Kumbhalgarh is an ancient Mewar fortress which stands majestically amidst a picturesque landscape in the district of Rajsamand in Southern Rajasthan. Situated just 82 km towards Northeast of Udaipur, the tourism capital of Southern Rajashtan, the fort was erected by Rana Kumbha (hence the name Kumbhalgarh) in 15^th century AD. From the top of the fort one gets a panoramic view of the countryside. Though Kumbhalgarh is a small and serene place, there are some really inviting resorts in Kumbhalgarh for tourists who come from across the country and abroad.

Let us do a quick exploration the top five resorts in Kumbhalgarh:

Aodhi Hotel: Aodhi is one of the most popular resorts in Kumbhalgarh. It has been constructed at one of the best locations to explore the fort. Set in a peaceful and idyllic setting, the hotel is modeled after the Kumbhalgarh resort itself! The structure of the resort is so designed that it matches the rugged landscape of the Kumbhalgarh area. A large swimming pool, green lawns and the spread of old trees lend a lot of charm to the hotel. Rooms are spacious and have pleasing interiors. Facilities are also top-notch. Another USP of staying at Aodhi Hotel is that you’ll be staying very close to the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tripadvisor.in ranks Aodhi Hotel as the numero uno hotel in Kumbhalgarh with most reviewers giving extremely favourable reviews to the hotel.

Dera Kumbhalgarh: Strategically located, Dera Kumbhalgarh provides a breathtaking view of the landscape in the Kumbhalgarh area. It is a tent hotel which is located about 2 km from the fort on a hillock. The hotel stands surrounded by thick natural vegetation. Most people who stay in Dera are all praise for the tented accommodations. This is what some reviewers are saying about the hotel on tripadvisor.in: “This is a place one has to really experience.....the tented accommodation is far superior that the one seen in the pics. Location Great....Food Great...People Great.”

Club Mahindra Fort Kumbhalgarh : Although this resort doesn’t live up to the expectations one has from a brand name but it still makes for a pleasant staying experience. Upon reaching, the guests are received by folk artists performing on “dhols”. The property is neat and clean and well-maintained. Another inviting factor is an extremely well-behaved and forthcoming staff. Rooms are lovely and all of them have huge balconies. There are two mild deterrents: the food is average and the place is not very close to the major tourist attractions. Here’s what Tripadvisor has to say about Club Mahindra resort in Kumbhalgarh: “Overall I would give this a 3.5 on 5, for the nice rooms, welcoming staff, and ok food.”

Karni Palace Hotel: Tucked away in a sublime setting, Karni Palace is another great place to stay while visiting Kumbhalgarh. The hotel provides for a number of recreational activities including horse/camel and jeep safari in the Kumbhalgarh sanctuary, trekking, mountaineering, camping and bird watching. It is relatively cheaper as compared to other hotels but still doesn’t compromise on the services. “Kumbhalgarg Fort is fantastic but the hotels are expensive. This is a reasonable budget choice that doesn't seem to have yet hit the guide books,” says Tripasvisor about the hotel.

Tiger Valley Resort: Tiger Valley Resort is another very popular resort among the tourists coming to Kumbhalgarh. It is located on the way leading to the Kumbhalgarh Fort, amidst the scenic beauty provided by the nature and the wildlife. Rooms are quite spacious and clean. The swimming pool is another star attraction. Its location gives it an advantage over other hotels in the area. The views from the hotel have been reported to be amazing.

Reaching Kumbhalgarh - Udaipur, situated 82 km away, is the nearest airport and it is connected by air to Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur. The nearest railhead is Phalna, a junction railway station which is well-connected to Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai. Kumbhalgarh is also connected to Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Pushkar by Rajasthan State buses.

