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"I am the descendant of Sir Sobha Singh who worked closely with Sir Edwin Lutyens to construct and build the city of New Delhi. My parents first came to Ranthambhore in 1974, over 40 years ago, it was a discovery of an otherwise little-known ‘Paradise’. Their pioneering work through filming and documentation of the tigers of Ranthambhore as well as the great diversity of wildlife in the area had a strong impact on the way the world came to see Ranthambhore. Growing up around them and their friends, as a child, I spent much of my time there, often being rushed off from school in Delhi to track tigers. It was here, in close proximity to this unique wilderness, that I conceived and founded Sher Bagh, in 2000. Through this Route du Bonheur, I am today urging you to discover this part of Northern India, from the Thar Desert to the Bandhavgarh National Park, between wild reserves and UNESCO World Heritage Sites and vistas of an India that is timeless."
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur: suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
*Total price provided for information only, based on accommodation for two people in a double room for the number of nights per property as indicated on this page, exclusive of recommended activities, properties that cannot be reserved online and restaurants.
Hotel and restaurant in the desert. The Serai, Jaisalmer, a luxurious camp, sits on a 100-acre private estate of indigenous desert scrub, drawing inspiration from the designs of the royal caravan sites of Rajputana; blending their dash and vivacity with modern amenities and services. Venture into the mystical environs of Jaisalmer, discover its fabled golden fortress, now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Amidst this haven of peace the SUJÁN spa offers treatments in enclosed gardens. We serve local delicacies and western selections from daily changing menus that are meticulously planned using fresh ingredients. The enchanting location makes for a perfect evening to succumb to the charms of the legendary Manganiyars musicians.
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The first impression is that of seeing a mirage. With its 99 bastions, the citadel of Jaisalmer seems surreal. However, the fortress is very much "alive". In the middle of the desert, sheltered by walls, its winding alleys are home to thousands of inhabitants, magnificent havelis (small palaces) and a unique history that our own historian will share with you...
The village of the Manganiyars, Hamira
Hamira is located about twenty kilometres from the golden fortresses. We assist young musicians from the Manganiyar families who belong to an ancient bardic tradition followed by nomadic families that have today settled. Their soul stirring music originates here and we have prominently exhibited their endangered art form of story-telling through music at The Serai. I could listen to them play the kamaicha (a kind of 20-string violin) all night. Sakar Khan, one of the legends of this community, passed on in 2013 and often played at The Serai, when he wasn’t playing alongside the likes of Yehudi Menuhin and George Harrison!
Sunset on the desert
The Thar Desert is India’s largest scrub desert and home to a variety of desert dwelling species that include desert cat, fox, gazelle and the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. Despite being largely scrub desert with a fair amount of undergrowth the Thar is also home to a few outstanding dispersed sand dunes about ten kilometres from the city. Far from tourist sites, we take our guests to long forgotten sites. In the middle of these dunes, you forget time. The programme includes camel rides and sundowners before the onset of a star-laden sky of a night in the desert…
Hotel and restaurant in the desert. This superb “Fortress of the Sun” overlooks the Thar desert, right in the heart of Rajasthan. Mihir Garh, designed throughout by Sidhart Singh and his wife Rashmi, was born out of their desire to share this heaven on earth. 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.
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It took all the imagination and determination of its owners Sidhart and Rashmi Singh for the "Sun Fort" to emerge from the sand. There is nothing like it in the middle of the desert. It is indeed impossible to suspect that, behind these high walls, you'd find these alcoves, Jacuzzis, swimming pools and magnificent suites. Mihir Garh is among those sites for which new superlatives need to be invented. Didn't Vogue describe it as a "desert jewel"?
