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Inspiration
A glorious melange of Rajput architecture and Art Deco design, Bhanwar Vilas Palace was built in 1938 as the new palace for the Maharaja of Karauli, in place of the family’s medieval Karauli Fort.
The royal family, who claim direct lineage to the Hindu god Krishna, still lives on site; having sensitively and authentically modernised the palace to run as a hotel in the 1990’s. This is authentic Rajasthan, refreshingly off the beaten tourist track, and the palpable sense of heritage and tradition throughout the property makes a stay here an immersive cultural experience.
Sitting proudly in the centre of its serene 45-acre estate, the hotel has 13 rooms all overlooking either the courtyard or gardens. They are traditionally curated with lavish paintings gracing the walls and Art Deco furniture throughout. The palace kitchen serves outstanding traditional cuisine, perfected by generations of royal chefs, using fresh ingredients sourced from local organic farms, including the palace’s onsite dairy. Within the grounds the whimsical regal influences are all pervading, from the ornate swimming pool, surrounded by verdant gardens, to the stable of Marwari horses bred by the royal family and a vast collection of vintage cars, royal palanquins and elephant howdas.
What we love
- Savour the region’s distinctive culinary culture with a hands-on cookery demonstration by the palace kitchen staff
- Saddle up and tour the palace grounds on some of the royal family’s home-bred Marwari horses, an ancient breed native to this Marwar region of Rajasthan
- Take the time to unwind and enjoy the serenity of this regal estate with a traditional massage treatment
Don’t be put off by the hotel’s museum-like public spaces, hung with hunting trophies from a bygone era. This is an authentic palace, offering privileged access to the state’s royalty, the cultural experience remains with you long after your stayChildren welcome with extra beds available. Family cricket matches organised by palace staff on requestThe hotel runs its own organic dairy on site and manages the organic farming of its own estate and the surrounding farms. This approach actively promotes a farm-to-table culture that supports local business and reduces the carbon footprint of the food on offer. With a focus on the preservation of Rajasthan’s architectural and cultural heritage, the hotel puts educational tours at the forefront of its offering to visitors. Guests are offered personal tours of the royal palaces, and the hotel showcases traditional Rajasthani music, dance and artisanal crafts. The palace has been supporting local schools and educational programmes, helping children from Karauli get better access to learning opportunitiesSet on the edge of the city of Karauli in south-eastern Rajasthan, the hotel is a great base for exploring the ancient treasures of the local area. From the impressive views at Ugdir Fort to the elaborate architecture of the 14th century Karuali Fort, prized for its intricate carvings and inner Madan Mohan Temple.What our travellers say
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