Udaipur mourns the loss of Arvind Singh Mewar, a scion of the Mewar royal family and a visionary leader in the hospitality sector. The 81-year-old chairman of the HRH Group of Hotels passed away on Sunday at his residence in the iconic City Palace, Udaipur, following a prolonged illness.
Arvind Singh Mewar, a descendant of the legendary Rajput king Maharana Pratap, transformed heritage hospitality in India. Under his leadership, the HRH Group of Hotels evolved into a professionally managed organization, offering luxury experiences while preserving the grandeur of India’s royal history. The group’s portfolio includes some of Rajasthan’s most celebrated heritage properties, including the Shiv Niwas Palace and Fateh Prakash Palace.
Educated at Mayo College, Ajmer, and trained in hotel management in the UK and the US, Mewar’s global exposure shaped his vision for blending tradition with modernity. He worked in Chicago before returning to India, where he redefined the concept of heritage tourism. By restoring royal palaces and converting them into world-class hotels, he positioned Udaipur as a leading destination for luxury travelers.
His contributions extended beyond hospitality. As chairman of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, he spearheaded initiatives to preserve Mewar’s rich cultural legacy. His efforts to combine luxury with cultural authenticity resonated with international travelers and positioned Udaipur on the global tourism map.
Mewar’s dynamic personality extended into sports and aviation. An accomplished cricketer, he captained Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy during the 1940s and later formed a professional polo team that won the prestigious President’s Cup in 1991. His passion for aviation led him to complete solo flights across India in a microlight aircraft.
Arvind Singh Mewar is survived by his wife, Vijayraj Kumari, his son, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, and daughters, Bhargavi Kumari Mewar and Padmaja Kumari Parmar. His passing leaves a significant void in the hospitality and tourism industry, but his legacy continues through the HRH Group of Hotels and the cultural preservation efforts he championed.
As a mark of respect, the Udaipur City Palace, one of India’s most iconic tourist attractions, remained closed to visitors on Sunday and Monday. His funeral is set to take place on Monday, and the hospitality community mourns the loss of a true pioneer who elevated India’s heritage tourism to global prominence.
