Pehle Gujarat Dekho

Dowlat Villas Palace – The Heritage

North Gujarat, Gujarat, India

A collection of meticulously restored vintage and classic cars, carriages, a motorboat, and other vehicles.

The property houses family memorabilia and antique furniture.

A lush mango orchard surrounds the estate.
The palatial property sits on expansive grounds, with wings that showcase European and Indian architectural styles, featuring arches, cupolas, and rooftop pavilions. A grand portico with European columns marks the entrance, leading to a high-ceilinged hall adorned with family portraits and heirlooms. The columns, inspired by Maharaj Man Singhji’s visit to Trafalgar Square in England, reflect his royal influence. Located in the historic town of Himmatnagar, the property is steeped in heritage.

History

The property was built in the early 20th century by Maharaj Man Singhji of Idar, son of H.H. Maharaja Dowlat Singhji. It is owned by Maharaj Narendra Singhji, son of the late Maharaj Umegsinghji Mansinghji of Idar. The family still resides on the estate, with part of it converted into a homestay. Their son Karni Singh and his wife, Geetanjali Devi, manage the homestay.
HTA Exclusive: A welcome drink for you when you book through HTA website.
By Air: The nearest airport to the Dowlat Vilas Palace The Heritage is Ahmedabad International Airport, approximately 130 kilometres away. HTA and the hotel concierge can arrange a private transfer to and from the airport for you.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the Himmatnagar Railway Station, approximately 2 kilometres away
By Road: Himmatnagar is well-connected by road. Major cities like Ahmedabad are accessible by car via national and state highways.
Rooms: The homestay offers well-furnished suites and rooms featuring Victorian and Art Deco furniture and heritage executive rooms. With 11 rooms, the hotel is surrounded by spacious lawns, verandas, and open areas, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Restaurants: The family’s culinary offerings are a delightful fusion of flavours from various princely states, reflecting their rich matrimonial history. Their menus feature exquisite dishes passed down through generations, each a testament to the unique culinary traditions of the regions they have been connected to.

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The Vintage & Classic Car Museum

The property's garages have been transformed into a vehicle museum showcasing vintage and classic cars, carriages, memorabilia, and boats. Highlights include a 1948 Pontiac Silver Streak Torpedo, a 1941 Cadillac, a 1947 Buick, a 1953 Buick Special Series (possibly the only one in Gujarat), a 1957 Dodge Kingsway and more.

72. Dowlat Villas Palace - The Heritage is set in Himmatnagar-min

Property Tour

The family proudly presents their collection of royal artefacts, including portraits, photographs, Idar state postal revenue stamps, coins, swords, and other princely relics. A highlight of the collection is Maharaj Umegsinghji's impressive array of 24 government medals and decorations awarded for his exceptional service to the Home Guards and civil defence.

69. The orchard and gardens-min

Mango Orchard

Within the heritage hotel grounds, a one-acre mango orchard features the Idar Ratna, a special mango graft created for the former Maharaja of Idar, Himmat Singh. Developed to his taste, this mango has ultra-thin skin, a sweet and pulpy interior with minimal fibre, and a dark orange colour rich in beta-carotene. Guests can enjoy tasting this unique mango during the summer months.

HTA Exclusive: A welcome drink for you when you book through HTA website.

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