Golden Castle, Pachar A small, early 20th century mansion, adjoining a fort and the property of the local Thakur.

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1 A stay at Heritage Hotels is extremely popular with tourists coming to India. This category of hotels is definitely luxurious in its ambience albeit certain places may not have the commensurate facilities of accommodation and food. Still these heritage hotels enjoy wide acceptance with the tourists. Few of these Heritage Hotels are described below: Ahillya Fort, Maheshwar: This majestic, 18th century Marattha fort lies brooding over the banks of the sacred Narmada River in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. Once the capital of the celebrated woman ruler, Ahillya Bai Holkar, the fort is now owned and run by the Maharaja. It has been discretely converted into a simple but elegant, five bedroom hotel and has changed little since the 1760s. Here one can explore the ghats, temples and cenotaphs. A boat ride out to 'floating' temples can also be explored. Wait and watch the birds around and amble across the village. Maheshwar is accessed by road from Indore, Dhar and Mandu. Amar Bagh, Junia Juni a is a delightful rustic little place situated on the edge of a lake, teeming with migratory birds. It is the private home of the Singh family who maintain their residence here and it lies in the heart of a traditional and unspoiled village. There are four simple furnished rooms with good views, in the old, lakeside building. Other rooms, more modern and basic, are situated in an orchard nearby. This is a place for relaxing without much activity in the immediate vicinity. It is easily accessed from Bundi, Kota, Ajmer and Jaipur. Balaram Palace, Palanpur Located in the East-Gujarat, this majestic building was once a private hunting lodge. Built in the 1920s, but left to erode, this palace has been beautifully restored to its former glory by a private entrepreneur. It is an imposing building with spacious, comfortable rooms, but modern in decoration. It lies in the spectacular, rolling, south-western reaches of the Aravalli Hills. It is well situated for visiting Patan and Modhera and is easily accessed from Ahmedabad, Mt. Abu, Udaipur and Dungarpur.

2 Bhanwar Vilas Palace, Karauli This large, rambling 1930s palace remains the residence of the Maharaja. It is an ornate building, encircling an inner courtyard with walls covered with hunting trophies and family photographs. The large bedrooms are furnished with original, colonial furniture but are quite dimly lit. The City Palace is magnificent, with its extraordinary Jali (net) work and stone carving. Karauli is easily accessed from Agra, Bharatpur, Jaipur, Gwalior and Ranthambore. Bijainiwas Palace, Bijainagar The Masuda Royal Family owns this charming small hotel located on the banks of a dried up river. The rooms contain original furniture and have delicately painted walls and ceilings, which give the place a halcyon atmosphere. Being miles from the nearest town, it is a place to switch off and relax in the gardens. A nature lover would love to visit the Great Indian Bustard Reserve at Sonkhila, nearby or visit the imposing Masuda Fort (from the outside only). Situated between Jaipur and Jodhpur, it is an ideal place to break one s journey. Castle Bijaipur, Bijaipur Castle Bijaipur was built in the 16th century to defend the Mewar Empire and is actually located along the Vindhyachal ranges in southern Rajasthan, It is now a small, cosy hotel inhabited, owned and run by the local ruling family. The charming small rooms are furnished with simplicity of local fabrics which look out over the colourful inner garden. Here one has the option to visit nearby forts, picnic by the lakeside or explore the village. It is well situated for visiting Chittorgarh, Begun and Menal and is easily accessible from Bijainagar, Udaipur and Kota. Castle Mandawa, Mandawa This is a fabulous, mid-18th century fortress, in the heart of town and comprising many rambling wings. The rooms are spread all over the fortress and some have exquisitely painted walls. They have been beautifully renovated using period furniture and Rajasthani fabrics. It is now a fairly large hotel, owned and run by the Mandawa family. Surrounded by a town replete with painted havelis, it is perfectly situated for exploring the Shekawati region and is easily accessible from Jaipur and Delhi.

