For all intents and purposes, my stay at Rawla Jojawar would be considered a “homestay”. Yet the experience felt nothing like crashing on a bed tucked in the back of someone’s home. Instead my travel partner and I were treated to a cavernous room on the second level (first level in Indian standards) of this restored heritage property. Once a fort used for the royals, today the property has been gifted down the lines of the family tree where it is operated by two of the familial sons.
Our arrival to Jojawar (MAP) was one of amusement and curiosity. As we stepped out of the car a drum began beating to inform the staff that guests had arrived. Quickly two young men presented themselves to welcome us warmly into their “home”. 
We laughed under our breathe at all the fuss which then took place to gather our luggage while ensuring we were comfortable in the hot, afternoon desert rays. Chairs were pulled out next to a patio table where we were instructed to sit and wait for the owners to greet us. Without skipping a beat, fresh lime sodas were offered to cool us after our long (not very) journey.
Most intakes require a standard form completed with basic information and the presentation of passport(s). But this time we were seated before a wife of the managing sons, who began what felt like a grand inquisition. Whether she was new to the intake process or truly interested in us as guests, our conversation would have been considered billable hours by any attorney. One topic that attracted my attention concerned meals. We learned meals were served in a standard buffet fashion where my travel partner and I had little luck in finding decent fare. A simple request for more spicy, traditional foods of the area, was met with a quizzical yet approving gesture.
Spacious rooms are tastefully decorated with a classic Indian motif. Comfortably large beds and furniture still leave generous amounts of room to move about. A neat and clean bathroom with western toilet and shower were as expected for this property. But the real treat for me could be found just outside the door. The views off our room into the main courtyard offered a voyeur’s delight. Movements of the guests provided free entertainment. Jojawar has built up around all sides of this small scale fort. Street sounds are easily audible but not overpowering. Enough to remind you that reality was just outside the quiet, comfortable environs of Rawla Jojawar.
An open air canopy sits on the far end of the courtyard, just steps away from the respectably sized pool. TIP: Bring plenty of bug spray as the mosquitoes are something fierce after the sun is out of view!
Dinner was served opposite the courtyard in another patio area closed off during the day. The request for a different meal was taken quite seriously. Although I still do not know what we consumed, the taste and texture was pleasantly unique. And the spice level? Well, maybe my travel partner and I had stretched our confidence past the true ability to enjoy the meal. Mouths were burned, tongues were panting, water was vigorously swallowed. Under the night sky, with constant attention from the ambitious staff and gulab jamun for dessert, that meal is still a fond memory.
Breakfast was taken inside a modestly sized room accessed via the courtyard pathway. Once again we were served a slightly special meal different from what routinely is offered the other guests.
Horse rides or a train ride through the Aravalli Hills came as part of the room package. With a scheduled train ride just a few days in the future, we decided to try our hand at horseback riding in India. Unfortunately it was a lesson in heartbreak. Two rather tired looking horses were walked to the front gate, one mellow and the other a bit rambunctious. My travel partner picked her horse quickly hopping on, ready to view the scenery. My horse had other plans. Jumpy and surly, she was not interested in having me as a guest. Her hind legs were spotted with large infected, oozing sores. There was no way my heart would allow this horse additional abuse at my expense. That said, conditions may have improved since my stay, however, it’s worth suggesting the train ride as a much more enjoyable option.
A friendly and outgoing staff made my travel partner and me feel comfortable during our short stay in this very quaint desert town of Rajasthan. Use this property for a relax/recharge day during a whirlwind journey through the most popular northern state of India.
