Rohet, Rajasthan, India

Rohetgarh, the fortified desert seat of the Singh family, rests beside an idyllic lake amid otherwise arid countryside 40km north of Jodhpur. Decorated and furnished in traditional style, its rooms are fronted by semi-circular verandahs where you can wake to reflections off the water playing on your ceiling beams, and laze on wicker chairs as peacocks perch on cusp-arched windows or stroll across the immaculate gardens.

This place has great pedigree as a heritage hotel. It was where William Dalrymple and Bruce Chatwin stayed while they wrote City of Djinns and Songlines, respectively.

Rohetgarh great asset, though, are its equestrian safaris, which will take you deep in the desert to visit Bishnoi villages and wildlife spots, winding up at a remote Wilderness Camp of six stylishly appointed hunting tents for the night. Non-riders can travel the 17km in a jeep – either way, an unforgettable experience.

Our opinion

One of our preferred choices in the Jodhpur area, Rohetgarh’s is a delightful mid-range option offering a great insight into rural Rajasthan.