Experiences
Suryagarh’s amenities and features are woven around creative narratives often conceptualised from stories and landscapes around. Rait, their signature spa, has therapies and scrubs fashioned from salts and desert sands using native wellness insights. Akhara – The Gym, is reminiscent of traditional wrestling sand pits but wears a modern veneer of a state-of-the-art gym. Neel, the indoor pool draws from the blues of native peacocks. Only a step beyond is bright sunlight for those who choose Vitamin D. Inspired by the techniques of Master Swami Sivananda, a slow form of Hatha yoga can be practiced with an instructor for complete relaxation. Dhanurvidya or archery was a coveted skill amongst kings and a personal space for whetting your skill or a high-octane recreational activity can be organised. Internationally acclaimed local musicians, Mehboob Khan and his family of Manganiyars, grace the fortress to leave guests in thrall with the haunting songs of the desert. Suryagarh is a coveted wedding venue for its extraordinary backdrop and facilities.
You can relive a slice of history by following the Silk Route trail of Jaisalmer during the 16th to the 18th century. Only the discerning will understand the splendour of the wild Thar desert. Dramatic landscapes, faraway villages, watering holes and plenty of mirages meet you during this experience. Temples around Jaisalmer are not religious epicenters; instead, they are a window into fascinating folklore and local cultural. Guided trails to the Nabdhoongar temple along with others unravel some of the mystery. The Desert National Park established in 1980 is the stomping ground of the great Indian bustard – barely three km away from Suryagarh, wildlife enthusiasts can get first row seats to Bustards, as well as Sand Grouse Eagles, Drongos, Quail, Demoiselle Cranes and Falcons.
The Chudail Trail is a creative addition to typical sightseeing. A midnight drive to all the spots in the surrounding area where discontented spirits roam, is made for the fainthearted as well. After all, no guest has spotted one swirling around at night. Strip off the poolside loungers for a Mountain Bike Trail into the undulating scrubland. Visit between October and February to enjoy all parts of the fort, including a stepwell, where an outdoor concert is organised. Indulge in rooms that have a plunge pool overlooking the desert. Try the jungli maas for dinner.
Perfect For
the discerning adventurers who want to see all of India’s highlights and then some more. Here’s a history book that is easy to grasp. Children will love the vibrant stories that take them back in time with each village and monument visit. Back in the hotel, there’s the sprawling pool and plenty of nooks and corners to read (and day dream).
