Ranvas – Nagaur, India

A two hour drive from Jodhpur to Nagaur to stay at the former Queens' Summer Palace set within the walls of Ahhichatragarh Fort.

The town itself was a riot of noise and traffic and then you suddenly turn through a small entrance in the fort walls into a narrow twisting passageway and then you are through into a vast open space with scrub land and dirt tracks leading fort in the centre, one of which is the palace.

Arrival

Staff take you through narrow walkways which then open up to the hotel section which has one large building for the restaurant surrounded by the garden with a swimming pool, the rooms are over two levels set around the walls.

We were the only guests due to end of season and they had taken away all the colourful awnings plus the pool was green but I would imagine it would all look even more appealing in high season. Taken straight to the room and they brought us tea and biscuits, very civilised.

Room

We had a suite upstairs which was large with stone walls and pillars, beautifully furnished with local fabrics and furniture, very unusual and very comfortable with large separate bathroom with shower. There were two terraces, one off the bathroom and one in front of the entrance.

Ranvas Room Facilities

• Toiletries
• Tea and Coffee making facilities
• Bottled water
• Hangers
• Safe
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Free Wifi

Dining

Not exceptional but room service was good and so was breakfast which is taken on the terrace overlooking the pool. 

It is a beautiful and peaceful setting especially with the peacocks strutting around you.

We were told to stick to simple indian food but I ordered western for room service which was fine.

Service

Laid back but good, I think there were minimal staff as end of season.

Amenities

Swimming Pool

Shop

Guided Tours:

We decided to walk the walls at sunset and they provide a guide.  I managed part of the way but got worried about the height so followed then round at ground level.  Fine to start but the tracks veer off at times and it started to get dark.  By the time I got round to the entrance gate, they had disappeared and I was left to walk back in the dark past the cows…unfortunately cows and me have a thing, they chase me!  So choice between the scrub land (snakes?) or cows.....one very pissed off Debbie arrives back at the hotel at high speed.

We took the tour of the rest of the complex in the morning but unfortunately with a guide we could not understand but it is a fascinating place, well worth the visit.  They also hold a music festival which I would imagine is spectacular.

Restaurants / Bar

Restaurant and bar for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Conclusion

One night was sufficient but this is stunning unique location so well worth it. End of season was perhaps not the best time to visit but we did have the whole place to ourselves. Standing on the walls is a must do especially to see the difference between the madness outside and the calm within.Oh and we did see some bodies wrapped in sheets just before leaving the fort….I thought I had seen them on my jaunt in the dark.

Ranvas, Nagaur

Well worth the drive to get there, unique experience.