Situated just about 5 kms. from the gate of the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, the small village of Ghanerao is placed in a picturesque forested region. The town, has a number of red sandstone havelis
(houses with courtyards), with some old temples, baolis (step wells) and marble chhatris (cenotaphs) scattered about. The old fort lies south of the town and is marked with cannonball scars, a testimony
to the wars that were fought here.
Standing watch over the town of Ghanerao is the Ghanerao Rawla (castle), a red sandstone castle built in 1627 that served as the home of the rulers. One has to negotiate a narrow, winding, side scraping
road, which leads through the depths of the village, to reach this beautiful castle. The building is designed in the typical Rajput architectural style and here among hunting trophies, Rajput miniature
paintings, chandeliered rooms and ancient walls, there is a nostalgic air of past glory and of the royal lifestyle that the Thakurs led. The charming marble pavilion in a central courtyard of the
castle was where palace musicians used to perform. There are faded miniature paintings on the walls and obsolete elephant stables within the grounds. Some of the boundary walls are marked with cannon
balls and around the castle are the family cenotaphs of the former rulers, warriors who gallantly upheld their clan.
Thakur Sajjan Singh has opened his rustic castle to paying guests, and today one can stay in one of the pleasant 20 rooms of the Ghanerao Royal Castle, and experience the warmth of traditional hospitality.
There are simple set meals served in the dining room. The charming host and his son, Kr. Himmat Singh, organise treks to Kumbhalgarh Fort, which is about 14 kms. away. Jeep excursions can also be arranged
to the Kumbhalgarh Fort that is 49 kms. away by motorable road and to the Ranakpur Jain Temples, which are approximately at a distance of 20 kms. Ghanerao Royal Castle is a pleasant hotel where one can
experience the unspoilt rural environment. |
