Our journey to Udaipur led us to stay at Ona Hill, a luxurious and exclusive family-run hotel with only eight rooms. We enjoyed breathtaking views, delicious homemade meals, and personalized hospitality. The hotel’s serene location, thoughtful design, and peaceful ambiance made our stay unforgettable. We also learned about the city’s unique white marble heritage and look forward to exploring more of Udaipur.

After a wonderful time in Jaipur, we set off early in the morning to our next destination, Udaipur. Our journey involved catching a train, then a plane, and finally arriving at Udaipur airport. Upon landing, we explored the airport briefly and enjoyed some amazing tea served in a traditional clay cup.

Udaipur immediately struck us as different from Jaipur. The city is abundant with water bodies and greenery, creating a relaxing and peaceful environment.

Our accommodation was at Ona Hill, a private, family-run hotel perched atop a hill. The hike up was a bit challenging, but the stunning views and serene atmosphere made it worthwhile. The hotel has only eight rooms, ensuring exclusivity and personalized service.

We were taken to the rooftop restaurant where we started our day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the lake and city. The breakfast included homemade omelettes, unique chicken sausages, French toast with honey and masala, and sweetened milk coffee.

The chicken sausages were unlike any we had tasted before — soft and seemingly homemade, blending perfectly with the eggs. The French toast was crispy on the edges with a subtle hint of honey, reminiscent of American-style French toast but with a local twist.

The sweetened milk coffee was delightful and a perfect complement to the meal.

The hotel is situated on a hill, so guests are advised to take a taxi that can reach the door. Tuk-tuks may drop you off at the base of the hill, requiring a walk uphill.

The lobby is welcoming, with the family living on the first floor and guest rooms on the upper two levels. Our host was extremely helpful, providing us with maps, restaurant recommendations, and information on local transportation options including English-speaking drivers.

The interior design of the hotel is minimalist yet intentional, featuring beautiful historical photographs and marble floors. The scent of fresh flowers in water bowls adds a sweet aroma throughout the hotel.

The balcony dining area offers breathtaking views of the lake, the city palace, the Water Palace island, and distant forts including the Monsoon Palace. Guests can enjoy meals here with outdoor seating and optional umbrellas for shade.

The indoor dining area is comfortable with fans and air conditioning, staffed by attentive personnel. Breakfast is included with the stay, and the food is homemade and delicious.

Initially, we stayed in a beautiful room without a desk, but the staff kindly offered us a larger room with a desk for work. The room featured stunning views of the lake, a balcony with seating, and a comfortable mattress — a welcome change from the typically firmer beds we had experienced in India.

Each room is uniquely decorated with handmade or handpainted art, including beautiful glass artwork that catches the morning sunlight.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Shivika, one of the owners. She shared that the concept of the house originated from her parents, who wanted a peaceful home outside the city near the lake. About 15-20 years ago, they found this serene location next to a jungle and decided to build the house.

Udaipur is known as the "Venice of the East" and is famous for its white marble, which explains the predominance of white buildings in the city. The hotel itself is built with this heritage in mind.

The hotel remains exclusive, with the restaurant open only to guests, ensuring a quiet and peaceful dining experience.

The hotel was one of the first to be built in this rural area, which was previously dotted with cottages. Its presence has encouraged others to build homes here, contributing to the area's growth.

The exclusivity of the hotel, with only eight rooms, guarantees a tranquil atmosphere even when fully booked.

We enjoyed exploring the city, appreciating the cooler climate and the vibrant local life. The hotel owners are active on social media under the name Bourj Paneria.

After a restful night, we planned to visit the famous monkey temple and try more local delicacies. We look forward to sharing more about our favorite places to visit and eat in Udaipur in upcoming posts.

Our stay at Ona Hill in Udaipur was a unique and luxurious experience marked by stunning views, exceptional hospitality, and a peaceful environment. The blend of traditional charm and modern comfort made it a perfect retreat. We highly recommend this exclusive hotel for travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity in Udaipur.