Redefining heritage

Reinventing a segment while remaining custodians of heritage is a challenging yet fulfilling task, says Padmaja Kumari Mewar, joint MD of HRH Group of Hotels. By Neeti Mehra

Padmaja Kumari Mewar Joint MD HRH Group of Hotels

Upbeat about the buzz surrounding tourism, Padmaja Kumari Mewar says, "There can be no denying the fact that these are the best of times for tourism." Globally and in India, luxury and business travel is on the upswing. "Heritage tourism in Rajasthan and India is witnessing a period of tremendous growth and consolidation. New tourism products and offerings are making atithis (guests) experience different facets of Incredible India," says the princess emphatically.

Focus India

HRH Group of Hotels, Udaipur, has given a unique flavour to heritage tourism by the 'regal experiences' offered to guests. "Our strategy and focus has evolved around making guests truly experience the original in the abode of kings," she says, adding, "The challenge for us is to maintain and keep alive this original character while embellishing it with modern facilities and services on par with the best in the world. The key is to make possible 21st century hospitality in 16th century palaces. This indeed is our USP." The revitalised Jagmandir - the palace on the island on Lake Pichola - which today is a sought-after heritage venue in India for wedding ceremonies and celebrations, is also a preferred heritage site, she points out. "We have to understand the emotions and feelings of the families involved and so create the ambience that enhances the entire experience for them. Therefore, the décor, the cuisine and the service has to match the ambience. That is the challenge and the learning experience and what you learn here through such events, they don't teach you at any hotel management or business school."

Padmaja believes

Speaking of the custodianship of heritage, she says, "My father Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar being the 76th custodian of the house of Mewar, is deeply conscious of how the 'living heritage' of the 1500-year-old house of Mewar is being perpetuated in the 21st century - 'Eternal Mewar'." This concept provides a seamless experience of heritage tourism, edutainment, adventure and spirituality at the City Palace Complex in Udaipur. "The challenge for us is to keep alive this rich heritage and make it meaningful and relevant for 21st century global citizens. In fact, the internet is only making our world smaller. It is a huge opportunity to connect like-minded people who share the same roots or the same thoughts," she says.

Efforts have been made to keep the historical legacy of the last 1,500 years intact, and is displayed and exhibited. For instance, the Mewar sound and light show at the museum is a one-of-a-kind show organised in the private sector. The princess believes that in the years ahead, Udaipur will continue to be known as a heritage-city with sustainable developmental programmes. HRH Hotels has undertaken the Mewar Solar Cell and other eco-friendly initiatives to preserve the region's eco-heritage. “This is integral, as without which heritage tourism is not only made fragile and superficial but also incomplete," she concludes.