Samode Palace has a long and storied history stretching back to 1545, and was initially built as a Rajput fort amidst the fortified village of Samode. The purpose of the fort was to protect the ruling Singh family, who had been bequeathed Samode itself. It would serve in that role, successfully holding and defending the surrounding hillside area for many years without incident. Even then, this initial fort structure already exhibited delicate aesthetic considerations, with its detailed masonry and marblework. Expansion came to the property around the 19th century, under Rawal Berisal, when the overall fort was redesigned and renovated into a true palace complex, with additional buildings and planned gardens being set up. The new additions were largely complementary and did not diminish or alter the existing structures of the original fort.
During the reign of Rawal Sheo Singh, the palace underwent significant expansion, most notably with the construction of the Darbar Hall—a grand chamber adorned with hand-painted walls and finely detailed artwork. Around the same time, the Sheesh Mahal, or Hall of Mirrors, was built and continued to evolve over the next 150 years through successive layers of artistic refinement. Lavishly decorated with intricate frescoes and mirror work, the Sheesh Mahal was both a visual marvel and a noble residence, offering an elegant backdrop for daily life and the reception of distinguished guests.
By the 20th century, the palace remained in the hands of the same noble families who had established it centuries earlier. Although India’s transition to a republic diminished the political role of the aristocracy, Samode Palace endured as a powerful symbol of regal heritage. Its well-preserved architecture and authentic atmosphere made it an ideal filming location for the 1984 HBO adaptation of The Far Pavilions, set in the 18th century.
A new chapter for Samode Palace began in 1987, when the brothers Yadavendra and Raghavendra Singh inherited the palace complex, and the property experienced major developments. Having spent their weekends and holidays at the palace as children, the Singh brothers decided to convert it into a hotel. The new owners intended that the remodeling retain the historic character of the property while adding modern amenities. That commitment to authenticity once again drew attention: in 2019, the palace was featured in the ITV series Beecham House. Its continuing appeal contributes towards offering visitors an experience of the luxuries of the palace that were once only felt by nobility, giving life to a legacy and helping it to be maintained for future generations.
Design and Architecture
Samode Palace complex exemplifies a harmonious fusion of Indian, Mughal, and Indo-Saracenic architectural styles. For much of its existence, the initial Rajput fort structure remained largely untouched by renovations, keeping its traditional fort design with muted colors and sharp, rugged edges. With the more ambitious developments of the 19th century, the structure would acquire more lavish features, such as newer frescoes and decorative interior stylings to depict historical and culturally significant elements.
The more recent structures, such as the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) and the Sultan Mahal, feature more stylistic designs that reflect their nature as royal residences. The influence of Islamic Mughal architecture is seen in the arched doorways and entrances, whether on the interior or the exterior. Another Mughal inspiration is apparent in the intricate and complex mural work that dots those structures.
Rajasthani architectural influences are especially evident in the palace’s overall layout, which aligns closely with the design principles of royal residences across the region. This is particularly noticeable in the Darbar Hall, where clean, straight lines and richly carved stonework dominate the structure’s exterior. Inside, the understated yet robust pillars and thick walls further reflect traditional Rajasthani sensibilities, favoring strength and symmetry.
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Free parking
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RESTAURANT
BAR
LAUNDRY
Room service
Meeting/banquet facilities
Airport shuttle
Babysitting/child services
Dry cleaning
Ironing service
Express check-in/check-out
Currency exchange
Packed lunches
Car hire
Tour desk
Concierge service
Guest services
24-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Daily housekeeping
Activities
Sauna
Fitness centre
Games room
Spa and wellness centre
Massage
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Spa facilities
Spa/wellness packages
Back massage
Neck massage
Foot massage
Head massage
Hand massage
Full body massage
Outdoor
Terrace
General
Facilities for disabled guests
Air conditioning
Food & Drink
Breakfast in the room
Snack bar
Kid meals
Wine/champagne
Internet
Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi
Outdoors
Outdoor pool
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Pool and wellness
Rooftop pool
Infinity pool
Swimming Pool
Transport
Airport pick up
Airport drop off
Safety & security
24-hour security
Key card access
Security alarm
Smoke alarms
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Parking
Parking
Free parking
Parking on site
Private parking
Popular Amenities
RESTAURANT
BAR
LAUNDRY
Services
Room service
Meeting/banquet facilities
Airport shuttle
Babysitting/child services
Dry cleaning
Ironing service
Express check-in/check-out
Currency exchange
Packed lunches
Car hire
Tour desk
Concierge service
Guest services
24-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Daily housekeeping
Activities
Sauna
Fitness centre
Games room
Spa and wellness centre
Massage
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Spa facilities
Spa/wellness packages
Back massage
Neck massage
Foot massage
Head massage
Hand massage
Full body massage
Outdoor
Terrace
General
Facilities for disabled guests
Air conditioning
Food & Drink
Breakfast in the room
Snack bar
Kid meals
Wine/champagne
Internet
Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi
Outdoors
Outdoor pool
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Pool and wellness
Rooftop pool
Infinity pool
Swimming Pool
Transport
Airport pick up
Airport drop off
Safety & security
24-hour security
Key card access
Security alarm
Smoke alarms
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
The culinary experience at the Samode Palace is centered around its in-house restaurant, which can serve meals in many places around the property. Visitors can choose to have their meals at the fine dining restaurant that is exclusive only to guests, or the larger and more open Grand Dining Hall. The Hall of Mirrors, once an exclusive space for women, is open for couples who wish to enjoy alluring indoor scenery during meals. Darbar Hall, the royal court room, is an ideal place for large groups of visitors, with its broad tables, stylish frescoes, and elegant furnishings. Alternatively, guests also have more private dining options, whether that means an intimate dinner by the palace’s infinity pool or a shared meal along one of the terraces or gardens, which can also be chosen.
