Samode Village - Rajasthan
A mere 42 kms from Jaipur City, the capital of Rajasthan, Samode is tucked around a low-lying outcrop of the Aravali hills on one of the gateways to Shekhawati, the well known visitor circuit of Rajasthan. Samode village is a typical rustic Indian village with real Indian people, going about their daily lives and being super wonderful and welcoming.
Samode offers various attractions to the tourists like the old baolis (water well), chhatries, 400 year old gates, three forts, temples, gardens and a palace. Besides this, in Samode you will be able to discover a great diversity of local arts and crafts like miniature paintings, lacquerware, iron work, jewellery, leather, carpet weaving, stone cutting etc.
Several local families offer attractive home-stays. This provides a novel interactive experience, backed by Rajasthani cuisine and hospitality. Local artistes' performances at the village chaupal, camel and elephant rides embellish the experience.
Besides this, the chattries (cenotaphs), havelis (mansions) and 250 year old baolis (step-wells) upon which the entire village once depended can be found in Samode. The architecture of the havelis expresses the culture and traditions of villagers. Inside the havelis you will be able to view the colorful patterns and frescoes of surrounding clustered rooms.
In the evening you can watch performances of traditional folk dance and song by members of the famous Kalbelia caste. You can also take a camel or horse ride through the village or use a jeep to explore the surrounding desert landscape.
The major tourist attraction in Samode is the luxurious Samode Palace. This palace was originally built 400 years ago as a simple fortified Rajput stronghold, then developed into an exquisite example of Rajput and Mughal architecture with ornated and elaborate decoration set in beautifully landscaped gardens. |
