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Look beyond the beaten track amid the
golden sands of Rajasthan and you will glimpse an
oasis. A dazzling shimmer of sunshine on water that hovers
on the edge of a mirage. Drive on. This is timeless
Rajasthan, untouched by the creeping fingers of
‘modernity’ unchanged in its unpretentious
natural grandeur.
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Legend has it that, in the early
1900’s, Rajadhiraj Nahar Singh of Shahpura mortgaged
the family’s private property
and jewels to bring water to his
people. Today, the lakes he created, form the heart of a verdant
wetland refuge - historic, picturesque, tranquil, an idyllic setting
where man and nature have come to understand each other.
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Life is unhurried
here. The days filled with sunshine,
conversation and picnics, fishing and boating on the lakes with lazy
sundowners to trap the blazing sunset. Spontaneous excursions
trace the history of the region through neighbouring
forts and legends, rambles transform into safaris in the flash of
a beckoning wing - the surrounding wetlands are a birdwatcher's
paradise, tempting even to the uninitiated.
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Shahpura Bagh is a boutique home stay
where clients arrive as guests and leave as friends.
The 19th century Nahar Niwas, one of the two residencies on the estate,
remains the family home, warm and gracious, offering the wonderful
experience of traditional personalised hospitality, of being welcomed
into the heart of an ancient lineage.
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Umaid Niwas, an eclectic mix of Gothic-Rajasthani
architecture, was built as a guest house for visiting nobility, and has
been restored as a 6 suite residency complete with all the modern
amenities of a premium hotel.
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Set in 45 acres of garden and pasture,
surrounded by two lakes, the working farm estate resplendent with trees
of Neem, Ashoka, Peepal and Mango, is a very special and ultimately
serene oasis.
Healthy cows graze languidly in peaceful co-existence with peacocks, an
entire menagerie of birds fill the Bagh with birdsong and the occasional
blue bull and jackal flit silently amongst the woods.
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Walking trails skirt the lakes, hammocks
and charpoys are located at scenic spots to relax, read, meditate or
watch spectacular sunsets.
Go boating on the lakes, surrounded by hundreds of wild fowl which swoop
and circle in formation or simply float away, soaking in the winter sun,
pristine sky and water.
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A gentle family consisting of the
present Raja and his two sisters, with his two nephews and their wifes
and children live in this garden retreat as the owners and are more than
happy to entertain and swap tales with their guests. However, by living
in a separate residence, guests may enjoy their privacy as much as they
wish, and may chose to dine alone if so desired.
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Evenings are spent mingling with other
guests at the formal drawing room or under the stars around a flickering
fire nursing your favourite poison.
In the end, Shahpura Bagh, is a reinvigorating respite for fugitives
from a hectic life, and coupled with the personalised care that the
family lavishes on each guest, creates an environment, one that is more
a home than a hotel.
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Shahpura Bagh has just 6 Royal Suites
& 4 Deluxe rooms ensuring a highly personalised experience. Each
Suite and Bathroom has been individually designed with a different
colour. Leaning towards the “minimalistic approach”, the design goal
was on achieving the perfect balance of space, luxury and comfort.
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Handmade Kilms, and old Kashmiri carpets
provide colour to the otherwise starkly ultra-smooth white lime plaster
floors. The rooms are adorned with antique paintings and photographs
belonging to the family for generations. Antique furniture draped in
luxurious silk jacquard upholstery & precious textiles are
strategically placed within the suites.
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Subtle lighting, large candle stands, 8
inch thick specially ordered spring mattresses coupled with luxurious
bedding and music create a magical romantic atmosphere. State of the art
bathrooms with twin wash basins, rain showers and organic Biotique
toiletries compliment the luxury of the rooms.
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The rooms are uncluttered and spacious,
with the emphasis on light and openness achieved by high ceilings,
large windows and wide doors leading to the lush greenery outside.
Warm silk & cotton satin curtains, contrasted with limestone cool
walls made through an age old technique, provide the perfect contrast.
Come home to an atmosphere of discreet and refined Luxury. Of an
experience, evoking memories of a gracious and simpler life
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Dining - Rajadhiraj Umaid Singhji was a
foodie. Shahpura is a food-lover’s haven.
Take your pick from authentic home cooked Rajasthani food prepared over
wood fire or continental and traditional meals, tempered to suit your
palate.
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One of the best tables in Rajasthan with
refined homemade recipes collected through several generations.
The cook has cooked for three generations of the family.
Continental food - apple-pie, stews, roasts et al.
Shahpura provides delightfully light vegetarian and non-vegetarian
meals. Most of the vegetables are home grown and organic.
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