The House of Rohet have put the small town of Rohet on the map for travellers wishing to experience rural Rajasthan. Just an hour’s drive from Jodhpur, the destination is accessible but feels remote and calm compared to the frantic cities in North India.
All guests arrive into the main Rohet Garh hotel, a heritage property which has been passed through 14 generations of family and opened as a hotel in 1990. Some of the original 17th century fort remains in tact, while the rest has been sensitively restored or modernised in a complementing style. There are 32 rooms at this boutique hotel, centred around a beautiful courtyard and decorative swimming pool.
For travellers who want to feel a little more immersed in their surroundings, the House of Rohet opened the Wilderness Camp in 2005. These 7 luxury tents are open between October and March offering a unique desert experience. Kitted out with a comfortable bedroom and bathroom, there is every amenity you could need, but no wifi, air conditioning or minibar. Each morning we woke up to the sound of the wild peacocks with the sun slowly rising above the tent. It was beautiful. Meals were served in the central tent; simple breakfasts and vegetarian dinners with an array of traditional Indian curries and breads.
In October 2009, Mihir Garh (Fortress of the Sun) opened, an exclusive boutique luxury option for discerning travellers. This high-end retreat had long been the dream of owner Mr Sidart Singh and his wife. Romantic and atmospheric in equal measure, this palatial property is ornate and indulgent. With an extravagant Indian restaurant and decadent spa, there is no need for guests to ever leave the miraculous Mihir Garh. I loved spending an evening here; admiring the troop of handsome Marwari horses, enjoying the traditional music, and dining al fresco with a glass of refreshing Indian Sula Sauvignon Blanc wine in hand.
One of the most memorable parts of my stay in Rohet was the Village Jeep Safari, which is offered complimentary to guests staying at all three properties. This journey through the local villages gives an insight into the locals’ daily life in rural India. After spotting a group of rare Black bug antelopes and Siberian crane birds, we headed to the Bishnoi and Brahmin tribes to meet the people and learn more about their way of life. It was humbling to meet the gracious Bishnoi family who live by 29 principles without electricity or any modernities. Next we took part in an opium ceremony with the elders at the Brahmin tribe, slurping flavoured water from the leaders hand and watching as they chanted and performed their ritual. It was unlike anything I have ever seen or taken part in before.
Rohet was not a destination before the properties opened, it was just a small sleepy village. Whilst offering travellers the opportunity to experience ‘real Rajasthan’ the House of Rohet are also helping sustain this amazing community, it was an experience I will never forget.
More information and book a stay at one of the House of Rohet hotels here.