Samode

Samode is a must-visit destination if you are planning to travel to Rajasthan. Travel to Samode offer tourists the majestic Samode Palace. About four hundred years old, the Samode Palace, unlike other palaces in Rajasthan, does not belong to any royal family but a family of noblemen, the Rawals of Samode.

The Samode Palace, now a famous heritage hotel in Rajasthan, is built in the characteristic pattern of an open courtyard with rooms leading off the arched corridor that runs along all the four sides of the building. The Sultan Mahal is on the first floor is an exquisite room with a marble pillared verandah. It has the famous Jaipur blue tile decorations. Every inch of the ceiling and the walls are covered with floral, paisley and geometric motifs painted in vegetable colors. It is called Sultan Mahal after the craftsman, who painstakingly created it. To the left of the main haveli is the Durbar Hall, which was built about a hundred years ago. Again it is painted with ornate floral motifs and colored delicately with vegetable pigments, which still have a special glow of their own.

A hall of mirrors, which is a must for any palace of consequence, is also to be found in Samode. Large and tiny fragments of polished mirror are set into the plasterwork and reflect a thousand images of the person entering the room. At night a single candle flame can create the effect of a thousand stars. The people of the desert love mirrors because the cool polished surface reminds them of water. Paintings reminiscent of the miniature style depict warriors, scenes of shikar (hunting), birds and beasts and fish-eyed maidens frolicking with Lord Krishna.

On a hill immediately above the palace is the Samode Fort, the family's former residence accessible in times of trouble by an underground passageway. The original stone zigzag path has been replaced by 300 steps, which have to be climbed to reach the fort. Though the fort itself is dilapidated, the view from its ramparts is excellent. The main fort gate is the starting point of some enticing walks into the Aravalli mountain range. Around three km from Samode, en-route to the main Jaipur-Agra road is Samode Bagh, a large formal garden that is being restored and is often used by film crews for shooting.

Tourists planning to travel to Samode can also visit Shekhawati situated about two and half hours away. This small village is quite famous for its havelis with murals and wall paintings. This place is also called the living art gallery of the world by many experts.

Another option while you are on vacations in Samode is to go on a camel safari through the Samode village and the surrounding countryside. And a real visit to Samode cannot be considered complete without a musical evening of Rajasthani folk dances and songs.