A gorgeous, 9-suite fantasy fort in the Thar desert with private plunge pools, royal picnics and Marwar horse-riding
One of the jewels in the crown of Rajasthan, Mihir Garh is a brilliant combination of new and old and a true oasis in the desert. Classic exterior design meets modern but stylish interiors, authentically Indian in every way – this is one of our top 10 experiences worldwide. Rising majestically from the desert plains, it provides a combination of stunning views, relaxation, incredible levels of accommodation and activities that will really capture the essence of the area.
The fort is a dream realised for owners Sidarth and Rashmi, who started envisaging this unique project many years ago and spent many more formulating, constructing and decorating the interior with artefacts and hand-picked furniture from various high quality artisans around India and beyond.
With only nine suites, the fort affords a level of space and service that is hard to achieve with larger properties. It provides a haven for those seeking solitude as well as adventure with amazing horse rides available over the plains, desert safaris and nearby villages.
The fortress mirrors the architecture of the local villages, with its rounded edges, open fireplaces and alcoves, and the colour of the stone merges seamlessly with the surrounding sand. Mihir Garh stands as a tribute to this land swept by the desert winds and has been designed as an eco-friendly hotel. Each suite provides a unique place to relax, where luxurious appointments act as a foil to the mineral sand of the surrounding desert.
From village safaris to royal picnics, from the novel experience of riding some of the finest specimens of Marwari horses, to watching a pronking Antelope, or simply gazing at the magnificent night sky after a Shikar Dinner, Mihir Garh will keep you yearning for more. And just when you feel you have experienced everything there was to experience, it may surprise you with something… something new to wonder upon.
Suites
In the suites of Mihir Garh, you will be living The Paradox: modern amenities in a city known for its traditions; soft stylish furnishings within a barren land. Indeed, sheer indulgence amidst vast wilderness.
Nine magnificent suites each offer over 1700 square feet of private space, with gorgeous desert-view sitting rooms and luxurious bathrooms with separate showers and a freestanding or embedded bath, double basins and a range of toiletries. Aalishan is the name given to the suites on the ground floor, each of which comes with its own plunge pool and personal courtyard. The suites on the first floor are called Shandaar and have an exclusive open air Jacuzzi along with a private terrace. Aalishan and Shandaar are the names of the two legendary stallions of the Rohet stables.
Every detail is taken care of: the smallest of furnishings have been handpicked after careful deliberation. The flooring of each room uses a special plaster technique known to only one man in the entire region. He, along with a helper, have put in hours of labour in creating the very exclusive floors that Mihir Garh boasts.
To ensure absolute comfort, each suite is equipped with all modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, DVDs, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, tea and coffee stations and mini bars. To add to the contemporary chic, there is also a touch of tradition in every room: hand crafted fire-places created by women from neighbouring villages!
Dining
Knowing that Indian menus are Greek to many Westerners, and wanting guests to feel right at home, staff will discuss your preferences before conjuring a bespoke menu for each meal. Chefs are local rather than cordon bleu, but trained in international cuisine so most dishes are possible. You can also sample, and learn how to cook, traditional Rajasthani recipes with thick, signature gravies dreamed up by Sidarth’s mother.
Breakfast is eaten beside the pool on beautifully laid tables. You can have a Indian kick-start (spicy scrambled eggs, radish, potato or cauliflower parathas, puris, bhajis) or the full Continental – a delicious spread of fruit platters, cereal, yoghurt, toast, eggs any style, or great fry-ups of baby sausages and crispy bacon. Lunch can be anything from room service sandwiches to a ‘Royal Picnic’ – think desert tent, tables and chairs, linens and liveried servants.
Dinner (after poolside armchair aperitifs, accompanied by local musicians) is a tasty Rajasthani feast. Served in the dining room brightened with bold wall paintings by young Rajasthani artists, it features spicy chicken soup, fish and meat kebabs with rice, vegetables and Indian breads, and finishes with creme caramel and dark chocolates.
