The mesmerising music of the desert is echoed in Bikaner, a medieval flavoured
city set along the old caravan route which linked Central Asia & North
India with the Gujarat seaports. Charming havelis (mansions) stand in the
old part of this walled city and a leisurely lifestyle still prevails in this
sublimely picturesque place surrounded by harsh desert. Visit the Fort, one
of the finest of Rajput monuments. Thirty-seven palaces, pavilions and temples
built by different kings are all connected by paved courtyards, narrow staircases
and terraces in this Rathor stronghold. The oldest existing structures in
Bikaner are the 14th-century Jain temples built by two merchant brothers,
Sandeshwar and Bhandeshwar. The Bandeshwar Temple has carved wooden columns
with dancing figures, surrounding a dark sanctuary with checkered gold design
and a mandap with astonishly well-preserved frescoes. The Sandeshwar Temple’s
chief features are enamel and gold leaf wall paintings and a vaulted and arched
ornamental ceiling. The two marble altars are lined with rows of white marble
statues of Jain saints.
Balsamand Lake
Balsamand is on the road from Jodhpur to Mandore, 8 km away. It was once the
summer resort of Jodhpur’s royalty. This little royal oasis is now a
public park and a bird sanctuary. In 1159 Balak Rao Parihar of Mandore cut
out the Balsamand Lake and later, Maharaja Sur Singh enlarged it and built
a summer palace there. The royal residence surrounded by sprawling gardens
is now a luxury hotel but the sandstone carvings, the glass inlay work, original
white marble staircase and jharoka windows remain intact.
Samode - 40 Kms. north
of Jaipur
Step back into time at Samode. This feudal stronghold of the Kacchawaha Rajputs
was awarded to Gopal Singhji by is father, the illustrious Prithviraj Singhji
of Amber. Here, more than four centuries ago, Prithviraj Singhji built the
Samode Palace, a luxurious retreat set amidst rugged hills.
Another scion of his family, Rawal Sheo Singhji added the Samode Bagh,
a garden paradise modelled on the geometric style of the Mughul garden.
Here members of the Samode family come to enjoy rare moments of privacy and
relax in the airy pavilions surrounded by rippling water fountains.
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Relive the splendour of this bygone age recreated in a tented encampment
at Samode Bagh that offers you a unique experience in royal
living. These dune-coloured tents are luxuriously furnished with every comfort
including a private bathroom. A colonial style sitout affords a pleasant vantage
point for bird watching. The meeting point at Samode is the elegantly furnished
Durbar Tent that conjures images of desert hospitality Just the place to relax
over a drink Dining at Samode is a sensuous repast, served alfresco on verdant
lawns surrounded by fruit trees, grape vines and shrubs of jasmine, oleander
and hibiscus. Evenings at the Bagh are spent in joyous celebration.....with
traditional Rajasthani music, song and dance or around a campfire. For the
more adventurous, there is the unforgettable experience of exploring the countryside
by camel-safari, stopping for a four-course lunch enroute. Take in a touch
of history at the Samode Palace, 3 km. away. Narrow lanes
lead up through massive gateways to this delightful palace. Besides its magnificently
gilded durbar hall, it has a grand staircase which leads to rooms decorated
with mirror-work panels, murals and delicate paintings. Although it is a palace-turned-hotel,
it retains an aura of great beauty. Wherever you go in Samode, you will find
a glimpse of the past, yet untouched by time.
