Castle Mandawa

January 20th, 2010 |

Author: admin

The major attraction of the Mandawa town is the magnificent fort Castle Mandawa,which has now been converted into a luxury hotel. Castle Mandawa is ideally located in the heart of the Shekhawati region,which today comprises of two administrative districts in the state of Rajasthan: Jhunjhunu and Sikar. The grand havelis of the Goenkas,Ladias,Sarafs,and the Chokhanis,in Mandawa are a fine example of the famous Shekhawati workmanship. Castle Mandawa is a two hundred and forty year old fortess,that has been converted by the royal family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.

The large and airy rooms of the Castle have been converted into charming,well appointed accommodation retaining the old flavour using period furniture and local furnishings. All the 51 rooms in the hotel are totally distinct in interiors and comprise of Royal Suites,Luxury Suits,Deluxe Rooms,Standard Rooms. Each of them display the grandeur and the taste of the rulers of the past.

Right from entering the hotel to every day that you stay here,you can enjoy the rare blend of modern comfort in medieval surroundings. Caparisoned camels and horses carry in the guests as musicians blow horns and drums roll the Royal Welcome. The ‘Diwan Khana’ (Darbar Hall),of the Palace has its wals adorned with ancient portraits of the Mandawa family.

Dinner is a romantic and enchanting candle lit affair in the rear courtyard,which is transformed into a glowing,bejeweled open air dinning room. The highlight of the evening is the spectacular Fire Dance ( a Mandawa specially),where eight men in traditional attire,follow an elderly retainer who dances with fire torches in his hands. This is followed by a nightcap ( on request) in the turret,lit only with brass and earthen oil lamps.

You can also experience local festivals like Holi and Gangaur. On Holi,the festival of Colours,the entire population of the town comes to the Castle to pay their respects to the Thakur and receive his blessing.

The festivities for Gangaur begin immediately after Holi which is a 18 day celebration praying for conjugal bliss and fertility. Colourful wooden or brass images of Gauri (Goddess Parvati) and Issar ( Lord Shiva) are dressed in traditional finery and jewellery of a bride. On the last day,people of the town assemble in the courtyard of the Castle and take the idols in an impressive colourful procession.

Features :

Services and Amenities :

Doctor on call

24 hour room service

Parking

In-house Laundry Service

All credit card acceptance

Chariot ride

Camel ride

Horse ride

Folk dance and puppet shows

One Multi-cuisine Restaurant