Around JAIPUR

Samode

Samode Palace /  Samode Bagh

The truly remarkable success story in Rajasthan. The property shines with the labour of love Yadvendra has put in restoring his ancestral castle. Since the Palace is mostly full, be prepared to stay in the delightful camp at Samode Bagh.

Sariska Palace

A paradise lost revived by the painstaking efforts of Ranjit Singhji. His next venture at Kuchaman should feature in this list soon.

Desert Resort

In another tale of wonderful perseverance, Les Freres Manadawa, Kesari and Randhir,  have made Mandawa the example all other heritage properties must follow in Rajasthan. The Mandawa Castle is the choice place for tourists, but for rest and rejuvenation, climb up the dune to this authentic recreation of a Rajasthani village.

Pushkar Resort

Even in the hullabaloo of the annual Pushkar cattle fair, this resort, with its azure pool as a centerpiece, is a calm oasis.

Ramgarh Lodge

Check if the lake is full. Apart from the property’s range of activities, there is also a polo club nearby if you wish to catch up on your riding. If you’re lucky you may bump into the Princess of Udaipur and her polo-wiz husband, who run the place.

Francis Wacziarg and Aman Nath put to good use their Mandawa experience in restoring Neemrana. But now they have come up with Fort Kesroli in a quiet location but still close enough to Alwar and Sariska to provide you with some interesting excursions.

Around UDAIPUR

A calm, quite place in an Indian city. Sounds like a contradiction of terms? The city of Udaipur has grown up to reach around Shikarbadi, but the place still has the feel of being the setting of a boar hunt. In the dazzling array of properties that the Udaipur royal family has, this property remains a lesser-known jewel.

After her efforts with Neemrana, Lekha Poddar makes her mark again with this restoration of the Delwara Fort. Commanding the countryside, the Fort has panoramic views. The facilities are on par with the best resorts in the world. Watch out for Ms Poddar’s next property at Ajaibgarh next.

Sitting on the spine of the Arravalli range, Deogarh is worth a visit just for its location. Another superb heritage property. Being able to meet up with the family, who actively run the property, is a huge plus.

The genius of Mahendra Singhji Ghanerao for having selected this location should be recorded for posterity. The hills, the forest, an imposing fort (Kumbhalgarh) next doors, a sanctuary, a peerless Jain temple (Ranakpur) in trekking distance – this place has what no other place has in Rajasthan.

Nestled between the Arravalli ranges and the vast deserts of Rajasthan, this property, managed by Swaroop Singhji of Ajit Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur fame, is another alternate in this area to serve as a staging stop for a visit to Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur.

Around JODHPUR

The beautifully restored garden palace on Balsamand lake is a sight for sore eyes in the parched desert landscape of Jodhpur. The suite wing overlooking the lake is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Rajasthan. The property is owned and managed by the Royal family of Jodhpur.

Located on a marble bluff overlooking a lake (depending on the rain), this small art-deco gem is surrounded by acrea of a nature reserve. The property is owned and managed by the Royal family of Jodhpur.

Given the run of the place, Gajendra has thrown himself into making his ancestral property as complete a resort as any in Rajasthan. Best base camp for exploring the unspoiled desert in the heart of Rajasthan. Best place to stay in for a visit to the Nagaur Fair.

The warmth and homeliness of this property reflects the deeply unassuming nature of the father-son duo of Manvendra Singhji and Siddarth. An ideal place to mingle with the local people as this family has done a commendable job of bringing the benefits of tourism to the local people.

This striking red-sandstone building has been tastefully redone by Rajkumar Vikram Singhji and provides a good base to explore the culture and people of the desert.

Moti Singh has turned his family farm surroundings, hundreds of miles from any of Rajasthan well known destinations, into a destination worth visiting for its isolation and the true feel of the desert that it provides.

Around Bikaner

Bikaner

Gajner Palace

Again proving his astute ability to pick unique properties, Arvind Singhji Mewar has created another enchanting oasis. Literally, the property is an oasis with a lake and thick vegetation, which is home to teeming wildlife. Figuratively, this property is a cultural oasis best brings alive the royal retreats of the Raj era in this MNC era.