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Photo of Rawla Narlai

“A renovated 17th-century fortified hunting lodge in an unspoilt area of Rajasthan, half-way between Jodhpur and Udaipur. With exquisite rooms, a sublime swimming pool and the Aravalli Hills on your doorstep, this is a truly magical and relaxing place to stay.”

“A renovated 17th-century fortified hunting lodge in an unspoilt area of Rajasthan, half-way between Jodhpur and Udaipur. With exquisite rooms, a sublime swimming pool and the Aravalli Hills on your doorstep, this is a truly magical and relaxing place to stay.”

Hotel Review

Set in a fortress in the village of Narlai, surrounded by arid lands and massive granite boulders, this idyllic place feels strikingly remote. The only sounds are of birds and temple bells. Once a royal hunting lodge, it was transformed into a chic boutique hotel in 1995. Its style and character (original fort walls and gates, elegant archways and stained-glass windows) hasn’t been lost. There are flowers and ivy carpeting the walls, water features, sun loungers under frangipani trees and a gorgeous swimming pool. The 32 beautiful rooms are all different, the most unusual one being the cosy Queen’s Room, which has low, frescoed ceilings and a balcony overlooking the spectacular 350ft bare granite hill that towers above the hotel. And there’s plenty to do here: you can visit nearby Kumbhalgarh Fort or Ranakpur Temple, go horse-riding or trekking, set out on a jeep safari to spot leopards or explore the local villages. Afterwards, you can enjoy a deep-tissue massage in the tented poolside spa, sip a cocktail in the courtyard and dine on the rooftop. There is also the option to book the magical 'Stepwell dinner' - not cheap (for India), but well worth the experience, as you are transported at dusk on ox-carts and served a sumptuous thali feast in a 1000 year old Stepwell and surrounded by literaly 1000s of twinkling candles beneath the stars, listening to the croak of the tree frogs and the melodies of a sitar. In the words of Mick Jagger, who once stayed here, ‘Such a wonderful place’.

 

Written by James Dunford Wood

Recommended For

  • Sights nearby
  • Holy temples and historic villages
  • Riding
  • Discover Narlai on horseback
  • Safari
  • Jeep safaris can be arranged
  • Learning
  • Total relaxation
  • Local markets
  • Hideaway
  • Historic
  • 17th century fortress
  • Colonial
  • Family Suites
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace
  • Romantic
  • Outstanding location
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Views
  • Free wifi
  • Luxury
  • Charming
  • Traditional
  • Child friendly
  • Village
  • Antiques
  • Restaurant
  • Spa

Facilities

  • Massage
  • Book a massage in the tented poolside spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Outdoor
  • Parking
  • Family Suites
  • Bar
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace
  • Sauna/Steam
  • No pets
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Views
  • Free wifi
  • Air conditioning
  • Wifi
  • Sitting Room
  • Child friendly
  • Garden
  • Restaurant
  • Spa

Activities

  • Sights nearby
  • Holy temples and historic villages
  • Riding
  • Discover Narlai on horseback
  • Safari
  • Jeep safaris can be arranged
  • Learning
  • Local markets

Map & Location

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