furnishings exude sheer grandeur. Rooms come equipped with modern amenities and facilities, including high speed Wi-Fi, spacious bathrooms, a smart tv set and in-room dinning.

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 3/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — Premium Room with Private Terrace

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 4/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — Day Bed — Favourite cosy coffee corner with all day views

Exquisite experiences

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 5/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — The guest lobby impresses at the first go.

Aurika Udaipur feels like a palace and the stay always reminds one of the Rajputs royalty. Thrilling for lovers of architecture and art to admire gilded arches and shekhawati paintings, and other art collections.

You can also indulge in a daily dose of spa treatments. The salon offers a bouquet of services and indulgent treatments, including glowing bridal rituals.

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 6/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — In-house spas and salon promises to pamper you with authentic Indian therapies.

That done, unwind at Ariva bar with its selection of cocktails and world class liquors. While the menu caters to international fare at Mirasa, the in-house multi-cuisine restaurant, locals and travellers always go for the signature Rajasthani thali with dal bati churma and warm jowar drink.

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 7/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — The multi-cuisine restaurant defines cosy dinners and gala spreads.

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 8/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — Find your own corner in the bar.

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 9/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — A bright space for lunches and brunches.

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 10/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — Perfect for a large gathering

The choicest amenities

The hotel also focuses on experiential aspects, incorporating open spaces that capture different moods of the landscape. The suryabagh, east-facing is best suited for an early sunrise tea followed by breakfast. Enjoy a lovely sundown ritual or unwind with a glass of champagne at the paheli bagh that set out on a breezy terrace. Those who fancy private dinners, baoli, outfitted in a charming stepwell by the cascading waters, give out an authentic Rajasthani outdoor experience. The outdoor terrace dinning give out unparalleled views of the lake, rolling hills and scenic valley. After a leisurely tipple, move over to the four-course meal, specially crafted for its guests.

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 11/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — Occasionally the hotel organises masterclass with the chef at the ekaara courtyard!

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 12/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — The terrace that lies next to the ballroom

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 13/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — Paheli Bagh where most choose to end the special day!

Aurika promises to wrap you in its luxe environs. Relaxation aside, we cannot miss a pool party or a boozy drink by the pool deck. For kids, the rumpus pool allow loads of splashing time. No wonder, during the summer months, the pool side gets busier. Work up a sweat at the fitness center, that help keep the guests and the entire wedding crew well toned and energized.

Photo of Not Udai Vilas, THIS Castle on a Hill is Udaipur's Newest, Most Desirable Vacation Address! 14/14 by Satarupa Mitra Datta — The stunning outdoor pool makes for the ideal spot to lounge through the day at Aurika, Udaipur

Local sightseeing goes without saying

Udaipur is a city of lakes and all the historic palaces, high-end hotels and roof-top restaurants are around the lake area. Hire a city guide for riveting stories of royal pursuits. Go for a leisurely boat ride for the best views of Pichola and the city palace. The city palace is a big hit among travellers and the most instagrammable. Studded with jharokhas overlooking the lake, bedrooms of kings and queens to look into the royalty of yesteryears and sprawling courtyard to run around, the city palace is a must-visit.

Vibe check

Aurika Udaipur is an ideal location for a dream destination wedding. But if marriage isn't on the cards right now, this feels like a great place to come together as in planning family reunions, friends get-togethers or just a romantic weekend in Udaipur.

Tripoto's secret tip

Whether you select one of the hotel’s beautifully themed indoor venues or the breezy lawns, the terrace spaces overlooking the tranquil Lake Pichola makes for a glorious backdrop for the ceremonies or a romantic sundowner moment with splashes of gold and orange streaming across the evening sky. From champagne toasts to sundown canapés at dusk, surprise your partner with a romantic evening at the terrace. Don't miss after-dinner drinks at night!