A perfect stopping off point on a journey between Jodhpur and Udaipur

Rawla Narlai

Narlai

, Rajasthan

, India

Over the years it has transformed from a simple lodge into a stunning, stylish boutique hotel – albeit with all its original character and structure retained. Family history adorns the walls and many of the staff are loyal, local family retainers. There are characterful, traditional rooms in the original building and stylish, more contemporary rooms in the new, adjoining garden wing which overlooks the pretty pool and garden. Each room varies significantly in shape, size and décor. There are flower filled gardens and courtyards, roof terraces and a cosy bar.

The surrounding village is a delight to explore, along with visits to nearby lakes, horse rides in the hills, jeep/leopard safaris, a climb up the rock at sundown, picnics by the lake, or a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars at the beautiful stepwell!

Rawla Narlai remains charmingly small, tasteful and immensely calm – arriving here, to be greeted by your affable host, is like reaching a refreshing oasis.

Our Rating: Luxury

Property Type: Heritage

Destination

This lovely little hotel lies, hidden away in a small village, deep in the heart of the Aravalli Hills, at the foot of a huge, granite rock. It lies mid-way between Jodhpur and Udaipur and makes an ideal stop off point between the two cities. It is perfectly positioned for visiting Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh which are just a short drive a way. It is surrounded by a busy village, forested hills and rocky outcrops. The village is reminiscent of a Rajasthan that few see today and the whole area is one of the most beautiful parts of the state.

Accommodation

Accommodation comprises 32 rooms, suites and tents. Of these, 14 are twin, 16 double, 2 single rooms. Certain rooms have balconies and the 4 suites are large and spacious.

All rooms are air-conditioned and have overhead fans, and attached bathrooms (some rooms have bath tubs). On account of the building not being purpose built, all rooms vary in shape, size and design. They are scattered around the building and courtyards. All the rooms are pretty, varied, well decorated, with great taste and with colourful block-printed fabrics and local furnishings. The majority are light and airy. There are interconnecting rooms.

The tents are very contemporary in style and design and are large and comfortable with attached, state of the art bathrooms (showers not tubs). They are situated in the garden, just close to the swimming pool. Being on the ground floor, there is easy access for wheelchairs (which there is not for rooms in the main building due to the many stairways).

Hot water bottles and heaters are provided on particularly cold nights. Hot water is plentiful and provided by geyser. They do not have a television or safe. Tea and coffee making facilities are in the suites and hair dryers are available.

Dining

There is one shady restaurant which serves Continental and Indian cuisine. The hotel offers a buffet service, table d’hote and a la carte dining. Al fresco dining on the small terrace by the dining room is available and candlelit dinners on the rooftop under the stars are memorable.

Experiences

Walk around the local village, ride a horse or climb up Elephant Hill. Jeep, camel and horse safaris into the villages and tribal areas, looking for leopards. Private lunches and dinners at a beautiful step-well in the country, picnics in the countryside and by the lake. Camp fire and private dinners, High Tea, cooking demonstrations or Henna application

Why we love this place

This is a charming, traditional, Rajasthani hotel with a relaxed, informal atmosphere, replete with history and plenty to do.

About your host

Rawla Narlai is a delightful 17th century property which was once a favourite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal Family. Part of the property is the original hunting lodge and there is a thoughtfully built new wing which overlooks the pool and pretty garden and has lovely view. It is still owned by members of the family who are young and energetic and who play an active part in the running of the hotel.

Responsible/Sustainable Tourism

Rawla Narlai is very aware of and maintains the sanctity of its holy sites, temples and the local culture.
Every year they plant 1000 trees in and around the property.
They grow their own vegetables.
Local villagers are being educated by Rawla Narlai staff and given training to provide local services to guests, in order to maximize local employment and ensure their increased income.
They donate clothes and blankets to local charities.
They employ local villagers in the hotel and also as guides for guests.

Our Recommendation

Plant a tree here, as part of your host's conservation project

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A perfect stopping off point on a journey between Jodhpur and Udaipur

Rawla Narlai