Chhatra Sagar is a charming tented camp, set on the Chhatra Sagar dam, near the village of Nimaj in central Rajasthan. Water being the life-giving source in the desert, a powerful noble of the kingdom of Marwar (Jodhpur) decided to bank a seasonal stream and create a water reservoir which would harvest the monsoon rains. Soon the dry scrub turned into a lush green oasis and a highlight for many dignitaries visiting Nimaj, followed by camping on the dam a regular feature.
To capture the outdoor “big sky” feel of the place, the great grandchildren of Thakur Chhatra Singh decided to avoid permanent construction and instead set up traditional Rajasthani tents. Each of the 13 ‘mini palaces’ feature king-size beds, traditional hand-crafted furniture including antique writing desks, and all overlooking the wildlife on the reservoir. Modern amenities include marble top bathrooms with hot and cold showers, robes and quality organic toiletries.
Dining is a special affair at Chhatra Sagar offering a changing seasonal menu of delicious Indian cuisine using old family recipes. All meals, soft drinks, tea and coffee, and local excursions are included in the room rate and private dining can be arranged. The camp is perfectly run by members of a family who take personal care of each visiting guest. There is a wealth of activities available that include bird watching, nature walks and jeep safaris to nearby towns of Nagaur and Pushkar.
Amenities
Bar/PubCoffee ShopConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableGardenMultilingual StaffRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesStay Chhatra Sagar features just eleven canvas tents fitted with fans. Each are carefully hand-stitched with interiors block printed in traditional floral motifs. All are spacious in size and furnished with comfortable beds, locally crafted furniture, large modern bathrooms and private sitting area overlooking the lake and the jungle. In addition, there are two Hilltop Tents that enjoy the best panoramic views and a cooling breeze, which are great for honeymooners.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at the Chhatra Sagar but there are no specific facilities available for children as the atmosphere is aimed at adult travellers. We advise not to bring young kids or toddlers as the dam parapet is low. However, older children interested in nature (and not wired to ipods) would enjoy it here. One child may be accommodated in their parent’s tent for an extra charge. Babysitting service is available upon request.
Dine Dining is a gourmet affair at Chhatra Sagar which is renowned for its excellent home-cooked dishes comprising of regional Rajasthani specialities. Guests can choose to dine in their own tent overlooking the lake, or outside under the stars by a campfire. Picnic lunch can be arranged for those taking a day tour, but candle-lit dinners are accompanied with choice of spirits, beer and Sula Indian wines. All meals, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and local excursions are included in the room rate.
Relax Facilities at Chhatra Sagar include a lakeside sunbathing area and plenty of spaces in the surrounds to relax and enjoy nature or a book. Thankfully, there’s no Wi-Fi here which helps to focus on the rich birdlife seen through personal Pentax binoculars provided for each tent, especially during nature walk around the lake.
Experience Chhatra Sagar is a hundred-year old reservoir set in 1400 acres of privately owned farmland in central Rajasthan. Surrounded by a low-lying jungle it offers an excellent destination for bird watching and nature walks around the lake. Local excursions include visits to Bishnoi villages known for their rich cultural heritage and tribal settlements in the Todgarh-Raoli Sanctuary. Interesting sites include the stunning fort at Nagaur and the ancient town of Pushkar.
Location Chhatra Sagar is a remote tented camp near the village of Nimaj in the district of Pali, Rajasthan, situated just two and a half hours east of Jodhpur and 3 hours north of Deogarh.
Getting there Jodhpur (100km away) is the closest airport. It has regular domestic flights from Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Jaipur and Udaipur. The drive to Chhatra Sagar from the airport takes 2-hours.
When to go Rajasthan is known as the desert state. It is largely hot and dry throughout the year, making it a great destination to get away from European winters. Summer in Rajasthan extends from April to June. Although it rarely rains in Rajasthan, the temperature drops slightly during the Monsoon period from July to September, and humidity increases. Post-monsoon period from October to November is the official "tourist season" in Rajasthan that extends into the winter months from December to March when its warm during the day and chilly at night.
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