3 Chandra Mahal Haveli, Peharsar This charming, small haveli was built by Muslim noblemen in the 1850s and lies in the heart of an unspoilt village. 25kms from Bharatpur, it has been beautifully converted into a small hotel by their descendants who reside here. The rooms are small, basic but comfortable and decorated with local fabrics and the walled garden ensures complete serenity. It is well situated for visiting Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Fatehpur Sikri, Alwar and Deeg and is easily accessed from Agra, Jaipur and Delhi. Dabargadh, Poshina The small fort at Poshina is enclosed by massive walls and is situated in the middle of an almost feudal village in the far North-East of Gujarat. Owned and run by the local ruler, it is a mid-17th century fort with some modern and few charmingly renovated rooms utilising local fabrics and furnishings. It is a simple place with shady courtyards and a strong Rajput theme to its architecture, which comprises numerous pillars and filigreed arches. It is easily accessed from Mt. Abu, Ahmedabad, Udaipur and Dungarpur. Deogarh Mahal, Deogarh The beautiful, rambling, hilltop Deogarh Mahal dominates a delightful, small town and is nestled among the Aravalli Hills, dotted with majestic forts and lakes. This exquisite hotel is owned and run by the ebullient, local ruling family where the rooms have been decorated with meticulous care. Deogarh is also known for its miniature paintings which reflects its close affinity to the Mewari art form. It is well situated for visiting Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur, Nathdwara and Eklingi and easily accessed from Jodhpur or Udaipur. Devigarh, Delwara This glorious 18th century, hilltop fort-palace has recently been completely restored from ruins and is now a luxury hotel with twenty three suites. The panoramic view from the fort gives a beautiful glimpse of the village and the Aravalli Hills. It is a large, rambling place with suites around the garden or in the main palace. Unlike many heritage hotels, which are traditionally furnished, a very modern look has been adopted for this fort's interiors. The concept of a contemporary design housed in traditional building well. Delwara is easily accessed from Udaipur, Deogarh and Narlai.

4 Dundlod Fort, Dundlod This imposing 17th century fort is a large, sprawling place with its history displayed on the walls and in the furniture. Still the home of the local ruling family - who manage it, the rooms are spread all around the fort and some have original furnishings but many have more modern decoration. Dinner is enjoyed under the open sky, on the rooftop. Surrounded by a village, itself replete with painted havelis, it is perfectly situated for exploring the Shekawati region. It is easily accessed from Jaipur and Delhi. Fort Chanwa, Luni Fort Chanwa is an exceptional example of 18th century Rajasthan architecture. It is carved out of red sandstone with lattice-work friezes and intricate Jharokhas It is composed of a complex of courtyards, towers and unexpected stairways leading to beautifully furnished small rooms. Surrounded by the Great Thar Desert, one may ride out into the local tribal areas. It is easily accessible from Jodhpur, Khimsar and Kumbalgarh area. Golden Castle, Pachar A small, early 20th century mansion, adjoining a fort and the property of the local Thakur. It is a simple place with brightly painted walls and the bedrooms are colourful reflecting simplicity. There is a small garden and a delightful, unspoilt village which houses a unique and beautiful Jain Temple, full of gold leaf and mirror-work. The Pachar could also act as a base for visiting the Shekawati region but is more suited to those desiring to relax and experience the rural village life. Mediocre roads from Jaipur, Ajmer and Shekhawati access it. Hill Fort, Kesroli This delightful, l4th century, seven-turreted fort sits in the open countryside, encircled by a distant ring of hills. It is a squat, solid structure with massive walls and ramparts. Inside is a pretty garden surrounded by beautifully decorated original rooms, which are filled with Rajput furniture and fabrics. It is run by Neemrana Hotels and has a wonderful, tranquil ambience. It is the ideal location for visiting Alwar, the summer palaces at Deeg and Sariska. It is also easily accessible from Agra, Shekavati and Jaipur.

5 Hingolgadh Castle, Jasdan This charming, rambling, small castle is settled on a conical hill in Hingolgadh Nature Sanctuary. Originally built in the 11th century, it was later destroyed and re-built in the 17th century thereby becoming a hunting lodge, for the Jasdan Royal Family - who still own it though they reside at a nearby palace. It has now been converted into a small hotel with simple rooms. It is an ideal location for game viewing and bird watching in the sanctuary and is easily accessed from Rajkot, Gondal, Wankaner and Bhavnagar. Dhariyawad Fort, Dhariyawad This homely l6th century fort in southern Rajasthan is situated at the confluence of two rivers where subtropical forests surround it. It also has an unspoilt, tribal Bhils village, renowned for its silversmiths. The residing, ruling family runs it and the rooms are charmingly decorated with local fabrics. Whilst at this peaceful retreat, you will enjoy some of the most delicious food served in Rajasthan. A nature lover would definitely enjoy the Sitamata Wildlife Reserve, located nearby. It is easily accessed from Udaipur, Chittorgarh and Dungarpur. Jhira Bagh Palace, Dhar This palace lies in the heart of Malwa in Madya Pradesh. Originally built in 1860 as the Maharaja's guesthouse and renovated in 1943 by an English firm. It was later abandoned but has recently been restored to its erstwhile glory. It is a comfortable hotel with large rooms decorated with period furniture. It is ideally situated for visiting the Dhar Fort and the glorious, fortified city of Mandu. It s approach from the Rajasthan border is difficult because of the bad road conditions. The approach, however, is comparatively better from Indore. Karni Fort, Bambora This is a recently and beautifully restored 18th century Sisodia fort, owned and run by Thakur Sum Singh and his family. An engineering achievement of having literally been rebuilt from ruins, it occupies a glorious hilltop site, of overlooking the village and the great Aravalli Hills of Southwest Rajasthan. The rooms are situated at several levels and have rather bright but comfortable furnishings. The building slopes down, in terraced gardens to a spectacular swimming pool. Bambora Karni Fort is easily accessed from Udaipur, Dungarpur and Dhariyawad.

