Castle Mandawa

Mandawa was founded as a thikana of Jaipur State and grew rich as a trading outpost on the caravan routes linking China and the Middle East. Thakur Nawal Singh, a descendant of the Shekhawati rulers, built the fort here in the 18th century to guard that trade, and a township of merchants grew up around it. Part of the fort is now the hotel, the rest still standing in Rajput and Mughal style with massive walls, ornate facades and carved balconies.

Eighty rooms sit in four categories: 33 Standard at 300 square feet, 33 Deluxe at 400, ten Suites at 700 and four Royal Suites at 900. Each is themed, with antiques, chandeliers, marble fountains and murals running from mythological scenes to historical events and everyday life.

Jai Mahal, the multi-cuisine restaurant, seats 150 under painted arches. Sileh Khana, the bar and coffee shop, takes 40 in a Shekhawati-themed room. Dinner also happens on the lawns and around a bonfire in the rear courtyard with a fire dancer, and breakfast on a turret terrace looking out to distant temples and cenotaphs. There is a swimming pool, the R3 Spa, a gym, a private theatre and motorcycles for hire.