Two years back, I wanted to surprize my wife with a royal holiday package as our wedding anniversary gift. Since I decided at the last moment, was left with hardly any time planning.
My agent Nivalink in Mumbai advised me a Welcome Heritage Hotel at Bombara(read Karni Fort).
At the first glance I was not very happy with photos, and I was informed that it is 30 - 40 Km from Udaipur Airport but had no other option and reluctantly said yes for the booking.
Landed at Udaipur by morning Jet flight on the chilled Jan morning, (for Mumbaikar like me it was v.v. cold) and wanted to reach hotel ASAP and get inside the quilt.
Udaipur airport to Karni Fort was one thrilling exp. It was very foggy at the countryside, road were not exactly that you will find in Rajasthan(Rajasthan has the best road network in India), no sign boards and no one on the road to tell us the way. Worst of all our Driver had no idea where is the place. Somehow after a good drive of 4-5 hrs we were able to see one fort like building at a cliff in a small village.While my wife was looking at me with suspicion I pleaded "GOD plz let this building be our hotel"! Our prayer was heard and that was our Hotel, no one in the village knew the road to the hotel.
Anyway we did reach; the driver was nice enough to find out from the hotel reception whether we were at the right place. He came out of the fort entrance door with traditional Rajasthan reception party. There were Nagaras, Puppet Horses and the thaal, diya, garland etc. Nice welcome!
Inside, it was too good to be true. Yeah! I have been to forts in Scotland but this was really good. Big guns, rough battle field like garden. Steps to the Swimming pool which was about 50 - 60 ft from the entrance date and a magnificent building some 200-300 mts from the gate. So far, very impressive.
We just moved into our room. The unique thing about the hotel is that they didn’t have the room numbers. Each room was identified with the name of a flower. We were put up at "Chameli". The room had all the interiors of Chameli. There was a sitting arrangement, Jharokha which gave a beautiful sunset view over the village and lake.
We also got the opportunity to meet the owner of the hotel. The Karni fort belongs to the Karni family of Jodhpur. The owner is the Dewan of the Royal family of the Jodhpur. The lady of the fort shared with us the stories from the royal family, the history etc. The hotel also has a small museum of its one. There is also a small temple of the Devi.
There is also a good restaurant, we were luck enough that the lady of the fort cooked her favorite and served us.
The USP is the swimming pool. It also has a heater for a comfortable swim during winter. Post dusk, the pool glitters like a jewel and the staff will be happy to serve Kababs, drinks of your choice there.
Another advantage of this hotel is that no one can reach you, there is no mobiles signal. Interestingly, this place also doesn’t have the TV or FM. Traditional rajasthani programme are there in the evening with a bonfire party.
The only shopping destination that you have is the small village next to the fort. You can purchase some good silverware and mirror work but remember to bargain real hard.
We stayed only at the hotel and loitered in the village for 4 days, but all good things have to come to an end. After 4 days we returned to Mumbai, recharged.
BTW, we also got the chance to meet the Royal Prince of Jodhpur(it was few weeks before his famous polo accident) and also learned the difference between Mewar & Malwar tradition.
If you want to get disconnect with the world, ready to be pampered like a royal and get connected to yourself then this is the right place.