6 Kawardha Palace, Kawardha Located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, this is a placid, isolated retreat, surrounded by the Maikal Hills and tribal lands. Built in the 1930s, it is an elegant building, constructed of Italian marble and stone, with grand staircases, sweeping veranda s and traditionally decorated rooms. The Royal Family resides here and it is a place to come and spend time exploring. The town has some interesting temples and the tribal lands of the Baigas, and is fascinating to visit on a short trek. It is accessed from Raipur, Bilaspur or Kanha National Park. Khimsar Fort, Khimsar A beautifully restored, early 16th century fort, perched on the edge of the Great Thar Desert is this comfortable place, comprising of a main building overlooking a large garden with a glorious swimming pool. The various sprawling wings have been added over the years and have battle-scarred turrets which look out over the desert. Miles from the nearest town, this is extremely peaceful and is appositely located place for visiting Nagaur Fort, the temples at Osian, or for taking camel rides out into the desert. This place is easily accessible from Jodhpur or Bikaner. Lake Palace, Santrampur This wonderful palace lies on the banks of a small lake in Eastern Gujarat. It is owned by the Royal Family who are your charming and energetic, young hosts. They have very recently converted their home into a small, six bedroom hotel, and the main sitting room, opening onto the lake, boasts some exceptional mosaic and mirror inlay. The large gardens and local village are delightfully unspoilt and, brooding on the hill behind, are the glorious ruined Hawa Mahal and main palace. Santrampur is accessed from Udaipur, Dungarpur, Balasinor, Chhota Udepur and Ahmedabad. Laxmi Vilas Palace, Bharatpur This is a very pretty, small palace which was originally built in Nestled amidst the landscaped gardens, outside the town, this hotel has a building exemplifying the blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture and which is conspicuous on its winding corridors, surrounding an inner courtyard. The rooms are spacious and airy with colourful frescoes and have an array of traditional and colonial furniture. It is ideally situated for visiting Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Fatehpur Sikri. Bharatpur is easily accessed from Agra (56 Kms), Jaipur, Alwar and Delhi.

7 Mud Fort, Kuchesar The Jat rulers of Kuchesar from Haryana built this 18th century fort, situated in Uttar Pradesh. A delightful, beautifully decorated place, surrounded by a wide moat dug to create ramparts, it is now run by Neemrana Hotels. The fort has had a chequered history, having defended itself against all invaders but now makes a perfect place to start or end your journey into the foothills of Kumaon and Garwal. Kuchesar is easily accessed from Delhi and Moradabad and can be an ideal place to break journey to or from Nainital, Ramgarh and Corbett. Neemrana Fort Palace, Neemrana Neemrana Fort-Palace is situated on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation of the Aravalli ranges. This architectural wonder, dating back to 1464, is one of India's oldest heritage buildings. Managed by Neemrana Hotels, it is arguably one of the most tasteful conversions. It is a large, rambling place with beautifully decorated, Rajasthani-style rooms, scattered throughout the premises. There is not much activity in the close vicinity. It is easily accessible from Delhi, Shekawati and Jaipur. Nilambagh Palace, Bhavnagar This mid-19th century palace - on the east coast of Saurashtra, is an imposing, stone building with airy balconies and European influences. The capacious rooms here have high ceilings and have been recently renovated, along with the adjacent cottages. There is a profusion of colonial furniture and the Royal Family manages the hotel. It is set amidst the beautiful gardens and has a stunning Roman bath style swimming pool. It is ideally situated for visiting the hilltop temples at Palitana and is also easily accessible from Jasdan, Utelia and Ahmedabad. Oasis House & The Residency, Wankaner The princely state of Wankaner boasts the glorious early 20th century Ranjit Vilas Palace where the Royal Family resides. It is an extraordinary building, built in the ornate Venetian-Gothic style with a profusion of Italian marble, stained glass and hunting trophies. Guests are welcome at the adjacent 19th century Residency that has simple rooms; or at the 20th century Oasis House, situated nearby in a copse of trees. The rooms and bungalows are basic with original art-deco or colonial furniture and there is an extraordinary indoor art-deco swimming pool. Wankaner is fun to explore and it is easily accessed from Rajkot, Jasdan and Gondal.