For choosing meals, visitors have a vast array of options to pick from. The restaurant serves both international and Indian-style main or large plate dishes, with the following only being a selection of an extensive and changing menu. It should be pointed out that seasonal availability of ingredients, varying demand, and the direction of the culinary staff may cause specific offerings to change at any given time.
Weddings are also an occasion for which the palace is open to hold within its grounds. With its more lavish and intimate setting, the palace is an ideal place for couples seeking an elegant wedding experience. The palace is widely considered a high-profile wedding destination, with the property and its staff being well-experienced in terms of the hospitality needed in holding events such as weddings and receptions.
Guests can enjoy the inclusion of traditional Indian customs and garments during their wedding event, such as garlanding, tikka, and aarti. Additionally, weddings can be held here in a wholly Indian arrangement, with liveried retainers, song and dance numbers, and even officiated by a Hindu cleric. Couples can enter dressed in authentic Indian attire while accompanied by elephants, horses, and camels. From the planning stage to the honeymoon, guests can have a top-of-the-line Rajasthani hospitality experience throughout their special day.
Cultural and Outdoor Experiences
On its own, the Samode Palace is a historical experience, featuring the work and culture of past centuries. However, it also has plenty of indoor and outdoor amenities that visitors can immerse themselves in during their stay. Those seeking personal relaxation or interested in natural treatments can do so indoors while using the palace’s separate wellness and spa building. In two separate rooms, the palace offers beauty rituals, aromatic massages, and even authentic Ayurvedic holistic treatments that take a whole body approach to health treatment.
Guests can also experience the broader area on various guided tours, which immerse visitors in different aspects of the life and environment of the area. On a camel safari, guests can ride camels in and around village areas, familiarizing themselves with the broader locale, complemented by a special dinner, where singers and dancers come to entertain visitors while having their meals.
Village and jeep safari allows guests to observe the whole breadth of village life. Guides will share insights about daily local life while guiding guests as they walk or ride jeeps along the cobbled streets and lanes of the village. Here, they can have tea and talk with local workmen and artisans who produce traditional jewelry and metalwork, to learn more about their lives and crafts. This safari also lets visitors see the village farms and dunes, meeting the local farmers, to experience a side of Indian rural life away from the busy cities.
Experience village life from a camel’s back, just as travelers did centuries ago. Glide through the narrow lanes of...
Posted by Samode Hotels on Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Other Celebrations
Guests with special events or vacations in mind can easily hold them at the property. The palace is ideal for those planning specialized events such as meetings, conferences, or seminars in a more compact yet luxurious setting. The palace grounds imbue a sense of grandeur to any event, whether held in an indoor or outdoor setting.
Small meeting rooms are available for those who wish to hold their events inside the building, which can fit up to 20 people, while the Durbar Hall can accommodate up to 80 people. Audio-visual equipment or other special conference materials can be arranged, with the palace being amenable to assisting with such needs. Internet access is available at the business center, and wireless access in the central courtyard, open for both guests and visiting groups requiring such amenities.
Depending on the nature of the event, guests can also directly book accommodations for event attendees, whether to provide them with a place to stay or for meal and catering services. For medical emergencies, the palace also has a doctor on call to help if the need arises for regular guests or during special events.
The Durbar Hall is all set for a celebration at the ideal destination for all momentous occasions - Samode Palace. #samodehotels #samodepalace #incredibleindia #rajasthan #rajasthanhotels #durbarhall
Posted by Samode Hotels on Tuesday, January 14, 2025
A park featuring plants and animals in various enclosures along a set trail. Features lions, tigers, gazelles, crocodiles, various bears, and many other kinds of animals. (58-minute drive)
Overlooking the locality of Morija, this fort instead better resembles the original fort structures of the Samode Palace, with its prominent, sturdy curved walls. (22-minute drive)
Rather than being developed and converted like the Samode Palace, this fortress has instead been kept as a historical site, with its features naturally and carefully preserved. (11-minute drive)
The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is a 74-minute drive away.
The nearest railway station is Jaipur Junction, which is a 56-minute drive away.