Rawla Narlai, India Hotel

Narlai, Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, India

The vast state of Rajasthan in the north of India is known for its rich history of maharajahs, ancient civilisations, temples, forts and tigers, along with vibrant festivals and jaw-dropping landscapes. So perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised by the backdrop of the Rawla Narlai hotel in the Aravalli Hills mountain range in the form of a giant granite monolith, ‘Elephant Hill’ – but this is the least of the wonders on your doorstep. Wildlife experiences include leopard safaris and monkey treks, then there’s the magnificent 15th-century Kumbhalgarh Fort – the ‘Great Wall of India’ – with its continuous stoneworks stretching for some 36km. But what’s on the inside counts too, and within the walls of this 17th-century royal hunting lodge there are 32 suites, split between historic and contemporary in feel, each with five-star credentials and bursting with character. There’s an eclectic feel grounded in luxury, including the shaded stone pool and splendid spa options.

Doubles from £83.

Words by Alex Mead

This article was taken from the May 2024 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.