Rajasthan, the country of princes

At first, you will think you are gazing at a mirage. With its 99 bastions, the citadel of Jaisalmer seems surreal. The fortress, though, 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 the hotel's historian will share with you.

Birdwatching is an art and the area around Jawai certainly provides a wondrous place to enjoy it: Depending on the season, up to 170 different species of birds can be spotted! The staff at Sujan Jawai will accompany you to the heart of the steppe to bring you to the favorite spots of both migrating and resident birds. A chance to get close to pink flamingos, Indian eagle owls, purple herons, darters, steppe eagles, blue rock thrushes, and more.

In the shadow of the Aravalli mountain range, the small village of Ranakpur is home to some of the most important Jain temples in India. Among these is the enormous Adinatha temple, built in the 15th century and boasting 29 majestic halls and 1,400 sculpted columns and pillars. This true jewel of religious architecture is covered entirely with ornamental sculptures and carvings which fascinate visitors with their sumptuously intricate details.

Its name means both “instrument” and “magic formula”: Built in 1728 by the Maharajah Jai Singh II, the Jantar Mantar observatory is a collection of fifteen astronomical instruments of colossal dimensions. They were all designed to provide the astronomer-prince and his scholars with unprecedented precision in their astronomical calculations. Nearly three centuries later, this open-air observatory still inspires amateur stargazers.

Is it a facade or a magical postcard? Hawa Mahal is more of an icon than a palace, whose five floors of pink sandstone illuminate the city. Although the building has 953 vertical niches and windows, it is only one room deep! It was built in 1799 to enable the royal ladies to observe the hustle-bustle of the street and a world that they were forbidden to enter.

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.