Patan Mahal

Patan Mahal is part of a trio of structures situated in the town of Patan, located in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan. The other two are Badal Mahal, which can be seen sitting on the slopes of the nearby hill, and Patan Fort, which sits atop the hill. All three were built sometime during the 13th century, though it is only Patan Mahal that has lasted well into the 21st century. Despite being around 800 years old, the Tomara clan of Patan has retained ownership of these properties.

The family's current leader, Rao Digvijay Singh, spearheaded the project to restore their ancestral home back in 2005. With the aid and support of his clan, as well as the locals of Patan, he turned the palace into an 18-key heritage stay, offering idyllic retreats, majestic celebrations, and scenic views of the Aravallis.

Following its restoration in 2005, the architecture of Patan Mahal expresses a strong Rajasthani style. It features a sandstone exterior with arched windows and latticed jharokhas, along with alcoves and stained-glass panes. Perhaps a holdover from its time as a fortified palace are the ornate verandas and turrets.

Just like its exterior, the inner halls, spaces, and rooms of Patan Mahal are adorned with decorative elements. These include treasures such as brass and stone sculptures, paintings, and checkered marble floors. The 18 guest rooms and suites are also given their own identity through unique themes and decor, as well as distinct heritage aspects like carved doors, Mughal pillars and arches, and the use of native materials and crafts such as the wooden curtains.

The on-site restaurant of Patan Mahal features not only native Rajasthani cuisine, but also European fare that international guests may find comforting. Ingredients are sourced locally, either picked from the estate's own farms and gardens or purchased from local producers. These are then prepared in the palace's royal kitchens, staffed by skilled culinarians. Diners will have options on where to savor their meal; the main dining room is air-conditioned, the terrace has sweeping views of the surrounding hills, and room service is available for those who would prefer to focus on resting.

Make your dream destination wedding a reality at Patan Mahal. The palace accepts bookings for wedding privatizations and has two incredible venues available. The poolside venue is a fantastic choice for a fun yet intimate celebration, offering a capacity of 120 seated guests. The lawn venue, on the other hand, is much more spacious and can be prepared for a reception of 900 guests.

Make sure to coordinate with the management regarding your plans by reaching out to them via their website's contact form or email. They may be able to refer a dedicated planner and decorator for the event, and the reception meals can be handled by their own culinary staff.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The town of Patan can be considered out of the way and secluded, so the opportunities provided for cultural immersion are mainly local. The palace often invites native performers to provide evening entertainment through folk dances, songs, and music. Foodies who'd like to bring back a piece of Patan with them can sign up for a cooking class and learn some family recipes. Walking tours or cultural classes are also available for those who would like to explore the town of Patan and meet the locals.

The two major landmarks of the town are Badal Mahal and the Patan Fort, both of which are technically also properties of the Tomar clan. Those interested in hiking or exploring the nearby hills can enjoy a picnic in the ruins of these two ancient estates. There's also a nearby baori, or stepwell, which is often seen as a marvel of ancient engineering due to its design and function.

Other Celebrations

The palace not only hosts weddings, they also accept event bookings for conferences and other corporate functions. For more details, it would be best to reach out to the management via their website inquiry form, or via email. Likewise, guests who wish to celebrate a birthday or anniversary during their stay can make a request to the management for a personalized dinner.