On our way from Gurgaon to Jaipur we broke off the journey in a small village called Patan, which dates back to the 12th century. Two rooms had been booked for us at Patan Mahal, and we expected to find a hotel, albeit one that used to be the home of a Rajput, but that was a long time ago. Oh boy, we were all completely gobsmacked ... that is, when we finally found the place. Note to self: go in a jeep next time.
The main entrance with a view of the garden outside.
Stepping through the door left us in an open courtyard, which serves as a lobby and reception. The architecture is designed to let a breeze through everywhere to keep you cool, well, less hot, during the summer months.
We were shown to our rooms on third floor via a sloping passage rather than stairs, which, in the days of the Raj, would have allowed guests and residents to be carried up by horse. We walked.
This is from patanmahal.com
"In 2005, the current scion of the family, Digivijay Singh, decided that it was time to return. He spent the next five years lovingly restoring the palace and grounds to their former glory.
Along the way, he took a concious decision not to carve out more rooms, and retained the old, large and airy rooms. The period furniture showcases the skill and expertise of the Rajasthani artisan. Beautiful paintings on the wall and roofs have been carefully restored. The nooks and crannies have been retained, and many rooms contain surprises — there is the room with a trapdoor, and there is more than one room with little doors and staircases that lead into the turrets, the kind of spaces that a writer or artist looking to escape the world will love."
Personally, I would have settled for the bathroom alone! Simply gorgeous.
It was announced that dinner was served, and eventually we did manage to find our way back down and to the back yard, where a table was put right in the middle just for us. Turned out we were the only guests in the whole place.
Excuse the poor quality - Nokia is brilliant, but still lacks a little when it comes to night time picture taking.
After a fantastic meal with a nice glass of wine under a clear Rajastani night sky, we decided to take coffee up on the roof terrace. Yepp, that table right there. An enchanted evening in the very welcome silence of Patan sipping coffee under the stars.
This is what the roof terrace looks like in daylight.
The black and white marble floor together with all the small turrets and arches make for a superbly luxurious and slightly unreal feel. The backdrop is the Aravalli hills.
Breakfast room ... and a half! Beautifully restored to its former glory.
We could not bring ourselve to leave straight after breakfast, so we opted for a couple of hours of relaxation by the pool before embarking on the rest of the journey to the very busy, noisy and dusty city of Jaipur - the next stop on this action packed weekend trip.
Everything in and around the pool is made of marble.
The steps are designed so that you can sit at different levels in the pool all around it - no doubt to be able to stay in the water all day just to prevent overheating.
We especially enjoyed the elephant shower.
A beautiful Saturday morning in the shade and complete silence with a good book - bliss!
A large flight of birds repeatedly tried to settle down on the building, but an eagle was patiently circling above, so they kept on the move in different formations. It was almost like watching an air show!
Well, we did have an appointment with a guide in Jaipur in the afternoon, so we bid our good-byes and promised ourselved we will be back again after the worst of the summer heat. If you would like to join us for a weekend in paradise à la Patan, do let us know.
After a quick look in their gardens - they grow most of the what they need themselves - we were off.
"In 2005, the current scion of the family, Digivijay Singh, decided that it was time to return. He spent the next five years lovingly restoring the palace and grounds to their former glory.
Along the way, he took a concious decision not to carve out more rooms, and retained the old, large and airy rooms. The period furniture showcases the skill and expertise of the Rajasthani artisan. Beautiful paintings on the wall and roofs have been carefully restored. The nooks and crannies have been retained, and many rooms contain surprises — there is the room with a trapdoor, and there is more than one room with little doors and staircases that lead into the turrets, the kind of spaces that a writer or artist looking to escape the world will love."
Personally, I would have settled for the bathroom alone! Simply gorgeous.
Yet another glimps of Incredible India!
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