A Royal Retreat: Narayan Niwas Castle, Rajasthan

Tripoto
22nd Mar 2013
Photo of A Royal Retreat: Narayan Niwas Castle, Rajasthan 1/7 by Shweta Modgil
The castle facade
Photo of A Royal Retreat: Narayan Niwas Castle, Rajasthan 2/7 by Shweta Modgil
Lunch with a view
Photo of A Royal Retreat: Narayan Niwas Castle, Rajasthan 3/7 by Shweta Modgil
The Castle Room
Photo of A Royal Retreat: Narayan Niwas Castle, Rajasthan 4/7 by Shweta Modgil
Chillout zone on the rooftop
Photo of A Royal Retreat: Narayan Niwas Castle, Rajasthan 5/7 by Shweta Modgil
A mosque at night
Photo of A Royal Retreat: Narayan Niwas Castle, Rajasthan 6/7 by Shweta Modgil
The entire castle
Photo of A Royal Retreat: Narayan Niwas Castle, Rajasthan 7/7 by Shweta Modgil
Desert Safari

Narayan Niwas castle is located at Mehansar, Churu district of Rajasthan, a 4-hour train ride from Delhi. Thakur Mahesh, who owns the castle, personally receives you at the station (what more could you ask for!) From then on, it is a royal treatment till the end - a picnic by an abandoned bowri(or well),  a ride through the desert dunes to a sleepy hamlet, a castle steeped in royalty and old world charm, home brewed hard liquor, dusty dunes, and getting lost in mazes in the castle.

I visited this virtual hideout castle in March 2013 and was smitten by the rustic charm, the royal rooms, and the unbelievably heavenly treatment by its owner Thakur Maheshji! From the food to the picnic lunch arranged for us, and the royal rooms with old world charm to the first class service provided by the Thakurs, everything about this place is great! It is a hidden jewel in Mehansar. Do not come here looking for five start comfort. But if you want to experience top class hospitality, unbelievable old-world feel, calm and quiet in a forlorn castle, this is the place to be! Highly recommended to bust all stress and for getting lost in royalty!"

The castle itself is a place to discover and get lost in royalty. It's great fun running through all mazes and discover hiding spots.
Photo of The Narayan Niwas Castle by Shweta Modgil
This is the most famous ruin in this place-an ancient shop which has gold and silver carvings on the walls and roof.
Photo of Sone Chandi ki Dukan by Shweta Modgil
The desert dunes around the village make for a good morning tour and some wildlife spotting as well.
Photo of Desert Safari by Shweta Modgil
Strewn around the town are many old painted havelis, each of which have a story to tell. The frescoes are enchanting and take one down history lane.
Photo of The Painted Haveli Ruins by Shweta Modgil