Shahpura Bagh – Jaipur & Udaipur

In  the early 1900’s, Rajadhiraj Nahar Singh of Shahpura mortgaged the family’s private property and jewels to bring water to his people. Today, the lakes he created, form the heart of a verdant wetland refuge – historic, picturesque, tranquil – an idyllic setting where man and nature have come to understand each other. Situated midway (4hrs drive, 220 Km from both) between Jaipur and Udaipur and easily accessible from hotels in Udaipur, Ranthambore   and Jodhpur, Shahpura Bagh is  the residence of the rulers of Shahpura. Travelers, since time immemorial, have always stopped to rest and refresh themselves at this oasis and the Shahpura family is famous for their warmth and hospitality.

With only 9 Luxury Suites set in 45 acres of garden and pasture, surrounded by two lakes, the working farm estate resplendent with trees of Neem, Ashoka, Peepal and Mango, is a very special and ultimately serene oasis. Holstein Cows graze languidly in peaceful co-existence with peacocks, an entire menagerie of birds fill the Bagh with birdsong and the occasional blue bull and jackal flit silently amongst the woods.

Walking trails skirt the lakes, hammocks and charpoys are located at scenic spots to relax, read, meditate or watch spectacular sunsets. Go boating on the lakes, surrounded by hundreds of wild fowl which swoop and circle in formation or simply float away in our heated pool, soaking in the winter sun, pristine sky and water. The 19th century Nahar Niwas, one of the two residencies on the estate, remains the family home, warm and gracious, offering the wonderful experience of traditional personalised hospitality, of being welcomed into the heart of an ancient lineage. Umaid Niwas, an eclectic mix of Gothic-Rajasthani architecture, was built as a manor for visiting nobility, and has been restored as a 6 suite residency complete with all the modern amenities of a premium hotel.

A gentle family consisting of the present Raja and his two sisters, with his two nephews and their wives and children live in this garden retreat as the owners and are more than happy to entertain and swap tales with their guests. However, by living in a separate residence, guests may enjoy their privacy as much as they wish, and may choose to dine alone if so desired. Evenings are spent mingling with other guests at th

Subtle lighting, large candle stands, specially ordered spring mattresses coupled with luxurious bedding and music create a magical romantic atmosphere. State of the art bathrooms with twin wash basins, rain showers and organic Biotique toiletries compliment the luxury of the rooms. Antique furniture draped in luxurious silk jacquard upholstery & precious textiles are strategically placed within the suites. Warm silk & cotton satin curtains, contrasted with limestone cool walls made through an age old technique, provide the perfect contrast.

Shahpura Bagh has just 5 Royal Suites & 4 Suites ensuring a highly personalised experience. Each suite  with an en suite Bathroom has been individually designed with a different colour. Leaning towards the “minimalistic approach”, the design goal was on achieving the perfect balance of space, luxury and comfort. Handmade Kilms, and old Kashmiri carpets provide colour to the otherwise starkly ultra-smooth white lime plaster floors. The rooms are adorned with antique paintings and photographs belonging to the family for generations.

The rooms are uncluttered and spacious, with the emphasis on light and openness achieved by high ceilings, large windows and wide doors leading to the lush greenery outside.

Rajadhiraj Umaid Singhji was a foodie. Shahpura is a food-lover’s haven. Take your pick from authentic home cooked Rajasthani food prepared over wood fire or continental and traditional meals, tempered to suit your palate. One of the best tables in Rajasthan with refined homemade recipes collected through several generations. The Head cook has cooked for three generations of the family and has been trained in some of the best hotels of Jodhpur . He is supported by assistants who have apprenticed with luxury hotels in Jodhpur and specialize in Tandoori cuisine. Shahpura provides delightfully light vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Most of the vegetables are home grown and organic.