Fort Pokharan

Fort Pokaran is marvel of the fourteenth century. Also known as Balagarh, it is the bastion of the Champawat clan of Rathores. Mughal Emperor Humayun and his great grandson Akbar II were hosted here.

The Champawats had the title of Pradhan 'The Premier Noble' as an honour in the court of the erstwhile princely state of Marwar, now known as Jodhpur. The present Thakur Nagendra Singh Pokaran and his wife Thakurani Yashwant Kumari Pokaran have converted the property into a charming heritage hotel. Its nineteen rooms are all furnished in the royal style, are air-conditioned and come with all the modern conveniences. There is a museum that contains the family's collection of arms, paintings, costumes and handicrafts down the ages.

The personalised hospitality of the Royal family makes for an enchanting holiday. The family's chef serves the traditional cuisine at the Mangal Mahal, the palatial dining hall with four octangular and beautifully carved Jharokas. Also enjoy high tea on the turrets while watching the sun go down.

There is plenty of sight seeing available to make for a relaxed holiday. Pokaran is an excellent place for bird watching. Damsel Cranes, Houbara Bustard, a rare bird; The Great Indian Bustard, Migratory Bird the Imperial Sand Grouse can all be found here. You can also watch and photograph the Indian Gazelle and the Chinkara deer found in the dried salt ranges of Pokaran. Customised jeep and camel safaris, interaction with the villagers, watching the craftspeople like potters and weavers at work, as well as a visit to the engraved family cenotaphs are available.