Bal Samand Lake Palace, Jodhpur
& Bal Samand Garden Retreat, Jodhpur
Stone's
throw away from the ancient capital of Marwar, Mandore, and only 8
km from the city-center of Jodhpur, Bal Samand is a world away from
the hustle and bustle of modern life. The lake was engineered in the
12th Century but the exquisite red sand-stone palace came later; it
was built by Maharaja Jaswant Singh I of Jodhpur in the 17th Century,
at the very zenith of Rathore Rule under the umbrella of the Mughal
Empire. Set in a private estate of over 60 Acres, with sprawling orchards
of lime and pomegranate and landscaped gardens criss-crossed by elegant
waterways and even a aqueduct, the palace with its lovely promenade
on the lake, was always more than just a residence; a pleasure palace
in the finest Mughal tradition of the picnic.
Sardar Samand Palace, Pali
Built
on the banks of a beautiful lake by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933,
The Sardar Samand Palace is a magnificent Art Deco hunting lodge.
It remains the Royal Family's favorite retreat and houses a vast collection
of African trophies and original water-colors by Snaffles. The palace
has its own Oriental Garden, boat-house, swimming pool, tennis and
squash courts and its large grounds along the lake make for delightful
walks. The lake itself is a bird-watcher's paradise...
Maharani Bagh Orchard, Ranakpur
The
Maharani Bagh, Queen's Garden, was gifted to his Maharani by Maharaja
Takhat Singh of Jodhpur in the 19th Century. Beautifully located at
the foot of the thickly forested Aravalli Hills that divided the former
kingdoms of Jodhpur and Udaipur, Maharani Bagh remains essentially
a fruit orchard. Acres and acres of mango, lime, pomegranate... give
way to clusters of lovely little cottages and intimate gardens in
full bloom. There is a machaan with a spectacular view of the hills
and the central dining area is a charming "village" courtyard
complete with thatched roofs and delicious Rajasthani cuisine.There
are eighteen rooms in all, some air-conditioned, and with most of
them on a twin plan in a "cottage", Maharani Bagh is an
idyllic family retreat, as indeed it remains for the Royal Family
of Jodhpur. Some of the rooms look on to the swimming pool and the
badminton and tennis courts are a short walk away.
Connaught House , Mount Abu
The
Connaught House is a charming "typical english" cottage
tucked away in a quiet and peaceful fold of lovely Mount Abu, once
the Summer Capital of Rajputana. The private property of the Maharaja
of Jodhpur, it was used by Jodhpur's last English Chief Minister,
Sir Donald Field, in the 1930s and 40s. With an exquisite little garden,
Connaught House is a perfect family retreat; an ideal base from which
to explore the forests and visit the sensational Dilwara Jain Temples.
The beautiful Nakki Lake is only a short drive away.There are fourteen
comfortable, air-cooled rooms divided between the old cottage and
a new wing built by the present Maharaja of Jodhpur.
Royal Camp, Pushkar
The
Nag Pahar, the Snake Mountain, separates Pushkar from Ajmer, only
11 km to the north-west. It is an enchanting little town on the banks
of a sacred lake which, together with its extremely rare Lord Bramha
Temple, makes it one of the most important pilgrimages in Rajasthan.
The Royal Camp at Pushkar takes place during the famous Pushkar Horse
and Camel Fair and Festival of Brahma in October/November every year,
the exact date ascertained according to the Indian lunar calendar.The
traditional 'shikar' style camp consists of elegant and luxurious
twin bedded tents with verandahs with deck-chairs in front and attached
bathrooms with running hot water at the back; a spacious Mughal design
Dining Tent; a charming Recreation Tent which serves as a lounge;
and a huge bonfire every evening.
Royal Camp, Nagaur
The
Royal Camp at Nagaur is pitched on an old polo ground within the historic
walls of the Ahichattragarh Fort, a spectacular Rajput-Mughal bastion
that dates as far back as the 5th Century. The tents themselves are
stylish and luxurious, with attached baths, and the surroundings;
a unique complex of magnificent palaces, airy pavilions and intricate
waterways; truly magical. The Emperor Akbar visited Ahichattragarh
more than once and to dine at his Akbari Mahal with candlelight and
live music is an experience rare even for Rajasthan.
The Fair The best time to camp in Nagaur is during the famous annual
live-stock fair, second only to the Pushkar Fair; in fact, perhaps
in some ways superior to Pushkar because it is as yet "unspoilt".
Thousands of camels and horses, and the famed Nagori Bull, which of
all the Indian strains most resembles the one on the Mohenjodaro Seal,
camp around the city which becomes a veritable market those few days.
It is Rajasthan at its best and brightest.
Royal Camp, Mool Sagar - Jaisalmer
Mool
Sagar combines the best of both worlds and provides an oasis in the
golden desert sands just 9 kms. (6 miles) from the legendary fort
of Jaisalmer. Created by Maharawal Mool Raj II in 1780 A.D., Mool
Sagar is a true royal pleasure garden. Its delicate stone pavilions
and fountains provide an exquisite setting for the luxurious Royal
Jodhpur Tents.
Eighteen spacious tents, handmade by traditional artisans, recreate
the early 20th century camps of the Jodhpur Maharajas, but with 21st
century amenities. Each tent has an ensuite bathroom and a private
verandah, and is air-cooled or heated, depending on how the desert
winds blow.
Leave the desert behind as you enter Mool Sagar through the mehtab
bagh (moonlit garden) of fragrant white flowers. Enjoy breakfast,
lunch and dinner in the carved pavilions, or at a spectacular historic
stepwell in the desert. Relax under the midnight blue desert sky,
and be entertained by fine local artists. A swimming pool, shop, and
small business center are on site, and desert dune trips, camel safaris,
and local sightseeing can be arranged.
