MAhout

Situated on the edge of the Great Thar Desert, just south of Jodhpur, this lovely, family run fort with 34 roomsis an ideal choice for those wanting to stay outside the city, in a rural environment. Very much a family concern, it is an extremely friendly place with rooms scattered around the premises and facing onto the gardens or overlooking the lake. The rooms all vary in shape and size and have been very prettily decorated in Rajasthani fabrics and with varied colour themes. A glistening swimming pool occupies one of the courtyards, overlooked by the open-sided dining room and upstairs dining terrace. Throughout the premises there are peaceful gardens and courtyards for quiet contemplation. Alternatively, the stunning roof terrace overlooking the lake is the perfect place to sit and sip a drink in the evenings or to rest on comfortable mattresses during the daytime. The family are highly respected locally and are lovers of nature and the great outdoors and will take you out to visit the desert villages and farming communities. They are also keen horsemen and Rohet offers some of the best riding safaris and horses in Rajasthan. Similarly, the grand, desert picnics they arrange are second to none and something never to be forgotten. A place of great charm and character, steeped in family history.

Situated 17kms west of Rohet, this fabulous little camp comprises 6 tents sitting on a small mound in the middle of the desert and surrounded by nothing but dunes and scrubland. The tents are spacious, comfortable and have excellent, modern bathrooms and are set up either side of central sitting and dining areas. It is an incredibly relaxing place to spend your days and is impossibly romantic at night when lit up with candles and lanterns. The whole camp is brought alive with colour from the furnishings and boundless bougainvillea plants which welcome you into your tent. The site is idyllically remote and peaceful with nothing but shepherds, camels, livestock and wild animals wandering around. It is also a birdwatcher's dream as there's little to disturb the birds in this desert wilderness. Perhaps the highlight, however, is the riding and it makes a superb base for riding holidays as the owners are brilliant and passionate horsemen and will take you off on fabulous rides through the desert with sumptuous picnics laid on. Or, venture out into the Great Thar Desert by jeep and enjoy a sundowner that you'll never forget. At night, look up at a sky seemingly bursting with stars, and begin to really 'hear' the silence. This has to be India's ultimate desert retreat!

ROHET GARH

Rohet Garh, nr. Jodhpur

WILDERNESS CAMP

Wilderness Camp, Rohet