While the drive from Delhi certainly taxed (and honestly delighted) us, the reward provided a rich repast for our senses. We made our way through the small village to a great gate. Once through the gate there were courtyards, verandas, Chhatris, richly decorated rooms that led to other elaborate rooms, patios with daybeds, swords, shot guns, animal skins, pool tables, basement discos, rooftop party rooms & photographs depicting the proud history of this mahal’s family. Upon arrival the staff greets us with glasses of rose water on the main veranda. The Mahal itself is awash in hues of creams, earth tones, golds, blues, marble and terra-cotta. The pool area boasts peacocks, lounge chairs, and porticos that provide shade. During our 3 day/2 night stay we listened, rapt with curiosity, as calls to prayer, crowing roosters, singing birds, lowing cows, bleating goats, occasional horses, mules, small children and religious music created the soundtrack of village life. Essentials: The food was very reasonable and quite tasty. Everyone treated us kindly. Staff is attentive, friendly and accommodating. Our rooms were clean, spacious, well appointed and comfortable. The village is home to many Havelis, temples and folks who want to say, “hello,” should you wander. Charming details: You will smell mothballs-they are in every drain. Hot water only available during certain hours. Vegetarian cuisine available AND delicious. Electricity sometimes goes off but there are generators. Internet access is limited. The bar offers mostly Indian...While the drive from Delhi certainly taxed (and honestly delighted) us, the reward provided a rich repast for our senses. We made our way through the small village to a great gate. Once through the gate there were courtyards, verandas, Chhatris, richly decorated rooms that led to other elaborate rooms, patios with daybeds, swords, shot guns, animal skins, pool tables, basement discos, rooftop party rooms & photographs depicting the proud history of this mahal’s family. Upon arrival the staff greets us with glasses of rose water on the main veranda. The Mahal itself is awash in hues of creams, earth tones, golds, blues, marble and terra-cotta. The pool area boasts peacocks, lounge chairs, and porticos that provide shade.
During our 3 day/2 night stay we listened, rapt with curiosity, as calls to prayer, crowing roosters, singing birds, lowing cows, bleating goats, occasional horses, mules, small children and religious music created the soundtrack of village life.

Essentials: The food was very reasonable and quite tasty. Everyone treated us kindly. Staff is attentive, friendly and accommodating. Our rooms were clean, spacious, well appointed and comfortable. The village is home to many Havelis, temples and folks who want to say, “hello,” should you wander.

Charming details: You will smell mothballs-they are in every drain. Hot water only available during certain hours. Vegetarian cuisine available AND delicious. Electricity sometimes goes off but there are generators. Internet access is limited. The bar offers mostly Indian brand alcohol.

Bottom line: Alsisar Mahal is an oasis, a slice of history, a gem in the semi-arid desert. It is worth every effort to travel here. Alsisar Mahal thoroughly enchanted me and will remain a vivid memory of my travels in India.More