Shiv Niwas Palace

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Part of Udaipur’s sprawling City Palace complex, Shiv Niwas offers a glimpse into royal Rajasthan without straying into spectacle. Once reserved for visiting dignitaries, its curved façade and mosaic-lined corridors now welcome travellers seeking heritage with heart. The view across Lake Pichola, especially at dusk, is pure theatre.

Inside, the rooms are dressed with vintage flourishes – stained glass, arches, marble – but the overall feel is surprisingly intimate for a palace stay. The central courtyard pool and proximity to the city’s winding streets make it an elegant yet grounded base in Udaipur.