Mool Sagar, Rajasthan

Quite unlike either of the aforementioned camps, Mool Sagar is closer to civilisation, lying just nine kilometres outside the fabled city of Jaisalmer. This is a legendary spot, the westernmost outpost of Rajasthan. Yet for all its attractions – a mighty Rajput fort, streets of astonishing houses of intricately pierced pink stone so fine it seems like lace, and seductive shops – it lacked the kind of accommodation that most Westerners would expect. The opening of Mool Sagar in 2006 solved that problem.

This luxurious camp is set up in what was once a royal pleasure garden. Built by Maharawal Mool Raj II in 1780, it comprises a long defile of delicate stone pavilions linked by walled gardens filled with flowers and fountains. Its 18 luxurious tents, handmade by traditional craftsmen, are set up on either side of the gardens, while to one side is a superb pool and bathing pavilion.

The force behind this retreat is the Maharaja of Jodhpur. When local ruler, the youthful Maharaja of Jaisalmer, abandoned his palace and relocated to Delhi, his fellow princeling took the opportunity to create a camp quite different from others in the region.

Not only are the tents themselves more stylishly designed (the interior decorator responsible was none other than the Princess of Jodhpur, the Maharaja’s daughter), but each has reverse-cycle airconditioning, essential at the beginning of the “season” in October when evenings can be cool, and at the end, when the onset of summer signals incandescent heat and drenching monsoons.

However, when sitting at breakfast, lunch or dinner in one of the airy stone garden pavilions (each meal is served in a different location), one feels cool even on the hottest day.

As with the other camps, trips to local villages, camel safaris and the like can be arranged, but perhaps for most travellers, just relaxing by the pool and making occasional forays into Jaisalmer is all that will be required.

Tags:

cool pools

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desert

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nature

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relaxation