Rawla Narlai is a 17th-century royal manor set in the Aravalli hills between Jodhpur and Udaipur — an idyllic retreat in a village of ancient temples and sacred elephants. The manor offers luxury tents and heritage rooms, with leopard and bird watching excursions available.
Rawla Narlai is a 17th-century royal manor nestled in the rocky Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, positioned midway between Jodhpur and Udaipur in Narlai village, Pali District. The property served as a hunting retreat for the maharajas of Jodhpur and retains the character of a Rajput manor house — thick stone walls, carved jharokha windows, and courtyards shaded by ancient trees. The surrounding village is remarkable for its sixty-odd temples, a giant granite elephant-shaped rock that has been worshipped for centuries, and a community of sacred elephants.
Accommodation is spread across heritage rooms within the manor and luxury tents positioned on the rocky hillside, offering a blend of rustic and refined comfort. Heritage rooms feature four-poster beds, hand-painted walls, and private courtyards. Luxury tents — fitted with proper beds, rugs, and open-air bathrooms — blend glamour with the landscape. The property has a swimming pool set into the hillside, one of Rawla Narlai's most photographed features, with views across the Aravalli scrubland.
Dining focuses on traditional Rajasthani cooking. The kitchen uses local ingredients and family recipes to produce thalis, lentil preparations, and slow-cooked meat dishes. Meals are typically served in the outdoor courtyard under the stars. Yoga sessions are offered in the mornings on designated terraces.
Activity highlights include guided leopard-watching evening drives in the surrounding forests, birdwatching in the scrub landscape, village walks through Narlai's temple complex, and photography excursions at sunrise and sunset. The remoteness of the location is a deliberate draw: Rawla Narlai is designed as a retreat from urban Rajasthan, and the village sees very little general tourist traffic compared to Jodhpur or Udaipur.
The property is reached via a two-hour drive from Jodhpur (approximately 120 km) or a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Udaipur (approximately 130 km). Pre-arrival transfers can typically be arranged by the property. The retreat suits travellers comfortable with rural isolation who are interested in wildlife, photography, and authentic rural Rajasthani culture.
Amenities
- pool
- heritage rooms
- wildlife safaris
- village walks
- yoga
- dining
Location
Narlai Village, Pali District, Rajasthan 306709
25.3024, 73.5583 View on map
Highlights
- 17th-century royal manor in an Aravalli hills village with sixty ancient temples
- Hilltop swimming pool with panoramic views across the Aravalli scrubland
- Guided leopard-watching evening drives through the surrounding forest
- Luxury tents with open-air bathrooms positioned on the rocky hillside
- Village walks past a sacred elephant enclosure and an ancient elephant-shaped granite rock
Tips for visiting
- Stay at least two nights to take in the leopard-watching drives, village walks, and photography at sunrise and sunset
- The road to Narlai from Jodhpur or Udaipur is well-surfaced but narrow in places; the property can arrange transfers from both cities
- Pack lightweight clothing and modest attire for village walks through the temple areas
- Book well in advance for the winter season (October–March) as the property has limited room inventory
Accessibility
Rawla Narlai is a historic stone manor on uneven rocky terrain in a rural Aravalli hills village. Many pathways between the manor, tents, and hillside features are on rough or stepped ground. The property is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with significant mobility impairments. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the property before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get to Rawla Narlai?
Most guests arrive by private car from Jodhpur (about 120 km, two hours) or Udaipur (about 130 km, two and a half hours). The property can arrange pick-up transfers from both cities if booked in advance.
Are leopard sightings guaranteed on the evening drives?
Leopard sightings are possible but not guaranteed; the forests around Narlai have healthy leopard populations and sightings are frequent, particularly at dusk. Birdwatching is reliably excellent year-round.
Are the luxury tents available year-round?
The tent accommodation is generally available from October through April when the weather is suitable. During the monsoon months (July–September) the property may operate only heritage room inventory.
Is wi-fi available at Rawla Narlai?
Basic wi-fi is available in the main manor building. Mobile connectivity in this remote location can be limited depending on the network provider.