Delwara, Rajasthan: The Town of Gods & RAAS Devigarh
About Delwara
Just 28 kilometres north of the bustling, romantic lakes of Udaipur, the terrain shifts into the quiet, undulating folds of the Aravalli range. Here, perched on a scenic hilltop, lies Delwara. Historically referred to as the "Town of the Gods", Delwara is a living museum characterized by dense clusters of intricately carved temples, narrow winding streets, and a profound sense of serenity.
While most tourists rush straight to Udaipur's City Palace, those who venture into Delwara discover a community deeply rooted in its heritage and arts. The town seamlessly blends spiritual history—manifested in its magnificent marble Jain temples—with progressive social development, driven by local NGOs empowering women through traditional crafts. Dominating the skyline of this quiet village is the 18th-century fortress of Devigarh, making Delwara an unmissable stop for slow travelers and architecture enthusiasts.
Delwara Quick Facts
Location: Aravalli Hills (approx. 28 km from Udaipur)
Known for: Jain temples, Palera Talab lake, and heritage walks
Main attraction: The 18th-century RAAS Devigarh Palace
Luxury Stay: RAAS Devigarh
Cultural Highlight: Local artisan empowerment by NGOs like Sadhna
Recommended visit: 2 Days as an alternative to staying inside Udaipur
Best accessible from: Udaipur (approx. 40 minutes by road)
Why Visit Delwara?
- The Town of Gods: Delwara was once home to hundreds of shrines. Today, you can explore the stunning marble Jain temples dedicated to Rishabhdev and Parshvanath, boasting carvings that rival the famous temples of Ranakpur.
- Palera Talab: The village entrance is marked by this scenic 19th-century reservoir. Edged with beautiful domed chhatris (cenotaphs), it remains a vital water source and a picturesque gathering spot for locals.
- Responsible Tourism: Delwara is an excellent place to witness rural upliftment. Organizations like Seva Mandir and Sadhna work actively in the village to provide livelihoods through traditional patchwork and embroidery.
- The Perfect Udaipur Basecamp: It offers the luxury of retreating to a quiet, pollution-free hilltop environment while keeping the major sights of Udaipur easily accessible via a 40-minute day trip.
RAAS Devigarh: A Masterpiece of Minimalist Luxury
Rising like a pastel-yellow mirage over the village of Delwara is RAAS Devigarh. This 18th-century fort-palace (originally built in 1760) is globally celebrated as one of India's most extraordinary luxury boutique hotels. What makes Devigarh unique is the startling contrast between its exterior and interior.
While the outside features imposing ramparts, domes, and turrets, stepping through the gates reveals an interior of gleaming white marble, sheer glass, and sleek contemporary minimalism. It is an aesthetic rarity in Rajasthan, carefully curated to evoke a sense of calm, uncluttered luxury.
| RAAS Devigarh Highlights | Experience Details |
|---|---|
| The Suites | Spread across 14 levels, the 39 suites feature minimalist design highlighted by semi-precious stone inlays, spacious state-of-the-art marble bathrooms, and sweeping Aravalli views. |
| Wellness & Spa | A dedicated wellness destination offering personalized Ayurvedic diets, yoga, meditation, and treatments using local Rajasthani damascene rose and Mysore sandalwood. |
| Dining | Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine sourced heavily from the hotel's own organic gardens. Dining venues range from the main pavilion to intimate candlelit courtyards and private balconies. |
For more details on suites, spa packages, and direct bookings, visit the official website: RAAS Devigarh Official Website.
Experiences & Local Activities
Delwara encourages guests to slow down and immerse themselves deeply in their surroundings:
- Delwara Heritage Walk: Take a guided stroll through the village. Visit the Indrakund stepwell, the Laxmi Narayan Temple, historic havelis, and see artisans engaged in traditional craftwork.
- Rooftop Yoga: Begin your morning with a guided yoga session on the palace terraces of Devigarh, looking directly out over the misty Aravalli hills.
- Excursions to Eklingji & Nathdwara: Delwara’s location makes it incredibly easy to take short, spiritual day trips to the highly revered Eklingji temple complex (approx. 10 mins away) and Nathdwara.
- Udaipur Day Trips: Enjoy the tranquility of Delwara at night, and take an easy 40-minute drive during the day to explore Udaipur's City Palace and Lake Pichola.
Best Time to Visit
October to March (Winter)
This is universally the best time to visit. The weather is dry, warm during the day, and perfectly comfortable for heritage walks, exploring Udaipur, and enjoying candlelit outdoor dining at the palace.
July to September (Monsoon)
The monsoon season transforms the Aravalli hills into a lush, vivid green paradise. Palera Talab fills with water, and the entire valley takes on a deeply romantic, misty atmosphere. RAAS Devigarh remains open year-round, making this a great time for a quiet wellness retreat.
April to June (Summer)
Temperatures rise significantly from late March onwards, often reaching 38°C. While outdoor sightseeing is limited, this is an excellent time to enjoy the cool, marble interiors and the expansive green marble pool at Devigarh.
How to Reach Delwara
Delwara is exceptionally easy to reach, offering the perfect rural alternative to staying directly in Udaipur.
- By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur is the closest airport (approx. 40 km / 45-60 minutes away). Direct transfers to RAAS Devigarh can be easily arranged.
- By Road: Located just off National Highway 58, Delwara is a smooth 28-kilometre drive from central Udaipur. It is also an excellent stop if you are driving south from Kumbhalgarh or Jodhpur.
- By Train: Udaipur City Railway Station is roughly 30 kilometres away and offers extensive connections to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
Practical Travel Tips
- Explore the Labyrinth: RAAS Devigarh is a sprawling, multi-level maze of terraces, hidden courtyards, and turrets. Spend at least two nights here just to explore the property itself.
- Support Local: When on the village walk, consider purchasing authentic patchwork and embroidery from the local Sadhna artisan center. It directly supports the women of Delwara.
- Pack Layers: The Aravalli hills can get surprisingly chilly during winter evenings. Pack a light jacket or shawl for outdoor dinners.
- Plan a Custom Trip: Let us craft an exceptional Rajasthan itinerary linking Jodhpur, Delwara, and Udaipur. Contact us at enquiry@rajasthantourtrip.com or call +91-7976900625.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Delwara located in Rajasthan?
Delwara is a scenic hilltop town located in the Aravalli hills, approximately 28 kilometres north of Udaipur. It serves as an excellent, tranquil base for exploring the region while avoiding the heavy crowds of the city.
What is RAAS Devigarh?
RAAS Devigarh is a multi-level 18th-century Rajput palace that has been immaculately restored into an all-suite luxury boutique hotel. Its interiors are famously known for their sleek, contemporary, and minimalist white marble design, which contrasts beautifully with the historic, imposing exterior.
Why is Delwara called the "Town of the Gods"?
Historically, Delwara was believed to house hundreds of ancient shrines. Today, it remains a deeply spiritual village, boasting beautifully carved Jain temples—such as those dedicated to Rishabhdev and Parshvanath—that showcase exceptional Mewari craftsmanship.
How far is RAAS Devigarh from the Udaipur Airport?
Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur is roughly a 45-minute to 1-hour drive (approximately 40 km) from RAAS Devigarh in Delwara, making it a highly accessible luxury retreat.
