Rawla Narlai, Narlai India, Rajasthan

Rawla Narlai is a striking 17th century heritage resort tucked away on a country road between Udaipur and Jodhpur. This is the Aravali hills territory in the magnificent Rajasthani desert. The resort was originally a hunting lodge used by Jodhpur’s reigning royal family. It’s surrounded by some beautiful landscapes and scenes: a towering 350 foot high granite rock, undulating tree-capped hills, rocky outcrops, and a small but bustling village nearby.

There are 32 rooms and suites in total, mostly scattered throughout the grounds. A recent renovation in 2014 included some more modern rooms. They are beautifully decorated with many special decorative touches that add to the royal and luxurious ambiance. We would recommend the Grand Heritage rooms, they are splendid to look at and very spacious.

The family has put a lot of effort into maintaining the property’s original structure and feel. A highlight is how they’ve used the nearby step well as an innovative dining space. There are also plenty of outdoor activities such as horse riding, tea by the lake, trekking through the hills, and wandering through the village. Although the location is remote, the owners have put painstaking thought and care into the whole resort experience. Highly recommended for all travellers looking to explore rural Rajasthan between bustling cities.