Recently, Mana  Ranakpur and Architecture Discipline, the firm responsible for designing and creating the magnificent resort in Ranakpur, Rajasthan, were in the limelight, having been covered in the February 2012 issue of the reputed Indian Architect and Builder Magazine. The article, written by Ruturaj Parikh, also featured quotes and explanations from the Principal Architect, Mr. Akshat Bhatt who explains the unique style and structures at display. An excerpt from the article follows:

“In the first encounter, the idea of vertical, robust walls in local stone overwhelms the conceptual intent of the design. Slowly though, the details come into focus. The slender steel, the lightweight glass and the visibly minimal objects that complete the vocabulary act as complementary elements to the walls. The opposites of controlled construction in steel and glass to a completely organic arrangement of stone in the walls stabilise the structure

giving it integrity and austerity in equal measures. “Architecture comes alive at all scales,” says Akshat.

The contrast is intentional and the effect is delightful. At night, when the place is illuminated, the importance of restraint is highlighted as a wealth of carefully selected elements and dedicatedly designed objects reveal themselves. Architecture Discipline designed and made the lighting elements, the furniture of rubber-wood, and an intricate pattern on glass that shields the indoor space from the harsh sun, acting like a mesh that cuts glare.

The softness of wood is balanced by the apparent hardness of steel. The transparency of glass is negated by the heaviness and opacity of stone. Carefully placed openings distinguish accidental and surprising scenes of the landscape by framing them. The sky is framed by the glass roof. To cut heat, a massive stone wall on the west is introduced as an element. Selected objects of art mark points of interest in the scheme. When the architects say “the walls tower over and the entrance is nestled between two 12m-high walls within a glass cube which feels delicate and fragile”, the intentional juxtaposing of materials, objects and spatial elements is understood. The same juxtaposing is extended to the planning of the site. As the main block with a three-storey hotel occupies the central space, the villas are organised in a separate row. The plantation is controlled but apparently random which adds to the idea of surprise. Vantage points are subtly defined but carefully treated for effect.

On a closer and a retrospective observation, one understands that the architecture did not happen by permutations and combinations. The complete design from planning to completion is a result of intense strategising - starting initial sketches on site to detailed analysis the term involves in; from choosing a material palette to pondering on design of objects and ambiences. Innovations on similar lines are extended to encompass lighting, landscape and furniture. “The daytime temperature of Ranakpur is lower than most of Rajasthan, yet the direct sunlight had to be dealt with. In response to the climate, the entire west facade has thick cavity walls. The sloping roofs posed a greater challenge, to allow a view of the sky through the day yet mitigate heat gain. Perforated film was pasted on multiple layers of glass to create a pattern reminiscent of traditional Jaalis,” says Akshat.

A significant innovation in the HVAC system which re-directs the air from an underground network of designed ducts to naturally cool air was an innovation worked upon for three years to substantially reduce air conditioning loads. An apparently simple system, the improvisation becomes a significant detail of the overall design planning. The fresh air system in the public areas use the underground water table as a heat reservoir wherein, a heat exchanger cools air passing through the ducts re-directing cool air to the public areas. The roof acts as a structural system for solar panels.

The furniture is simple, modern and the effect of wood humanises the space. These objects are lovingly crafted and one can appreciate the detailing and effort that would have made this possible. Detailing is, on the whole, the strength of design and architecture of Mana.

Mana is thus experienced as whole and in parts making each experience complementary to the intended effect. The sum is a very refreshing built environment and architecture that does not impose but impresses through the energy and effort that would have gone in the making.”

With its origins being traced back to the 10^th Century, Laal Maas is an integral dish in Rajasthan’s traditional Mewari cuisine. It is believed that back in the day, this dish, which literally translates as red meat, was cooked solely in clarified butter for the lack of availability of vegetables and water in the desert. Today, it has evolved into the spicy and tangy goat meat gravy as we know it.  Despite the prominence that the dish has gained in Mewari cuisine now, it was originally not cooked within the Rajput homes. Instead, it was reserved for the illustrious Rajput heroes on hunting trips!

This traditional Rajasthani dish can be made as hot as you like and it gets its red color from chilies. If you want the color but not all the heat, the trick is to use only half the amount of red chilies and substitute the other half with Kashmiri Chilies which impart a red color but next to no heat! Lal Maas is served best with Makka Roti.

Ingredients:

1. 500 Gms lamb cut into 2" cubes with or without bones
2. 7-8 whole dry red chilies and 4 Kashmiri chilies
3. 2 tbsp coriander seeds
4. 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
5. 1 tbsp garlic paste
6. 1 cup unsweetened yogurt
7. 4 tbsp cooking oil
8. 4 medium sized onions sliced very thin
9. Salt to taste
10. 1 tsp garam Masala powder
11. 3-4 tbsp finely chopped green coriander

Preparation:

• Soak the red chilies/ Kashmiri chilies and coriander seeds in a bowl of water so they are just covered. After 10 minutes of soaking, drain them and put into the food processor. Add the turmeric powder and garlic paste. Add just a few table spoons of water, a little at a time to grind this mixture into a smooth paste.
• Mix this paste with the yogurt and then add the meat to it. Mix well. Keep aside to marinate for 1 hour.
• Heat the cooking oil in a deep pan on medium heat. Add the onions and fry till golden brown. Stir often to prevent burning. Remove the onions from the oil with a slotted spoon and put on paper towels to soak up excess oil. Keep a little aside to garnish the dish and put the rest into the blender or food processor. Grind to a smooth paste.
• Heat the oil that was left over from frying the onions, again. Add this onion paste to it and fry for 1-2 minutes. Now add the meat and its marinade. Fry till the oil begins to separate from the Masala. Stir often and sprinkle a little water whenever the Masala begins to stick to the pan or burn. Season with salt to taste.
• When the meat is cooked and tender, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the garam Masala over it. Cover immediately and keep aside for 2-3 minutes. Open the cover and garnish with previously fried onions and chopped fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with Makka Roti.

Mana Hotels sponsors the wildly popular game of Housie or Tambola in Ahmadabad’s social clubs.

Interestingly, the game of Tambola or Housie as it is known in India is considered to have originated from the Italian lottery in the 1500s. The game is slowly yet steadily expanding into a highly profitable business for organizers, sponsors as well as the participants. In Ahmadabad, Gujarat’s largest state, the stakes in a game of housie can be as extravagant as BMWs!

Mana Hotels’ decided to put a foot into that action as it sponsored the prizes for the Runner-ups for the Rajpath Club and Starz Clubs.

Mana Hotels is boutique hotel chain that opened the doors of its Ranakpur property less than a year ago. Mana at Ranakpur is a beautiful resort in the interiors of Rajasthan. 3.5 acres of lush greens in a peaceful Rajasthani town, in the shadows of the Aravalli range and in the vicinity of a serene and sacred Ranakpur Jain Temple, this property is ideal for taking a well deserved break, away from the chaos of the city. Ranakpur is approximately 300km from Ahmedabad and therefore makes for the ideal weekend getaway from the city.

There’s no doubt that Rajasthan is a grand state when it comes to temples, forts, palaces and lakes. Its sheer splendour leaves the visitor dumbfounded who is compelled to come back again and again. The state is the perfect recipe for perfect tourism as it has everything. However, geographically speaking, a large part of Rajasthan is a hot and arid desert known as the Thar Desert and it lacks something vital and that is rain. The area gets very little rainfall (about 400 mm annually) because the Aravalli Range in the state does not intercept the moisture-giving southwest monsoon winds coming from the Arabian Sea. This is because the location of the Aravallis is such that they lie in a direction parallel to that of the coming monsoon winds. As a result of this, the Northwestern part of the state craves for water all round the year.

Whenever we think of the Thar Desert, the imagery which crops up in our minds is that of a parched land in which the womenfolk travel for miles in search of water carrying clay containers on their heads. The well is the centre of action in the entire village where people gather to get their daily water and at the same time discuss and chat about a number of things. Even though the water situation in Rajasthan has improved considerably after independence but if one were to do an honest assessment, the situation is still pretty bad.

Water, the colourless, odourless and tasteless liquid is essential for all forms of growth and development – humans, animals and plants. Several districts of Rajasthan, especially the ones in the Thar area are drought hit during some time of the year or other. The level of the groundwater is considerably low and rains continue to dodge the area. There’s an acute shortage of water in those districts but the life has to go on. River Luni is the only natural water source in the region. The locals need to store water efficiently and for longer durations. They say that “need is the mother of invention” and quite right they are. People of the area have devised some really innovative strategies to address the issue.

Rain is something which brightens up the mood of the even the most sad person. And in a place like Rajasthan which deals with the ever-so-parsimonious nature of the rain, the very sight of the rain clouds works as a mood elevator. When the slightest line of dark clouds is seen in the desert, the faces of the locals light up. Women dance while men play and sing. In some places, merry groups of children can be seen carrying an unfolded sheet (four pairs of small hands hold the four corners of the sheet) and go from door to door singing:

The frogs are croaking, Rain is falling

At midnight the ponds keep overflowing...

Each house puts some wheat, millet and other grains in the sheet. After a while, the sheet gets loaded with grains and four pairs of little hands are not enough to carry it and so the group assembles somewhere to boil them and make gurgries.

Baoris or step wells are also of great significance in the rain-deprived state. The stepwells in Rajasthan showcase the importance of preserving water and also stand as testimonies to the amazing and thoughtful Rajput architecture. Since many areas Rajasthan were arid, women had to travel a long distance to fetch water. The water crisis in Rajasthan at summers was consistent. To preserve water and to save people from the hassle of traveling miles for water, kings initiated the construction of step wells. During the rainy season, these step wells would ooze with water and become much livelier. Gradually, these step wells became the assembly point of people, especially the women of the town/village where they used to chat and spend their time. Jokes were shared, problems were discussed and stories were narrated. Step wells had thus become instruments of community bonding.

It’s not that Rajasthan gets no rain at all. In fact, there have been years when some parts of the state had seen bumper rainfall. However, if one is to speak broadly the condition is pretty bad. Just like in other parts of the country, the monsoon is eagerly awaited in Rajasthan as well. Many times Yajnas are performed to appease the God of Rain Indra. Teej, the festival of swings, is a grand affair and is celebrated in Rajasthan with great gusto and enthusiasm during the Shraavana month. It marks the advent of monsoon. The monsoon rains fall on the parched land and the pleasing scent of the wet soil feels heavenly. Swings are hung from trees and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. This festival is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati and commemorates her union with Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati is worshiped by people in pursuit of conjugal bliss and happiness. In Jaipur, an elaborate procession is taken out for two consecutive days on this festive occasion which is watched by people in large numbers. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open. ‘Ghevar’ is the traditional sweet of monsoon and it is enjoyed by people of all ages during Teej.

In the present time, community-based water management initiatives (with the help of state government) have been started by the locals and aim to harvesting the rain water for future use. In Rajasthan, a land with extreme weather and geographical conditions, it all boils down to making the most of what you have at hand.

Ranthambore Fort: A formidable structure situated within the bounds of Ranthambore National Park, the Ranthambore Fort has been a focal point of several major developments in the history of Rajasthan. It is situated near Sawai Madhopur town in Rajasthan and is known for the glory and valour of the brave king Hammir Dev of Chauhan dynasty. Situated atop a hill, the fort offers a panoramic view of the National Park. This fortress was constructed in 944 AD by Nagil Jats. Strategically located, it comprises massive gates, lofty walls, tanks and temples. The only entry to the fort is through these lofty gates that encompasses so many defence mechanisms. Inside the fort there are three Hindu temples dedicated to Ganesh, Shiva and Ramlalaji constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries from red Karauli stone. There is also a Jain temple of Lord Sumatinath (5th Jain Tirthankar) and Lord Sambhavanath.

Gagron Fort (Jhalawar Fort): The Gagron Fort in Jhalawar is great embodiment of Rajasthani architecture in terms of design, structure and strategy. Add to this the charismatic stories of Rajput chivalry. It is the only fort which is surrounded by water on all four sites.  It is surrounded by the Ahu and Kali Sindh rivers on three sides. The fourth is a moat: a ditch filled with water to protect the fort against any infiltration and assault. The fort is hence known as ‘Jaldurg’. The foundation of this magnificent fort was laid around 7^th or 8^th century AD. It served as a capital of Khichi Chauhans. Outside the fort there is the mausoleum of a Sufi saint, Mitte Shah, where a fair is organised every year during the Islamic month of Ramzan. 

Chittorgarh Fort: The Chittorgarh Fort is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and gallantry. The largest fort in the country (in terms of area), the Chittorgarh Fort is viewed as the ‘Pride of Rajasthan’. It is perched atop a 180 metre high hillock and is spread over a mammoth area of 700 acres, 40 percent of which is made up by water bodies. The fort is a treasure trove of history and offers a wonderful insight into the life of Rajput rulers, for whom their honour mattered most. The fort is 180 metre tall and occupies an area of 700 acres and built by the Mauryans in 7^th century AD. According to a popular legend, it is said the Bhima of the Pandavas built the fort. The fort is approached through seven huge gateways or ´pols´, which are guarded by watch tower and massive iron spiked doors.

Amber Fort: Amber Fort is located in the small town of Amer, 11 km away from the ‘Pink City’ Jaipur. A principal tourist attraction from Jaipur, it was constructed by Raja Man Singh I and is situated on top of a hill, overlooking the Maota Lake. The fort is divided into four main sections each with its own entry gate and courtyard. It was the home of Rajput royalty before the city of Jaipur came into existence and also served their defence needs. Within its mighty walls, the fort houses a number of breathtaking palaces, halls, gardens, and temples. The elaborate mirror work also amplifies the grandeur. Jai Mandir is a famous temple in the fort which has Sheesh Mahal, a beautiful hall of mirrors that are so artistically set that even a tiny ray of light gets reflected in the mirrors and illumines the hall dazzlingly.

Kumbhalgarh Fort: Kumbhalgarh is an ancient Mewar bastion which stands majestically amidst a picturesque landscape in the district of Rajsamand in Southern Rajasthan. Situated just 82 km towards Northeast of Udaipur, the tourism capital of Southern Rajashtan, the fort was erected by Rana Kumbha (hence the name Kumbhalgarh) in 15^th century AD. From the top of the fort one gets a bird-eye’s view of the countryside. Encircled by thirteen elevated mountain peaks, the fort is constructed on the top most ridges around 1,914 meters above sea level. The wall fortifying the fort is 36 km and this makes it the second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.  The huge complex of the Fort has numerous palaces, temples and gardens making it all the more magnificent.

Tucked away in the shadows of the Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan’s Pali district, lies a quaint town called Ranakpur. Home to the grand Ranakpur Jain temple, the town is small and peaceful, giving tourists a keen insight into small town Rajasthan as well as Jain philosophy and beliefs. Ranakpur also conveniently sits midway between the Udaipur – Jodhpur highway, making it a convenient stop for those travelling by road.

The Ranakpur Jain temple, made completely from marble is nothing but awe inspiring. The temple has beautiful domes, shikharas, turrets and cupolas supported by 1444 intricately carved marble pillars and it is said that no two pillars are carved alike. While the makers of this temple devoted much energy into glorifying their deities through the ornamentation of carving, the starkness of the marble is a constant reminder of the austerity that Jainism stands for. Within the same premises also exists an ancient and rare sun temple.

The town of Sadri is the nearest commercial centre in the region and the colours, sights and smells and food of Rajasthan come alive here. This region is famous for a specific kind of weaving of which they make rugs, which can be purchased from Sadri’s thriving markets.

These are the elements that make the backdrop of Mana Hotel’s beautiful resort in Ranakpur. Spread over 3.5 acres, Mana Ranakpur sits on the banks of a seasonal river. Amidst the landscaped green sits warm and imaginative structures made of locally mined stone and steel. The juxtaposition of the old with the modern creates a mesmerising ambiance. The resort has 40 rooms in the hotel block and 9 luxury cottages with two rooms and private backyard that are ideal for family vacations. The in-house entertainment like the infinity pool, indoor and outdoor sports facilities and movie library numerous venues to eat at make it even more appealing for families.

Mana Ranakpur goes a step further and organising sightseeing opportunities for its guests, taking them on a tour of the temples, neighbouring towns and villages as well as for picnics to destinations like Thandi Beri and the Baoris (stepwells) in the region. They also organise camel rides, mehendi (henna body art), champi (traditional massages), Rajasthani folk music and dance performances for their guests. Taking their hospitality a step further, they also organise contests and events for children like the recent T-shirt painting content to entertain the kids while allowing their parents to unwind from their hectic schedules.

It also goes without saying that the kitchens of Mana Ranakpur go that extra mile to prepare and produce delicious and authentic Mewari and Marwari food that is native to Rajasthan and a must try for all those who visit the state.

All in all, it is easy to say that a stay at Mana Ranakpur would be a wholesome experience, exposing you and your family to the best of Rajasthani culture. Make your reservations now!

While you can't always have a long week of fun, frolic and adventure every time you want to go on vacation, the weekend is your best friend if you want to escape.  Your kids also deserve some time off school, and you need to keep in mind their energetic spirit.  Here are some destinations to offer you relaxation options, while your kids look for adventure.

Jaipur has over the years proved itself to be one of India's most versatile destinations, and your kids will love the possibilities of adventure, culture, and exploring nature. Here's a few great weekend options for your Rajasthan getaway.

1. Aerial rides - High above Udaipur

Udaipur is famed for hot air balloon tours, and the vista includes the marble-granite City Palace, the placid blue Lake Pichola while they savour a cold crisp air that most Rajasthani locals can't imagine! Rajasthan already has helicopter tours from the international airport in Dabok, but its the new 15 minute aerial rides  in Udaipur that will give tourists a 1000 feet high bird's eye view of Lake Fatehsagar, Pichhola lake, Udaisagar, Neemuch Mata hills, Sajjangarh, City Palace, Karni Mata temple, Doodh Talai, Shilpgram, Nehru Garden, Swaroop Sagar.

2. Forts and Palaces

The "classic Jaipur" itinerary can be done quite quickly, including the famed Hawa Mahal, and the Jantar Mantar royal observatory. Kids will love the famous City Palace for its armoury fully stocked with swords and knives.  En route, you might want to pick up trinkets here and there as souvenirs.

3. Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort

If you're on an extended weekend, you can catch the local daily evening Ranthambore Express, for a quick 5-hour journey to Jodhpur. The Mehrangarh Fort rests majestically on a rock and is a sight to behold. The Fort has great audio tours and has been managed by the royal family.

4. Udaipur

Apart from the aerial view, 'India's Venice', the city of lakes Udaipur is also great for boating trips. It is home to famed lakes including Pichola Lake, Udai Sagar, Fateh Sagar and Swaroop Sagar. Local tours will provide you boat trips through the city, with and guides will hold you in awe of the tales of princely valour.

5. Kumbhalgarh - Where nature and heritage come together

If you’re not one for a packed travel schedule, drop everything and head to Kumbhalgarh. Kids and the elders would love to visit the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. A guided 4-hour walk proceeds from the Palace, through forest and shrub, and you'll spot highly endangered species, and common jungle wildlife including wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sambhar, nilgai, chausingha and the chinkara.

Nearby is Mewar fortress of Kumbhalgarh, the state's highest fort and a recognised World Heritage Site. The 15th-century fort stands guard to 'Cloud Palace', and its perimeter walls make it second largest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. This is a 15 km walking trip through medieval temples and forested hills. Proceeding forth, you'll spot tiny peaceful hamlets and quiet settlements.