Rawla Narlai

Hidden in the heart of the Aravalli Hills, Rawla Narlai is a charming 17th-century hunting lodge once owned by the Jodhpur royal family, which has been caringly restored and converted into a small boutique hotel. Set in the shadows of an enormous smooth-sided granite bolder on the edge of the quiet village of Narlai, this little haven is mid-way between Jodhpur and Udaipur. It is a perfect destination if you wish to get off the beaten track and experience the delights of rural Rajasthan.

Accommodation at Rawla Narlai comprises 25 attractively decorated rooms, suites and tents. Rooms and suites are located in the main building and are reached via steep staircases – but not all benefit from shared terraces and balconies. Set out in the garden below, the large spacious tents have attached bathrooms and a small private sit-out and offer easy access to the swimming pool. A communal TV is available for guests who wish to stay abreast of world events. Safety deposit boxes are available at the reception desk. Meals at Rawla Narlai are served at the main restaurant, which offers a selection of Indian or Continental dishes, although the hotel’s design lends itself perfectly to secluded private dining either by the pool or rooftop terraces. The famous ‘stepwell dinner’ is an experience in itself, where just after sunset, you will be taken by bullock cart to an elaborate 6th-century stepwell just outside the village for a magical candlelit dinner under the stars.

Leisure facilities at this hotel include an outdoor pool and a small spa that offers soothing massages. Rawla Narlai is well positioned for exploring the surrounding area, where attractions include the exquisite Ranakpur Jain temples, the magnificent Kumbalgarh Fort, as well guided village walks, a rural train safari, and an exhilarating climb to the summit of ‘Elephant Hill’ to take in the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and watch the sunset over the village.

Guests should be aware that Rawla Narlai’s rural location means power outages are not unusual. Still, the backup generators ensure hot water is available for showers in the mornings and evenings.