The « blue city » of Jodhpur
Located about sixty kilometres from Mihir Garh, the city of Jodhpur still calls to mind Rajasthan's feudal splendour. The blue houses of the old city, the rich palaces and the lively bazaars make the ancient "blue city" special. Dominated by the impregnable citadel of Mehrangarh, Jodhpur for a long time occupied a strategic position on the caravan route. Its architecture, colour and businesses are still unique…
Watch a polo game, Jodhpur
Jodhpur has been one of the major venues in the history of polo since the 19th century. The sport continues to flourish thanks to the efforts of HH Gaj Singh II, the reigning Maharajah. For several years, I had the opportunity of being a member the prestigious Jodhpur team. An owner of horses, I have now formed my own team. So, why not someday found the first "Relais & Châteaux" team (I played for about ten years against Salvatore Ferragamo, the owner of Il Borro, in Italy). www;jodhpurpolo.com
Hotel and restaurant in the desert. With spectacular views of a dramatic wilderness, life at Suján JAWAI celebrates the great outdoors. Spend unforgettable days on wilderness adventures and tracking leopards; breakfasts in the bush, yoga outdoors and delicious dinners
under constellations of an unending starry sky. It is the most sophisticated and ecological way to discover a truly enchanting landscape. A wander to outlying villages allows immersive experiences of local culture and insights into some of the camp’s brilliant community projects. With just 10 tents including a Family and a Royal Suite, Jawai redefines sustainable luxury in the wilderness.
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Hotel and restaurant in town. Suján Rajmahal Palace is one of the oldest and most treasured palaces in Jaipur. Located at the heart of Rajasthan’s bustling capital it is an enclosed oasis, secluded in beautiful verdant gardens. It’s tall bay windows, mirrored doors and wonderful interiors allow guests to be transported to a new era of 21st century regal living. The Palace offers just 13 rooms and suites, including two magnificent Royal apartments. The wallpapers, specially created for each room, tell the many stories of Jaipur making sure there is something to suit everyone. Laze by art deco swimming pool, take in a polo match in the Royal box or head out on a cultural tour at first light. Whatever you feel like doing, the concierge here will go out of their way to make it unforgettable.
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Lodge and restaurant in a game reserve. Nestled on the borders of world renowned Ranthambore National Park Suján Sher Bagh Bagh transports you to the 1920s, evoking life on safari during the heyday of the British Raj. The Suján family has played an active role in the conservation effort at Ranthambhore since 1974, and continues to do so more than 40 years on. Sher Bagh is a pioneering camp of 10 luxurious tents, and 2 exceptional tented suites. Enjoy crackling campfires under star lit skies, where naturalists to share the facts of the forest. It’s a place where comfort, style and conservation meet. Sher Bagh’s guides and offer an unsurpassed game drive experience. Their incredible knowledge of the park and the behaviour of its star inhabitant, the tiger, together with their passionate enthusiasm, make a stay here unparalleled. When not on safari, relax under the shade of sleepy neem trees with a book from the library or to take a dip in the private, heated swimming pool watching the sunset. The cuisine here combines Anglo-Indian style lunches and traditional Indian dinners cooked over the fire in clay ovens using homegrown ingredients, hand-picked from the gardens.
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Created in 1980, the Ranthambhore National Park is probably the best site in the world for sighting wild tigers. Though protected since 1970, this species, however, was for a long time under threat from poachers. Thanks to investments by local authorities, NGOs and villagers, the Ranthambhore Critical Tiger Habitat (1413 km2) is now home to one of the highest tiger population densities in India. Our teams are trained to follow the footprints of the predators, albeit with extreme sensitivity, while describing and showing the rich diversity of Ranthambhore’s other wildlife...
Ranthambhore fort
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ranthambhore fort is so old historians are unable to date its exact origin. It bears witness to the bygone glories of what was once the bastions of the Rajput dynasty of the Chauhans. It remains one of the most impressive forts in Northern India, and amongst its largest. Entered through its four fortified gates, you get to discover a site that is still well-maintained and has some fascinating many archaeological remains. Within the fort is also a Ganesha temple that is frequently visited by the region's inhabitants.
Lodge and restaurant in a game reserve. Samode Safari Lodge is eco-designed, taking its inspiration from the architecture of the colourful neighbouring villages, and blends seamlessly into the country side. Separate, elegantly furnished and decorated lodges look out onto the wilderness. You are in the heart of India, on the edge of Bandhavgarh National Park, the territory with the highest density of tigers in the world. These splendid cats and the diverse flora and fauna of the region are explored in specially designed Safari vehicles with knowledgeable and articulate guides. The owners’ passion of food has led to the offering of an ever changing menu in different and exciting venues.
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Nearly 250 bird species, leopards, tigers and jungle cats live together in this dense forest. The owner of the premises seems to know every tree in the Bandhavgarh reserve. In a rolling landscape, marshes and meadows offer nice alternatives to the lush forest and rocky crests. Some Indians consider that the landscapes date back to ancient India…
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