Located at a distance of 40 kms south of the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, Rohet is a rural retreat on the banks of a lake. The former rulers have converted their 350 year old manor into a heritage hotel. It is a 45 minute drive through scenic countryside on the main highway from Jodhpur to Udaipur.
History:
Rohetgarh was the fortified desert home of the descendants of Thakur Dalpat Singh 1, the 16th century Rathore of Champawat clan. The kingdom or ‘jagir’ of Rohet was bestowed upon him in 1622 by the Maharaja of Jodhpur as a mark of appreciation for his bravery during battle. The ensuing generations of valiant noblemen all contributed to making Rohetgarh a heritage home where aristocratic values are respected and visitors experience the true warmth of Rajput hospitality.
Best For :
Rohet is best for village safaris which introduces guests to local culture and traditions, bird watching and horse and camel safaris.
The summer temperatures range from a maximum of 38.3 Degree Centigrade to a minimum of 28.8 Degree Centigrade so light cotton clothing is recommended during this period. The winter temperature record a maximum of 28.8 Degree Centigrade but can drop down to a minimum of 8 Degree Centigrade. Tourist should therefore carry light woolen clothes. From July to mid September is the rainy season so the best time to travel is during the cooler months from October to March.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at the Money Exchange desk of Hotel Rohetgarh but it is advisable to get some Indian currency at Jodhpur or at any of the international airports.
Getting Around – Road Travel Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh Roadways, as well as private travel agencies have frequent buses to Jodhpur from Ahmedabad, Baroda, Ujjain, Udaipur, Jaipur, Mount Abu, Mumbai and Delhi.Taxis are also available. Within Rohet, visitors can either walk around or use the unmetered auto rickshaws or cycle rickshaws.
Getting Around – Train Travel The nearest railway station in Rajasthan is at Jodhpur. Trains to Jaisalmer, Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Mumbai and Jaipur operate from here. There are several daily trains to Bikaner as well. If visitors are traveling from Madhya Pradesh, then the nearest railway station is at Ratlam, 80 kms away.
Rohetgarh is famous for village safaris which introduce visitors to local cultures and traditions. Guests are taken to homes and received with warmth and affection. It is a unique opportunity to interact with communities living in harsh desert conditions and understanding their world. The Bishnois, believed to be the world’s first ecologists and protectors of nature for 5 centuries, can be found here.
Guests can also witness traditional folk ceremonies and see artisans making leather articles, pottery and handicraft items. Rohet is home to 3 species of antelope – the Chinkara, the blue bull and the black buck. 200 domestic and migratory species of birds flock to Rohet, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
Other Activities :
The main activities at Rohet include village safaris, horse riding and an extensive 1 to 5 day horse safari programme. One day camel safaris with picnic lunch can be arranged through the neighbouring villages. A two day cooking workshop on traditional cuisine including a visit to the spice market and cooking demonstrations by local chefs is also an interesting activity.
Rohet is infused with a sense of fun and gaiety during the Festival of Gangaur when the villagers dress in vibrant hues and all their finery. This festival signifies the celestial marriage of Lord Shiv and Parvati. Every night, for 5 consecutive nights the village folk gather to pay obeisance to the deities and partake in the ‘ghoomar’, the traditional folk dance of the area.
The only place to stay is Hotel Rohetgarh, a Deluxe Heritage Hotel where the members of the royal family welcome guests. Visitors get a taste of the rich cultural past as they view peacocks strutting about under finely carved stone archways, neem tree groves and colourful bougainvilleas. It is an oasis in the arid land of Marwar. Hotel Rohetgarh is equipped with AC rooms and modern facilities such as a bar, travel desk, money exchange and car rental services. The drawing room has an ornately carved wooden ceiling and is decorated with traditional lamps and old photographs. Visitors can relax in the spacious verandah lounges covered with historic trophies and artifacts. Hotel Rohetgarh also boasts of a beautifully designed swimming pool with 4 charming pavilions at each corner. Local musicians perform in the evening as dinner is served by the poolside. Visitors are often mesmerized by the folk dancers who enliven the evening with their vibrant hues and vigorous rhythms. The restaurant serves Indian and Rajasthan food.
The Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary is about 40 kms southwest of Jodhpur, on the road to Barmer, therefore northwest to Rohet .It has a large population of blackbuck, desert fox and the blue bull. It has no accommodation and is best visited around 11am or a few hours before sunset. Luni, 35kms from Jodhpur, is famous for Fort Chanwa which has now been converted into a heritage hotel.
The famous 15th century marble temples of Ranakpur can be visited from Rohet. Situated in the deep secluded valleys of the Aravalli Hills, these 5000 year old temples show no signs of aging and are superbly preserved and in near-perfect condition.
Recommended Circuit:
Rohetgarh can be added as one night’s destination if visitors are interested in rural life or want to spend a day at leisure, away from the noise and chaotic traffic typical to any tourist place.
Rohetgarh offers respite from the bustling crowds typical of most tourist sites. It is a true haven of peace and tranquility for those seeking a real holiday.
