RAAS Jodhpur

Lying at the foot of one of the largest forts in India, RAAS Jodhpur has some of the most dramatic views of any hotel anywhere. The hotel is right in the middle of Jodhpur’s ancient walled city, next to the Clock Tower, and transports you back to medieval Rajasthan.

RAAS Jodhpur’s 39 rooms and suites are luxurious and modern in their design, while retaining traditional features like pink sandstone arches. Modern artworks adorn the walls and many rooms feature unrivalled views of Mehrangarh Fort. The lavish Heritage Suites are located in the original 18^th-century Rajput residence and have their own private terrace and courtyard.

At Baradari, a range of Indian and international cuisine is on offer, from old Rajasthani specialities to Thai and Mediterranean dishes. Many of the herbs and vegetables used are grown in the chef’s own garden, and food is served in the beautiful haveli courtyard overlooking the fort. At Darikhana, situated on the first floor above the old stables, delicious Indian dishes are whipped up from carefully sourced ingredients, including hand-ground spices from Old Delhi. The three-tiered Stepwell House Café offers stunning views of Jodhpur and the fort, and is a lovely spot to enjoy coffee, tea or a cocktail with a light meal.

RAAS Jodphur is home to a world-class spa in a stunning location surrounded by intricately carved pink sandstone. Beautiful aromatic products are sourced from near and far, such as Damascene rose otto oil, jasmine from Tamil Nadu and sandalwood from Mysore, to create a menu of nourishing spa treatments. The hotel also has a heated outdoor pool.

Mehrangarh Fort is the best-preserved of its kind in India, dating from around 1460, and draws visitors from across India and beyond. From the hotel, it’s around ten or fifteen minutes’ walk uphill, or you can jump in a tuk-tuk. Fascinating tours and audio guides will see you learning about the Mughal kings, bloody sieges and battles fought on the backs of elephants through which the fort has remained standing for over 500 years. If you’re feeling adventurous during your visit to the fort, the Flying Fox Zipline zigzags the top of the fort and is an amazing way to get a view over Jodhpur. Umaid Bhawan, the royal family’s current residence, is younger but no less spectacular and was built in the 1950s when they moved out of Mehrangarh.