Soha Ali Khan’s Peaceful New Year Retreat Near Udaipur

Soha Ali Khan chose to welcome 2026 far from the usual glitter and noise of New Year’s Eve. No champagne towers, sequined gowns, or crowded countdowns — instead, she embraced the quiet of forests, birdsong, and stillness. Alongside husband Kunal Kemmu and daughter Inaaya, she began the year in the wooded outskirts of Udaipur, where time slows down and nature takes center stage.

The family stayed at Chunda Shikar Odui, an exclusive wilderness resort tucked inside protected forest land. Here, mornings unfold gently, evenings remain distraction‑free, and the true luxury lies in silence and seclusion. Villas cost upwards of ₹1.5 lakh per night, offering guests not just comfort but the rare privilege of unplanned hours.

After a simple Christmas, Rajasthan provided exactly what the family seemed to seek — calm and space. Though only twenty minutes from the airport, the resort feels worlds away from routine life. On Instagram, Soha shared glimpses of their stay: slow walks, uncomplicated meals, and quiet pauses. Her posts also highlighted the importance of forest conservation, resonating with a growing shift in luxury travel toward sustainability.

A Retreat Rooted in Heritage

Spread across 150 hectares, Chunda Shikar Odui overlooks a serene lake framed by hills and dense woodland. Inspired by royal hunting lodges of Mewar and designed by Thakur Ghanshyam Singhji of Thana, the property blends heritage with comfort. Hand‑painted walls, antique furniture, and textured ceilings create a sense of history without feeling like a museum.

Guests immediately notice the absence of noise. No city hum, no background music — just mornings filled with birds and nights under open skies. From certain points, Udaipur’s skyline is visible, a distant reminder of civilisation that never intrudes.

Suites, Villas, and the Price of Solitude

Accommodation is intentionally limited. Eight spacious suites, each around 900 square feet, feature lake‑facing bathrooms with deep soak tubs. Current listings place them at about ₹70,800 per person per night, inclusive of meals.

The highlight is the private pool villa — nearly 5,000 square feet with a large living area, two bedrooms, and balconies overlooking water and forest. Guests can swim in complete privacy, surrounded only by nature. Prices hover around ₹1.53 lakh per person per night, with meals included.

Wildlife in Its Natural Rhythm

Safaris in open jeeps offer authentic glimpses of the forest. Leopards, jackals, porcupines, pythons, and langurs inhabit the area. Sightings are never guaranteed, keeping the experience genuine. This forest forms part of a wider wildlife corridor around Udaipur, giving conservation efforts real significance.

Birds, Water, and Slow Hours

Birdwatchers find delight at Menar Lake, protected by local villagers. Peacocks, bulbuls, and cormorants thrive here, making it a rare example of community‑led conservation. Back at the resort, boating and catch‑and‑release fishing provide calm, responsible recreation.

Trails, Stars, and Local Culture

Guided walks reveal forest details — native plants, animal tracks, and ecological rhythms. At night, the absence of light pollution turns stargazing into a spectacle, with telescopes tracing constellations.

Cultural touches include horse riding on Marwari horses, pottery workshops with village artisans, and immersive village walks that focus on conversation rather than display.

For Soha Ali Khan and her family, choosing Chunda Shikar Odui was more than a holiday. It was a statement — stepping away from noise and embracing nature. Their New Year began not with resolutions but with stillness, proving that sometimes the most luxurious way to welcome time is to let it arrive quietly.