
Samode
Palace is just 40 kms northwest from Jaipur and is the splendid set
amidst fairy tale surroundings. Samose's history goes back more than
four and half centuries. Prithviraj Singh ji of Amber, the seventeenth
Prince of the house of Kachhawaha Rajputs, had awarded Samode to one of
his twelve sons, Gopal Singhji, along with the hereditary title of Rawal
Saheb. Nestled picturesquely amidst rugged hills, Samode Palace with its
stately grandeur and frescoed walls is one of the most impressive small
palaces in whole of Rajasthan.
The palace is full of
architectural delights - the paintings on the walls of Sultan Mahal, the
dinning room with its stained glass windows, the Durbar Hall with its
painted ceilings and intricately carved walls. The chandeliers give the
palace its old world charm. The Palace has a front lawn, terrace and
boasts of hosting number of incentives every year. Encircled by hills,
it is a refreshing treat with spectacular landscapes. The 400-year-old
palace has a wealth of frescoes, many of them depicting religious
subjects. The ornate interiors are a fine example of the Rajput haveli
architecture.
Tourist Attractions
- Samode Palace: The history of Samode Palace goes back to more
than four and a half centuries. Prithviraj Singhji of Amber, the
seventeenth prince of the house of Kachhawah Rajputs, had awarded
Samode to one of his twelve sons - Gopal Singhji alongwith the
hereditary title of Rawal Saheb. Set cosily in the scenic rocky
hills, Samode Palace with its stately majesty opens a grand journey
into the glorious past through its frescoed corridors. The palace is
full of architectural delights. The birds, animals and flowers
painted on the walls of the Sultan Mahal, the dining room with its
stained glass windows and its collection of old family portraits,
the Durbar Hall with its painted ceilings and intricately carved
walls and beautiful chandeliers, give this palace its ethnic charm.
Each room is done up in traditional Rajasthani style and the antique
furniture blends well with the surroundings. A traditional welcome
with camel carts, buggies, elephants and local musicians is
organized on preference. Camel safaris are available.
- Samode Bagh: Built more than 400 years ago by Rawal Sheo Singhji,
it is modelled on the geometric style of the Mughal Garden. Members
of the Samode family came here to enjoy rare moments of privacy and
relax in the airy pavilions, surrounded by rippling water fountains.
A special feature of the stay here is the accommodation being
provided in the tents. Meeting point at the Bagh is the elegantly
furnished Durbar tent. Dune coloured tents, all luxuriously
furnished with every comfort, the lawns, fruit trees, grape vines,
and the flowering shrubs make the stay here a memorable one.
Evenings come alive with local folk music and dances in the magic of
a camp fire. One can swim in the private pool or take camel rides to
explore the countryside. Other entertainment activities available
here include camel safaris, a visit to the village and the Samode
Palace which is just 3 kms away.
How to get there
- Air
The nearest airport is at Jaipur.
- Rail
Jaipur, the nearest railway junction, is
well-connected with Delhi, Bikaner, Jodhpur and a host of cities
around.
- Road
Samode is an hours drive from Jaipur,
which is 45 kms away.