Orchard Palace

This 19th-century, ruby-red palace in enchanting Gondal was built for friends of the royal family. Staying here, you feel as if you, too, are personal guests of the maharaja. Now a seven-room heritage hotel, Orchard Palace (named after the property’s lime, chikoo and mango groves) is as grand inside as it is out. Two magnificent drawing rooms are stuffed with family portraits and treasures from all over the world – ornate mirrors, rich-hued rugs, animal sculptures, a butterfly collection, wildlife drawings, zebra skins and even a stuffed leopard. The suites are also fit for royalty: original paintings, quirky vases and lamps, velvet chaise-longues and polished furniture. You can even stay in the maharajas’ old rail saloon in the garden, which has its own drawing room and dining room. Cheery staff members, dressed in smart uniforms and military hats, serve you the same food as the royal family at a banquet table surrounded by antique Chinaware, clocks and candelabra. Menu highlights include the cheese soufflé, fried okra, stuffed baby aubergine from the organic vegetable garden, fragrant saffron rice and, of course, the decadent dark chocolate mousse.