Aesthetics & Philosophy

Located just a 20-minute drive from Jaisalmer's iconic honey-colored fort, which was immortalized as 'Sonner Kila' by filmmaker Satyajit Ray, is one of the finest heritage hotels in Rajasthan. Suryagarh is a modern fortress that stands out in the stark desert landscape with its elegant lines of golden sandstone. The traditional welcome at the hotel is a special treat, and guests can enjoy the well-tended gardens, tranquil lake, fossil hill, and trails that surround the fort. These areas also double up as beautiful venues for musical evenings or private dinners under the starry sky. As the fortress sits atop a low hill, guests can enjoy breathtaking desert vistas from any direction. One of the personal favorite sights is the fortress turning a beautiful salmon pink hue as the blazing sun sets for the day.

Accommodation

Suryagarh offers 81 stylishly embellished rooms, suites, and villas spread over three floors and eight categories, including Thar Haveli, Jaisalmer Haveli, Suryagarh Suite, Luxury Suite, Signature Suite, Heritage Room, Fort Room, and Pavilion Room. These rooms are designed for ultimate comfort, with a clever use of light, space, and artistic decor. The exclusive and charming beauty of the rooms is evident in every detail, from the fabrics used for curtains, cushions, and armchairs to the collectibles neatly placed in niches. The large, airy, and well-lit bathrooms are also a delight, with signature bath and toilet amenities.

At Suryagarh, guests can indulge in divine food that combines local flavors and international cuisines with equal expertise and panache. The in-house bar offers exquisite brands, and dining experiences such as dinner by the lake or Thar dinner under the star-studded sky are exceptional. Traditional thali dinners in the courtyard and dinner on the dunes are also unforgettable experiences.

Guests can enjoy personalized sundowners while taking in the stunning sight of the sun setting behind the sand, followed by a traditional Indian breakfast with dishes like parathas, kachoris, and samosas. Additionally, the resort offers drinks by the cool oasis in the middle of the desert for guests to take a break from sightseeing.

Experiences

Suryagarh offers amenities and experiences that celebrate the local culture and landscapes. The Rait spa offers treatments and scrubs made from salts and sands sourced from the desert, using traditional wellness knowledge. Akhara, the gym, features modern equipment in a setting reminiscent of traditional wrestling pits. Neel, the indoor pool, takes inspiration from the blue hues of peacock feathers, and guests can also soak up the sunlight outside. Yoga classes in the Hatha style, inspired by Master Swami Sivananda, offer relaxation. Archery, once a coveted skill of kings, can be enjoyed as a recreational activity. Local musicians like Mehboob Khan and his family of Manganiyars perform for guests, adding to the magical atmosphere. The fortress also serves as an extraordinary wedding venue.

Visitors can experience history by following the Silk Route trail of Jaisalmer during the 16th to 18th century. The Thar desert's dramatic landscapes, remote villages, and watering holes create an unforgettable experience. Temples in Jaisalmer offer insights into local folklore and culture, with guided trails to the Nabdhoongar temple and others. The Desert National Park, located just three km from Suryagarh, is home to the great Indian bustard and other wildlife like sand grouse eagles, drongos, quail, demoiselle cranes, and falcons.

For a unique adventure, guests can take the Chudail Trail, a midnight drive to spots where spirits are said to roam. The Mountain Bike Trail offers a chance to explore the undulating scrubland. From October to February, visitors can enjoy all parts of the fort, including an outdoor concert at the stepwell. Rooms with plunge pools overlooking the desert are also available, and guests can try the jungli maas for dinner.

Conscious tourism

Sustainability and community engagement are key values for the MRS group, to which Suryagarh belongs. These values are reflected in the resort's construction, design, services and cuisine, which all showcase local talent, materials, and traditions. To conserve water in the desert location, Suryagarh has installed a large rainwater harvesting system with a capacity of over 30 million litres. The resort has also planted over 6,000 indigenous trees and implemented waste management practices. Manvendra's I Love Jaisalmer campaign has promoted year-round tourism and initiated a major cleanliness drive in the region.