Behind the wheel & Contributor

Vinod Kumar...know more about me

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Travelogue

Route

Distance to Khandela : 240 kms. (5 hrs drive with a break)

Route : Delhi - Neemrana - Kotputli - Neem ka Thana - Khandela

A weekend trip for nearby places hunt, helped us mark down this heritage hotel - Castle Khandela, and we proceed for the taste of royalty. Located in Khandela once the capital of Shekhawati Rajputs, it is a less explored place, and frequented by foreigners.

The entry to Castle Khandela


Khandela , a town in Sikar district is an important Thikana of Shekhawat Rajputs. It is inhibited by direct descendants of Raja Raisal Darbari. Other than Shekhawat Rajputs, the traders community (Marwari) is also the prominent one. Maheshwari, Vijayvargiya, Sarawgi & Khandelwal clans trace their roots to Khandela.



The drive from Delhi was usual, 5 hrs journey. The entry to the Castle Khandela is not rightly marked in Google maps hence as you approach the town give a call to the hotel, so that you are guided to the entry, the route is narrow and so one may get lost. We reached by dark so it was more confusing, Mr Surendra arranged a hotel boy who guided us to the hotel premises.

The narrow roads


As we drive through the narrow lanes, which is just enough for a single car to hardly pass through, we reach a huge gate. The parking is inside the gates which has a huge courtyard. The castle was built in 1780, and presently restored by Dr Raisal Singh Khandela who also runs a charitable hospital in the premises.



Its a small property in a small village, but it promises the feel of luxury and quiet peaceful stay. Each room is different with curios and artifacts on display, the corridors and well lit using the old brass utensils, and coins, photos, guns etc are displayed well. What better way to exhibit the castles antiques more.

The photographs of the entire lineage of kings proudly adorn the walls. Some renovation work was on when we visited. A dining hall was being built. Although the castle is small the facilities are good, ac chills and rooms are spacious with the antiqueness preserved.

The hotel staff to mention are friendly, and one gets good home made food.

The next morning we drive to Shakambari temple, the route is not paved and it climbs a hill where there is a small temple. The work is on for paving the road. Some pics of the drive....





Views from the top




After breakfast we see the cenotaphs, step well, and their organic farms.

The Cenotaphs


Step well






Farms








Its more of a experience to explore a small village and their daily life.

The owner Dr Raysal Ji is a very down to earth person, who made it a point to visit and talk to us before we were departing and explained to us the rich past. A weekend well spent.