Rawla Narlai

Given as a gift to Maharaj Ajit Singhji of Jodhpur, this former home is now a boutique heritage hotel, situated in the small village of Narlai. Lush foliage grows on the walls which are now weathered and faded but this only adds to the authentic charm of Rawla Narlai. The hotel stands at the foot of the monumental Elephant Hill, a giant rocky hill home to a white elephant statue which sits at the top. Climb the steps in time for sunrise or sunset for a fantastic view of the village and beyond.

The 32 rooms are decorated with antiques, traditional hand block print furnishings and woven rugs, and while most rooms have since been beautifully coloured with ivory, powder blue and mint green, a few of the rooms at Narlai still have the old faded wall prints depicting people and flora. Or, stay in the exclusive Narlai Suite, where the royalty stay when they visit their home. The suite features two rooms with king-size beds and en suites and a splendid view of the Elephant Hill. A stay here isn't complete without the spellbinding 'Dinner at the Step-Well' experience. Set away from the hotel, the Baori, or step-well, is illuminated with hundreds of oil lamps and lanterns, where you can dine in splendour for a truly romantic experience.