Samode Palace (Heritage Hotel in Jaipur, Rajasthan) Introduction to Samode Palace Deep in the desert, against a background of stony hills lies the large sprawling Haveli (palace) of Samode in the state of Rajasthan. On the scrubby hills around it one can see a couple of forts for which Rajasthan is famous. The landscape around Samode is painted in various shades of brown, burnt umber, gold, amber, and russet. Against this, the thorny kikar trees stand out greenish grey. What really dazzle the eyes are the colourful clothes of the people. On the way up from Jaipur one passes local women whose skirts swirl by in a fish of yellow, parrot green, hot pink, orange and turquoise. They walk by with an easy swinging gait, chattering like a flock of colourful birds. The men wear equally colourful turbans, sometimes in patterns of bandhini, which is tie and dye work or lahriya, a pattern of stripes. Even the camels are caparisoned with colourful embroidered saddle cloths and harnesses. Finally, the perfect touch of colors is added by parrots streaking past like bright green arrows. Peacocks flash a metallic turquoise in the sun. This is the landscape, a palette of colour through which the drive to Samode palace leads. Staying at Samode Palace The house is built in the characteristic pattern of an open courtyard with rooms leading off the arched corridor that runs along all four sides of the building. The Sultan Mahal is on the first floor - an exquisite room with a marble pillared verandah. It has the famous Jaipur blue tile decorations. Every inch of the ceiling and the walls are covered with floral, paisley and geometric motifs painted in vegetable colors. It is called Sultan Mahal after the painstaking craftsman, who created it. Old and heavy carved silver furniture brought form Nepal by the grandmother of the present Rawal gleams dully as a ray of sunlight strikes it. To the left of the main haveli is the Durbar Hall, which was built about a hundred years ago. Again it is completely painted in ornate floral motifs and colored delicately with vegetable pigments which still have a special glow of their own. Facilities at Samode Palace The main dining room and terrace serve traditional Rajasthani food as well as a mix of Asian and European cuisine. Light snacks are served on the pool while an a-la-care menu is available at the central courtyard. There is also a bar and library. The durbar Hall can accommodate up to 80 people. Smaller meeting rooms are also available. All audio-visual equipment and conference facilities can be arranged. Since Samode is only about 40 kilometers from Jaipur it would be a good idea to stay here away from the hustle and bustle of the city. One can drive out to Jaipur - a day's sightseeing and return to this tranquil hamlet in the evening. It is also about two and half hours away form Shekhawati village famous for its havelis with wall murals and paintings.