Fort Khejarla

Fort Khejarla was constructed in early 1611 for Maharajah Gopal Das Ji, youngest son of the royal family of Jaisalmer, who was granted the jagirs of Khejarla and nearby villages for his service in war to the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Mughal armies attacked three times, and each time the fort was rebuilt. Its name comes from the khejdi tree in the village. The Thakurs of Khejarla were one of the eight feudal lords to the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The property is leased and was restored by Bhandari Heritage Pvt. Ltd., and one section remains the residence of the family.

The red sandstone building sits on a small hillock and is divided into four parts. The Zenana Mahal holds 19 rooms over two floors with a courtyard and terrace; the Mardana Mahal has 21 rooms, a dining hall, a bar and an open garden with fountains; the east block carries the reception, swimming pool, gym and spa. Of the 40 rooms, 23 are Royal Chambers, 11 Regal Rooms and 6 Luxury Suites, each opening to a patio or balcony over the village or the lawns. The open-air Restaurant Terrace was once the Durbar Hall, and the indoor Marwar Restaurant seats 90.