What Sam says about_____?: Welcomheritage Bal Samand Garden Retreat - Jodhpur - Experience Travel & Dining Luxury firsthand

Friday 25 November 2016

Welcomheritage Bal Samand Garden Retreat - Jodhpur - Experience Travel & Dining Luxury firsthand

A property like this only exists in dreams, so I would say that Welcomheritage Bal Samand Garden Retreat - Jodhpur is every Luxury traveler's dream come true. This Property from the ITC hotel Group is another feather in their Heritage Property cap. Located slightly off the main Jodhpur city, this property is nothing like anything you may have experienced before. This property is every traveler's Travelgasm (Please pardon my french for saying so). You have to experience it to believe what I have to say about this magnificient property.

We all know that Jodhpur was the Capital of the Kingdom of Mewar in the Rajputana era of Rajasthan. And the Jodhpur city is known for one architectural marvel after another. The famous ones being the Majestic Mehrangarh Fort (my personal favourite); the Umed Bhavan, the stunning Hanuwant Mahal and also the Balsamand Lake palace. Each of these properties have a very unique architecture and its unique history as well.

Located only at a distance of about 5km from the Clock Tower (Jodhpur's Prominent Landmark), on the Mandore Road the property is magnificently built in the traditional and Rajput architecture. Legend has it that this property was a Summer house of the erstwhile Maharajas in the 13th and 14th Century.

The Property has some beautifully designed antique decor rooms, some tastefully hedged Lawns and a Restaurant offering foodies like me the ultimate dining experience. The highlight of this property is the Lake which was artificially created and now is the major USP of this Landmark heritage Property. This royal retreat is a perfect blend of Old world charm meeting modernity.

Unfortunately I did not get a chance to stay here since I was travelling to Jaisalmer, so I made a pit stop to enjoy some Jodhana delicacies in their restaurant. The restaurant has both inside and garden seating and the servers are dressed in traditional Rajasthani uniforms. Very prim and proper. The servers are very courteous in the typical Rajasthani way and help you choose the best dishes from the menu.

The decor is very British with neatly arranged tables and a Buffet counter in the centre. The menu has a lot of options with decently priced dishes, but my recommendation is since you are in Jodhpur, experience Jodhana dining and stick to ordering some traditional dishes that hail from Rajasthan.

Besides ordering some nice beer to soak in the sun in the garden and some Cranberry breezer, we ordered some fingerlicking good Laal Maas (a traditional Rajasthani Mutton gravy dish), some nice raita (curd mixed with vegetables) and some awesome Chakki ki sabzi (a traditional Rajasthani dish made with Lentil and Chickpea batter).

The Laal Maas was spot on. Mild and delicate gravy. The Chakki ki sabzi was the dish of the day for me. Flavoured with loads of Garlic, this is one of the best vegetarian dishes I have ever tasted. I strongly recommend you try this dish when you visit this Property.

All the dishes had a nice portion size and were perfect for my palate. This property as left an everlasting impression on my mind and I am only craving to go back soon. As a traveller and a hard core foodie, my recommendation to you is to visit the property at least once if you are visiting Jodhpur and you will find yourself returning every year.

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