Nahargarh Fort is located on the mountain ridge which separates the east and west Aravalli ranges. The Aravallis start near Delhi and stretch all the way upto the Rajasthan-Gujarat border, near Mount Abu and covers an area of 7000 hectares. Nahargarh Fort is surrounded by Jaigarh Fort and Amer Fort.

One can see the historic city of Amer at a distance, during one’s drive from to Nahargarh fort. Just off the Jaipur-Amber road is Gaitore, where the former Maharajas of Jaipur are entombed. The chhatris (cenotaphs), made of white marble display the distinctive Rajput style of architecture.

The open pavilions with ornate domes are supported by delicately sculpted pillars. The crematorium is located in the middle of yellow sandstone hills. The decor and extravagance of a particular chattri is meant to reflect the stature and prowess of the ruler it contains. The most graceful and beautiful chattri at Gaitore is that of Maharaja Jai Singh with 20 carved pillars. Tourists are especially drawn towards it because of its intricate carvings.

Some of the parts of Nahargarh fort including the huge walls were renovated by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh. We passed several khejri trees and also saw several peacocks who disappeared in a flash on being photographed. However the accompanying photograph shows one of them microseconds before they disappeared. It is believed that there was a secret passage between Naharagarh fort and the City Palace so in case of attacks the maharaja and the royal family could escape unseen to the fort from the City Palace or viceversa.

A well-organized rainwater harvesting system is seen at Nahargarh Fort for supplying water from hillside. The technique in which the systems get gusts of air from the barren region is simply fascinating. An elongated 5 km. canal brings in water from the sky-scraping mountains and stores them inside the fort for its warriors.

The fort follows Indo-European architecture and there are many structures inside the fort. To the left of the entrance gate ‘Tadigate’, there is a temple dedicated to the deity of Jaipur rulers. I must not fail to mention that I went to Dera Mandawa as a guest but ended up as a friend. It was on Durga Singhji’s guidance, I chose to drive to Nahargarh fort and Maan Sagar lake to complete a perfect day trip from Dera Mandawa.

My stay at Jaipur gave me a deeper insight into the culture, traditions, food habits and hospitality of Jaipur residents. Though they live in a state capital, they are humble and take extra care of their guests and I am going to be their guest during the next literature festival by avoiding the overpriced five star palaces, where one cannot get that personal touch.

Mr. Durga Singh is an alumni of Mayo College, Ajmer and is well known in Jaipur. His boutique hotel with 11 exquisite rooms is an ideal place to unwind for the weekend for overstressed corporate executives and Shanti seeking westerners. Where have all the sparrows gone? They have gone to the trees that surround Dera Mandawa!

How to get there?:

The nearest international airport to reach Jaipur is at New Delhi. There are several options for Indian tourists to get to Jaipur from New Delhi.

By flight:

The easiest way to get to Jaipur is by flight. Jaipur is connected to Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi by direct flights. The other way to get from New Delhi to Jaipur is by bus. This 291 km. trip takes six hours.

Another way to get there?:

There are several trains from Old Delhi Railway Station to Jaipur which covers the 291 km. distance in five to six hours.

Where to stay?:

Dera Mandawa is a value for money proposition for both Indian and foreign guests visiting Jaipur for weddings, business or pleasure. The elegantly done up suites are comfortable and is priced at Rs. 4500/- per night inclusive of breakfast and all taxes. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the hotel. The tariff is same for Indian and foreign guests.

Where to eat?:

Chefs at Dera Mandawa rustle up delicious meals throughout the day. It is advisable to eat breakfast here itself as the food in Jaipur’s high profile hotels is greasy and unhealthy. See the accompanying photo for delicious homemade Jaipuri vegan food. There are lots of dhabas within walking distance of Dera Mandawa that serve delicious dal, sabji and roti. Dera Mandawa provides soya milk smoothies with dates, banana and cinnamon for strict raw vegans. (like myself)

Weather in March:

The weather in March ranges from pleasant to warm, especially when in the afternoons. Impromptu showers towards the evening are common in summer. Expect squalls and high velocity winds at twilight, which makes evening walks a pleasure. For sonorous sleep at Dera Mandawa, sleep early, if you plan to sleep for eight hours or more. I slept at 8 p.m. and woke up at 4 a.m.