India
We went to Rajasthan for Christmas with the original intention of getting away from traditional festivities. However, our hosts at Fort Chanwa had trimmed up with a tree and there were cheap crackers and party hats to accompany our Indian Gala Dinner. The whole evening had a lovely sense of things as they used to be; a quality that reminded me of childhood Christmases.
On New Year’s Eve the Maharaja threw a party for the locals, and my boyfriend and I dressed in Rajasthani costume - to the great amusement of the Indian guests who were all in the latest designer gear.
At the end of every evening we drank our nightcap around fire baskets on the lawn, and then watched the bright north star from the rooftop before retiring to bed - what could be more Christmassy than that?
www.fortchanwa.com
No. 1 PWD Road, Jodhpur, 342001
+91 291 2432460
Google map: bit.ly/u2MAuZ
Fort Chanwa, in the village of Luni, 35km from Jodhpur, is an oasis of peace that is far removed from the madding crowds of the Blue City. This restored sandstone fort, owned by the Maharaja Dalip Singhji, is built around connecting courtyards and decorated with intricately carved lattice work. From atop its walls and secret pavilions you can watch village life drift by, trains snaking their way through the surrounding countryside, and glorious sunsets. We travelled into the surrounding bushland by camel cart and wandered down to the train station for a cup of pukka railway chai. In the evenings we sat around fires on the lawns and watched traditional dancing, before stargazing from the rooftop before bed. The staff are charming - as are the Maharaja and his wife.
www.fortchanwa.com
Luni, Distt. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
+91-2931-284216
Google map: bit.ly/vkmkv9
This small family run hotel, hard by the central market, and the clock tower and city gate, is a small, inexpensive, heritage hotel. It has interesting, traditional, and comfortably furnished rooms, with all modern amenities, around a peaceful inner courtyard, where wifi is available and free. Family run and friendly, it is delightfully finished off with a rooftop terrace restaurant, with spectacular views of the Mehrangarh Fort, illuminated at night. Watch out for crazy Indian wedding processions going past in the streets of the city below!
www.haveliinnpal.com/
Opp. Lake Gulab Sagar, Near Clock Tower, Jodhpur(Raj.) INDIA
+91-291-2612519
Google map: bit.ly/rQxspP
A exotic fort with all its rich armoury, large doors(also called Pol), intricate architecture with rich carvings in the windows, music room with golden ceiling,the period rooms, colorful paintings,the luxury rooms of the Maharajas,the vast utensils of the kitchen, gigantic palanquins,ornamental glass designs and for its rich history. The wound of the canon balls still haunts the walls of this great monumental Fort.
Rajasthan, Jodhpur Station, 20 mins from the station atop a hill
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehrangarh_Fort
Mehrangarh Fort, P.B 165 The Fort, Jodhpur, India
+91 291548790
Google map: bit.ly/cn9B3R
Built in 1450's by the Rathore prince Rao Jodha, this spectacular fortress is the epitome of Rajputana grandeur and royalty of the days of yore. One can get a panoramic view of the 'blue city' Jodhpur from the top of the fortress.
Mehrangarh houses several palaces, monuments, temples, palanquins and lush gardens. There is a museum too which showcase the artifacts and souvenirs, reflecting myriad colors of Rajasthan and Rajputana.
It is one of the destination of the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, a luxury train in India, one of the most luxurious mode of traveling across the choicest destinations in Rajasthan.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342001, +91 291548790
Google map: bit.ly/cc4Qel
www.royalsrajasthanonwheels.com
Search Been there