Samode Palace Samode

Address: A Heritage Hotel, Jaipur, Samode - 303806 Distt. Jaipur India

Access:

60 kms. from Airport
45 kms. from Railway Station
1 km. from Bus Stand

History

Samode according to the Rajputana Gazetteer of 1879 was a large and flourishing town. The Zamidars (landlords) of Samode the principal thakurs of the state of Amber were the Nathawat clan from Chomu, a branch of the house of Amber, tracing their relation to the Jaipur Maharaja the fabled Prithviraj Singhji the 17th prince of the house of Kacchwaha Rajputs. Gopal Singhji one of his 12 sons was awarded Samode, a noble feudatory of the Amber & Jaipur principality. It was among the wealthiest territories in the Amber kingdom. The Zamidari eventually passed within the clan to the hands of Behari Das, a Rajput warrior in Mughal Service. After 6 generations in the hands of his descendants Samode was relinquished to the Raj. In 1757 the territory was returned to the Nathawats (the hereditary title of 'Rawal Saheb' still rests with the present family).

For the 1st half of it's existence Samode Palace was a little more than a fortified stronghold in the rugged Rajput tradition. Only in the early 19th century under Rawal Berisal did the castle begin to take on the lavish aspects it is now known for. He was an eminent statesman who reached distinction as the principal signatory (on behalf of the Jaipur Maharaja) of the historic 1818 treaty making Jaipur a protectorate of British East India Company. He later became Chief Minister of Jaipur and weilded absolute power.

Samode Palace quite clearly began expanding at the time of his reign and continued under his descendant Rawal Sheo Singh who was the Prime Minister of Jaipur state for several years during the middle of the 19th century. He is credited with the Palace's most fabulous addition - the extravagantly florid had painted Darbar Hall and the overlooking gallery which forms the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal or the hall of mirrors.

Samode Palace was transformed into one the country's premium palace hotels in 1987, and is a perfect example of Rajput-Moghul architecture. The palace is built on a small hillock and planned in a progression of courtyards of increasing height.

GUEST ROOMS

Each of the 43 spacious rooms and suites all with a balcony or patio are exclusive and are decorated in the warm colours and textures of local Rajasthani hand block print textiles and adorned with traditional artifacts.

The interiors inspired by traditional design themes reach their fullest expression in the intricate marblework, woodwork and fabrics that accentuate the guest rooms. The spacious rooms with marble, mosaic floorings, high ceilings, cotton woven rugs "durries", antiques and beautifully carved four poster beds provide a sense of luxury.

3 Royal Suites 15 Deluxe suites 25 Deluxe Rooms

The royal suites have a private courtyard, Jacuzzi, a fire place, a L.D. Player and C.D Player. Within these luxurious surroundings are found the most modern amenities-a blend of contemporary comfort and traditional style. All rooms with en suite bathrooms with tubs and showers, hot and coldwater. Airconditioning, heating, minibars, television with cable network and telephones with international dialing facilities.

INCENTIVES & BANQUET FACILITIES

To make your stay as memorable as possible and to enjoy the unique Royal Rajasthani experience a number of special indoor & outdoor activities are available for receptions, weddings and banquets large and small.

Welcome cocktails:-

Upon arrival, sip your welcome drink and absorb the beauty of this magnificient building. You are greeted with traditional arti, garlanding and tika by liveried retainers, song and dance.

Celebrations:-

Anniversaries, birthdays, weddings & other parties can be celebrated in style. A traditional Hindu wedding which is known for romance and tradition can also be organised with the bride and groom dressed in full regalia accompanied by a procession led by elephants, horses and camels. The wedding vows may take place at the hotels grounds and officiated by a pundit (priest).

MEETING FACILITIES

Meeting facilities:- Take over the Samode Palace exclusively and it will provide an unusual setting for conferences and meetings. The Durbar Hall (where the court was held in earlier days) is very ornate, patterned like a carpet from floor to the ceiling and can accommodate groups of 50 to 100 people depending on the layout.

Smaller Meeting rooms are available which seat 15 to 20 people also. A full range of audio visual presentation equipment can be provided.