Rajasthan spoils you for choice when it comes to travelling back in time and reliving the glorious past — that era of opulence and grandeur, imposing forts, palaces and brave warriors.
Patan Mahal, which is the ancestral home of Rao Digvijay Singh Patan and his family stands out in this crowd of Heritage Hotels. It is a heritage hotel with 19 rooms with all modern amenities, maintaining it’s original character after spending 5 years lovingly restoring the palace and grounds to their former glory. Beautiful paintings on the wall and roofs have been carefully restored, the nooks and crannies have been retained, and many rooms contain surprises — there is the room with a trapdoor, and there is more than one room with little doors and staircases that lead into the turrets, the kind of spaces that a writer or artist looking to escape the world will love.
Reaching Patan: Patan lies on the Kot Putli-Sikar State Highway, 23 km from the turn-off at Kot Putli on NH8. From Gurgaon, even with heavy traffic you will reach in 3 hour. On our way to Patan Mahal we took the NH148B detour before Kotputli, which has a smooth 20km expressway and the last 13 kms could get tricky with google maps taking weird turns. The last couple of miles, at times peaceful and at time menacing, finally leads you to the hills which leads you to the town of Patan, at the end of which lies an enclosed valley which open up to the gates of the Palace. The locals would be more that happy to help you with directions as consider guests of the palace as their own guest. There are time when the entire village seems to be hosting you.
Caution: Visitors must study the route to the palace as google map tends to take you through the shortest village roads in an adventurous mode and some of these are not motorable by any means
What to Expect: A 200 year old restored palace, amid its fruit groves and vegetable gardens where the Aravalli Range rears up on three sides as you enter the hollow where
Patan Mahal sits majestically.
Once you enter Patan Mahal, the Aravalli Range can be seen rising on three sides, creating an impressive backdrop. The palace, which is over 200 years old and has been restored, is surrounded by fruit groves and vegetable gardens. As the eye travels up the green hillsides surrounding the mahal, ruins from Rajasthan's feudal past can be observed, such as stone walls, hunting towers, and the ornate skeleton of Badal Mahal. At the top of the hill is a 13th-century fort that guards the valley. These relics, which have been weathered by time, have become immensely picturesque. It is difficult to imagine that Patan was once the site of a bloody battle between the Rajputs, Marathas, and French troops in 1790, where the town's riches were highly coveted. The Marathas emerged victorious, bringing an end to the Rajput reign over Ajmer and Malwa. It is said that Patan Mahal was so richly endowed that it took three days to loot it satisfactorily.
Activities: The palace is situated amidst its own farm and is flanked by an 800-year-old fort and another palace located halfway up a hill. The majority of the food served in the palace is grown on the premises, while the remaining produce is sourced locally. Guests can pass their time by strolling through the fields, taking a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, or relaxing in the pool area, which boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and the palace. The location is perfect for a leisurely and unhurried vacation. Visitors have the opportunity to pick fresh fruit from the organic orchard, explore the modest Shiva temple and picturesque Gopaldwara house on the property, or go for a swim. The mahal itself is a representation of a bygone era, with its arches, panelled doors, giant four-poster beds, and stained-glass windows.
Under the chhatris on the terrace, there are comfortable, deep cane chairs arranged. It is recommended to spend the evenings and nights relaxing here. As the town fades into the dusk, swallows can be seen making their final dives of the day. The breathtaking view can be enjoyed with a refreshing drink and onion pakoras, while a cool breeze tugs at the tablecloth and the darkness envelops the surroundings. By 9 pm, the town becomes quiet and seems almost uninhabited. As the moon ascends higher into the sky, the valley is illuminated with a milky glow. Nights like these are rare to experience in a city and should not be missed.
During the daytime, it can be an enjoyable experience to explore the surrounding areas. It is suggested to request the manager to guide you through the adjacent organic farm, which is planted with bajra, okra, and aubergine, and is bordered by banana, pomegranate, papaya, guava, jamun, and ber trees. The ground is littered with purple jamun. A short walk up to the dam at the end of the farm, which spans the stream bed, is recommended. There is no one around, only the chirping of bulbuls in the bushes and possibly a burnished copper crow-pheasant or two wandering through the undergrowth.
To burn off the lavish meals, a hike up the hillside to the ruins of Badal Mahal and the 13th-century fort, which are remnants of the region's tumultuous history, is recommended. I would however suggest a morning hike when the weather is more amenable. There is also a baoli located nearby, which can be accessed by descending the steps to the lowest level. For those interested in crafts, a visit to the lac bangle-makers in Patan town may be of interest.
Want to feel like royalty on your next vacation? There’s nothing that can come close to visiting Rajasthan and basking in all the rich culture, heritage, and history and what better way to do it than staying at an actual mahal.
Pro-Tips
Plan your route and don't trust Google maps blindly. Ask when in doubt
Don't forget to pack some shoes you can trek in; the beautiful views are so worth it
The Badal Mahal trek is a must do
Do visit the organic farm
Book directly for better rates
Comments