Step into the world of Rajasthani royalty at this magnificent 475-year-old palace, now a lavish hotel.

Perched in the rugged hills of Rajasthan, Samode Palace is an architectural jewel with a history stretching back almost five centuries.

Located just an hour from Jaipur, this majestic structure has evolved through time. Originally a 16th-century fort built for the protection of local rulers, it was later transformed into a grand palace in the 19th century, before being reimagined as a luxury hotel in 1987.

For visitors, it offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the lavish lifestyle once enjoyed by royal families,” says Yadavendra Singh, a descendant of the fort’s original rulers and co-owner of the hotel.

Having spent their childhood weekends and holidays in the palace, Singh and his brother Raghavendra inherited the property in the 1980s and decided to transform it into a hotel, opening its doors to more than 80 guests.

They introduced two exquisite restaurants and a rooftop infinity pool, all while carefully preserving the building's historic charm, including vibrant frescoes and the stunning glass-tiled Shish Mahal – a 'hall of mirrors' once used by Singh’s ancestors for lavish entertainment.

Singh admits the greatest challenge was to 'restore the building with great care and elegance, adding modern comforts without compromising its timeless appeal.'

He believes the effort was entirely worthwhile.

'It has allowed us to uphold our heritage and culture,' Singh reflects, while offering guests a rare opportunity to experience a world from a different era.

Watch the video above for a glimpse into the regal life of Rajasthan.

Samode Palace, Village Samode, Tehsil Chomu, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303806, India; Contact: +91 1423 240 014