Extensively touring Rajasthan in Feb2007 over 4weeks with my much better 3/4th (my wife of 20 yrs!), we criss-crossed the starkly beautiful landscape of contrasts, beginning with Jaipur, driving over 2500kms thru Shekhawati regions (Samode, Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Dhundlod) , thru Bikaner/Gajner, Kheechan, Phalodi, Jaisalmer/Sam, Ludurva, Ajmer, Pushkar, Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur, Devigarh, Khejarla, Jodhpur and finally Udaipur! One word tour summary: Mind Blowing!
While it would be a tad unfair to most other experiences such as a romantic dinner on Valentines Day atop Meharangarh Terrace, or the solar powered boat ride thru Gajner lake forest, or even the great meal at Fort Devigarh (of Eklavya fame) or the thousands of Demosielle Cranes flying overhead at Kheechan...and many more such, two places find special mention in heart & mind.
FORT KHEJARLA: (top pic)
Constructed in 1611 A.D. for Thakur Gopal Das Ji, who was granted ‘jagir’ (fiefdoms) of Khejarla for his great feat in war. He bravely defended the frontiers of Marwar against the Mughals. Khejarla then was one of the most important jagirs and Nobles enjoyed the highest status amongst the most trusted in the Court of Marwar.
This majestic fort is for the tourist wishing to step back in time. Deep in the heart of the Desert State of Rajasthan, this Heritage property is now completely renovated with modern, contemporary and luxurious facilities with the heritage touch.
Blending past elegance with modern day amenities, Fort Khejarla serves as one of the finest small heritage hotels in Rajasthan. A stay at the hotel is guaranteed to be an experience of this lifetime.
Mount atop granite boulders, the fort rises like a sunbeam from the desert. The stunning red sandstone of Khejarla Fort, over 400 years old, is a mesmerizing example of the architecture of the Rajputs. The rugged exterior contradicts an inner paradise with a striking blend of art and architecture leaving you spellbound! The engaging grandeur of the Fort offers picturesque settings, all round views of the vast plains, lattice work friezes and intricate jharokas which at once transports you back in time to experience the majesty of a long-gone era of valour and chivalry. Walking up ramparts, staying in well renovated rooms, set in fort turrets, gives one a high! 85 kms east of Jodhpur, the hour long drive to Fort Khejarla, is comfortable.
CASTLE MANDAWA: (bottom pic)
If the desert blooms in a burst of colours, it is easily in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan where every home (usually called havelis) is adorned with painted murals, carved doorways in the otherwise arid landscape. Traditionally this was the stronghold of Rao Shekhaji, who founded the dynasty here & gave it his name.
Mandawa was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here form China & Mid-East. Rajput ruler Thakur Nawal Singh built this fort in 1755 to protect this outpost. When the carvan traffic eased late 18th century, traders created business setups elsewhere, but returned to mandawa to build great havelis & castles. Poddar Haveli, Castle Mandawa, Nawalgarh fort, Samode havelis are testimony to the affluence this region enjoyed.
Castle Mandawa has all the modern amenities yet enveloped in the charm of the old world replete with hospitality that makes you check out unwantingly.
Easy access north of Jaipur (200kms). Or a direct drive from Delhi (250kms).
Constructed in 1611 A.D. for Thakur Gopal Das Ji, who was granted ‘jagir’ (fiefdoms) of Khejarla for his great feat in war. He bravely defended the frontiers of Marwar against the Mughals. Khejarla then was one of the most important jagirs and Nobles enjoyed the highest status amongst the most trusted in the Court of Marwar.
This majestic fort is for the tourist wishing to step back in time. Deep in the heart of the Desert State of Rajasthan, this Heritage property is now completely renovated with modern, contemporary and luxurious facilities with the heritage touch.
Blending past elegance with modern day amenities, Fort Khejarla serves as one of the finest small heritage hotels in Rajasthan. A stay at the hotel is guaranteed to be an experience of this lifetime.
Mount atop granite boulders, the fort rises like a sunbeam from the desert. The stunning red sandstone of Khejarla Fort, over 400 years old, is a mesmerizing example of the architecture of the Rajputs. The rugged exterior contradicts an inner paradise with a striking blend of art and architecture leaving you spellbound! The engaging grandeur of the Fort offers picturesque settings, all round views of the vast plains, lattice work friezes and intricate jharokas which at once transports you back in time to experience the majesty of a long-gone era of valour and chivalry. Walking up ramparts, staying in well renovated rooms, set in fort turrets, gives one a high! 85 kms east of Jodhpur, the hour long drive to Fort Khejarla, is comfortable.
CASTLE MANDAWA: (bottom pic)
If the desert blooms in a burst of colours, it is easily in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan where every home (usually called havelis) is adorned with painted murals, carved doorways in the otherwise arid landscape. Traditionally this was the stronghold of Rao Shekhaji, who founded the dynasty here & gave it his name.
Mandawa was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here form China & Mid-East. Rajput ruler Thakur Nawal Singh built this fort in 1755 to protect this outpost. When the carvan traffic eased late 18th century, traders created business setups elsewhere, but returned to mandawa to build great havelis & castles. Poddar Haveli, Castle Mandawa, Nawalgarh fort, Samode havelis are testimony to the affluence this region enjoyed.
Castle Mandawa has all the modern amenities yet enveloped in the charm of the old world replete with hospitality that makes you check out unwantingly.
Easy access north of Jaipur (200kms). Or a direct drive from Delhi (250kms).
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