Samode Palace
Samode

Samode Palace is one of Ampersand's Top Ten Hotels in Rajasthan and Top Ten Venues for a Wedding or Party

Samode Palace, located in the rugged Aravalli Hills, just a one-hour drive north of Jaipur, is nestled in the enchanting village of Samode. As one of the most renowned heritage palace properties in Rajasthan, it offers the ultimate in Indian royal luxury. An ideal setting for a fairy-tale wedding, romantic honeymoon, or an unforgettable cultural getaway, Samode Palace immerses guests in authentic Indian experiences, completely free from European influence, making it a perfect destination for those who appreciate historical architecture and grandeur.

This exquisite 18th-century palace was originally a 16th-century fort and was meticulously transformed by Rawal Berisal, the Rawal of Samode. A stunning example of Rajput-Mughal architecture, the palace boasts intricate frescoes and some of the finest mirror work in the state, especially in the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors). The Durbar Hall and the blue open sitting room are among the most magnificent spaces you'll encounter, brilliantly preserved to showcase the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal past, yet without the stiffness of a museum.

Lovingly renovated by the descendants of the royal family, Samode Palace remains under the ownership and management of the same family. Their impeccable taste and dedication to preserving the palace’s charm have resulted in some of the most opulent rooms and suites found in any heritage hotel.

Each room at Samode Palace is unique, beautifully decorated with traditional Indian craftsmanship. The Royal Suites offer a more modern touch, featuring spacious layouts, flat-screen televisions and Nespresso coffee machines, providing the perfect balance of cultural heritage and modern luxury. It's important to note that, despite the recent addition of a lift, the building's age and architecture may not be ideal for guests with mobility challenges.

Guests can enjoy two beautiful swimming pools, including a rooftop pool exclusively for tailor-made guests, offering stunning views and the perfect setting for enjoying a champagne aperitif on a candlelit terrace. Meals are served in intimate courtyards or on the roof terrace under the stars, with the surrounding mountain views and the picturesque village of Samode providing a breathtaking backdrop. The palace, standing tall like a desert mirage, offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape and the cobbled lanes of Samode village, which are ideal for leisurely strolls.

Samode village is renowned for its traditional crafts, including block printing, bangle making and gemstone crafting. Guests can easily step out of the palace gates to explore local shops and artisan workshops, such as miniature painting studios and cloth merchants. The village also features stunning havelis, chattris and ancient water wells, which can be admired during village walks.

For nature lovers, birdwatching walks are available, and for the adventurous, camel safaris and horseback riding through the desert dunes can be arranged. Additionally, hot-air balloon rides offer a unique perspective of the vast desert landscape. For those looking to explore nearby attractions, Jaipur’s famous Hanuman Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, is just an hour and a half away by car.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson