Luxurious, Rich, Royal, Grand, Extravagant, Mysterious, all the words fit to describe Rajasthan is this Palace. I got a chance to spend a few days at Suryagarh Palace, Jaisalmer and I am smitten by the breathless beauty this place beholds. Pillars, carvings, a huge courtyard with a pool in the centre, white pigeons and peacocks cooing in the calm and flute playing in the background, the best of hospitality, my words cannot do justice to the extravagance and charm of this place and my pictures could not capture the truest essence of the grandeur. I was invited for a 4 days and 3 night trip to this beautiful property in Jaisalmer a few days and I don't have enough words to suggest it to my readers.
After a warm welcome at the entrance, we were guided to our respective rooms. The rooms are luxurious with all the modern amenities and fitting and the personal touch that team Suryagarh did for us was heart touching. There was a photo frame with my picture on it and personal invites for the evening musical added to the zing.
Dinner for the first night was served in the Bar and we were served the specialities from Bhatiyar community which is a mix of Rajasthani and Muslim cuisine. The food was milder and more nuts based than the traditional Rajasthani Cuisine. There were Dahi ke kabab coated with a crispy sabudana coating, Zeere tamatar ka shorba, Patthat Kuta Gosht and for the main course there was Dal, Baati Churma, Mass Ka Mukul, Sangri ka Salad and more. Desserts were Khajoor ki Phirni and halwa. Each course was paired with a wine and although I am not a big believer of wine pairing with Indian food, I thoroughly enjoyed the overall experience. Outstanding, non pretentious food with true flavours is what I can say about the meal.
Who would not get excited for the breakfast when the table is set in this manner. Our breakfast on Day one at Suryagarh Palace Jaisalmer was The Halwai Breakfast. Dishes were inspired by the ones you get in Sweet shops in the morning and people line up to have their share. The pinks of bougainvillea, best of cutlery and crockery, riots of laughter and amazing food, everything came together to make this meal a class apart.
After the sumptuous Halwai Wala Nashta, we headed for a tour of the Silk Route. Our first pit stop was at the village of Khaba. The Khaba fort was the Sarai fort and when the Silk Route travellers entered the Rajasthani frontiers, they stayed inside it overnight, paid their taxes and were given the permission to move ahead. Khaba village is also one among the 80 villages which are supposed to be haunted according to folklores. After a short drive, we reached an Oasis, Jhazia Talab, where the water never dries up and the lunch was served on the banks of the Lake. Once again the hospitality of Suryagarh Palace, Jaisalmer was par excellence and every small thing was taken care of to make this experience one of a kind.
The sun was setting down and we drove to a near by Bheel village where camels were waiting for a small trip down the desert. Another short drive in the middle of desert and we were at the banks of yet another Oasis for the dinner under the stars. Rajasthani musicians and dancers performing in the backdrop, heart to heart talks, good drinks to go along and super awesome food, what else can one ask for in life.
The team at Suryagarh Palace, Jaisalmer had saved the best for the last. The day started with a fabulous Stay Well breakfast curated by none other than Sangeeta Khanna who is a master on the subject. Unfortunately, I don't have the pics but Ragi Dosa, Millet waffles and Millet parfait had my heart. And after this, we set out for a long drive through the Dessert National Park to Kiradu temples, which are a set of 5 temples from 11th century and are also called the Khajuraho of Rajasthan. Mid way stop was at a village and a high tea was set inside a thatched mud hut, a 5 star experience in the middle of the desert. Only team at Suryagarh Palace, Jaisalmer could have pulled it out this beautifully. Another few hours of drive and we were at the Temple site. The whole setting made me gasp with sheer joy. Background of the gorgeous temples, 32 pandits sitting in front and chanting, orange and white seating, the whole experience was overwhelming for me. After the Hawan and Aarti, we sat down for a Home style dinner under the full moon and stars with clouds playing hide and seek. I wish I had a few more days to enjoy the hospitality of the fabulous team at Suryagarh but then, there is always a next time.
I would highly highly suggest Suryagarh to each one of you. Not only is the place one of a kind, the staff will make you feel like a princess taking care of every minute detail and going out of their way to make you happy. You can visit their website http://www.suryagarh.com/ and make your bookings.
We did a 17 day trip to Rajasthan some time back and you can read all about it here.
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