Suryagarh
Jaisalmer

Tucked away on the edge of the ethereal Thar Desert, Suryagarh is less a hotel and more a romantic mirage conjured from the golden sands of Rajasthan. A contemporary fort with an ancient soul, this palatial retreat channels the majesty of bygone eras while offering the highest levels of 21st-century comfort.

Designed to echo the honey-hued ramparts and intricate carvings of Jaisalmer’s celebrated architecture, Suryagarh’s walls rise from the desert floor, inviting guests into a world where tradition and elegance are seamlessly intertwined. Days here unfold languidly; awaken to the call of peacocks and the shimmer of the morning sun on sandstone, explore hidden courtyards and secret gardens, then retreat to the cool embrace of your suite, dressed in rich textiles and artisanal furnishings.

The property’s signature experiences, such as mystical desert dinners under a canopy of stars, private camel safaris across silent dunes, and musical performances beside fire-lit lakes, are meticulously curated, transporting guests into the heart of Rajasthan’s storied past. The spa draws inspiration from ancient wellness rituals, offering deeply restorative treatments using desert botanicals, while the dining is a journey through the bold flavours and royal recipes of the region.

Suryagarh’s magic lies in its quiet grandeur and innate sense of place; it doesn’t merely offer a stay, but rather a portal to the timeless spirit of Jaisalmer, crafted with care, authenticity and a deep reverence for the land. Perfect for intrepid romantics, cultural connoisseurs and those seeking luxury with a sense of adventure.

Beyond the ramparts, Suryagarh unveils a tapestry of curated trails that reveal the secrets of the desert: forgotten caravanserais, ghost villages suspended in time and ancient temples crumbling under endless skies. Each journey is led by expert hosts whose storytelling brings these desolate, beautiful landscapes vividly to life. It is a rare chance to connect with Rajasthan’s quieter, more mystical side, one that remains largely untouched by the modern world.

Back within the fort’s embrace, evenings at Suryagarh have their own special rhythm. As the sun sinks behind the dunes, flaming torches light the courtyards and the scent of jasmine fills the air. Musicians perform traditional ragas that echo off the stone walls, while guests sip cocktails infused with spices and rare botanicals. Here, in this exquisite confluence of past and present, time itself seems to gently dissolve into the desert night.

The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling