Mandawa, a remote feudal principality in the centre of the Shekhawati region, was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here from China and the Middle East. The Rajput ruler of Mandawa, Thakur Nawal Singh, built a fort in 1755 to protect this outpost. The township that grew around the fort soon attracted a large community of traders, who settled here. When the caravan traffic ceased in the late 18th century, the traders created business empires in other parts of the country, but returned to Mandawa to build palatial mansions in their hometown.

Accommodation:              

The large and airy rooms of the Castle have been converted into charming, well appointed accommodation, retaining the old flavour using period furniture and local furnishings. No two rooms are alike (there are 70 of them -- Royal Suites, Luxury Suites, Deluxe Rooms, Standard Rooms) and yet each of them display the grandeur and the taste of the rulers of the past. A rare blend of modern comfort in medieval surroundings! Part of the excitement of staying at Mandawa is a sense of discovery at every turn. Battlements that offer spectacular views of the town below, a whimsical peacock weathervane, an arched window that overlooks the verdant garden visited by peacocks.

Restaurant:

At Mandawa, simple pleasures leave a listing impression... whether it is a quiet breakfast on a terrace offering great views of distant temples and cenotaphs, a leisurely lunch in the mural-painted dining room, sundowners sipped in the congenial setting of the verandah bar, or an alfresco dinner under the stars, entertained by Rajasthani folk singers and dancers. Every meal becomes a memorable occasion. One of the highlights of the stay at Castle Mandawa is the royal repast. A candle lit dinner on the lawns, or around a bonfire in the rear courtyard, is climaxed by the performance of a fire dancer who sways to the hypnotic beat of traditional drums.

Facilities:

There are 70 rooms, a verandah bar, conference facilities and an ayurvedic centre. The hotel also organizes camel and horse rides, jeep safaris, gala dinners, puppet shows and folk dances, traditional welcome with tilak and garlands, theme weddings, turret dinners and a heritage walk of Mandawa.