Bal Samand Palace is a splendid specimen of Rajput architecture. Built in red sandstone and surrounded by wide expanses of green lawns, it offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the lively town of Jodhpur. Overlooking the Bal Samand lake- a 13th century water reservoir that supplied drinking water to the city. A splendid specimen of traditional Rajasthan architecture in red sandstone, set within extensive gardens, it continues to be an idyllic setting for royal leisure and recreation.

Only eight kilometers from the heart of Jodhpur city, the delicately carved Bal Samand Lake Palace with its immaculate gardens and lush green lawns, its sprawling orchards and sparkling waterways, is a world apart. Incredibly serene, this is the ideal location for that unrushed holidays.

Balsamand Palace Suites
In right royal style, the main palace offers only suites-nine splendidly appointed and exclusive suites. Each tastefully and luxuriously created in authentic Jodhpur style, with traditional seating, dining alcoves, chaise longues by the window and enormous baths.

Each of the nine suites at the Bal Samand Lake Palace is distinctly unique from the other. Despite the the antique furniture in palatial surroundings, the atmosphere is easy-going, at once uncluttered and yet splendidly royal. The gracious interiors are matched only by the spectacular views of the pristine lake and the splendid gardens- viewed from the terrace exclusive to the main palace.

Facilities
The summer palace of the rulers, the Bal Samand Lake Palace has been converted into a hotel with all modern amenities which include 35 palace suites and garden rooms, swimming pool, running hot and cold water, multi-cuisine coffeee shop, 24-hour room service, telephone with direct dialling, lake view, lounge, bar, garden restaurant, horse carriage buggy ride and jogging trail, croquet, credit cards and money exchange, conference facilities, television in room, with satellite channels and ayoma and ayurvedic health spa.

What to do
» Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur Museum, Umaid Bhawan Palace
» Jodhpur city and bazaars
» Maha Mandir, Mandore garden-the former capital of Marwar.
» Bishnoi Village around Jodhpur and jeep safari.

Sightseeing
Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. Eight gates lead out from the Walled City. It;s one of India's more interesting cities and it is from here that those baggy tight horse-riding trousers-jodhours-take their name.

The world -famous Mehrangarh Fort dominates the skyline of Jodhpur. From its ramparts, one can see where the old city ends and the new one begins. It is fascinating wandering around the old parts of the city, browsing through the antique shops or experiencing the ambience of this chaotic, bustling, sun-struck city of red sandstone.