Jambughoda Palace

Jambughoda Palace was the royal residence of the Parmar Rajput dynasty, which had ruled the region since the 14th century. The palace itself was built around the 18th century, and still retains much of its original architecture. HH Maharana Vikram Sinhji and his family continue to reside in the palace, managing the hotel and maintaining the property. The Maharana himself is an environmentalist and has played a key role in establishing the wildlife sanctuary, and continues to encourage both locals and travelers to embrace progressive, eco-friendly measures in their lives.

The palace actively promotes itself as A Home For Nature Lovers, not just because of its location within the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, but also for its sustainability initiatives and closeness with the local communities. It offers programs and activities that foster positive interactions with nature, such as on-site vegetable gardens sourcing food for the palace, safari tours guided by experts, and social initiatives that reach out to the region's tribal groups.

While Jambughoda Palace is over 250 years old, this royal residence is in pristine condition. Its structure retains many of its original aspects, featuring a gorgeous white facade that stands out from the verdant gardens and courtyards of the estate. Other heritage elements include its wooden doors, the classical carved stonework, as well as halls and spaces decorated with photos and artworks from the royal family's collection. The palace also retains the traditional Darbar Hall, where rulers held court and received important guests.

As for the palace's accommodations, the rooms and suites have been repurposed from former buildings, such as the kitchens, stables, and staff or soldier quarters. After some remodeling, they were fitted with antique furnishings and modern amenities.

Delight in the rich cuisine of Gujarat, with dishes prepared and served by the palace's royal kitchens. As part of their sustainability initiatives, the royal family supports local industries and businesses, as well as ensures food waste is kept to a minimum. Each meal is made with traditional recipes passed down through generations, and uses organic ingredients sourced from local farms and producers. The palace also makes it a point to provide meals to those of varying dietary preferences and restrictions, preparing vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus if informed beforehand.

Regular meals feature vegetable dishes made using the ones grown from the estate's gardens, and served with vegetarian or non-vegetarian side dishes such as dal, salads, papad, and rotis. Special meals are served in special crockery that is part of the royal family's collection, and includes larger portions and more items, making it perfect for family and group dining. The Durbari Thali meal prepares a special thali lunch or dinner served on silver platters, held at the private verandah and personally hosted by a member of the royal family.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Relax within the estate and sign up for a yoga class or even a cooking class. Other ways to unwind include massages from local therapists, or just cooling off with a dip in the hotel's outdoor pool.

The area encompassing the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary also occupies the Jambughoda Palace, making the grounds and surrounding region a treasure trove of wildlife encounters. Animals you can encounter while hiking or cycling in the area include four-horned antelopes and blue bulls, along with native and migratory birds like golden orioles and comb ducks. Care and caution should still be prioritized as the region is also home to dangerous species such as sloth bears, jackals, and vipers. For your safety, it's recommended to book a jeep safari if you're planning to travel around the sanctuary region. Aside from transportation, you can hire a knowledgeable guide such as a researcher or scientist who would be glad to impart knowledge about the sanctuary.

The region is also home to the Rathwa and Nayak tribes. They are known for their ornate carved doors, tribal icons, and Pithora paintings. A good way to get to know them is to visit during a haat, which is their weekly market. There, you can see many of their traditional crafts, available for sale or barter. These include essentials such as farm tools and produce, as well as handcrafted earthenware and bamboo goods. While visiting these communities, you can arrange for farm tours and social initiative experiences.

If you'd like to venture further out, a major recommendation is the town of Champaner. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.

Enjoy an evening or afternoon of merrymaking with a special, intimate dinner service. While the palace is available for booking for video shoots and live music sessions, groups or families looking to celebrate a private affair can reach out and book a dinner service tailored towards a birthday or anniversary.