The Magic of Rural Rajasthan: Luxury Experience

During my travels in India, I have usually done it quite rough, with the one exception where I had a slice of luxury in Jaipur. So when my friend was asked to visit a luxury property in rural Rajasthan I jumped at the chance to go with her.  From the website, Lakshman Sagar looked nice, but it just did not do justice to the spectacular place that we saw.

The property is located in the tiny town of Haripur, about a two hour jeep ride from Jodhpur.  It was once a royal hunting lodge, and now is one of the most peaceful places I have seen in India. It is also the most stunning property I have had the pleasure of staying in anywhere in the world.  This little backpacker sure moved up in the world for 24 hours!

From our private villa, we had an unadulterated view of the lake and oh yes, that’s our private plunge pool.

The grounds of the hotel are so well spread out, that you are assured of privacy.  There are 12 villas, a pool and the old men’s and women’s quarters.  The latter have been beautifully decorated in hues of pinks and blues and now are the dining and lounging quarters for the guests. With plenty of nooks and crannies, you can find a space all of your own and just enjoy the serenity.

Our private villa had a lovely rustic feel, but was fitted out with all the mod cons, and some things even we couldn’t work out what they were for.

We were taken out for breakfast in the morning to a local villagers house, and enjoyed some fabulous, if not a bit artery clogging local food. Yes that is pure makhni on my parotha! There were parakeets playing in the wheat, every spice and vegetable imaginable being grown and even a traditional jalebi stall.

Close to town the local wholesale chilli market was being set up, with chillies drying in the sun and being packed for shipping. I was called over to help out and before I knew it I was stupidly elbow deep in chillies.

For me the most amazing part of this stay was the sunset and sunrise.  At night the sky just lit up in a blaze of orange.  In the morning, we sat and watched peacocks play on the hillside as they prepared themselves for the day.

I was even given a cooking lesson by the chef when I asked for the recipe to their Tamarind Eggplant and Tomato dishes.  I can’t wait to try them out at home.

This place is nothing short of pure bliss. My only regret is that we only stayed for one day, and I am definitely going to try to get there for another visit.  It is just spectacular!

My travel companion on this trip is also a travel writer and guide and you can find her review of Lakshman Sagar here.