In 2018, we were on a road trip to Delhi when we came across upon a small town called Himatnagar, near Ahmedabad. We planned to take a quick rest stop before continuing on our journey. Obviously, we weren’t expecting much from the hotel and were simply looking for a clean place to stay the night. To our greatest surprise we saw a palace in this unheard town.
The palace in Himatnagar had a beautiful entry with vintage cars parked in an open garage. I was so intrigued by this stunning white palace that I was eager to meet the owners. So that evening on my request we sat down with the owners to hear their story. We sat late into the night and he mentioned, so many students studying and interested in history have visited him because our history books in school do not talk about stories of the ever so brave rajputs that have fought many a battles inspite of being great warriors.
What amazed me is the amount of glorious wealth and the glamorous lifestyles back in the days found in every small town of this country. Some of our wealth is now to be found at the Buckingham Palace in London. Yes, it’s all ours!. And I thought what if we gathered all the princely state families, set up a conference exhibition and open it up for the world to see, I think it will be the greatest stories on this planet. Am I getting carried away? Totally not! And why? Because my uncle is the owner of Gogunda Palace located in Gogunda, another small town near Udaipur, which is also steeped in history and has been beautifully restored as a heritage hotel.
The Small Town of Gogunda
Gogunda is a small town located around 45 mins from Udaipur. It holds historical significance as it was a temporary capital of Mewar when Uday Singh shifted his base here from Chittorgarh in 1571. There are quite a few Hindu and Jain temples around Gogunda which are around 600 years old. It is also home to a couple of historical monuments such as the Rajtilak Sthal of Maharana Pratap, canopy of Udai Singh and a famous Lord Ganesha Temple. During the British Raj, Gogunda was the seat of a feudal estate. The estate was part of the princely state of Mewar.
It is truly incredible to think about how the small towns of India are like hidden gems, each one holding a treasure trove of history and stories waiting to be uncovered. These towns are a testament to the richness and diversity of India’s past.
The Battle Of Haldighati
The battle of Haldighati was fought on 18th June 1576, between Maharana Pratap and Man Singh who was the head of Akbar’s army. The battle took place around 23 kms from Gogunda. The Mughals and the Rajputs put up a brave fight in which the Rajputs faced a glorious defeat. Maharana Pratap was wounded and was helped to escape by his brave and loyal horse ‘Chetak’. He took shelter in a small town ‘Koliyari’, a hilly town, west of Gogunda. However, In 1579, Maharana Pratap was able to recover most of the lost territory from the Mughals.
The Coronation Of Maharana Pratap
After the death of Rana Udai Singh II in 1572, his son Rana Pratap was coronated as the king of Mewar at Gogunda Palace.
As the sun casts its golden rays over the majestic landscape, dignitaries from far and wide converged upon Gogunda Palace. Maharana Pratap, adorned in regal attire befitting his illustrious lineage, stood poised to ascend the throne and assume his rightful place as the ruler of Mewar. But for Maharana Pratap the crown was a symbol of responsibility that he embraced with unwavering determination and resolve.
And so, as the echoes of the coronation ceremony faded into the distance, Gogunda Palace bore witness to the dawn of a new era-a chapter in history defined by the courage and conviction of one man whose legacy continues to inspire and resonate this day.
Gogunda Palace Hotel
Gogunda Palace, now transformed into a captivating heritage hotel, boasts 40 uniquely designed rooms, each with its own distinct charm and character. Some are simple yet elegant while others have beautiful paintings on walls depicting the lifestyles of kings and queens. The rooms are an enchanting combination of mural work, wood work, art and paintings of medieval Mewari architecture. They are large, comfortable and colourful with some having a living room and bedrooms. Each room has woody antique style furniture blending into a heritage look and feel.
Stepping into these enchanting rooms, you will be greeted by a symphony of colours and textures, blending seamlessly with the heritage ambience. Narrow winding staircases lead to rooms on the higher floors, while an aesthetically installed lift offers convenience without compromising the original structure’s integrity. And while the palaces secret passages and escape routes may remain closed, their existence adds to the mystique and allure of this magnificent palace. Indeed, Gogunda Palace stands as a testament to the magnificence and grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal heritage.
The Maharana Pratap Suite
Step into the opulent Maharana Pratap Suite at Gogunda Palace, and you will find yourself transported back in time to an era of royal splendour and extravagance. This luxurious suite offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of kings and queens, immersing guests into the grandeur of Mewar’s rich cultural heritage.
Ornate furnishings and intricate woodwork adorn the spacious living area, evoking the majestic ambience of a bygone era. Rich fabrics and sumptuous textiles drape the furniture, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication.
The suite is an architectural marvel with a large Jacuzzi on the terrace which will truly make you feel royal. The room has paintings of Krishna and gopis and the ceiling is painted with Rajasthani folk dancers. The suite has two terraces with views of the Aravalli hills and Gogunda village.
In the Maharana Pratap Suite, luxury knows no bounds, offering guests an opportunity to experience the timeless allure of royal legacy.
Bougainvillea Bar and Heritage Quarter
Gogunda palace boasts two expansive courtyards and several open spaces where guests can meander and lose themselves in the palace’s timeless charm.
The centerpiece of relaxation is the temperature-controlled pool, serene oasis in the heart of the palace. Adjacent to the pool lies the Bougainvillea Bar, offering a perfect spot to unwind with a refreshing drink while soaking in the tranquil ambience.
As dusk descends, the terrace beckons, offering a front-row seat to nature’s grand spectacle- the breathtaking sunset painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson. With cost seating arrangements dotting the terrace, guests can linger and savour the magical moment, enveloped in the warm embrace of the evening breeze.
For culinary delights, the Heritage Quarter restaurant awaits, where guests can embark on a gastronomic journey through the flavours of Mewari cuisine. From traditional delicacies to delectable continental and Indian fare, every dish is crafted with love. Some recipes are even curated by the talented hands of my aunt who is a great cook herself, adding a personal touch to the dining experience and ensuring a feast for royalty.
A three night stay with family and friends is totally worth an experience. From the moment you arrive, you will be captivated by the grandeur of Gogunda Palace, with its ornate architecture and sprawling courtyards. It is more than just a vacation-it’s a journey through Mewar’s rich cultural heritage. So gather your family and friends, and prepare to create memories that will last a lifetime in this regal retreat.
Other Related Post : Kumbhalgarh Fort – The Wall Of India
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