1. 475-Year-Old Painted Fortress: History of the Rawals of Samode
Tucked into a dramatic rugged bowl of the Aravalli hills 42 kilometres north of Jaipur, Samode Palace is one of Rajasthan's most exquisite heritage properties. Originally constructed in the early 16th century as a defensive Rajput fort by the noble Rawals of Samode (descendants of Prithviraj Singh I of Amber), the fortress was transformed in the early 19th century under Rawal Berisal into a lavish royal residence blending classical Rajput and Mughal architectural ornamentation.
The defining masterpiece of the palace is its legendary Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) and the adjoining Sultan Mahal: every square inch of plaster is covered with hand-painted miniature frescoes depicting mythological scenes, hunting expeditions, and floral arabesques, set with thousands of convex mirror pieces that catch candlelight in a shimmering kaleidoscope.
The Samode royal family operates two distinct iconic properties: Samode Palace (the historic mountain fortress in rural Samode village) and Samode Haveli (an intimate 200-year-old urban townhouse with leafy courtyards located inside the historic walled city of Jaipur). Guests frequently split their holiday between both sanctuaries.
2. Staterooms & Suites: Sheesh Mahal Suites & Tariffs
The palace offers 43 uniquely designed rooms and suites, each opening onto quiet marble terraces, internal fountain courtyards, or mountain verandas.
| Room / Suite Type | Setting | Tariff per Night (Oct–Mar) | Tariff per Night (Apr–Sep) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Room | Palace Courtyard / Garden | ₹28,000 – ₹38,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹24,000 |
| Deluxe Suite | Private Terrace / Mountain View | ₹42,000 – ₹55,000 | ₹26,000 – ₹34,000 |
| Royal Suite | Historic Wing / Arch Salons | ₹65,000 – ₹85,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹52,000 |
| Sheesh Mahal Suite | Original 17th-Century Mirror Hall | ₹85,000 – ₹1,15,000 | ₹55,000 – ₹70,000 |
3. Gastronomy: Candlelit Courtyards & Rooftop Pool Dining
Dining at Samode Palace is a romantic affair staged across different atmospheric historical courtyards every evening. Dinner is served under star-filled skies illuminated by hundreds of flickering oil lamps and wax candles, accompanied by classical Rajasthani folk musicians playing the ravanahatha and tabla.
The palace kitchen serves refined royal Rajput recipes passed down through royal cooks—such as Samode Laal Maas, Safed Maas (mutton cooked in rich almond paste and curd), and wild berry desserts—alongside light contemporary European dishes.
4. Rooftop Infinity Pool, Marble Spa & Samode Bagh
The property features two magnificent swimming pools: an ornate marble courtyard pool framed by scalloped arches, and a breathtaking rooftop infinity pool perched on the high ramparts looking out over the arid Aravalli mountain ridges.
Three kilometres down the valley lies Samode Bagh—a 16th-century Mughal-style charbagh garden spanning 20 acres, framed by geometric waterways, fountains, and royal canvas tent pavilions, where guests can take quiet morning walks or play tennis.
5. Village Camel Safaris, Artisan Walks & Booking Details
Guests can explore the historic village of Samode aboard traditional camel-drawn carts, visiting local lac bangle workshops, miniature painting studios, and the historic stepwell.
Samode Palace is accessed via a 1-hour drive from Jaipur on the Delhi-Jaipur highway (NH 48). Due to high demand for boutique palace weddings and European luxury travelers, reserve at least 3 to 5 months in advance via samode.com.
6. The 400-Year-Old Sheesh Mahal & Rural Camel Cart Safaris
The crown jewel of Samode Palace is its breathtaking Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors). Dating to the 17th century, the walls and domed ceilings are completely encrusted with thousands of convex Belgian glass mirrors and hand-painted Persian vegetal frescoes. When a single candle is lit in the dark hall, the glass mosaics reflect the flame ten-thousand-fold, creating an ethereal star-strewn galaxy across the royal chamber.
In the late afternoon, the palace concierge arranges private camel-cart excursions through the cobblestone streets of Samode village. Guests ride past traditional metal-beating workshops, hand-block printing havelis, and ancient stepwells, before ascending to the Samode Bagh—a 20-acre Mughal charbagh pleasure garden laid out in the 16th century with 44 marble fountains and geometric water channels shaded by fruit orchards.
7. Samode Haveli: The Royal Townhouse Retreat in Old Jaipur
Many travelers seamlessly pair a countryside stay at Samode Palace with a two-night sojourn at its sister property, Samode Haveli, situated within the historic walled city of Jaipur near Jorawar Singh Gate. Built over 225 years ago as the urban townhouse of the Rawals of Samode, the haveli is entered through a ramp originally engineered for royal elephants.
The urban sanctuary features lush elephant-ramp gardens, a spectacular hand-painted dining hall, and an iconic swimming pool flanked by Moorish daybed cabanas. The haveli provides an oasis of tranquility right in the middle of Jaipur's bustling bazaars, allowing guests to explore Johari Bazaar gem markets and the City Palace before retreating to secluded courtyards shaded by frangipani trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Samode Palace from Jaipur city?
Samode Palace is located 42 km north of Jaipur, approximately a 1-hour drive via the Jaipur-Delhi highway.
What is the difference between Samode Palace and Samode Haveli?
Samode Palace is a 475-year-old mountain fortress in rural Samode village, while Samode Haveli is an intimate 200-year-old urban heritage townhouse inside the walled city of Jaipur.
What is special about the Sheesh Mahal at Samode Palace?
The Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is covered with intricate 17th-century miniature frescoes and thousands of convex glass mirror inlays that reflect candlelight brilliantly.
What is the room price per night at Samode Palace?
Deluxe rooms range from ₹28,000 to ₹38,000 per night, while the Royal and Sheesh Mahal suites range between ₹65,000 and ₹95,000+ per night.
Can outside visitors visit Samode Palace for sightseeing?
Samode Palace permits non-resident visitors for a day tour (ticket roughly ₹1,000 per person, often redeemable against lunch at the palace restaurant), subject to private wedding buyout schedules.