Manisha Gupta, SNS
The Dowlat Villas Palace complex was built about 100 years ago by Maharaj Man Singh, the second son of H.H.Maharaja Dowlat Singh of Idar. Inspired by the royal family’s visit to Trafalgar Square in London, the palatial property is built in British colonial style with columns designed like those of Trafalgar Square. The huge palace has now been divided into three parts between three brothers.
When I heard about this property from IFEA founder Anil Mulchandani, I decided to take the SNS members here for lunch. Out of the three properties, I selected Dowlat Villas Palace – The Heritage because of its car museum. We reached the property in about 1 ½ hours, enjoying the journey together.
We were received by Geetanjali and Karni Singh. They showed us all the antique, royal paintings, historic photographs, and heritage stuff in the property. The group was amazed to see the collection of classic cars and buggies. We started with art activities using Camlin kits. The Madhbhani-style Radha Krishna painting competition was judged by Gitanjali Kumari.
We enjoyed lunch with family specialties like:
A paneer dish inspired by laal maas
Dum cauliflower
Pickle aloo
Daal – A- La Man Singh
Vegetarian pulao
Rooafza firni and missi roti or pumpkin Halwa with Rabri
Gitanjali Kumari told us the recipes are from her mother-in-law who was from Uttar Pradesh, other family members from Karauli in Rajasthan, etc, so each dish is different in taste and looks.
Everyone was impressed by the property and touched by the hospitality of the owners.
I would recommend Dowlat Villas Palace for a royal retreat just 1 1/2 hours from Ahmedabad.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A cooking expert, Manisha Gupta runs SNS cooking classes from 1994.
