Rawla Bisalpur, a charming boutique homestay nestled near the Jawai Bandh, on the picturesque Aravalli Range, is a regal haven located midway between Udaipur and Jodhpur.

The 17th-century haveli (palace) is run by brothers Bhanwar Paramveer Singh Deora and Bhanwar Veer Vinod Singh.

The family’s story begins 500 years ago, in the region of Sirohi. The Maharana of Udaipur faced conflicts with a troublesome tribe in the region of Bisalpur, which lay on the border between Jodhpur and Udaipur.

“The Maharana instructed my ancestor, Rao Haridasi, to suppress these rivals. He successfully conquered the land, and in 1705, this territory, comprising 24 villages, was granted to my family. Since then, my family has resided in this area,” Paramveer informs.

Built using traditional materials, lime, mud, and bricks, the haveli also showcases Indo-European architecture, built by Paramveer’s great-grandfather in 1938.

“The idea to convert our ancestral home into a homestay came to me while I was pursuing my post-graduation in pharmaceuticals in Mumbai,” Paramveer shares.

“The restoration aimed to preserve the original architecture, using local artisans without involving any architects, engineers, or designers due to the small and remote location,” he adds.

Rawla Bisalpur offers a range of activities focused on nature and wildlife, especially leopard safaris.

“We offer customised jeep safaris, ensuring a unique and immersive adventure. Upon checking in, guests have the option to enjoy lunch at the homestay or take a packed meal,” Paramveer shares.

Guests can also indulge in bird-watching tours around the Jawai lake. “Armed with high-quality binoculars and cameras, guests can spot and identify various bird species from our comprehensive booklet, which features over 100 birds,” Paramveer shares.

“Additionally, we arrange picnics at our farm, where guests can enjoy a traditional farmers’ lunch, ‘Dal Batti Churma’; served in a small hut,” he adds.