Chanoud Garh, Pali

Rajasthan, India

Heritage

A unique heritage experience.

Chanoud Garh, Pali is one of Rajasthan's most compelling hidden heritage experiences, a 300-year-old fort-palace where history is not displayed behind glass but lived every day by the Mertia Rajput family who continue to call it home. Nestled in the rural heart of Rajasthan between Jodhpur and Udaipur, the palace offers an intimate window into a slower, more authentic side of the state, far removed from the well-trodden tourist circuit.

What sets Chanoud Garh apart is its deep connection to the surrounding landscape and community. Guests are invited to explore village life, meet Rabari shepherds, visit salt pans at sunset, walk through centuries-old temples, and share stories with the family custodians themselves. Every experience is personal, immersive, and rooted in the rhythms of rural Rajasthan.

A living palace where Rajasthan's heritage, hospitality, and village life come together in one of the state's most authentic and immersive experiences.

Operational Period

Sep 1 to Apr 30

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Bar

For Kids

Credit Cards

Pool

Doctor

Driver Stay

Laundry

What you would love

Chanoud Garh is perfect for those seeking heartfelt hospitality away from tourist circuits. History enthusiasts will appreciate personal insights into 300 years of Rajput legacy. Those interested in rural Rajasthan will delight in the local village life, and traditional crafts and culture seekers will revel in the festivals here, such as Holi, Diwali and Teej. It is a place for guests who value slow travel and genuine connections over formal service.

The Gallery

Your Stay at Chanoud Garh, Pali, Rajasthan

With just ten suites, accommodation remains carefully considered and curated. Every suite is unique, and Rajasthan's brilliance comes alive through rich textiles, furnishings and architectural detailing, with family heirlooms lending each nook a story to be discovered. Several suites draw inspiration from the Victorian era, and all feature private lounge areas and en-suite bathrooms, balancing heritage atmosphere with contemporary comfort.

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ROOMS & GUESTS

Deluxe Suites

All meals included

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Grand Suites

All meals included

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Perfectly RARE

The Holi festival in Chanoud Garh is a community affair, and guests are welcome to participate.

Destination

At the meeting point of the Aravalli foothills and the rugged Marwar country lies a rare fertile strip, Chanoud, which the valiant Mertia Rajputs made their home centuries ago. They built temples, cultivated reservoirs, and gifted the region Chanoud Lake — a lifeline for communities and wildlife. The 300-year-old sprawling palace combines Mewar finesse, Marwar strength and grandeur. Sitting between Jodhpur and Udaipur, Chanoud remains far from tourist circuits.

Design and Concept

Few heritage properties convey what life was like over 10 generations, but the Chanoud family has created just that. Chanoud Garh remains a lived-in, 300-year-old palace occupied by the same family for generations. Restoration has retained original jharokhas, courtyards, terraces, and frescoes, with climate-responsive design still evident in shaded arcades and sunlit winter terraces. Rather than polished uniformity, the fort preserves layers of history, allowing guests to experience continuity rather than re-creation.

Know Your Host

The standout feature is the family's involvement - siblings Swati, Mahiraj and Jairaj, members of the Mertia Rajput family, left corporate lives to return home. Thakur and Thakurani join them in curating experiences and overseeing the kitchen. Their passion for heritage stories and deep involvement in the local community - from school support to temple maintenance - adds deeply personal touches that impact every aspect of the stay.

Facilities

The new pool, situated in a courtyard surrounded by turrets and gables, is the perfect place to relax, read, or have a meal. The family museum houses extensive collections of weapons, ancient texts, paintings and silver figurines. Customised jeeps take guests exploring the countryside, whilst bicycles are available for impromptu village cycling safaris. All modern amenities, including Wi-Fi and air conditioning, are discreetly integrated.

Dining

Dining remains family-led in Chanoud. The Thakurani personally oversees the kitchen, ensuring that each meal celebrates family recipes and uses traditional cooking methods. Fresh vegetables and milk from the farm are staples, and venues include Moti Mahal with its original hand-painted artwork, the Jenana Chowk, the stunning pool and the ancient rooftop terrace for evening dining under the stars.

VILLAGE WALK

JEEP SAFARI

HERITAGE TOUR

COOKING CLASS

SUNSET AT SALT PANS

FESTIVALS

VISIT TO FAMILY TEMPLE

SCHOOL VISIT

RABARI COMMUNITY INTERACTION

Explore Around

Rural Jeep Safari to the Salt Pans

Head out for a fascinating drive to experience stunning views of saltwater pans shimmering under the desert sun - a site that attracts migratory birds & is ideal for ornithologists. The drive also offers glimpses into Rabari settlements. Tea and snacks are provided as you watch the landscape transform with the sun setting over the lake.

Village Walk

A retired local headmaster leads you through historical temples, community engagement programmes, and artisan workshops.

Ranakpur Jain Temple

Located in a tranquil Aravalli valley, the Ranakpur Jain Temple is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate marble carvings. Dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha, it features over 1,444 uniquely carved marble pillars where light and shadow play, creating a calming atmosphere. This is one of India's most significant Jain sites.