Guests have called a meal at Mihir Garh their best in India. This resulted in the late Thakurani Sahiba Jayendra Kumari authoring a small cookbook on our cuisine. Under her expert guidance, the team began their culinary workshops. Today, her legacy is carried forward by her daughter in-law, Rashmi Singh. Workshops promote traditional Rajasthani cuisine and are extremely comprehensive and popular. Guests are not only given demonstrations but also practical training following which they get to sample their own efforts!
The Shikar Dinners take you back to the days of the Raj, when Shikar (hunting) was the sport of the day. This led to many a night spent out in the wilderness…camping in the dim moonlight of the Thar Desert. This is a truly royal experience. The tranquil desert landscape bathed under a spectacular night sky embraces you, as you wind your way lounging on your camel cart to the campsite. Mashaal lit pathways and a crackling bonfire welcome you as you step off your camel cart . Bolstered cushions on traditional chaarpies beckon you, and you give in to the pampering… a glass of your favourite wine in hand, you are entertained by the enthralling Manganiyar folk musicians and the Terrah Taal dancers through the evening, with an ever-attentive team serving you a choice of the most delectable kebabs and barbeque before you are ushered along a candle lit path culminating at a beautifully appointed table, with crisp linin and candles to be served a delicious traditional dinner under the glorious night skies.
Exploring
The experiences offered in the surrounding countryside are a true highlight of a stay here. The owners are intrinsically linked to all the local villages for miles around since their forefathers were in charge of these villages and looked after them very well. A huge respect is therefore afforded to any guests of Mihir Gar or their sister property Rohet Garh, which makes this all the more awe inspiring.
Pioneered way back in 1988, The Village Safari still remains the main highlight. Showcasing the best of the land, it is a cultural experience, which encompasses all that this region has to offer. From the warm and hospitable people, to the various customs and ceremonies, the local crafts and the abundant wildlife, guests have the rare privilege of being welcomed into people’s homes and interacting with them. They get to experience and understand a way of life that takes them closer to their roots. They meet the ‘Premier ecologists of the world’, the Bishnois, who have protected nature for more than 500 years and are responsible for the very survival of species like the Black Buck antelope (India’s most beautiful antelope and a rare and protected species today). They share a beautiful relationship with this special animal, wherein the antelope stays close to Bishnoi habitation, never leaving it, and displays complete trust in the Bishnoi people. Guests also meet the Raikas (shepherds) with their glorious costumes, and the Paliwals and Meghwals,( the Brahmin farmers and weavers.)
This unique tour is made possible solely because of the host family’s special relationship with the local people from various communities and walks of life, which allows rare access into every home visited, where guests are welcomed as their very own.
Today, Mihir Garh also boasts of one of the finest stables of the Marwari horse in the country. This horse’s sensitive but honest disposition and it’s beautiful, free flowing gait make it a delight to ride. The owner himself beautifully schools the horses at Mihir Garh. This is a special opportunity to the intrepid horseman to experience and cherish this beautiful horse.
Pool
The sunset-facing infinity edge pool at Mihir Garh has the most breathtaking view of the Thar Wilderness. Overlooking the vast expanse of the countryside it provides a stunning treetop vistas best enjoyed with a cool drink.
The Spa
Mihir Garh’s spa is the perfect luxury indulgence in the Thar Desert. The Spa comprises of two treatment rooms with interiors that pay tribute to the rural arts and create a sense of well-being set within a walled garden. A diverse menu of therapies ensures you experience the mood and essence that your mind and body demands. From rousing reflexology to cleansing scrubs and relaxing massages, the organic and ayurvedic products we use are made with ingredients from the desert, blended with an array of healing herbs that leave you feeling relaxed and heavenly.
Map and travel information
Flight information
Direct flights from the UK to Udaipur. 64km from airport, 12km from railway station, 3km from bus stop.Transfer to Mihir Garh
Transfer by private vehicle from Udaipur airport in approximately 4 hours 45 minutesEmail us
Visit
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH