Samode Palace
History:- Samode according to the Rajputana Gazetteer of 1879 was a large and flourishing town. The Zamidars (landlords) of Samode the principal thakurs of the state of Amber were the Nathawat clan from Chomu, a branch of the house of Amber, tracing their relation to the Jaipur Maharaja the fabled Prithviraj
Singhji the 17th prince of the house of Kacchwaha Rajputs. Gopal Singhji one of his 12 sons was awarded Samode, a noble feudatory of the Amber & Jaipur principality. It was among the wealthiest territories in the Amber kingdom. The Zamidari eventually passed within the clan to the hands of Behari Das, a Rajput warrior
in Mughal Service. After 6 generations in the hands of his descendants Samode was relinquished to the Raj. In 1757 the territory was returned to the Nathawats (the hereditary title of 'Rawal Saheb' still rests with the present family). For the 1st half of it's existence Samode Palace was a little more than a fortified
stronghold in the rugged Rajput tradition. Only in the early 19th century under Rawal Berisal did the castle begin to take on the lavish aspects it is now known for. He was an eminent statesman who reached distinction as the principal signatory (on behalf of the Jaipur Maharaja) of the historic 1818 treaty making
Jaipur a protectorate of British East India Company. He later became Chief Minister of Jaipur and weilded absolute power. Samode Palace quite clearly began expanding at the time of his reign and continued under his descendant Rawal Sheo Singh who was the Prime Minister of Jaipur state for several years during the
middle of the 19th century. He is credited with the Palace's most fabulous addition - the extravagantly florid had painted Darbar Hall and the overlooking gallery which forms the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal or the hall of mirrors. Samode Palace was transformed into one the country's premium palace hotels in 1987, and is
a perfect example of Rajput-Moghul architecture. The palace is built on a small hillock and planned in a progression of courtyards of increasing height. Location Nestles among the 'Aravali ranges'-(a very old formation of banded gneiss dating back to some 3 thousand million years) about 42 Kms. north-west of Jaipur,
Samode Palace is reached by a short road from Chandwaji where it branches off the Delhi-Jaipur highway. The Samode Palace comes into view like a mirage rising above cobbled streets and stone houses of the village of Samode. Access:- Jaipur Airport - 56 km Railway station - 40 km New Delhi Int'l Airport - 250 km
Jaipur is well connected by rail, road & air to all the major cities in the country.
Each of the 43 spacious rooms and suites all with a balcony or patio are exclusive and are decorated in the warm colours and textures of local Rajasthani hand block print textiles and adorned with traditional artifacts. The interiors inspired by traditional design themes reach their fullest expression in the
intricate marblework, woodwork and fabrics that accentuate the guest rooms. The spacious rooms with marble, mosaic floorings, high ceilings, cotton woven rugs "durries", antiques and beautifully carved four poster beds provide a sense of luxury. - 3 Royal Suites - 15 Deluxe suites - 25 Deluxe Rooms
The royal suites have a private courtyard, Jacuzzi, a fire place, a L.D. Player and C.D Player. Within these luxurious surroundings are found the most modern amenities-a blend of contemporary comfort and traditional style. All rooms with en suite bathrooms with tubs and showers, hot and coldwater. Airconditioning,
heating, minibars, television with cable network and telephones with international dialing facilities.
INCENTIVES & BANQUET FACILITIES
To make your stay as memorable as possible and to enjoy the unique Royal Rajasthani experience a number of special indoor & outdoor activities are available for receptions, weddings and banquets large and small. Welcome cocktails:- Upon arrival, sip your welcome drink and absorb the beauty of this magnificient
building. You are greeted with traditional arti, garlanding and tika by liveried retainers, song and dance.
Celebrations:- Anniversaries, birthdays, weddings & other parties can be celebrated in style. A traditional Hindu wedding which is known for romance and tradition can also be organised with the bride and groom dressed in full regalia accompanied by a procession led by elephants, horses and camels. The wedding vows
may take place at the hotels grounds and officiated by a pundit (priest). Elephant polo can be organized within the premises. ¨ Cocktails and dinner in the sand dunes with langas (musicians) singing in the background. ¨ Pool side lunches & dinners for 2 or a group. ¨ Theme lunches and evenings with traditional music,
song, dance and food allow you to taste a little of the local cultures as well as the days of Royal India ¨ Darbar evening -a grand royal evening that takes you back to the days of the Maharajas. ¨ Village theme and lunch, barbeque dinners. ¨ Gala Evening ¨ Safaris - camel, jeep and horse -with lunch enroute can also
be arranged.
Recreational facilities: In keeping with the beautiful natural surroundings, recreational and leisure facilities include- An outdoor marble and mosaic swimming pool surrounded by the Aravali range ..- the oldest mountain range. An outdoor Jacuzzi. A pool Bar. An outdoor wading pool for children. A health complex by
the pool comprising of a fully equipped fitness centre, sauna, steam and changing rooms. The emphasis has been placed on creating a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.. Experience an interlude that soothes the body, mind and spirit at the Kerala Ayurvedic Centre (famous world over for the herbal oil massages) this new
facility is offered on prior appointment at the centre.
Spend a day at Samode Bagh, a Garden Resort with tented accomodation, just 4 Kms. from the Palace and enjoy a game of lawn tennis, croquet or badminton. Our staff can organize a shuttle to take you to the Samode Bagh or one can walk through the village and along the country road. Enjoy a puppet and cultural show
every evening in the main courtyard. After dinner, sip a night cap along a log fire or just relax and read in the beautiful Sultan Mahal which is laden with antique silver furniture transporting one back to the heyay of the Maharajas. Other facilities: - Laundry, room service, gift shop, car park, safety vaults,
airport transfers on request. Currency exchange counter, American Express, Master and Visa cards accepted. Doctor on call. Day trips to museums and the market in the historical and famous city of Jaipur, Amber can be scheduled. Spend the day exploring the quaint village of Samode on foot, cycles, camel back or horse
back or simply relax and enjoy a picnic lunch in the mango orchard or the Samode Bagh (the garden resort) nearby. For the more adventurous, ride the horses up the hillocks into the sand dunes. For those with energy to burn climb 376 steps up a mountain beside the Palace to the Samode Fort that once protected Samode.
The climb is steep but the views across the valley make it worth the effort. Camel Safari Horse Safari Jeep Safari
Samode offers you the unique experience of Royal Rajasthan where you can sample the finest Rajasthani cuisine as well as an exotic mix of Asian and European cuisine alongwith variations in ambiance.
From the sumptuous buffet in the main dining room to a breakfast and a light snack by the pool, or an a-la-carte menu at the central courtyard amidst chirping birds and the soothing sound of water of the marble fountain.
Effort has been made to suit all tastes. For added romance our staff can arrange for a candle lit dinner in one of the terraces in complete privacy or any other venue of your choice.
Al fresco dining under the stars is a rare treat than can be enjoyed every day. Meeting facilities:- Take over the Samode Palace exclusively and it will provide an unusual setting for conferences and meetings. The Durbar Hall (where the court was held in earlier days) is very ornate, patterned like a carpet from
floor to the ceiling and can accommodate groups of 50 to 100 people depending on the layout. Smaller Meeting rooms are available which seat 15 to 20 people also. A full range of audio visual presentation equipment can be provided.
TARIFF – 2007-2008 Rates applicable from 1st October 2007 to 30th April 2008 Deluxe Single EURO 170 Deluxe Double EURO 215 Deluxe Suites EURO 253 Royal Suites EURO 420 Extra Person in a Room EURO 72 Room rates are inclusive of Breakfast, Government taxes as applicable.
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