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On first look, Mihir Garh looks like a fort rising from the Rajasthani dunes. Everything about the property near the Khandi village is tied to the local community. The workmen hail from the region and the soft furnishings are mostly sourced from Jodhpur, which is the nearest airport. The fireplaces are built by the village women using clay and cow dung. Its mud walls are hand painted with prints that resonate with the local communities. Each of the nine suites of this boutique hotel come with a private terrace, courtyard, plunge pool and a Jacuzzi. The F&B oerings range from a selection of common continental dishes to unique traditional recipes. Amongst its experiences, the highlight would be the village safari where one visits homes of the villagers to understand their way of life. houseofrohet.com/mihir_garh
All four cabins at Shakti 360° Leti in the Himalays have one glass wall with stunning views of nature. The experience is built for those who want Himalayan adventure, but not without luxury. The lodge is a five and a half hour drive from the Kumaon village in Uttarakhand, near the Nepal border. The entire visit is customised to include a guided village walks, hikes and personal time with chefs in the kitchens. A minimum three-day reservation is required, although five days can pass by in a jiy. shaktihimalaya.com/kumaon
Once a hunting lodge for Jodhpur’s royal family, Rawla Narlai is now a heritage resort situated near Desuri in Rajasthan. The architecture and hospitality of this luxury property revolve around Rajasthan’s culture and traditions. The 32 rooms of Rawla Narlai have rich Indian décor featuring hand-block printed lining, vintage furnishings and white marble work.
Rawla Narlai’s F&B outlets include an indoor-dining restaurant adjacent to a sky palm courtyard, and JBar serving finger food along with a fine collection of cocktails and spirits.
To up the experience, you can enjoy dinner by the 16th century old Step-well of Narlai, savour tea by the lake, or go horse riding.
Set amidst forested hills and rocky outcrops, Rawla Narlai also oers a countryside safari, a stroll through a village, leopard sighting, a visit to a cave temple, a train safari and trekking for adventure junkies. rawlanarlai.com