Sardar Samand Palace, Pali
Rajasthan

The Sardar Samand Palace, a hunting lodge built by  Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933, is replete with impressive art deco architecture. All the original features have been retained and its expansive grounds and gardens offer delightful walks. From the impressive exterior one enters an elegantly decorated interior that speaks volumes of fine craftsmanship. Overlooking the large lake teeming with birdlife, the lake resort affords one of the most breathtakingly beautiful views of Lake Sardar Samand.

Getting There

It is only 55 km away from Jodhpur, but not on any major highway.

Air: Jodhpur Civil Aerodrome, connected by daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur

Rail: Jodhpur Junction, well conncted to Delhi by the Mandore express, to Mumbai by the Ranakpur Express and to Kolkata by the Howrah-Jodhpur Express. The Jaisalmer Express is also a convenient link to the state capital Jaipur.

Road: Jodhpur is a comfortable 6.5 hrs drive from Jaipur.

Things to do

Built as hunting lodge in 1933, Sardar Samand Palace offers a numerous ways to enjoy the royal hospitality in Pali. The hotel offers activities in plenty to replenish mind, body and spirit, such as: village safaris, swimming pool, horse safari, jeep safari, boat-ride, and cultural shows. One can also take walk to the village, visit the Blackbuck sanctuary, watch migratory birds, enjoy theme dinners, and enjoy lunch/evening tea on the Lake view verandah. Places to visit are:

Umaid Bhawan Palace: Maharaja Umaid Singhji who built this palace was fascinated with western lifestyles so he marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens (architect of New Delhi) to construct the three hundred and forty seven roomed Umaid Palace. This was to become India last of the great palaces and the biggest private residence in the world.

Jaswant Thada: On the way down from the fort, on left is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. His son Maharaja Sardar Singhji built the Taj Mahal of Marwar in the memory of Maharaj Jaswant Singhji II of Jodhpur.

Maha Mandir: The Mahamandir Temple is supported by 100 pillars and has carvings depicting yoga postures.

Mandore Gardens: Mandore was the former capital of Maharajas of Marwar and is located about 5 miles north of Jodhpur, but was later abandoned for the security of Mehrangarh fort. Here you will find the dewals, or cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers. Unlike the usual chhatri-shaped cenotaphs typical of Rajasthan, they were built along the lines of a Hindu temple, four stories high, with fine columns and an elegant spire, all in red sandstone.

Balsamand Lake and Palace: An artificial lake with a summer palace on the embankment.

Guda Bishnoi: Located 25 km away, it is the nearest point form Jodhpur to exotic wild life & nature. During the session thousands of birds can be seen here, like domicile Cranes etc. This pond is a water-drinking point for the antelopes and black bucks of nearby areas.

Ossianji Temple: Located 65 km away the ancient town of Thar Desert was a great trading center between 8th to 12th centuries. Today it is desert oasis with 16 Brahamanical and Jain temples, beautifully sculpted and designed, most of which have stood ravages of time. The place is highlighted by its camel ride at the time of the sunset.

Sardar Samand Lake and Palace: A shimmering lake and palace with interesting villages and lively people to be seen and photographed en route is merely 55 km away.

Nagaur: The Ahhichatragarh Fort is medium sized, which have been built by Mughal Emperors Akbar and Shaha Jahan. A well planned Mughal Garden, which retains its pleasant appearance even today. The city has distinct Muslim influences and a Five Domed Mosque built by Emperor Akbar dominates the landscape. The city is best visited during the Ramdeoji Ka mela and Tejaji ka mela in February and August respectively.

Eating

Enjoy the fine gourmet in the restaurant of the Sardar Samand Palace Hotel serving multi-cuisine dishes of Continental, Indian and Rajasthan.

Facilities

Conference Facilities
Doctor on call
Swimming Pool
Tennis
Cycling/Jogging Track
19 air-conditioned and air-cooled rooms
Telephones with direct dialling
Running hot and cold water
Refrigerator
Television with satellite channels
Squash