8 Orchard Palace, Gondal Situated in the heart of Saurashtra, this elegant palace lies amongst fruit orchards and gardens, adjacent to the Huzoor Palace where the Royal Family reside. The seven bedrooms have been recently renovated, but they retain their original character and furnishings with family memorabilia scattered around the rooms. It is perfect for exploring the stately buildings of Gondal and the glorious 17th century Naulakha Palace. It is well situated for visiting Mt. Girnar, Junagadh and Jetpur and is easily accessed from Rajkot, Jasdan, Gir and Wankaner. Pachewar Garh, Pachewar This 300-year-old fort, with its ramparts and turrets is a hotel with simple bedrooms which are brightly decorated according to local Rajput tradition. It is a rambling place with a lovely inner garden and is surrounded by a very unspoilt village. A great insight into rural life can be gained from wandering the narrow streets and visiting the royal cenotaphs at the lakeside. Close by is the renowned temple at Diggi and the stepwells of Toda Rai Singh. It is easily accessible from Jaipur, Ranthambore, Ajmer and Kota. Phool l Mahal Palace, Kishangarh This astonishing building rises up out of a small lake in Kishangarh, situated in the heart of Rajasthan. Owned and run by the Kishangarh Royal Family, they have very recently converted this Palace into a lovely, small hotel with just ten rooms. It comprises various rambling wings, pillared porticoes overlooking the lake and the mighty fort rising up imposingly, directly behind the Palace. Some of the Rajasthan's finest paintings can be witnessed here which the Maharaja owns. Kishangarh also is easily accessed from Jaipur, Ajmer, Pushkar and Roopangarh. Piramal Haveli, Bagar This 19th century haveli (mansion) in the Shekawati Region was actually the home of a rich trader. The Shekawati region is famous for the beautiful, painted havelis that traders constructed before migrating elsewhere. Piramal Haveli is one of the most elegant Heritage properties with the existing courtyards surrounded by pillared porticoes and frescoed walls. It has been converted into a hotel wherein the original decoration in the eight bedrooms has been retained. It is situated in a vantage location for exploring Shekawati region and is easily accessible from Jaipur and Delhi.

9 Rawla Narlai, Narlai This 17th century fortress was once a favourite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal Family and is now a cosy hotel. Situated in the heart of a village, in the Aravalli Hills and at the foot of a huge granite rock, the surrounding scenery is quite spectacular. It centres around a very pretty garden shrouded in bougainvillaea. Nearby is a beautiful stepwell which is ideally situated for visiting Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur. It is easily accessed from Jodhpur and Udaipur. Rohet Garh, Rohet This fortified desert home of the descendants of the Rathores is now a delightful, hotel on the banks of a lake. The family of Rathores reside here and manage the hotel, which has been beautifully restored in the traditional style. The comfortable rooms are bright and airy with colourful, local furnishings. The family is keen on riding and will take you out, on horseback or by jeep, to the surrounding Bishnoi tribal lands, where Blue Bull roam freely. It is ideally located for visiting Jodhpur, Luni and Osian and is easily accessed from Jodhpur, Khimsar and the Kumbhalgarh area. Roopangarh Fort, Roopangarh This vast fort is run by the Kishangarh Royal Family and has been impressively converted into a hotel with huge rooms. Built in 1653 for the Maharajas of Kishangarh, it serves as a testimony to the numerous battles it has withstood. The present palace was added by one of the later rulers and the combined atmosphere of the fort and palace are very imposing. There are excellent views from the many terraces and a lovely village to explore. It is easily accessed by road from Jaipur and Ajmer, and is also en route to Jodhpur and Nagaur. Roop Niwas Palace, Nawalgarh The 18th century town of Nawalgarh has a colourful bazaar with a large number of painted havelis. The Palace lies just outside the town and exemplifies a blend of European and Rajput architecture. It is surrounded by lawns and stables. It remains the residence of the local Thakur's family who run it as a small hotel. The rooms are scattered throughout the palace and are comfortable. It is well situated for exploring Shekawati region and can be easily accessed from Jaipur and Delhi.

