Ranbanka Palace

The house

In the early 20th century, Maharajadhiraj Sir Ajit Singh Ji of Jodhpur (1907–1978) commissioned this building as part of his residence, Ajit Bhawan; construction began in 1927 under the British architect Sir Henry Lanchester. The result is a two-storey red-sandstone palace that mixes Rajput and Victorian styles — carved jalis and filigree work on one hand, orderly colonnades on the other. The family says the main courtyard is where dignitaries and townspeople alike came for an audience with the Maharajadhiraj, who was known for his fairness. A portion of the palace was later converted into a heritage hotel, and the name they chose — Ranbanka, 'master of battles' — is the honour once conferred on the Rathore clan of Jodhpur. Today's directors, Maharaj Karan Vijay Singh and Rani Shweta Kumari, still frame it as a family home first.

Rooms

Accommodation runs across the royal 'Heritage Wing' and the 'Jodhana Wing': Heritage Classic rooms (326 sq ft) and Heritage Premium rooms (440 sq ft) overlooking the gardens, up through 676 sq ft Luxury Suites to 766 sq ft Royal Suites — contemporary comfort with Rajasthani accents throughout.

The table

Panchranga, the multi-cuisine restaurant, is the heart of the place: courtyard dining beneath arches and fountains, poolside evenings, and — every evening — the soulful melodies of Rajasthan's renowned Langa musicians in the courtyard. The Polo Bar keeps an exhibit of the family's trophies won over generations; the Baithak is a Rajasthani lounge complete with bajots and gaddi massons. Order the Warrior Thaali, the kitchen's tribute to the battle-rations of Marwar's soldiers, built on desert ingredients and regional spice.

Beyond the gate

The hotel sits on Circuit House Road, in easy reach of the Blue City's forts and bazaars. Its own excursions go further: the Jor Safari, about 40 km out, for blackbuck and village hospitality, and the Bisalpur Safari to a 500-year-old lakeside fort that belongs to the family associated with the palace, ending in a candlelit dinner under the stars. Cooking classes, morning yoga, spa treatments and hi-tea fill the quieter hours.