A 20-minute drive from Jaisalmer’s honey coloured fort (immortalized as ‘Sonner Kila’ by filmmaker Satyajit Ray), lies one of the finest heritage hotel in the state. Suryagarh is a modern fortress set in the sprawling stark desert landscape outlined by elegant lines of golden sandstone. The traditional welcome is a special treat. Soak in the well-tended gardens, the tranquil lake, a fossil hill and trails that surround the fort. These double up as star-lit venues for musical evenings or private dinners. Given the location of the fortress atop a low hill, no matter where you look out from, breathtaking desert vistas greet you. Our personal favourite is the sight of the fortress itself turning salmon pink as the blazing sun retires for the day.

The 81 rooms, suites and villas of Suryagarh are spread over three floors, and are divided into 8 categories: Thar Haveli, Jaisalmer Haveli, Suryagarh Suite, Luxury Suite, Signature Suite, Heritage Room, Fort Room and Pavilion Room. The rooms are detailed for every comfort. Stylishly embellished, they are dotted with art and colour, and a clever use of light and space. Everywhere you look there is an underlying sense of exclusivity and charming beauty – from the fabrics used for curtains, cushions, throws, armchairs and settees, to collectibles stacked neatly into niches, and swathes of colour set against the golden stone to photographs and art on the walls. The decorations for tabletops, mantle and trays use anything from locally sourced small brass pots to urns and large basins of stone or copper, filled or floated with fresh or seemingly fresh bougainvillea. The large, en suite bathrooms, airy and well-lit, are a delight with signature bath and toilet amenities.

Dining

The food served at Suryagarh is divine. Local flavours and international cuisines are served with the same expertise and panache. There is an in-house bar with exquisite brands available. Dinner by the breathtaking lake is a special experience. Thar Dinner on the other hand transports you to a setting of a star-studded sky and canopies. A traditional thali dinner in the courtyard offers an array of flavours. Dinner on the dunes is an out of the world experience.

The sun setting behind the sand is one of the most stunning sights in the evenings. A personalised sundowner to unwind against this spectacular backdrop is an essential at Suryagarh. Enjoy traditional Indian breakfast dishes like parathas, kachoris and samosas. Plus, it’s just in time for the hundreds of peacocks to start their day.

Give sightseeing a pause and check out the drinks by the cool oasis in the middle of the desert.

Suryagarh’s amenities and features are rooted in the local stories and landscapes. Rait, the  signature spa has therapies and scrubs fashioned from salts and desert sands using native wellness insights. Akhara – The Gym, is reminiscent of traditional wrestling sand pits but has state-of-the-art gym facilities. Neel, the indoor pool draws from the blues of native peacocks. Only a step beyond is bright sunlight for those who choose Vitamin D. Inspired by the techniques of Master Swami Sivananda, a slow form of Hatha yoga can be practiced with an instructor for complete relaxation. Dhanurvidya or archery was a coveted skill amongst kings and a personal space for whetting your skill or a high-octane recreational activity can be organised. Internationally acclaimed local musicians, Mehboob Khan and his family of Manganiyars, grace the fortress to leave guests enthralled with the haunting songs of the desert. Suryagarh is also a coveted wedding venue for its extraordinary backdrop and facilities.

You can relive a slice of history by following the Silk Route trail of Jaisalmer during the 16th to the 18th century. Only the discerning will understand the splendour of the wild Thar desert. Dramatic landscapes, faraway villages, watering holes and plenty of mirages define this experience. Temples around Jaisalmer are not religious epicentres; instead, they are a window into the fascinating folklore and local cultural. Guided trails to the Nabdhoongar temple along with others unravel some of the mystery. The Desert National Park established in 1980 is the stomping ground of the great Indian bustard.  Barely three km away from Suryagarh, wildlife enthusiasts can get first row seats to bustards as well as sand grouse eagles, drongos, quail, demoiselle cranes and falcons.

The Chudail Trail is a creative addition to typical sightseeing. A midnight drive to all the spots in the surrounding area where discontented spirits roam, the trip is for the fainthearted as well. After all, no guest has spotted one swirling sight at night. Or go for a Mountain Bike Trail into the undulating scrubland. Visit between October and February to enjoy all parts of the fort, including a stepwell, where an outdoor concert is organised. Or indulge yourself in rooms that have a plunge pool overlooking the desert. Also try the jungli maas for dinner.

The MRS group of which Suryagarh is a part, believes in the strong linkages between sustainability and the social and physical environment. A connection to the community is important and is reflected in the setting, design, service and food. Suryagarh was built using local talent, materials and craftsmen and the same ideology can be seen in its food – using local ingredients, recipes and cooking methodologies and in promoting local arts, crafts and artisans. The location in the desert made it imperative to conserve water. An interconnected rainwater harvesting system of closed and open tanks was built, which has a capacity to hold over 30 million litres of water. Over 6000 indigenous trees have also been planted and waste is managed.

Manvendra launched the I Love Jaisalmer campaign and initiated the largest cleanliness drive and created opportunities to promote the destination all year round and not just during winters.