10 Royal Castle, Ghanerao This large, rambling, 17th century castle lies in the Aravalli Hills of western Rajasthan and it has been with the family of Thakur Sajjan Singh for over 400 years. It is a stunning building, situated in a rural village, surrounded by tribal lands. The rooms are simply furnished but the whole place has a wonderful milieu, of times gone by. The family's history adorns the walls and it remains very unspoilt. It is perfectly situated for visiting Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur and is also easily accessed from Jodhpur and Udaipur. Samode Palace and Bagh, Samode This elegant Palace is resting on rocky outcrop but is surrounded by a charming village. Throughout the palace there is exquisite mosaic and mirror work with fabulously frescoed walls. The palace is full of latent architectural delights, which has been brilliantly restored. Each of the uniquely decorated rooms is very comfortable. Owned by the Samode Royal Family, they divide their time between here and their Jaipur Haveli, also a wonderful small hotel. Just down the road is Samode Bagh comprising a series of luxurious tents set in beautifully restored Mughal gardens. Samode is ideal for visiting Jaipur, Amber and Sariska and is easily accessed from Neemrana and Shekawati region. Sardar Samand Palace, Sardar Samand This superb Art Deco palace,a former hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal Family, is located at a distance of 55 Kms from Jodhpur. Now a stunning, lakeside hotel, many of the original features have been retained but some of the rooms have been given a distinctly 'modern' feel. The expansive grounds offer delightful walks, a swimming pool, an extraordinary Chinese folly, fishing and boating. Rising above a large lake teeming with birds, the views are spectacular. It is well situated for visiting Jodhpur, Rohet, Luni and Osian and is easily accessed from Jodhpur and Khimsar. Sheesh Mahal, Orchha Built during the early 18th century, the Sheesh Mahal was originally intended as a country retreat for the local Raja but is now owned by the state government. This low, squat palace stands between the Raj Mahal and the Jehangir Mahal, at the end of an open-sided courtyard. Whitewashed and stripped of its antiques, the building retains little of its former splendour and is now a simple hotel. Ideally situated, with spectacular views, it is an easy stroll to the monuments in town and those lining the Betwa River. Orchha can be accessed from Jhansi, Gwalior and Khajuraho.

11 Shergarh Haveli, Shergarh A magnificent 18th century mansion, situated high above the banks of the Parvan River, provides a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery. Shergarh lies east of Kota in Southern Rajasthan and boasts a rambling 8th century fort. The Haveli has recently been converted into a small, fourbedroom hotel and is simple but attractively decorated. It serves as place for the much-desired seclusion. Explore the surrounding forests and villages; walk along the riverbank or simply sit and admire the views. Shergarh can be accessed from Kota, Ranthambore and Jaipur. Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur A part of this fabulous palace still remains the Royal Residence and lies in the south-western reaches of Rajasthan. It dates back to the mid- 19th century and has exquisite architectural designs and edifices inside. The palace, with an air of faded grandeur, is replete with past hunting trophies and the old, hilltop palace has frescoes and miniature paintings, which remain in near perfect condition are among the finest to be seen. It is an architect s dream and from its lakeside position it serves as a bird watchers paradise. It is easily accessed from Ahmedabad and Udaipur. The Palace Utelia, Utelia This delightful, small 18th century palace sits, brooding on a hilltop in Saurashtra. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, it comprises, domes, pillared galleries and balconies. It is owned and run by the Thakure family who manage it as a cosy hotel. The simple rooms retain their original furnishings and the dining room is ornamented with family history. It is surrounded by a traditional village and is well situated for visiting Lothal, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary and Velavadar National Park. It is easily accessed from Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar. Consonance to the rich heritage of India, we at this company can offer you many more options of Heritage Hotels at various places, however we have mentioned only a few of them. Some of the other heritage hotels are also worth a mention are Samode Haveli, Alsisar Haveli, Raj Palace at Jaipur, Ajit Bhawan, Balsamand Lake Palace at Jodhpur :- : Jahawar Niwas Palace at Jaislamer; Bhanwar Niwas, Lallgarh Palace, Gajner Palace (just outside) at Bikaner; - Rang Niwas, Kankarwa Haveli at Udaipur and Bikaner Palace, Connaught House. Kota - Brij Raj Bhawan, Sukhdam Kothi, Palkyia Haveli at Mt. Abu, Pataudi Palace at Pataudi Etc.

12 Contact us at: Wandering Monk Tours - Kaleidoscope of Indian Tourism 60, Jamuna Dairy, Ajmer Road,Sodala, JAIPUR, INDIA PIN NO Call us at Cell Number **Mail us at - info@indiatravelagent.biz **Weblink ***Chatting Messaging*** - muditjaipur@gmail.com - mudit1986khanna@hotmail.com - muditkhanna1 - mudit.khanna@yahoo.com