Lying nestled in the Aravalli Hills, just north of Jaipur, Samode Palace is a magnificent example of Rajput-Mughal architecture and is undoubtedly one of Rajasthan’s finest palace hotels. Formerly the regal home of the Samode Family, the palace was in a tragic state of repair before the inspired Samode brothers decided to put their life, heart and soul into restoring it and bringing it back to life.
One of the first palaces to be restored and converted into a hotel, Samode Palace has been re-born and is now an outstanding boutique hotel. History is everywhere here and part of the hotel is open for exploration and taking a wander through the extraordinarily beautifully painted, arched rooms. With exquisite frescoes and mirror-work throughout the property, the traditional yet modern bedrooms and suites are fabulous. A large, sprawling palace with endless different wings, terraces, courtyards and levels, the dreamy rooms are scattered all over the building and each is gorgeous, colourful, Rajasthani and unique. The ingenious bathrooms are equally fun, well-equipped and stylish. The vast Royal Suites, with their balconies and Jacuzzis, are more like ‘homes’ than rooms, and the sort of place you simply don’t want to move out of.
The cuisine is an important part of life at Samode Palace and is superb. It comprises constantly changing Indian and international menus, whilst the wine list is similarly extensive. Choose to dine in the airy dining room, in the courtyard or on your very own, candlelit terrace. Alternatively, venture out into the countryside for a gorgeously romantic picnic or bush dinner – something never to be forgotten. The magnificent main pool is the perfect place for a snack in the sun or an outrageously romantic dinner, whilst the roof terrace pool is beautifully discreet and sits above the sophisticated a la carte dining room.
A walk in the hills or a stroll around the village is an excellent way to discover the more rural side of Rajasthan. Alternatively, a camel ride in the countryside, followed by sundowners in the dunes under the stars, will leave you with similarly wonderful memories. For garden lovers, a stroll down to the superb Mughal-style gardens at Samode Bagh, replete with fountains and lawns and an array of flowers, is magical. Whatever they do at Samode Palace, they excel at it and do it with style, romance and panache, in true Rajasthani tradition. This is Rajput hospitality at its best and an ideal base for anyone wanting to visit Jaipur and the environs but not keen on staying in the city.
This grand, rambling palace outside Jaipur has played host to many exceptional parties over the years and is a magical wedding or grand party venue for larger numbers. With endless roof terraces and courtyards, a large pool area, highly experienced staff and wonderful style cuisine, a party here would be a winner. It would also work very well for a very large party as Samode Bagh, down the road, could be hired as well. Varied entertainment possible.
For reservations please contact your tour operator, your local travel agent,
or please call +91-141-2632370
or email or contact the hotel.
Go for a walk in the hills and enjoy a fabulous private, terrace dinner.
By air to Jaipur from Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bombay and Calcutta, followed by a 1 hour road journey.
By train to Jaipur from Delhi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Sawai Madhopur and Bombay, followed by a 1 hour road journey.
By road from Jaipur, Delhi, Agra, Ajmer, Ranthambore and Shekavati.