Ranvas is an experiential heritage hotel, set within the ramparts of the magnificent Ahhichatragarh fort complex two hours north of Jodhpur. Legend has it that the 16 queens of Maharaja Bakhat Singh, who ruled in the mid-18th century, lived in the ten havelis that make up the Zenana Mahal. The mahal has now been restored to its original glory and is converted into a small boutique hotel called Ranvas or the abode of ranis.
Today, Ranvas’s 33 rooms inhabit the ten havelis (residences built around courtyards) where the maharaja’s queens lived. The restoration and decoration have been completed with scholarly care and exquisite taste. Subtle lighting enhances the scalloped archways, delicate latticework and colonnaded courtyards. Guest rooms have antique beds and furniture decorated with perfectly chosen fabrics and accessories. Bathrooms do not have tubs but there are showers.
Delicious regional and Indian meals are served in the pillared baradari (pavilion) overlooking a swimming pool screened by pomegranate bushes. Guests at Ranvas can take a complimentary tour of the palace and museum complex, showcasing Rajput-Mughal architecture. One day hike up to the fort’s magnificent ramparts and explore Nagaur to see a traditional Rajasthani puppet show. Activities include camel or jeep safari into the desert, village walks and birdwatching tour.
Amenities
Bar/PubCoffee ShopConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableGardenMeeting/Conference FacilitiesMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaStay Ranvas has just 27 rooms spread over 10 beautifully restored havelis. Each is different in shape, size and design and comprise of either 2, 3 or 4 rooms and suites, set around an inner courtyard and covered verandas. All rooms are elegantly decorated with a mix of traditional and contemporary styles and furnished with period furniture. Each room has a private outdoor terrace or balcony with sun loungers while Royal Suites on the top floor have large windows and rampart views.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Ranvas hotel. Children aged 6 and under may be accommodated on the sofa in their parent’s bedroom for free. One child over 6 may be accommodated in the Deluxe King rooms and suite, in an extra bed, for an extra charge. Babysitting service can be arranged upon request.
Dine There are two main dining venues at the Ranvas hotel, both serving a mix of European and Indian cuisine. Western meals may include pasta, salads, roast chicken and sandwiches. The in-house restaurant Baradari serves special culinary delights, straight from the Queen’s kitchen including Junglee Maas and Rabori Kanda, some of the prime Rajasthani delicacies. Meals are served in the dining room or al fresco in the garden or shaded veranda.
Relax Facilities at the Ranvas hotel include a large swimming pool with sun loungers and massage treatments can be arranged in private rooms. Inside the hotels is a library with a fine collection of books and shaded verandas with seating to relax. WiFi is available in the main courtyard and there is a TV lounge cum sitting room.
Experience Nagaur is known for its massive 12th-century Ahhichatra Garh (fort) within whose ramparts Ranvas hotel is located. The town is also known for the 3-day World Sacred Spirit Festival and the Camel fair, both held in January or February every year and which attracts guests from all over the world. During this period the hotel is usually sold out a year in advance, but guests may stay in the tented village which is erected in the fort. Activities include horse riding, jeep and camel safaris.
Location Ranvas hotel lies within the ramparts of Nagaur’s magnificent Ahhichatracharh Fort. It is a perfect location that can be easily combined with Chhatrasagar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Rohet.
Getting there Fly to Jodhpur, from Delhi, Bombay, Jaipur, Udaipur, followed by a 3-hour car journey to Ranvas Fort. It is also easily reached from Jodhpur, Bikaner, Manwar and Osian. The resort is happy to arrange transfers (at extra cost) from either the airport or the railway station to / from the hotel.
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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