This extraordinary small fort is perched on a sand mound, surrounded by scrub desert, just south of Jodhpur. It makes the perfect base for visiting Jodhpur for those who are not keen on cities/feel they’ve had their fill of them! Come here to experience a little desert, village and country life and stay in the height of sophistication, style and comfort that you simply wouldn’t imagine existed ‘in the middle of nowhere’. “Mihir Garh” aptly means ‘Sun Fortress’ and it stands majestically, basking in the desert sun with 360° views, surrounded by swaying grasses, sandy paddocks and colourful bougainvillea.

This little gem provides a haven of great comfort with glorious, giant suites - each stunningly decorated in soft, earthy colour themes and with a Moroccan /African /Rajasthani influence. Each has its own terrace, with either a heated plunge pool or Jacuzzi. It boasts endless inner courtyards and spacious roof terraces for peaceful yoga sessions or romantic dinners under the stars. Or collapse onto an inviting daybed, lie back and have a snooze, or watch the wandering shepherds and desert life unfolding around you. A gorgeous infinity pool, shady sitting areas and a barbeque area all open out from the dining room which is wonderfully airy in summer and warm and cosy in winter. Grassy lawns fanning out from the lovely sitting room also provide a wonderful contrast to the dry desert vegetation, both visually and underfoot.

The idea at Mihir Garh is to give people an authentic desert or equine experience whilst being luxurious and different. The brains and inspiration behind this magical hotel, built of mud, wattle and wood, are the Rohet Family who are brilliant horsemen and who own some of the country’s finest horses. Come here to ride, explore the wonders of Jodhpur, wallow in acres of private space, go on a camel or village safari, or pamper yourself in the small spa. For keen riders they also run excellent day and longer (staying in tents or small hotels) riding safaris on the famous Marwari horses with their trademark ‘turning in’ ears. The stables at Mihir Garh have to been seen to be believed and horses live in real style here – a sign of how much they are loved and valued by their owners who are amongst the best horsemen in the state.

Dining here is also an experience and a veritable feast of Indian cuisine and western delicacies – they are proud to be a member of Relais & Chateaux. Not to be missed, however, is the experience of one of their grand, canopied desert picnics or a fabulously romantic bush dinner out in the desert. Privacy, space, romance and intimacy are the bywords here. A unique place where the outdoors comes indoors and guests have time to experience a bit of rural life and Marwari hospitality at its best.

Eco / environmental / responsible tourism policy

The owners of Mihir Garh (also Rohet Garh and The Wilderness Camp) - the Rohet Family - have been very successful in employing local people by making them their partners in tourism through local activities, hence making it mutually beneficial all around. The simple rural folk that they work with are also employed in all their hotels.

Guests are discouraged from giving money or any thing else to the local children. Instead they are encouraged to contribute to the Village Welfare Fund. The Fund enables the Rohet family to take up a new welfare project every year, thus also making their guests partners in the welfare schemes of Rohet Garh, which they are welcome to visit and interact with. They have taken up several welfare projects over the years which include:

• Eye Camps: They have had three successful eye camps at Rohet. These included cataract laser surgery. The total number of people who received this surgery free of cost in all the three camps was 189.
• Every year Rohet Garh hosts a medical camp in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Jodhpur. On average 750 / 800 patients are examined by 12 - 15 doctors from different departments. The patients then receive free treatment, including surgery, for their ailments.
• They have also contributed in the development of schools. Two years ago, with the help of one French group, Rohet Garh contributed the entire set of furniture, ceiling fans, two computers and uniforms for the entire girls school of Rohet. They have also contributed to adding a hall and stage in the middle school of Dhoondli village with the help of the cast and crew of the film ' Darjeeling Limited '.
• Apart from that a number of smaller works like making of a 'ghat' (steps leading down to a lake), or making of cisterns for water etc., have been taken on over the years. This year, being one of the worst drought years, their endeavour is to make water available for animals, both domestic and wild, by filling and making troughs in the country side. They are also allowing grazing on their land to help save the animals from starvation.